cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of contrast adaptation in central and peripheral vision

Adaptation aftereffects are generally stronger for peripheral than for foveal viewing. We examined whether there are also differences in the dynamics of visual adaptation in central and peripheral vision. We tracked the time course of contrast adaptation to binocularly presented Gabor patterns in both the central visual field (within 5°) and in the periphery (beyond 10° eccentricity) using a yes/no detection task to monitor contrast thresholds. Consistent with previous studies, sensitivity losses were stronger in the periphery than in the center when adapting to equivalent high contrast (90% contrast) patterns. The time course of the threshold changes was fitted with separate exponential functions to estimate the time constants during the adapt and post-adapt phases. When adapting to equivalent high contrast, adaptation effects built up and decayed more slowly in the periphery compared with central adaptation. Surprisingly, the aftereffect in the periphery did not decay completely to the baseline within the monitored post-adapt period (400 s), and instead asymptoted to a higher level than for central adaptation. Even when contrast was reduced to one-third (30% contrast) of the central contrast, peripheral adaptation remained stronger and decayed more slowly. This slower dynamic was also confirmed at suprathreshold test contrasts by tracking tilt-aftereffects with a 2AFC orientation discrimination task. Our results indicate that the dynamics of contrast adaptation differ between central and peripheral vision, with the periphery adapting not only more strongly but also more slowly, and provide another example of potential qualitative processing differences between central and peripheral vision.
PERCEIVED SUPERVISOR RESPECT, JOB SATISFACTION, AND WORD OF MOUTH RECRUITMENT AMONG CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS

Long-term care (LTC) facilities across the United States are suffering from a shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). These direct care workers are vital to the success of the LTC facilities, as they provide the majority of the hands-on care needed by facility residents. Implementing new methods of recruitment is a possible solution to this shortage. One unexplored avenue for CNA recruitment is through word of mouth (WOM) communication. Past research identifies positive WOM communication about an organization as an effective method for increasing potential applicants’ degree of attraction to an organization (Van Hoye & Lievens, 2009). A commonly cited antecedent to positive WOM behavior is job satisfaction. Because the perception that one is respected by one’s supervisors is an important element of CNAs’ job satisfaction, we hypothesized that perceived respect may mediate the association of job satisfaction with WOM. Specifically, the current study utilized self-report measures from the 2004 National Nursing Assistant Survey (n = 2466) to test the indirect effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between CNAs’ perceived supervisor respect and WOM communication (operationalized as willingness to recommend the facility as a place to work). Analyses using a bootstrapping method and PROCESS macro (Hayes, 2013) and controlling for relevant covariates indicated that job satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between perceived supervisor respect and WOM communication. Results suggest that interventions to improve CNAs’ job satisfaction, and particularly perceived respect by supervisors, may lead to an increase in positive WOM communication about LTC facilities to potential employees.
Adjoint-Based Local Sensitivity Analysis

This chapter introduces the adjoint operator equations for local sensitivity analysis, an intrusive method for sensitivity analysis. Section 6.1 introduces the adjoint operator and demonstrates that for a somewhat general class of QoIs, a QoI can be written as an inner product of the adjoint equations. Then using manipulations involving the definition of the adjoint we arrive at a general formula for the sensitivity to a given QoI to any parameter. This result requires the solution of a forward and adjoint problem and the estimation of some inner products (integrals). The benefit is that with the adjoint solution one can compute an arbitrary number of sensitivities to a single QoI. The possible downside is that each QoI requires a different adjoint solution; the number of adjoint solutions scales with the number of QoIs. In Sect. 6.2 the concept of an adjoint is extended to time-dependent and nonlinear operators.
The Difficult Secondary Tracheoesophageal Puncture: A Technique for Safe Insertion.

Background/aims The tracheoesophageal prothesis (TEP) has become the primary modality for laryngeal communication after total laryngectomy due to high success rates, minimal morbidity, and more natural pulmonary driven speech. Fibrosis, kyphosis, and post-radiation contracture may preclude TEP placement through rigid esophagoscopy, and certain patients may not tolerate an in-office awake procedure. For such patients, a technique for flexible esophageal stenting and TEP placement is necessary. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 3 patients who underwent TEP placement through endotracheal-tube esophageal stenting at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Results All 3 patients underwent laryngectomy after prior chemoradiotherapy for laryngeal cancer with resulting neck contracture and fibrosis preventing rigid esophagoscopy. All patients underwent successful TEP placement through endotracheal stenting without complication and developed excellent tracheoesophageal speech. Specific technical details are highlighted. Conclusions In patients with anatomical constraints preventing traditional TEP placement through rigid esophagoscopy, fiberoptic guidance through an endotracheal tube stent provides a safe and efficient approach for TEP placement.
Development of a WBG-based Transformerless Electric Vehicle Charger with Semiconductor Isolation

This paper presents discussions on the design of Semiconductor-based galvanic isolation (SGI)-based vehicle on-board battery chargers. SGI is a paradigm shift compared to traditional transformer-based solutions by using switched capacitor circuits to realize galvanic isolation. Two major SGI-based battery charger topologies are compared, and a two-stage Totem-pole + SGI dc/dc solution is selected due to higher efficiency. Based on the topology, the touch current (TC) issue is modelled and analyzed, and a buck-boost-based active compensation circuit is proposed with local sensing and control. At last, a 2-kW SGI charger is prototyped and tested, and the efficiency of the dc/dc stage maintains above 98%. With the proposed touch current compensation circuit, the charger meets the safety standards by passing the TC test.
Calpain inhibition down-regulates Akt and induces death of non-cycling breast cancer cells

4834 We have observed that calpain activity is increased in ductal breast cancer, compared to adjacent and terminal ductal epithelia. Calpastatin over-expression in the breast cancer lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 results in down-regulation of phospho-Akt and cell cycle arrest and cell death, assayed by Hoechst dye 33342/pyronine and propidum iodide/annexin V flow cytometry methods. The HIV protease inhibitor, ritonavir, which we have demonstrated to block calpain-dependent cytoskeletal remodeling and calpain-dependent cleavage of cell permeant substrates, also down-regulates phospho-Akt by approximately 70%, by lowering total Akt protein levels. Ritonavir induces cell death in the MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, and SKBR3 breast cancer lines and the IC50 values for ritonavir, which range between 10 and 45 μM, are clinically attainable. Hoechst/pyronine staining reveals that ritonavir blocks cell cycle entry at the Go/G1 transition, as well as blocking G1/S in cycling cells. Transient ritonavir exposure at IC90 concentrations induces loss of normal colony formation of Go cells. Sustained exposure to the ritonavir IC50 results in loss of clonogenicity of Go cells. G1 and S/G2M cells are also made non-clonogenic by sustained ritonavir exposure. These findings suggest that ritonavir may induce cell death in non-cycling breast cancer cells independent of EGFR, her2 or p53 status, in part by down-regulating Akt signaling.
INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND-GUIDED STENT IMPLANTATION IMPROVES MORTALITY: LATEST EVIDENCE FROM RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

Improvement in MACE (major adverse cardiovascular events) from the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance for stent implantation has been attributed to the reduction in target lesion revascularization (TLR). We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) to
Larger omental adipocytes correlate with greater Fetuin-A reduction following sleeve gastrectomy

Shortly after bariatric surgery, insulin sensitivity improves and circulating Fetuin-A (FetA) declines. Elevated FetA may decrease insulin sensitivity by inhibiting insulin receptor autophosphorylation. FetA also mediates inflammation through toll-like receptor 4 and influences monocyte migration and macrophage polarization in the adipocyte. The role of dietary changes on FetA is unclear. It is also unknown whether changes in FetA are associated with adipocyte size, an indicator of insulin sensitivity. Sleeve gastrectomy patients (n = 39) were evaluated prior to the preoperative diet, on the day of surgery (DOS) and six-weeks postoperatively. At each visit, diet records, anthropometrics and fasting blood were collected. Adipocyte diameter was measured in omental adipose collected during surgery. Although significant weight loss did not occur during the preoperative diet, HOMA-IR improved (p < 0.0001) and FetA decreased by 12% (p = 0.01). Six-weeks postoperatively, patients lost 9% of body weight (p = 0.02) and FetA decreased an additional 26% (p < 0.0001). HOMA-IR was unchanged during this time. Omental adipocyte size on DOS was not associated with preoperative changes in dietary intake, body composition or HOMA-IR. However, adipocyte size was strongly associated with both pre- (r = 0.41, p = 0.03) and postoperative (r = − 0.44, p = 0.02) change in FetA. FetA began to decrease during the preoperative diet. Greater FetA reduction during this time was associated with smaller adipocytes on DOS. Therefore, immediate, post-bariatric improvements in glucose homeostasis may be partly explained by dietary changes. The preoperative diet protocol significantly reduced insulin resistance, a modifiable risk factor for other non-bariatric procedures. Therefore, this dietary protocol may also be used preoperatively for procedures beyond bariatric surgery.
Population growth and production of Habrotrocha rosa Donner (Rotifera: Bdelloidea) and its contribution to the nutrient supply of its host, the northern pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea L. (Sarraceniaceae)

The population growth and biomass production of the pitcher-plant (Sarracenia purpurea L.) inquiline, Habrotocha rosa Donner (Rotifera: Bdelloidea), its consumption by other pitcher-plant inqulines, and its excretion of phosphorus (PO4–P) and nitrogen (NO3–N and NH4–N), were investigated in laboratory experiments. Observed population growth and production rate of H. rosa were higher at pH 4 (2.3 rotifers d-1) than at pH 3 (1.3 rotifers d-1), 5 (1.9 rotifers d-1), or 6 (0.8 rotifers d-1). Populations of H. rosa are an abundant and reliable food source for larvae of the dipteran inqulines Wyeomyia smithii (Coq.) and Blaesoxipha fletcheri (Aldrich) that co-occur with H. rosa in S. purpurea pitchers. Abundance of H. rosa within a pitcher is negatively associated with abundance of dipteran larvae, and these larvae consume rotifers in direct proportion to rotifer density (Type I functional response). Habrotrocha rosa may also account for the majority of the plant's supply of N and P. An average population of rotifers in the field (∼400 per pitcher) can excrete ∼5.2 μg NO3-N, ∼3.91 μg NH4-N, and ∼18.4 μg PO4–P per day into a single leaf, and excretion rate is independent of water pH. Over the six-month growing season of pitcher-plants in Massachusetts, U.S.A., we estimate that rotifers could supply 8.8–43 mg of N and 18.2–88 mg of P. These values far exceed the amount of N and P previously estimated to be supplied annually to the plants through insect capture or rainfall.
In vivo human-like robotic phenotyping of leaf traits in maize and sorghum in greenhouse

Abstract In plant phenotyping, leaf-level physiological and chemical trait measurements are needed to investigate and monitor the condition of plants. The manual measurement of these properties is time consuming, error prone, and laborious. The use of robots is a new approach to accomplish such endeavors, enabling automated monitoring with minimal human intervention. In this paper, a plant phenotyping robotic system was developed to realize automated measurement of plant leaf properties. The robotic system comprised of a four Degree of Freedom (DOF) robotic manipulator and a Time-of-Flight (TOF) camera. A robotic gripper was developed to integrate an optical fiber cable (coupled to a portable spectrometer) for leaf spectral reflectance measurement, and a thermistor for leaf temperature measurement. A MATLAB program along with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) was developed to control the robotic system and its components, and for acquiring and recording data obtained from the sensors. The system was tested in a greenhouse using maize and sorghum plants. The results showed that leaf temperature measurements by the phenotyping robot were significantly correlated with those measured manually by a human researcher (R 2 = 0.58 for maize and 0.63 for sorghum). The leaf spectral measurements by the phenotyping robot predicted leaf chlorophyll, water content and potassium with moderate success (R 2 ranged from 0.52 to 0.61), whereas the prediction for leaf nitrogen and phosphorus were poor. The total execution time to grasp and take measurements from one leaf was 35.5 ± 4.4 s for maize and 38.5 ± 5.7 s for sorghum. Furthermore, the test showed that the grasping success rate was 78% for maize and 48% for sorghum. The phenotyping robot can be useful to complement the traditional image-based high-throughput plant phenotyping in greenhouses by collecting in vivo leaf-level physiological and biochemical trait measurements.
Comparison of two cohorts of medically at-risk adolescents engaging in substance use (cancer survivors and asthmatics): Clinical predictors for monitoring care.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Medically at-risk adolescents differ in their perception of severity and are vulnerable to substance use because of effects on their medical regimen. The intent in comparing two cohorts, adolescent survivors of cancer and teens with asthma, is to provide clinical predictors to help in monitoring those needing help with substance use decision making. METHODS Baseline data were obtained from two randomized controlled trials for a decision-making program of research for medically at-risk adolescents. Multivariate analyses were used to identify clinical predictors for poor decision making as well as lifetime and current substance use (smoking, alcohol use, and marijuana use). CONCLUSIONS Predictors for both cohorts for lifetime and current substance use were increasing age and risk motivation. A significant predictor for both cohorts for poor decision making related to substance use was risk motivation, measured as a more positive attitude for engaging in substance use. Negative modeling by peers and family members had an impact on teen survivors' decision making; but, this was not clear for teens with asthma. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Research is needed comparing other medically at-risk adolescents to determine which cohorts on the substance use spectrum are less resilient to peer and parent modeling, have unrealistic views of their decision-making skills, and need close monitoring and guidance.
A hybrid approach to forensic study of bridge scour

The Feather River Bridge on Route 20 in Northern California, USA, was damaged by scour during a relatively modest flow event in March 2011. The scour created a hole around the foundation which was ...
Stakeholder perspectives on transition planning, implementation, and outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorder.

Little is known about factors impacting poor post-school outcomes for transition-age students with autism spectrum disorder. Guided by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment ...
Teaching Cybersecurity Using Guided Inquiry Collaborative Learning

This Innovate Practice Full Paper describes our experience with teaching cybersecurity topics using guided inquiry collaborative learning. The goal is to not only develop the students’ in-depth technical knowledge, but also “soft skills” such as communication, attitude, team work, networking, problem-solving and critical thinking. This paper reports our experience with developing and using the Guided Inquiry Collaborative Learning materials on the topics of firewall and IPsec. Pre- and post-surveys were conducted to access the effectiveness of the developed materials and teaching methods in terms of learning outcome, attitudes, learning experience and motivation. Analysis of the survey data shows that students had increased learning outcome, participation in class, and interest with Guided Inquiry Collaborative Learning.
Computational Miniature Mesoscope for Single-shot 3D Fluorescence Imaging

We report a single-shot computational 3D fluorescence mesoscope. Our design is based on a finite conjugate imaging geometry with a microlens array. It achieves high resolution extended depth-of-field across a wide field-of-view in a compact design.
Frailty is a determinant of suboptimal chemotherapy in women with advanced ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the relationship between frailty and chemotherapy delivery among women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods We included women who underwent primary debulking surgery (PDS) for stage IIIC/IV EOC between 1/2/2003 and 12/30/2011, received adjuvant chemotherapy at our institution, and had data available to calculate a frailty deficit index. Frailty was defined as a frailty deficit index ≥0.15. Relative dose intensity (RDI) of chemotherapy was calculated as the percentage of the standard dose that was administered, and compared between frail and non-frail using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results Failure to receive chemotherapy following PDS was twice as common among frail vs. non-frail women (26.7% vs 14.2%, p = 0.001). Of the 169 women who received chemotherapy at our institution, 17.2% (29/169) were frail. Frail women were older (mean, 67.9 vs 62.3 years, p = 0.01), had higher BMI (mean, 29.6 vs 25.7 kg/m2, p = 0.003), and were less likely to complete 6 cycles of chemotherapy (75.9 vs. 93.6%, p = 0.008). Using an RDI cutoff of 85%, frail women were less likely to have adequate doses of carboplatin (15.8 vs. 66.2%, p Conclusion Frail women with EOC were less likely to receive chemotherapy or the optimal dose of chemotherapy after PDS despite no evidence of treatment-related toxicity. Frail EOC patients demonstrated shorter progression-free and overall survival. Further studies are needed to explore the association between frailty, chemotherapy, and survival.
Can the One Health Approach Save Us from the Emergence and Reemergence of Infectious Pathogens in the Era of Climate Change: Implications for Antimicrobial Resistance?

Climate change has become a controversial topic in today’s media despite decades of warnings from climate scientists and has influenced human health significantly with the increasing prevalence of infectious pathogens and contribution to antimicrobial resistance. Elevated temperatures lead to rising sea and carbon dioxide levels, changing environments and interactions between humans and other species. These changes have led to the emergence and reemergence of infectious pathogens that have already developed significant antimicrobial resistance. Although these new infectious pathogens are alarming, we can still reduce the burden of infectious diseases in the era of climate change if we focus on One Health strategies. This approach aims at the simultaneous protection of humans, animals and environment from climate change and antimicrobial impacts. Once these relationships are better understood, these models can be created, but the support of our legislative and health system partnerships are critical to helping with strengthening education and awareness.
Primary Cilium Disassembly in Mammalian Cells Occurs Predominantly by Whole-Cilium Shedding

Abstract The primary cilium is a central signaling hub in cell proliferation and differentiation, and is built and disassembled every cell cycle in most animal cells. Disassembly is critically important: misregulation or delay of disassembly leads to cell cycle defects. The physical means by which cilia are disassembled are poorly understood, and thought to involve resorption of disassembled components into the cell body. To investigate cilium disassembly in mammalian cells, we used rapid live-cell imaging to comprehensively characterize individual disassembly events. The predominant mode of disassembly was rapid cilium loss via deciliation, in which the membrane and axoneme of the cilium was shed from the cell. Gradual resorption was also observed, as well as events in which a period of gradual resorption ended with rapid deciliation. Deciliation resulted in intact shed cilia that could be recovered from culture medium and contained both membrane and axoneme proteins. We modulated levels of katanin and intracellular calcium, two putative regulators of deciliation, and found that excess katanin promotes disassembly by deciliation, independently of calcium. Together, these results demonstrate that mammalian ciliary disassembly involves a tunable decision between deciliation and resorption.
The Influence of Countermovement Strategy and External Load on Amortization Forces During Jump Squats

ABSTRACT Barker, L, Siedlik, J, and Mercer, J. The influence of countermovement strategy and external load on amortization forces during jump squats. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 332-339, 2021-The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of countermovement strategy on amortization forces when performing jump squats. To gather a range of deceleration demands, jump squats were performed across a range of external loads (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60% of repetition maximum [1RM]) and verbally cued countermovement depths (preferred: PREF; quarter: QTR; and full: FULL). Dual force platform ground reaction force data were collected from 12 subjects. Amortization Fz, amortization time, and countermovement depth were analyzed using a 3 × 5 (technique × load) repeated measures analysis of variance. To assess countermovement strategy and amortization Fz, correlations and regression analysis were used to assess relationships among system mass, countermovement kinetic energy and depth, and amortization Fz. Amortization Fz was greater with QTR than PREF (p 0.05), and between QTR and FULL (p > 0.05). Amortization Fz was different between 0 and 15% 1RM (p 0.05). As a group, countermovement kinetic energy and system mass were significantly, but weakly, correlated (r = 0.29, p < 0.01). Regression analysis revealed amortization Fz did not change in relation to countermovement kinetic energy but did change in relation to depth. These results suggest that preferred countermovement depths were associated with lesser amortization Fz (strain energy) during maximal effort unloaded and loaded countermovement jumps. Strength and conditioning professionals selecting exercises to maximize amortization Fz should consider the jump squat with light loads (or no load) and short countermovement depths.
Risk and resilience factors associated with traumatic loss-related PTSD in U.S. military veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study.

Abstract Purpose Sudden death of a loved one is the most prevalent potentially traumatic event worldwide, yet little is known about risk and resilience factors associated with traumatic loss-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods Data from a nationally representative sample of U.S. military veterans were analyzed to identify sociodemographic, military, health and psychosocial correlates of traumatic loss-related PTSD. Results Loneliness, somatic symptoms, and attachment style were the strongest correlates of PTSD symptom severity and positive screens for traumatic loss-related PTSD. Conclusion Loneliness, somatic symptoms, and attachment style may represent therapeutic targets to help mitigate traumatic loss-related PTSD in U.S. veterans.
Extensive structural remodeling of the axonal arbors of parvalbumin basket cells during development

Abstract Parvalbumin-containing (PV+) basket cells are specialized cortical interneurons that regulate the activity of local neuronal circuits with high temporal precision and reliability. PV+ interneuron disfunction is associated with numerous psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. To understand how the PV+ interneuron connectivity underlying their functional properties is established during development, we used array tomography to map pairs of synaptically connected PV+ interneurons and postsynaptic neurons from the neocortex of mice of both sexes. We focused on the axon-myelin unit of the PV+ interneuron and quantified the number of synapses onto the postsynaptic neuron, length of connecting axonal paths, and their myelination at different time points between 2 weeks and 7 months of age. We find that myelination of the proximal axon occurs very rapidly during the third postnatal week and precedes a massive synapse pruning which takes place in the 4th postnatal week leading to about three-fold reduction of synaptic contacts made by the PV+ interneuron on its postsynaptic partner. Autapses, the synapses that PV+ interneurons form on themselves, however, are not subjected to pruning. Axon reorganizations continue beyond postnatal month 2, with the postsynaptic targets of PV+ interneurons gradually shifting to more proximal locations, and the length of axonal paths and their myelin becoming conspicuously uniform per connection. These continued microcircuit refinements likely provide the structural substrate for the robust inhibitory effects and fine temporal precision of PV+ basket cells. Significance statement The axon of adult parvalbumin-containing (PV+) interneurons is highly specialized for fast and reliable neurotransmission. It is myelinated and forms synapses mostly onto the cell bodies and proximal dendrites of postsynaptic neurons for maximal impact. In this study we follow the development of the PV+ interneuron axon, its myelination and synapse formation, revealing a rapid sequence of axonal reorganization, myelination of the PV+ interneuron proximal axon, and subsequent pruning of almost two-thirds of the synapses in an individual connection. This is followed by a prolonged period of axon refinement and additional myelination leading to a remarkable precision of connections in the adult mouse cortex, consistent with the temporal precision and fidelity of PV+ interneuron action.
pyEDA: An Open-Source Python Toolkit for Pre-processing and Feature Extraction of Electrodermal Activity

Abstract Physiological response is an automatic reaction that triggers a physical response to a stimulus such as stress, emotion, pain, etc. Examples include changes in heart rate, respiration, perspiration, and eye pupil dilation. Electrodermal Activity (EDA), also known as Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), measures changes in perspiration by detecting the changes in electrical conductivity of skin. Previous studies have already shown that EDA is one of the leading indicators for a stimulus. However, the EDA signal itself is not trivial to analyze. To detect different stimuli in human subjects, variety of features are extracted from EDA signals such as the number of peaks, max peak amplitude, to name a few, showing the prevalence of this signal in bio-medical as well as ubiquitous and wearable computing research. In this paper, we present an open-source Python toolkit for EDA signal preprocessing and statistical and automatic feature extraction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first effort for developing a versatile and generic tool to extract any number of automatic features from EDA signals. We evaluate our toolkit using different machine learning algorithms applied to the Wearable Stress and Affect Detection (WESAD) dataset. Our results show higher validation accuracy for a stress detection task using the the features automatically extracted by pyEDA.
The bright vessel sign on arterial spin labeling MRI for heralding and localizing large vessel occlusions.

Background and purpose The significance of a bright vessel sign (BVS) at the site of a large vessel occlusion (LVO) on MR arterial spin labeling (ASL) sequence is not widely reported. We compared the utility of the ASL BVS to the gradient echo (GRE) susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) in heralding and localizing LVOs in a large cohort; most underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and endovascular therapy for acute stroke. Methods A total of 171 patients with large hemispheric stroke symptoms had baseline and follow-up MRIs with ASL, GRE, and MR angiogram (MRA). Scans were evaluated for (1) presence versus absence and (2) location of ASL BVS and GRE SVS. For patients who underwent DSA, data comparing presence and location of ASL BVS and GRE SVS to occlusions found on angiography, as well as resolution of the signs after successful recanalization, were also evaluated. Results Compared to MRA, the sensitivity of the ASL BVS for an LVO was .83, significantly better than .67 for GRE SVS (p = .001). Localization of vessel occlusion was correct 60.4% of the time by ASL compared to 64.4% by GRE (p = .502). For the 107 patients who underwent DSA, the sensitivity of ASL BVS was .80 compared to .64 for GRE SVS (p = .009). Localization of LVO found on DSA was correct 63.5% of the time by ASL BVS compared to 72.9% by GRE SVS (p = .251). Conclusion ASL BVS is significantly more sensitive than GRE SVS for identification of LVO on both MRA and DSA.
Using counter-narratives to expand from the margins

I position the use of counter-narratives as a critical approach that grants students agency and meaning in their learning and provides teachers with opportunities to present silenced curricular nar...
An All-Digital Wideband OFDM-based Frequency-hopping System using RF Sampling Data Converters

Traditionally, a wideband frequency hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) system involves the use of analog mixers and oscillators for hopping the baseband signal to different higher frequencies. Such typical heterodyne receiver architectures have higher cost and form factors. Motivated by the recent development of direct radio-frequency (RF) data converters, this paper proposes an all-digital wideband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) based FHSS system using an RF direct sampling receiver architecture. The frequency-hopping is done in a two-stage process, with one at the baseband and the other at the carrier frequency to make it robust from any malicious attacks in the form of eavesdropping and jamming. The all-digital process of RF signal generation and detection in the system is verified over-the-air by using the RF sampling data converters of the Xilinx Ultrascale ZCU111 RFSoC board and Qorvo RF front-end. Later, a simulated bit error rate (BER) analysis of the system under a slow-fading channel and pilot-based channel estimation is carried out, which shows comparable performance with that of an analog FHSS system at radio frequencies.
Space-Efficient Deterministic Simulation of Probabilistic Automata (Extended Abstract)

Given a description of a probabilistic automaton (one-head probabilistic finite automaton or probabilistic Turing machine) and an input string x of length n, we ask how much space does a deterministic Turing machine need in order to decide the acceptance of an input string by that automaton?
A Case for Study: Agamben’s Critique of Scheffler’s Theory of Potentiality

MYTHS OF POTENTIALITY As a teacher of educational philosophy, I often have my students write their personal philosophical reflections on teaching and learning. This assignment helps frame the course in terms of personal beliefs, goals, and key concepts. When I read over the first draft of these statements, I am often shocked by how they are peppered with cliches and educational slogans picked up here or there and then internalized as some sort of educational wisdom. One predominant cliche often goes something like this: “I want my students to fulfill their true potentials as learners and ultimately as productive members of society.” On first blush, who could doubt the sincerity and the commonsense validity of such a claim?
Effects of obstetric analgesics and anesthetics on the neonate : a review.

Most anesthetic and analgesic agents in current use traverse the placental barrier in varying degrees, but are well tolerated by the fetus if judiciously administered. For labor analgesia, many options are available. Systemic administration of opioids and sedatives is one such option. Repeated maternal administration of opioids such as pethidine (meperidine) results in significant fetal exposure and neonatal respiratory depression. Patient-controlled analgesia with synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, alfentanil, and the new ultra-short-acting remifentanil may be used for labor analgesia in selected patients. Other options for labor analgesia include epidural and combined spinal-epidural techniques. With such techniques, neonatal exposure to opioids and sedatives can be minimized or totally avoided. While limiting the fetal exposure to the harmful effects of depressant drugs, epidural anesthesia and/or analgesia improves placental perfusion and oxygenation of the fetus, which is beneficial, especially in conditions such as pregnancy-induced hypertension. Regional blocks are also administered for the majority of cesarean deliveries because of the overwhelming and unequivocal evidence of maternal and fetal safety compared with general anesthesia for this indication. However, in some instances, administration of general anesthesia is unavoidable. Neonatal respiratory depression with low Apgar scores, and umbilical arterial and venous pH associated with general anesthesia, is often transient. A properly administered anesthetic, whether regional or general, has no significant adverse fetal or neonatal effects.
An Overview on the Generation of BAC Transgenic Mice for Neuroscience Research

This unit provides a comprehensive overview on the generation of transgenic mice using bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs), and the application of BAC transgenic mice in neuroscience research. In the first section, advantages of the BAC transgenic approach compared to the conventional transgenic approach are summarized. In the second section, important considerations in designing BAC transgenic constructs are outlined. Four commonly used BAC transgenic construct designs are also outlined. Concepts of modifying BACs by homologous recombination in E. coli to introduce a variety of mutations into BACs, and important steps to characterize a modified BAC prior to the generation of transgenic mice are also presented. In the final section, some of the important applications of BAC transgenic mice in neuroscience research, including studying gene expression, gene function, mapping neuronal circuitry, and modeling human diseases, are described.
Neuronal Ca(V)1.3alpha(1) L-type channels activate at relatively hyperpolarized membrane potentials and are incompletely inhibited by dihydropyridines.

L-type calcium channels regulate a diverse array of cellular functions within excitable cells. Of the four molecularly defined subclasses of L-type Ca channels, two are expressed ubiquitously in the mammalian nervous system (Ca(V)1.2alpha(1) and Ca(V)1.3alpha(1)). Despite diversity at the molecular level, neuronal L-type channels are generally assumed to be functionally and pharmacologically similar, i.e., high-voltage activated and highly sensitive to dihydropyridines. We now show that Ca(V)1.3alpha(1) L-type channels activate at membrane potentials approximately 25 mV more hyperpolarized, compared with Ca(V)1.2alpha(1). This unusually negative activation threshold for Ca(V)1.3alpha(1) channels is independent of the specific auxiliary subunits coexpressed, of alternative splicing in domains I-II, IVS3-IVS4, and the C terminus, and of the expression system. The use of high concentrations of extracellular divalent cations has possibly obscured the unique voltage-dependent properties of Ca(V)1.3alpha(1) in certain previous studies. We also demonstrate that Ca(V)1.3alpha(1) channels are pharmacologically distinct from Ca(V)1.2alpha(1). The IC(50) for nimodipine block of Ca(V)1.3alpha(1) L-type calcium channel currents is 2.7 +/- 0.3 microm, a value 20-fold higher than the concentration required to block Ca(V)1.2alpha(1). The relatively low sensitivity of the Ca(V)1.3alpha(1) subunit to inhibition by dihydropyridine is unaffected by alternative splicing in the IVS3-IVS4 linker. Our results suggest that functional and pharmacological criteria used commonly to distinguish among different Ca currents greatly underestimate the biological importance of L-type channels in cells expressing Ca(v)1.3alpha(1).
Stellar Photometry with an Image Orthicon

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses about a television camera developed at Kitt Peak National Observatory for astronomical purposes. The performance of this camera is limited only by the properties of the image orthicon tube. The image orthicon is mounted in a standard deflection and focus yoke inside a cold box. While most of the weight of the yoke assembly is carried by a sliding carriage, the exact position of the yoke is defined by three stainless steel rods which extend through the thermal insulation and are attached to the cold box face plate. This results in a stable optical focus over a wide range of temperatures and box positions. The inside of the box is dried by nitrogen gas from the boiling liquid. All optical windows and parts are continually fed by the dry gas and thus no heaters are necessary to prevent moisture condensation. The results obtained show that the properly operated image orthicon is capable of a resolution comparable to photographic emulsions of astronomical interest. When cooled to –100°C a selected tube will store an image for over an hour with negligible loss of resolution. No background is encountered, and hence the tube appears promising for stellar spectroscopy.
The clinical formulation of specific parent-child psychodynamics.

The successful management of the parent who asks for psychiatric help for a child requires special consideration. While psychotherapists have become aware of the parent's unconscious motivations in the pathogenesis of the child's psychopathology, the clinical application of this understanding has lagged behind theoretical knowledge. The author feels that it is possible to help the parent become aware of his specific involvement in the child's symptoms without resorting either to a psychoanalysis or other prolonged psychotherapy of the parent. The formulation of the psychodynamics of the interplay between the parent's role and the child's symptoms is presented in this paper. The key therapeutic maneuver lies in the mutual elucidation of the paradox that the child has apparently turned out to be the complete opposite of those attitudes and ideals which the parent had attempted to realize in rearing the child. Cases which illustrate this paradox are presented. Clinical experience has demonstrated that the value of the ego-syntonic paradox formulation lies in its ability to enable a parent to recognize and accept his own unwitting participation in the child's emotional problem.
Effects of Intrahypothalamic Injection of Quinolinic Acid on Anterior Pituitary Hormone Secretion in the Unanesthetized Rat

Bilateral intrahypothalamic injections of the brain metabolite quinolinic acid (QUIN) were made in an attempt to examine its effects on the secretion of LH, PRL, GH and TSH. QUIN, a neuroexcitatory am
Mitochondrial biogenesis: CO and NO too

Abstract The cell’s mitochondrial mass and respiratory capacity are protected by a number of structurally distinct events within the cell, including changes in cytoskeletal morphology, the mitochondrial fusion and fission cycle, mitophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis. These events safeguard mitochondrial function at times of increased cell stress by protecting existing mitochondria, by disposing of damaged organelles, and by replacing them with new ones. This process of mitochondrial quality control involves intricate nuclear and bi-genomic programs over which the endogenous gaseous mediators, nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), exert substantial regulatory control. This talk addresses novel molecular mechanisms by which NO and CO stimulate the nuclear transcriptional regulators, including energy-sensing and redox-regulated transcription factors and co-activators involved in the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis. These mechanisms include the regulation of NO and CO production by the NO synthases and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), biochemical interactions of NO and CO with a limited number of specific mitochondrial proteins, and activation of unique, hierarchical, and overlapping signal transduction pathways that participate in the nuclear-encoded gene expression required for the synthesis of mitochondrial proteins, their importation into mitochondria, transcription and replication of mitochondrial DNA, and mitochondrial proliferation. The production of one or both gases effects tailored adjustments in mitochondrial mass, number, distribution, and/or phenotype in response to increasing requirements for cellular work, cell repair, and proliferation, particularly in response to inflammation and oxidative stress in the heart, liver, kidney, and other major organs. Emphasis is given to the contribution of the innate immune system to oxidative/nitrosative cycles of mitochondrial damage to which the host cell, to protect its energy supply and survive, induces mitochondrial biogenesis under the control of NO and CO in concert with the expression of a complement of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory defense genes. This multifunctional network increases cellular resistance to metabolic failure and cell death and promotes immune tolerance while the inflammatory stress is brought under control.
A Clash of Civilizations or of Paradigms?: Theorizing Progress and Social Change

What is perceived by Huntington and many who think like him as an inevitable clash of civilizations is actually produced by the uneven modernization that has caused some parts of the world to lag behind others. Despite the serious resentment and conflict this has produced, social evolutionary pressures will force all societies to modernize, so that the major technological and cultural gaps between various parts of the world will greatly diminish in the future. Anti-modernizing policies that are rooted in poor social theory, and that feed on the resentment of people in societies whose modernization has lagged can, however, greatly retard modernization and increase human suffering and conflict. It is therefore a useful task for social scientists to consider what theories best explain social change in order to guide policies in the most beneficial direction. Classical functionalist-evolutionary theories do this far better than more recent theories such as those proposed by Huntington, by world system theoris...
Reducing Shrinkage Stress of Dimethacrylate Networks by Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Chain Transfer

The trithiocarbonate 1a reduces the volumetric shrinkage stress in crosslinked multi(meth)acrylate networks by promoting a reversible, free-radical-mediated network rearrangement that enables network adaptation and stress relaxation. Addition of 1a or 1b into a dimethacrylate system is examined by FT-IR. The polymerization rate is reduced in samples containing 1a, indicating a changed polymerization mechanism. The volumetric shrinkage stress is reduced by more than 50% compared to a pure dimethacrylate system with the addition of as little as 2 wt% of 1a, while maintaining the favorable mechanical properties of the methacrylate-crosslinked networks. No synthetic modification of the methacrylate monomer units is needed, allowing for adaptation to almost any radically polymerized system.
Minimum expected cost-oriented optimal maintenance planning for deteriorating structures: application to concrete bridge decks

Abstract Civil engineering structures are designed to serve the public and often must perform safely for decades. No matter how well they are designed, all civil engineering structures will deteriorate over time and lifetime maintenance expenses represent a substantial portion of the total lifetime cost of most structures. It is difficult to make a reliable prediction of this cost when the future is unknown and structural deterioration and behavior are assumed from a mathematical model or previous experience. An optimal maintenance program is the key to making appropriate decisions at the right time to minimize cost and maintain an appropriate level of safety. This study proposes a probabilistic framework for optimizing the timing and the type of maintenance over the expected useful life of a deteriorating structure. A decision tree analysis is used to develop an optimum lifetime maintenance plan which is updated as inspections occur and more data is available. An estimate which predicts cost and behavior over many years must be refined and reoptimized as new information becomes available. This methodology is illustrated using a half-cell potential test to evaluate a deteriorating concrete bridge deck. The study includes the expected life of the structure, the expected damage level of the structure, costs of inspection and specific repairs, interest rates, the capability of the test equipment to detect a flaw, and the management approach of the owner towards making repairs.
Gender differences and achievement in Liberian primary school children

Abstract A recent educational project in Liberia provided the opportunity to test the claim that programmed teaching and programmed instructional materials could improve student achievement over more conventional approaches and at the same time minimize gender-related achievement differences. The study examined gender differences in English and mathematics achievement in grades 1, 2 and 3 across three instructional approaches used in Liberia. The results of the analyses indicate that (1) on the average across the three grades, students in the programmed teaching approach significantly outperformed students in both comparison groups on both the mathematics and English achiievement tests, (2) boys generally outperformed girls in both mathematics and English, and (3) the greatest gender differences in achievement occurred among students in the programmed teaching approach.