cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Speaker tracking using SincNet for multi-channel naturalistic audio corpora: Apollo 11 fearless steps

Apollo-11 was the first manned space mission to successfully bring astronauts to the moon and return them safely. As a massive collaborative effort, with astronauts flying the missions in outer space, the entire communications between flight controllers, their backroom support teams and, astronauts have taken place inside NASA Mission Control Center. The communications stemming from the experienced team of scientists, engineers, and technicians who worked collectively behind the scenes in the MOCR have not been identified. In this study, we propose to identify the speakers in the Mission Control Room for a small subset of 100 h derived from a collective 19 000 h of Apollo-11 audio data, which correspond to three challenging phases of the mission: lift-off, lunar landing, and lunar walking. The speaker identification solution explores a convolutional neural network architecture called SincNet across all three Apollo-11 phases. The speaker models obtained from the subset of 100 hours will be used to track speakers on the complete corpora. Our goal is to make it possible to be able to access each individual speaker involved with the Apollo 11 mission.Apollo-11 was the first manned space mission to successfully bring astronauts to the moon and return them safely. As a massive collaborative effort, with astronauts flying the missions in outer space, the entire communications between flight controllers, their backroom support teams and, astronauts have taken place inside NASA Mission Control Center. The communications stemming from the experienced team of scientists, engineers, and technicians who worked collectively behind the scenes in the MOCR have not been identified. In this study, we propose to identify the speakers in the Mission Control Room for a small subset of 100 h derived from a collective 19 000 h of Apollo-11 audio data, which correspond to three challenging phases of the mission: lift-off, lunar landing, and lunar walking. The speaker identification solution explores a convolutional neural network architecture called SincNet across all three Apollo-11 phases. The speaker models obtained from the subset of 100 hours will be used to track s...
Analyzing novice programmers' response to compiler error messages

Error messages represent a critical feedback mechanism provided to introductory programming students during their early attempts at programming. However, these messages are explanations of program-translation problems, rather than true feedback on mistakes in a students program. This mismatch presents problems for novices, while experts are able to make more appropriate use of compiler error messages. Programming activity logs generated by an instructional programming environment were analyzed for students' utilization of error messages in their edits prior to each compilation. Overall, students addressed the first error about half the time. Assignment grades were positively associated with the proportion of times that the first error message was addressed.
Telehealth delivery of adherence and medication management system improves outcomes in inner-city children with asthma.

Healthcare disparities exist in pediatric asthma in the United States. Children from minority, low-income families in inner-city areas encounter barriers to healthcare, leading to greater rates of poorly controlled asthma and healthcare utilization. Finding an effective way to deliver high-quality healthcare to this underserved population to improve outcomes, reduce morbidity and mortality, and reduce healthcare utilization is of the utmost importance. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a novel school-based care delivery model that incorporates video-based telehealth (VBT) medical and self-management visits with electronic inhaler monitoring to improve asthma outcomes. Over a 6-month period, children from inner-city, low-income schools with uncontrolled asthma completed seven scheduled medical visits with an asthma specialist and five self-management visits with an adherence psychologist at school using VBT. Composite Asthma Severity Index (CASI) scores and electronic inhaler monitor data were recorded and analyzed. A total of 21 patients were enrolled in the study. Study subjects with higher baseline severity (CASI ≥ 4 at visit 1) demonstrated a greater reduction in their score than those with lower baseline severity (CASI < 4 at visit 1). The CASI domains showed improvement in daytime symptoms, nighttime symptoms, and exacerbations. Adherence results demonstrated a significant improvement in adherence from baseline to postintervention. Study retention was 100%. This study demonstrates that a multicomponent medical and behavioral interventional program delivered by VBT to a school-based setting is feasible and can significantly improve asthma outcomes and care in a challenging population.
MACROVOLT TWAVE ALTERNANS: A FOREBODING SIGN FOR VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIA IN SEVERE SYSTEMIC ILLNESS

Microvolt t-wave alternans (TWA) is a risk factor for sudden cardiac death but is only discernible on stress ECG using signal processing techniques. This case represents an example of acquired QT interval prolongation and macrovolt TWA leading to torsades de pointes (TdP). 63 year old man with
Intestinal perforations after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the USA: a 16-year study using the National Inpatient Sample.

BACKGROUND Intestinal perforation is a rare but feared complication of ERCP. In this study, we identify patient and hospital factors for ERCP related intestinal perforation using a large national database. We also examine the effects of intestinal perforations on hospital outcomes. METHODS Data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample, the largest publicly available inpatient care database in the United States. ICD-9-CM procedure codes for all ERCP procedures conducted between 1998 and 2013. Our primary outcome of interest was the incidence of intestinal perforations after ERCP. Secondary outcomes of interest included hospital length of stay and inpatient mortality. RESULTS A total of 392,336 ERCP procedures were performed over the study period, met our inclusion criteria, and were analyzed. Mean age of sample was 59 years and just over 60% were females. Low volume hospitals accounted for over 85% of ERCPs. Intestinal perforations occurred at a rate of 1.2 per 1000 ERCP procedures. Patient's age was the only patient-related factor significantly associated with perforation. (OR: 1.016; 95% CI 1.009-1.025). For hospitals, teaching status was the only hospital related factor associated with intestinal perforation after ERCP (OR: 1.56; 95% CI 1.28-1.91). Length of stay was much longer in patients with ERCP related perforations and mortality risk was ten times higher in the same cohort. CONCLUSIONS Patients who have ERCP related perforations have longer hospital stays and have a higher mortality risk. Older patients and those who had ERCP in teaching hospitals are at a higher risk of perforation.
A new ingestion bioassay protocol for assessing pesticide toxicity to the adult Japanese orchard bee (Osmia cornifrons).

Adopting an Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management strategy requires an evaluation of pesticide risk for pollinator species. For non-Apid species, however, the standardized ingestion assays are difficult to implement. This hinders the consideration of non-Apid species in farm management strategies and government regulatory processes. We describe a new method for a mason bee, Osmia cornifrons, which is an important pollinator of apples and other fruit crops. Our approach overcomes high control mortality seen in other bioassay protocols and expands testing to include males as well as females. The new pesticide toxicity assessment protocol showed that (1) a group feeding method is optimum even though there is no trophallaxis, (2) males had better tolerance to pesticides although they are smaller, and (3) pesticides can cause additional mortality after the standard 48 h assessment time specified by European Food Safety Authority and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Mining frequent itemsets from streaming transaction data using genetic algorithms

This paper presents a study of mining frequent itemsets from streaming data in the presence of concept drift. Streaming data, being volatile in nature, is particularly challenging to mine. An approach using genetic algorithms is presented, and various relationships between concept drift, sliding window size, and genetic algorithm constraints are explored. Concept drift is identified by changes in frequent itemsets. The novelty of this work lies in determining concept drift using frequent itemsets for mining streaming data, using the genetic algorithm framework. Formulas have been presented for calculating minimum support counts in streaming data using sliding windows. Testing highlighted that the ratio of the window size to transactions per drift was a key to good performance. Getting good results when the sliding window size was too small was a challenge since normal fluctuations in the data could appear to be a concept drift. Window size must be managed in conjunction with support and confidence values in order to achieve reasonable results. This method of detecting concept drift performed well when larger window sizes were used.
An investigation of fracture and fatigue in a metal/polymer composite

This article presents the results of a combined experimental and analytical study of the fatigue and fracture behavior of a polymer/metal composite which was developed recently for self-lubricating applications in automotive engines that utilize liquefied natural gas as fuel. For comparison, the microstructure and the fatigue and fracture behavior of a nonpolymer-containing “matrix” material are also presented. Since the crack profiles observed in both systems under monotonic or cyclic loading reveal significant components of ligament bridging, micromechanics models are presented for the modeling of crack bridging. The resulting predictions of resistance-curve behavior are compared with measured resistance curves. The shielding effects of ligament bridging are also quantified under cyclic loading. The implications of the work are also discussed for the modeling of fatigue damage and fracture in polymer/metal coatings.
Associations between alcohol consumption and smoking variables among Latinx daily smokers

Abstract Introduction Accumulating evidence demonstrates a strong link between alcohol consumption and smoking status among Latinx individuals. However, there is a need to evaluate the cognitive processes and experiences related to quitting smoking among Latinx smokers. The purpose of the current paper was to examine the association between alcohol consumption and smoking expectancies, barriers to cessation, cigarette dependence, quit problems, and intentions and confidence to quit. Methods Data were taken from a sample of Spanish-speaking Latinx daily smokers (N = 359; 59% female; Mage = 33.20, SD = 9.71) who completed an online survey. The alcohol consumption subscale of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT; Babor, Higgins-Biddle, Saunders, & Monteiro, & World Health Organization, 2001) was used to predict smoking variables. Results Consistent with our prediction, alcohol consumption significantly predicted smoking variables indicative of poorer smoking cessation ability. Specifically, greater alcohol consumption was associated with greater positive and negative smoking expectancies, barriers to cessation, and quit problems experienced during prior cessation attempts. Unexpectedly, greater alcohol consumption was also associated with greater confidence to quit smoking. Conclusions The current research suggests that alcohol consumption should be considered in the context of smoking cessation among Latinx individuals. The findings confirm and extend previous research by demonstrating that alcohol consumption is associated with proximal predictors of smoking outcomes that can be targeted during treatment. Implications for future research include addressing alcohol consumption during intervention and treatment of Latinx daily smokers.
Portable Slow Strain-Rate Stress Corrosion Test Device

A portable test device has been constructed for determining the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) characteristics of process environments. The device may be inserted and retrieved from laboratory, plant, and field equipmentoperating at pressures up to 13.8 MPa (2000 psi) and temperatures not exceeding 204°C (400°F) without shutting down the system. Specimens are loaded by the slow strain-rate method which has the advantage of producing SCC in a short period of time. The device is small enough to be inserted through a 2.54 cm (1 in.) diameter valve. A hydraulic cylinder, which requires a compressed gas supply as a power source, loads the specimens. Initial testing was performed using low carbon steel specimens in air at room temperature. The hydraulic method of specimen loading performed smoothly and allowed constant strain rates as low as 4 X 10 - 7 s - 1 to be maintained ′ 5 percent at a hydraulic system pressure of 2.76 MPa (400 psi). Tests with AISI Type 304 stainless steel specimens in boiling (45 weight percent) magnesium chloride at 155°C (311 °F) confirmed the applicability of the device for SCC studies. Indicators used include time to fracture, ultimate tensile strength, percent elongation, and visual observations for secondary cracks.
Choosing the Smoothing Parameter

We have now come to just about the most important aspect of nonparametric density estimation: choosing the smoothing parameter in kernel estimation that will give near-optimal results for large classes of densities.
A Parallel Processing Approach To Acoustic Tomography

A parallel processing approach to acoustic tomography is presented. A geometric solution is used to account for ray bending. The ray path and the distances traveled are calculated simultaneously for all sourcereceiver pairs. A parallel algorithm for calculating the tomographic inversion is presented.
Ghost Doctors : Absenteeism in Rural Bangladeshi Health Facilities

Unannounced visits were made to health clinics in Bangladesh to determine what proportion of medical professionals were at their assigned post. Averaged over all job categories and types of facility, the absentee rate was 35 percent. The absentee rate for physicians was 40 percent at the larger clinics and 74 percent at the smaller sub-centers with a single physician. Whether the medical provider lives near the health facility, the opportunity cost of the provider's time, road access, and rural electrification are highly correlated with the rate and pattern of absenteeism.
Bonding in Aluminum Phosphate Ceramics Prepared at Low Temperatures

Phosphates have a long history of use as binding agents in ceramic systems. In particular the phosphate bonded alumina refractories and dental cements that employ the chemical reaction between a complex alumino-silicate glass and a buffered phosphoric acid to produce binding are among the most well known. The work described here has been undertaken in an effort to achieve a more complete understanding of the nature of the chemical binding in these materials. The results of a series of characterization studies on materials from the Al2O3–P2O5-H2O and SiO2–Al2O3–P2O5–H2O systems will be discussed with particular emphasis on the nature of the binding produced in these materials.
Radiotherapy for Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer

For men with metastatic prostate cancer, there are broadening indications for external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), directed to the prostate and/or sites of metastatic disease. In this chapter, we review the indications and evidence for both approaches and make the distinction between metastatic states: de novo oligometastatic disease, oligorecurrent disease, and oligoprogression of disease. Additionally, we review issues regarding patient selection, treatment planning, toxicity, and follow up.
Working with Corporate Culture: Best Practices for Attorneys in Business

In this essay, I wish to define corporate culture and introduce a theory on how corporate culture matters in legal decision-making. To do so, I discuss the best practices for attorneys in business to work with and around the established corporate culture. My goal is to come up with ideas that help attorneys in practice grow as leaders within the framework of business corporate culture by managing it, understanding it, and at times, by changing it.
Mental Health and Substance Use Diagnoses and Treatment Disparities by Sexual Orientation and Gender in a Community Health Center Sample.

Purpose: This study assessed disparities in screener- and provider-identified mental health and substance use diagnoses and treatment attendance by sexual orientation and gender in an urban communi...
Rurality and atrial fibrillation: A pathway to virtual engagement and clinical trial recruitment in response to COVID-19

Abstract Study objective To summarize trial adaptation from in-clinic to virtual design in response to the SARS-2 coronavirus-2 (COVID-19). Design A clinical trial of a mobile health intervention to improve chronic disease self-management for rural individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF). The trial has a 4-month intervention – accessible regardless of health or digital literacy – to enhance AF medication adherence and patient experience with 8- and 12-month assessments of sustainability. Setting Rural, western Pennsylvania. Participants Rural individuals with AF receiving oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention. Interventions Enrolled participants underwent a telephone-based orientation, provided verbal consent, and were randomized using a digital platform. They received a smartphone with intervention or control applications and a curriculum on usage tailored for study arm. Participants received study assessments by mail with telephone-based administration and contact for the 12-month trial. Main outcome measures Successful adaptation to virtual engagement and recruitment. Results The study enrolled 18 participants during in-clinic recruitment (January–March 2020). From 5/1/2020 to 5/6/2021 the study team enrolled 130 individuals (median age 72.4 years, range 40.8–92.2; 49.2% women, 63.1% without college degree, and 45.4% with limited health literacy). Retention of participants enrolled using virtual methods during the 4-month intervention phase is 92%. Conclusions We report a virtual trial of a mobile health intervention for rural individuals with AF. Our successful implementation suggests promise for engaging geographically isolated rural individuals, potential to enhance digital health access, and advance rural health equity.
Radiation Therapy in Ocular Melanoma

Radiotherapy has an established role in multiple settings in the treatment of uveal melanoma, initially emerging as an effective treatment option that can spare both globe and visual function. Delivery modalities include eye plaque brachytherapy, proton/particle beam therapy, and photon-based treatments. This section reviews the indications for radiotherapy, compares different radiotherapy modalities, and discusses outcome measures following radiotherapy for uveal melanoma. Local recurrence in uveal melanoma is associated with distant metastasis and mortality. Thus, an understanding of the different radiotherapy modalities and factors to optimize local control has impactful ramifications.
From Stand-Alone Pensions to Alternative Retirement Plans: Examining State and Local Governments:

Defined benefit (DB) pension plans are the dominant retirement program for state and local governments in the United States. However, in the last 15 years, some have given new employees a choice of...
Investigating anisotropic blast wave parameters near the explosive-air boundary using computer simulation and experimental techniques with varying charge geometry

The prediction of blast wave overpressure using scaled distance calculations use the charge mass and radial distance variables and assumes that the blast wave is isotropic. Simulations and empirical studies demonstrate that altering the charge geometry results in a significant deviation in overpressure vs orientation. While this effect has been measured for cylinders, truncated cones, and cubes, the mechanisms driving geometric blast wave product anisotropy have not been well defined. Velocity vectors plotted from computer simulations in this study show an isotropic radial flow from the cylindrical charges, while the prismatic charges with rectangle, triangle, and five-point star cross sections had significant anisotropy and are overdriven normal to the sides of the charge and underdriven at the corners. The radial expansion of the rim of the dent is measured at the corners and normal to the sides of the charges as an indicator of radial energy distribution and particle flow during breakout. The depth of the dents shows a linear relationship with the breakout radii of the charges with an R2 value of 0.99. The radial displacement of the dent rim from the perimeter of the explosive charge is uniformly 5.5 mm around the cylindrical charge but is up to 1.5 times than normal to the sides of the prismatic charges and zero at the outside corners indicating an energy flow from the detonation wave toward the initial breakout locations.
Examination of thermo-acoustic instability in a low swirl burner

Abstract Low-swirl burners are of interest in industrial applications due to their low NO x emissions. In the present work, a 3.81 cm diameter low-swirl burner is acoustically forced with different fuel mixtures. The measured results are compared to 2.54 cm diameter low-swirl burner data to infer scaling properties. The experiments and analysis show that three coupling modes were present in the 3.81 cm burner: base mode coupling, shear layer generated coupling, and transitional coupling. The 3.81 cm burner was observed to have a critical acoustic driving pressure amplitude, similar to the 2.54 cm burner; however, the 3.81 cm burner had higher frequency natural acoustic modes. This counter-intuitive result is shown to arise because the modes are tied to shear layer behavior rather than burner size. It was also observed that adding hydrogen to the fuel stream resulted in less coherence. This is likely the result of increased flame speed and decreased ignition limit, allowing the flame to interact less with both large and small vortices. Small scale interaction leads to more small scale wrinkling while strong large scale vortices produce more flame role up and displacement of heat release zones. The ability of hydrogen addition to negate these effects suggests selective hydrogen addition as a possible method of inhibiting combustion instability.
Teaching dimension and the complexity of active learning

We study the label complexity of pool-based active learning in the PAC model with noise. Taking inspiration from extant literature on Exact learning with membership queries, we derive upper and lower bounds on the label complexity in terms of generalizations of extended teaching dimension. Among the contributions of this work is the first nontrivial general upper bound on label complexity in the presence of persistent classification noise.
Training Needs Assessment Data‐gathering Methods:

The first in a series of articles which further explore four training needs assessment (TNA) research and data‐gathering methods: survey questionnaires, individual interviews, focus groups, and on‐site observations which were first presented in an article entitled “Training Needs Assessment: An ‘Open‐systems’ Application” in the Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 17 No. 1. Reviews the types of survey questionnaire most commonly used in the determination of training needs. Emphasizes codes of ethics. Makes comparisons between standardized and custom‐designed questionnaires, with research indicating that the custom approach works best when attempting to identify specific training needs germane to a particular group or organization. Provides various types of question‐response sample along with recommendations for the survey administration and final report preparation. Discusses “E‐Mail” or electronic mail as a variation of the written survey questionnaire. Recommends the custom‐designed survey que...
A Skeletal Chemical Kinetic Model for the HCCI Combustion Process

ABSTRACT In Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engines, fuel oxidation chemistry determines the auto-ignition timing, the heat release, the reaction intermediates, and the ultimate products of combustion. Therefore a model that correctly simulates fuel oxidation at these conditions would be a useful design tool. Detailed models of hydrocarbon fuel oxidation, consisting of hundreds of chemical species and thousands of reactions, when coupled with engine transport process models, require tremendous computational resources. A way to lessen the burden is to use a “skeletal” reaction model, containing only tens of species and reactions. This paper reports an initial effort to extend our skeletal chemical kinetic model of pre-ignition through the entire HCCI combustion process. The model was developed from our existing preignition model, which has 29 reactions and 20 active species, to yield a new model with 69 reactions and 45 active species. The model combines the chemistry of the low, intermediate, and high temperature regions. All of the chemical reaction rate parameters come from published data. Simulations were compared with measured and calculated data from our engine operating at the following conditions: speed – 750 RPM, inlet temperature - 393 K to 453 K, fuel - 20 PRF, and equivalence ratio - 0.4 and 0.5. The simulations are generally in good agreement with the experimental data including temperature, pressure, ignition delay, and heat release. This demonstrates that the model has potential for predicting the behavior of HCCI engines, and may provide a way to include non-trivial chemistry in multi-zone CFD simulations.
Outlook for Laser Fusion

In 1974 an important experimental milestone was achieved in the development of laser fusion power. Laser driven implosions were achieved in which moderately high compressions (~ 100 fold) and fusion neutrons were produced. This is perhaps one of the most significant technical milestones since the development of the laser fusion concepts in 1960–61 (Figure 1). Only a few hundred ergs of energy were released in the best of these experiments, and the DT was imploded to densities of ≈ lg/cm3, whereas fusion energies of 1014ergs and densities of 1000 g/cm3 must be achieved for power production applications. Nonetheless, the results are significant in at least two respects. First a Lawson number of ~ 2 × 1012 and a DT temperature of ~ 1 keV were achieved. This is comparable to the performance of the best magnetic confinement approaches (Figure 2). Second, these experiments are substantially in agreement with our LASNEX laser implosion/fusion microexplosion calculations--which also predict the feasibility of laser initiated fusion micro explosions with sufficiently high efficiency for power production.
Bovine herpesvirus 4 not detected in free-ranging domestic cats from California, Colorado, and Florida

Previous studies have reported that domestic cats can be naturally infected with bovine herpesvirus 4 (BHV4), and experimental inoculations have been linked to feline urolithiasis. It has been difficult to recapitulate initial diagnostic and experimental observations, thus here we have initiated a study to evaluate BHV4 presence in a large cohort of cats at risk for exposure to circulating feline viruses using a sensitive and specific assay. Domestic cat blood DNA samples (n=101) collected from California, Colorado, and Florida were screened for BHV4 using sensitive real time PCR. In contrast to BHV4 containing tissue culture extracts, all domestic cat blood samples were negative for BHV4. Samples were shown to contain intact DNA and to be infected with other horizontally-transmitted feline infections. We conclude that BHV4 is unlikely to be a common pathogen of domestic cats.
Firearms identification in support of identifying a mass execution at El Mozote, El Salvador.

The Civil War in El Salvador was very violent. One particularly violent episode involved the destruction of the village of El Mozote and the killing of hundreds of inhabitants by government troops. Forensic investigation of one building, containing the remains of the village’s children, coupled with archaeological application of firearms identification processes demonstrated the victims were executed and not killed as the result of combat action as claimed by the government.
Finding Sylow normalizers in polynomial time

Abstract Given a set Γ of permutations of an n-set, let G be the group of permutations generated by Γ. If p is any prime, it is known that a Sylow p-subgroup P of G can be found in polynomial time. We show that the normalizer of P can also be found in polynomial time. In particular, given two Sylow p-subgroups of G, all elements conjugating one to the other can be found (as a coset of the normalizer of one of the Sylow p-subgroups). Analogous results are obtained in the case of Hall subgroups of solvable groups.
The Uses of Planning Theory: A Bibliographic Essay

There is a widespread opinion that planning theory is of little relevance to practitioners. This article tries to refute this view by showing the impact that planning theorists have had on the profession during the past 50 years. It suggests three ways that theorizing can contribute to the field, referring here to both practice and education primarily in North America. The first is by evolving a deeply considered humanist philosophy for planning and tracing its implications for practice. The second is by adapting planning practices to their real-world constraints with regard to scale, complexity, and time. The third is by translating knowledge and ideas generated in other fields into the domain of planning. The article concludes that planning theory needs to be perceived as a transdisciplinary endeavor involving a global community of scholars and that their contributions are vital to the profession.
Inhibition of sarcotubular calcium transport by caffeine: species and temperature dependence.

Abstract The effect of caffeine on calcium transport by isolated sarcotubular vesicles from rabbit and frog skeletal muscle was compared. At 25° the calcium uptake by rabbit vesicles which sedimented at 1500–10000 × g was only slightly inhibited by caffeine (1–10 mM). Increasing the temperature to 37° caused a marked increase in the caffeine sensitivity of the rabbit vesicles. The lighter vesicular fraction (10000–30000 × g ) was relatively insensitive to caffeine at both temperatures. Frog vesicles at 25° were as sensitive to caffeine as the rabbit vesicles at 37°. This difference corresponds to the known differential sensitivity of amphibian and mammalian muscle to caffeine contracture. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that caffeine produces contracture through an inhibition of sarcotubular calcium transport.
Electrophysiological substrates of impulsiveness: potential effects on aggressive behavior

Previous investigations attempting to examine impulsiveness as a personality construct are likely confounded with a high incidence of aggressive and antisocial behavior. The present study assessed electroencephalographic activity at rest and during photic stimulation in two groups: (1) an impulsive group (n=10) scoring high on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and reporting no indication of impulsive aggressive behavior; and (2) a non-aggressive control group (n=14) scoring within the normal range on the BIS-11. All subjects completed a brief battery of personality measures related to impulsivity and aggression. Resting EEG was recorded at 9 electrode sites. Photic stimulation was administered at three frequency levels. The primary findings were consistently lower frontal delta and theta activity in the impulsive group as well as a different topographical pattern of beta activity between the groups. These differences appeared to be independent of photic stimulation. Personality analyses indicated significantly greater hostility and lifetime history of aggression in the impulsive group. Taken together, the personality and EEG results suggest some similarity between the present impulsive group and research on groups regularly exhibiting premeditated aggression. These results provide unique insight into the construct of impulsivity and its role in the expression of specific subtypes of aggressive behavior.
Obesity promotes breast cancer by CCL2-mediated macrophage recruitment and angiogenesis.

Obesity is one of the most important preventable causes of cancer and the most significant risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Compared with lean women, obese women are more likely to be diagnosed with a larger, higher grade tumor, an increased incidence of lymph node metastases, and elevated risk of distant recurrence. However, the mechanisms connecting obesity to the pathogenesis of breast cancer are poorly defined. Here we show that during obesity, adipocytes within human and mouse breast tissues recruit and activate macrophages through a previously uncharacterized CCL2/IL-1β/CXCL12 signaling pathway. Activated macrophages in turn promote stromal vascularization and angiogenesis even prior to the formation of cancer. Recapitulating these changes using a novel humanized breast cancer model was sufficient to promote angiogenesis and prime the microenvironment prior to neoplastic transformation for accelerated breast oncogenesis. These findings provide a mechanistic role for adipocytes and macrophages prior to carcinogenesis that may be critical for prevention and treatment of obesity-related cancer.
Ligand density characterization of peptide-modified biomaterials.

A simple fluorescence based characterization method was developed to assess ligand density on peptide-modified biomaterials. The method exploits the exquisite sensitivity of proteolysis for the purpose of liberating a fluorescently labeled probe fragment from an immobilized peptide. The released fragment can then be detected in solution using high-throughput fluorometry. In silico screening tools identified the enzyme chymotrypsin as a promising candidate for releasing a detectable probe fragment from the fluorescently labeled peptide, Ac-CGGNGEPRGDTYRAYK(FITC)GG-NH2. After chymotrypsin digestion of the peptide in solution was first characterized using mass spectrometry and HPLC, a basic enzyme mediated release protocol was developed and implemented to generate peptide-binding isotherms on various peptide-modified biomaterials. The new method is sensitive, has good signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), and is easily standardized. Furthermore, the technique can be applied independent of material chemistry and geometry, making it a suitable alternative to radiolabeling for a wide range of biomaterial applications.
Longitudinal MRI evaluation of intracranial development and vascular characteristics of breast cancer brain metastases in a mouse model.

Longitudinal MRI was applied to monitor intracranial initiation and development of brain metastases and assess tumor vascular volume and permeability in a mouse model of breast cancer brain metastases. Using a 9.4T system, high resolution anatomic MRI and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion MRI were acquired at different time points after an intracardiac injection of brain-tropic breast cancer MDA-MB231BR-EGFP cells. Three weeks post injection, multifocal brain metastases were first observed with hyperintensity on T2-weighted images, but isointensity on T1-weighted post contrast images, indicating that blood-tumor-barrier (BTB) at early stage of brain metastases was impermeable. Follow-up MRI revealed intracranial tumor growth and increased number of metastases that distributed throughout the whole brain. At the last scan on week 5, T1-weighted post contrast images detected BTB disruption in 160 (34%) of a total of 464 brain metastases. Enhancement in some of the metastases was only seen in partial regions of the tumor, suggesting intratumoral heterogeneity of BTB disruption. DSC MRI measurements of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) showed that rCBV of brain metastases was significantly lower (mean = 0.89±0.03) than that of contralateral normal brain (mean = 1.00±0.03; p<0.005). Intriguingly, longitudinal measurements revealed that rCBV of individual metastases at early stage was similar to, but became significantly lower than that of contralateral normal brain with tumor growth (p<0.05). The rCBV data were concordant with histological analysis of microvascular density (MVD). Moreover, comprehensive analysis suggested no significant correlation among tumor size, rCBV and BTB permeability. In conclusion, longitudinal MRI provides non-invasive in vivo assessments of spatial and temporal development of brain metastases and their vascular volume and permeability. The characteristic rCBV of brain metastases may have a diagnostic value.
Monumental Controversies: Exploring the Contested History of the United States Landscape.

The authors of this article examine several controversial U.S. monuments and offer teachers a rationale, resources, and suggested activities for incorporating these historical monuments into classroom instruction. The authors discuss why controversial issues should be discussed in the social studies classroom through the critical examination of national monuments. We argue that discussing key social issues through the analysis of contentious monuments will not only provide students with a more complete picture of history but also allow them to develop critical twenty-first-century skills such as visual literacy and understanding multiple perspectives. The focus is to provide secondary social studies teachers with an alternative approach to examining historical monuments and controversial issues through the analysis of contemporary and historical debates regarding the nature of commemoration on the United States’ landscape. A brief rationale for the inclusion of monuments and controversial issues into the ...
Hypertensive urgency due to cholesterol embolization of kidneys

Four weeks after left carotid endarterectomy, a 65-year-old man developed severe, acute hypertension due to cholesterol embolization of the kidneys. The diagnosis was established by the demonstration of mobile, protruding atheromata in the descending thoracic aorta and the visualization of distal embolization of a plaque fragment by transesophageal echocardiography.
Initial Description of a Quantitative, Cross-Species (Chimpanzee–Human) Social Responsiveness Measure

Objective Comparative studies of social responsiveness, an ability that is impaired in autism spectrum disorders, can inform our understanding of both autism and the cognitive architecture of social behavior. Because there is no existing quantitative measure of social responsiveness in chimpanzees, we generated a quantitative, cross-species (human–chimpanzee) social responsiveness measure. Method We translated the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), an instrument that quantifies human social responsiveness, into an analogous instrument for chimpanzees. We then retranslated this "Chimpanzee SRS" into a human "Cross-Species SRS" (XSRS). We evaluated three groups of chimpanzees ( n = 29) with the Chimpanzee SRS and typical and human children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 20) with the XSRS. Results The Chimpanzee SRS demonstrated strong interrater reliability at the three sites (ranges for individual ICCs: 0.534 to 0.866; mean ICCs: 0.851 to 0.970). As has been observed in human beings, exploratory principal components analysis of Chimpanzee SRS scores supports a single factor underlying chimpanzee social responsiveness. Human subjects' XSRS scores were fully concordant with their SRS scores ( r = 0.976, p = .001) and distinguished appropriately between typical and ASD subjects. One chimpanzee known for inappropriate social behavior displayed a significantly higher score than all other chimpanzees at its site, demonstrating the scale's ability to detect impaired social responsiveness in chimpanzees. Conclusion Our initial cross-species social responsiveness scale proved reliable and discriminated differences in social responsiveness across (in a relative sense) and within (in a more objectively quantifiable manner) human beings and chimpanzees.
Survey of the Prevalence of Burnout, Stress, Depression, and the Use of Supports by Medical Students at One School

The authors determined the prevalence of stress, depression, and burnout in medical students and the resources used by students in one school to alleviate psychological distress. A survey was administered to 526 students in the first 3 years of medical school (336 responders; response rate: 70%) at one institution, using a modified Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), the two-question PRIME-MD depression screening survey, the Perceived Medical School Stress Scale, along with questions on demographics and helpful programs to cope with stress. The percentage of respondents scoring in the High Burnout range was approximately 55% for all three subscales. Depressive symptoms were reported by 60% of respondents. The most helpful coping mechanisms reported were social support from peers and faculty, counseling services, and extracurricular activities. The prevalences of burnout, depression, and stress were higher in this sample of first-through third-year medical students when compared with other medical student groups previously studied. Important limitations of this research included the fact that it was cross-sectional in design and that the PRIME-MD tool is simply a screening tool and does not diagnose major depression. Medical educators, deans, and administrators should appreciate the possibility of higher levels of psychological distress among their own students than those previously reported.
Vitamin D and aging: old concepts and new insights

Aging is a complex biological process driven by a selective class of molecules and pathways that affect overall deterioration of physiological functions to increase the risk of age-related diseases. A role of vitamin D in mammalian aging is well documented. Since vitamin D has an essential role in bone formation and mineralization, its deficiency results in impaired bone mineralization, such as rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults and osteoporosis in the aged population. Vitamin D replacement therapy therefore is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for the elderly. Recent studies using genetically altered mouse models, such as in Fgf-23−/− and klotho mutant mice, that exhibit altered mineral ion metabolism due to high vitamin D activities showed features of premature aging that include atherosclerosis, emphysema, osteopenia/osteoporosis, hypogonadism, soft tissue calcifications and generalized atrophy of organs; the pathologic effects of vitamin D in these mouse models are obvious, as diminution or genetic ablation of the vitamin D pathway ameliorated most of the above-mentioned phenotypes, by reversing mineral ion metabolism, and the resultant effect being prolonged survival of the mutant mice. These in vivo mouse studies, although subject to further molecular characterization, add new insights into the role of vitamin D in aging.
Multivariate discriminant analysis of the electromyographic interference pattern: statistical approach to discrimination among controls, myopathies and neuropathies

The stepwise linear discriminant analysis method is used to develop optimal combinations of features measured from the electromyographic interference pattern, with the aim of minimising the miscalassification rate in controls while maximising the correct classification rates in patients with disease. This discriminant analysis among multiple groups leads to the determination of the optimal discriminating surface in a multivariable space and can also produce a severity of disease likelihood index. Applying these combinations of features to 186 studies performed in the biceps muscle, 81% of all studies are accurately classified as being normal, myopathic or neuropathic. An algorithm to perform this stepwise multigroup linear discriminant analysis is described.
Temperament and play interaction behavior across infancy

Temporal stability and convergent validity of infant temperament ratings and play interaction behaviors were examined across early to late infancy. Stability was noted for the temperament dimensions activity, rhythmicity, intensity, mood, and persistence. Stability also was noted for the infant play interaction behaviors looking, smiling, and vocalizing. In addition, convergent validity was noted for attentive-affective behaviors and comparable temperament ratings; for example, gaze aversion and nondistractability, and distress brow behavior and negative mood. Generally easier temperament infants were noted to vocalize more and to cry less frequently during their play interactions.
Attentional Versus Motor Inhibition in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Faulty inhibition is theorized to be a central feature in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but it remains unclear whether inhibitory impairments encompass both motoric and attentional domains. Further, characterization of inhibitory deficits in adults with ADHD is needed. We experimentally assessed adults who met diagnostic criteria for ADHD and a subgroup who had partially remitted. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) subtype effects were also examined. Motoric inhibition was assessed with the antisaccade task, and attentional inhibition was assessed with the attentional blink (AB) task. Antisaccade results replicated prior findings of extended latencies and increased anticipatory saccades in ADHD. Errors, however, appeared to be epiphenomenal to ADHD as they were absent when symptoms had partially remitted. Anticipatory saccades appeared as potential core problems that remained even when symptoms had improved. Differential response patterns were found for predominantly inattentive and combined subtypes, with the latter showing increasing anticipatory movements with increasing fixation time. In the AB task, ADHD groups committed more errors but showed no convincing evidence of an abnormal blink. These results demonstrate clear effects on motoric inhibition but not attentional inhibition in adults with ADHD.
Midwestern rain enhancement study

The farmer's dream of calling down rain just when and where his crops need it may be taken a step closer to reality. A multiphase study, called Pace (Precipitation Augmentation for Crops Experiment), examines the possibility of applying the most advanced weather modification techniques. This summer in Illinois, the Water Survey Division of the Illinois Institute of Natural Resources has begun preliminary stages of the experiment. The purpose of Pace is to learn whether midwestern weather can be beneficially modified and then, if so, to develop techniques for doing it. A little rain at the right times could not only increase the productivity of midwestern farmlands, it could also stabilize yields, which now vary greatly from year to year. ‘What we're trying to do is not so much to increase the total annual precipitation as to even it out over the growing season,’ explained Klaus Liedtke, acting director of NOAA's weather modification office, which is coordinating Pace. For most midwestern crops, chiefly corn and soybeans, the amount of precipitation in July and August is critical.