cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lower‐Extremity Functioning in Older Mexican Americans and Its Association with Medical Problems

OBJECTIVE: To describe lower-extremity functioning in community-dwelling older Mexican Americans and to examine its relationship with medical problems. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analyses of survey and performance-based data obtained in a population-based study employing area probability sampling. SETTING: Households within selected census tracts of five Southwestern states: Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2873 Mexican Americans aged 65 years and older. MEASUREMENTS: A multidimensional questionnaire assessing demographic, sociocultural, and health variables. Standardized tests of lower-extremity physical functioning included measures of standing balance, repeated chair stands, walking, and an overall summary measure. RESULTS: Regression analyses revealed that being more than age 75 and female, having arthritis diabetes, visual impairments, or being obese or underweight were all significantly associated with performance on both individual and summary tests of lower-extremity functioning. In separate regression analyses, the total number of medical conditions was also associated with performance. CONCLUSIONS: The likelihood of predicting performance or inability to complete tests of lower-extremity functioning was greatest for those aged 80 and older, those with arthritis or diabetes, and those with three or more medical conditions. Because of the high prevalence of diabetes in Mexican Americans, documentation of the association of diabetes with performance-based tests of lower-extremity functioning may help guide early interventions targeted to prevent progression to more severe limitations or disability.
Direct and maternal genetic effects due to the introduction of Bos taurus alleles into Brahman cattle in Florida: I. Reproduction and calf survival.

Pregnancy rate, calf survival rate to weaning and calf age at weaning of several types of crossbred cows (2/3 or more Brahman) were compared to those of straightbred Brahman and Angus cows over a 129 period at Subtropical Agricultural Research Station near Brooksville, FL. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative importance of additive vs nonadditive genetic effects on reproductive and calf sudval traits in a population of cattle whose foundation was selected on the basis of superior reproductive performance under harsh environmental conditions. Best linear unbiased estimates (BLUE) of direct additive effect (measured as the deviation of Brahman additive breed effect from Angus) for pregnancy rate and calf age, measured as traits of the dam, were 6 f 3% and -7.2 +- 2.1 d, respectively. Thus, Bos taurus germ plasm did not increase pregnancy rate but resulted in an earlier calving date. The BLUE of nonadditive (inualocus) direct genetic effects measured as deviations from intralocus group genetic effects in the parental breeds on pregnancy rate and calf age at weaning were 25 +- 4% and -6.4 +- 2.5 d. Nonadditive effects on pregnancy rate were the primary cause of the superior reproductive rates observed in Brahman crossbred cows. Calf survival was considered to be a trait of the calf, and BLUE of direct additive, direct nonadditive, maternal additive and maternal nonadditive genetic effects were obtained, Only maternal nonadditive genetic effects were found to have a significant effect on survival rate (9 k 4%).
Using a Conceptual Understanding and Procedural Fluency Heuristic to Target Math Interventions with Students in Early Elementary

The study examined the use of a conceptual and procedural framework for identifying math deficits and delivering appropriate interventions. Participants were two first-grade students and one third-grade student, who were identified as struggling with the grade-appropriate content in math. The first-grade students focused on addition and the third-grade student focused on multiplication. Each student's conceptual understanding was assessed, and students who lacked conceptual understanding received an intervention that addressed underlying concepts. Students with acceptable understanding of the underlying concepts received an intervention that focused on the procedure. The study used a single-case, multiple-baseline design, but the contra-indicated intervention was administered for the first 2 weeks following baseline, with the prescribed intervention for the final 2 weeks. Each student showed more growth during the prescribed intervention phase when compared to the contra-indicated phase.
Centrifugal Incentives in Multi-Candidate Elections:

This paper analyzes factors that affect candidates’ position-taking incentives in multi-candidate and multi-party elections. Following Cox (1990), we define centrifugal incentives as those that motivate vote-seeking candidates to take more extreme positions relative to the center of the voter distribution. For a multivariate vote model that includes a Left-Right policy component, a party identification component and an unmeasured term that renders the vote choice probabilistic, we present theoretical and computer simulation results that quantify candidates’ incentives to shift their policies away from the center in the direction of their partisan constituencies’ mean policy preferences. Centrifugal incentives are found to increase with (1) the salience of policies and party identification, (2) the size of the candidate field, (3) the size of a candidate’s partisan constituency and (4) more extreme constituency policy preferences. Thus, ceteris paribus, candidates who represent large constituencies are mot...
A supervised learning neural network coprocessor for soft-decision maximum-likelihood decoding

A supervised learning neural network (SLNN) coprocessor which enhances the performance of a digital soft-decision Viterbi decoder used for forward error correction in a digital communication channel with either fading plus additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) or pure AWGN has been investigated and designed. The SLNN is designed to cooperate with a phase shift keying (PSK) demodulator, an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit, and a 3-bit quantizer which is an analog to digital convertor. It is trained to learn the best uniform quantization step-size /spl Delta//sub BEST/ as a function of the mean and the standard deviation of various sets of Gaussian distributed random variables. The channel cutoff rate (R/sub 0/) of the channel is employed to determine the best quantization threshold step-size (/spl Delta//sub BEST/) that results in the minimization of the Viterbi decoder output bit error rate (BER). For a digital communication system with a SLNN coprocessor, consistent and substantial BER performance improvements are observed. The performance improvement ranges from a minimum of 9% to a maximum of 25% for a pure AWGN channel and from a minimum of 25% to a maximum of 70% for a fading channel. This neural network coprocessor approach can be generalized and applied to any digital signal processing system to decrease the performance losses associated with quantization and/or signal instability. >
An MDE solution for the development of robotic device drivers

In this paper we explore the concept of utilizing software modeling tools in conjunction with the ROS simulation framework in order to create an executable Statecharts model to control a simulated robot within its environment. We modeled a simple collision avoidance and wandering navigation algorithm utilizing SCXML Statecharts and then used the AToMPM web application to execute these Statecharts. Additionally, we identify several shortcomings and limitations, though the general ease of development and the usability of the final implementation reveal this to be an area that is worth further investigation.
Progesterone receptor antagonists and selective progesterone receptor modulators: proven and potential clinical applications

Progesterone receptor antagonists (PAs) and selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs) are members of the progesterone receptor ligand family. The PA mifepristone is usually used as a single dose for short-term indications, such as pregnancy termination, cervical dilation, fetal death and emergency contraception. In view of their antiproliferative effect on the endometrium and their ability to produce amenorrhea, both PAs and SPRMs may be used long term in the treatment of uterine myoma and endometriosis. They may also have applications in dysfunctional uterine bleeding, breast and ovarian carcinoma, contraception and, possibly, in postmenopausal women as a form of estrogen-free replacement therapy. Despite the endometrial antiproliferative effect, during long-term administration of these drugs some women have developed endometrial thickening on ultrasound. This may be interpreted as endometrial hyperplasia, although experienced pathologists have doubted whether this is true hyperplasia.
Grain trapping by filamentous cyanobacterial and algal mats: implications for stromatolite microfabrics through time

Archean and Proterozoic stromatolites are sparry or fine-grained and finely laminated; coarse-grained stromatolites, such as many found in modern marine systems, do not appear until quite late in the fossil record. The cause of this textural change and its relevance to understanding the evolutionary history of stromatolites is unclear. Cyanobacteria are typically considered the dominant stromatolite builders through time, but studies demonstrating the trapping and binding abilities of cyanobacterial mats are limited. With this in mind, we conducted experiments to test the grain trapping and binding capabilities of filamentous cyanobacterial mats and trapping in larger filamentous algal mats in order to better understand grain size trends in stromatolites. Mats were cut into squares, inclined in saltwater tanks at angles from 0 to 75° (approximating the angle of lamina in typical stromatolites), and grains of various sizes (fine sand, coarse sand, and fine pebbles) were delivered to their surface. Trapping of grains by the cyanobacterial mats depended strongly on (i) how far filaments protruded from the sediment surface, (ii) grain size, and (iii) the mat's incline angle. The cyanobacterial mats were much more effective at trapping fine grains beyond the abiotic slide angle than larger grains. In addition, the cyanobacterial mats actively bound grains of all sizes over time. In contrast, the much larger algal mats trapped medium and coarse grains at all angles. Our experiments suggest that (i) the presence of detrital grains beyond the abiotic slide angle can be considered a biosignature in ancient stromatolites where biogenicity is in question, and, (ii) where coarse grains are present within stromatolite laminae at angles beyond the abiotic angle of slide (e.g., most modern marine stromatolites), typical cyanobacterial-type mats are probably not solely responsible for the construction, giving insight into the evolution of stromatolite microfabrics through time.
Mott insulators, Spin liquids and Quantum Disordered Superconductivity

These introductory lecture notes describe recent results on novel Mott insulating phases which are “descendents” of superconductors — obtained by “quantum disordering”. After a brief overview of quantum magnetism, attention is focussed on the spin — liquid phase of the two-leg Hubbard ladder and the nodal liquid — a descendent of the d x 2-y2 superconductor. These notes are self-contained and an effort has been made to keep them accessible.
GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE AND BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS

The subject of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's esophagus has become an international topic of discussion. As a result of a report strongly associating esophageal cancer with GERD, 34 features on this disease appear regularly in nationally syndicated newspapers, in magazines, and on prime-time television shows. Careful attention is being paid to GERD not only by the medical community, but also by the public at large. This article reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of GERD, with particular focus on its relationship to Barrett's metaplasia and esophageal malignancy.
Dentin Sialophosphoprotein Knockout Mouse Teeth Display Widened Predentin Zone and Develop Defective Dentin Mineralization Similar to Human Dentinogenesis Imperfecta Type III

Dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp) is mainly expressed in teeth by the odontoblasts and preameloblasts. The Dspp mRNA is translated into a single protein, Dspp, and cleaved into two peptides, dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein, that are localized within the dentin matrix. Recently, mutations in this gene were identified in human dentinogenesis imperfecta II (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) accession number 125490) and in dentin dysplasia II (OMIM accession number 125420) syndromes. Herein, we report the generation of Dspp-null mice that develop tooth defects similar to human dentinogenesis imperfecta III with enlarged pulp chambers, increased width of predentin zone, hypomineralization, and pulp exposure. Electron microscopy revealed an irregular mineralization front and a lack of calcospherites coalescence in the dentin. Interestingly, the levels of biglycan and decorin, small leucine-rich proteoglycans, were increased in the widened predentin zone and in void spaces among the calcospherites in the dentin of null teeth. These enhanced levels correlate well with the defective regions in mineralization and further indicate that these molecules may adversely affect the dentin mineralization process by interfering with coalescence of calcospherites. Overall, our results identify a crucial role for Dspp in orchestrating the events essential during dentin mineralization, including potential regulation of proteoglycan levels.
Rice production in a changing climate: a meta-analysis of responses to elevated carbon dioxide and elevated ozone concentration

Rice is arguably the most important food source on the planet and is consumed by over half of the world’s population. Considerable increases in yield are required over this century to continue feeding the world’s growing population. This meta-analysis synthesizes the research to date on rice responses to two elements of global change, rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) and rising tropospheric ozone concentration ([O3]). On an average, elevated [CO2] (627 ppm) increased rice yields by 23%. Modest increases in grain mass and larger increases in panicle and grain number contributed to this response. The response of rice to elevated [CO2] varied with fumigation technique. The more closely the fumigation conditions mimicked field conditions, the smaller was the stimulation of yield by elevated [CO2]. Free air concentration enrichment (FACE) experiments showed only a 12% increase in rice yield. The rise in atmospheric [CO2] will be accompanied by increases in tropospheric O3 and temperature. When compared with rice grown in charcoal-filtered air, rice exposed to 62 ppb O3 showed a 14% decrease in yield. Many determinants of yield, including photosynthesis, biomass, leaf area index, grain number and grain mass, were reduced by elevated [O3]. While there have been too few studies of the interaction of CO2 and O3 for meta-analysis, the interaction of temperature and CO2 has been studied more widely. Elevated temperature treatments negated any enhancement in rice yield at elevated [CO2], which suggests that identifying high temperature tolerant germplasm will be key to realizing yield benefits in the future.
A convergent approximation of the optimal parameter estimator

Continuous time linear stochastic systems with unknown bilinear parameters are considered. A specific approximation to the optimal nonlinear filter used as a recursive parameter estimator is derived by retaining third-order moments and using a Gaussian approximation for higher-order moments. With probability one, the specific approximation is proven to converge to a minimum of the likelihood function. The proof uses the ordinary differential equation technique and requires that the slow system is bounded on finite time intervals and the fixed-parameter fast system is asymptotically stable. The fixed parameter fast system is proven asymptotically stable if the parameter update gain is small enough. Essentially, the specific approximation is asymptotically equivalent to the recursive prediction error method, thus inheriting its asymptotic rate of convergence. A numerical simulation for a simple example indicates that the specific approximation has better transient response than other commonly used parameter estimators. >
"I'm Very Not About the Law Part": Nonnative Speakers of English and the Miranda Warnings

This article presents a case study of a police interrogation of a nonnative speaker (NNS) of English. I show that the high linguistic and conceptual complexity of police cautions, such as the Miranda warnings, complicates understanding of these texts even by NNSs of English with a high level of interactional competence. I argue that the U.S. criminal justice system should accommodate NNSs of English at all proficiency levels by adopting a bilingual standard, that is, by offering the Miranda warnings in English and in a standardized translation into the speaker’s native language. I also argue that common legal terms, concepts, and texts need to find a place in the adult ESL curriculum.
Soils with iron-cemented layers on golf courses in the USA

article i nfo Article history: Layerscementedbyiron andmanganese havebeenobserved insoilsof puttinggreensatgolfcoursesthroughout the USA. Theyresultinreduced waterinfiltration,saturated conditionsintherootzone, and a declineinturfgrass density and quality. The physical and chemical properties of these layers have not been investigated nor described in detail. Here we present a detailed analysis of the physicochemical properties and a conceptual pedogenetic model for the formation of Fe-cemented layers in soils of golf putting greens across the USA. These man-made soils have an A horizon of about 5 to 10 cm over 20 to 30 cm sand (C horizon) over gravel. TheFe-cementedlayeriscommonlyfoundattheinterfaceoftheAandChorizons,ortheChorizonandthegravel layer. Levels of total Fe in the cemented layers range from 0.41 to 16.21 g kg �1 and these are accompanied by accumulations of SOC and sometimes high levels of Mn and Al. The downward movement of water (irrigation), high levels of Fe (fertilization), and a textural discontinuity are key factors in the formation of the Fe-cemented layer. The layers may form at rates as high as 1.5 mm per year depending on Fe content and redox conditions in the root zone, and may become cemented in 10 years. These cemented layers meet the criteria of the placic horizon in Soil Taxonomy.
Heterogeneous disease progression and treatment response in a C3HeB/FeJ mouse model of tuberculosis.

Mice are the most commonly used species for non-clinical evaluations of drug efficacy against tuberculosis (TB). Unlike commonly used strains, C3HeB/FeJ mice develop caseous necrosis in the lung, which might alter the representation of drug efficacy in a way that is more like human TB. Because the development of such pathology requires time, we investigated the effect of infection incubation period on the activity of six drugs in C3HeB/FeJ and BALB/c mice. Mice were aerosol infected and held for 6, 10 or 14 weeks before receiving therapy with rifampin (RIF), rifapentine (RPT), pyrazinamide (PZA), linezolid (LZD), sutezolid (PNU) or metronidazole (MTZ) for 4-8 weeks. Outcomes included pathological assessments, pH measurements of liquefied caseum and assessment of colony-forming unit (CFU) counts from lung cultures. Remarkable heterogeneity in the timing and extent of disease progression was observed in C3HeB/FeJ mice, largely independent of incubation period. Likewise, drug efficacy in C3HeB/FeJ mice was not affected by incubation period. However, for PZA, LZD and PNU, dichotomous treatment effects correlating with the presence or absence of large caseous lesions were observed. In the case of PZA, its poor activity in the subset of C3HeB/FeJ mice with large caseous lesions might be explained by the pH of 7.36±0.09 measured in liquefied caseum. This study highlights the potential value of C3HeB/FeJ mice for non-clinical efficacy testing, especially for investigating the interaction of lesion pathology and drug effect. Careful use of this model could enhance the bridging of non-clinical results with clinical outcomes.
Organizing Concepts in Family Therapy.

Abstract Harry Stack Sullivan (1953, p. 11) spoke fondly of the time when therapy would become “easy.” By that he meant he looked forward to the day practitioners would know precisely what to do to help their clients regardless of the symptoms they presented. He was wise enough to know, of course, that the time he anticipated would not arrive soon, for he said he would be a long-forgotten myth before it came. Those who practice in the third decade after Sullivan's demise know that we are probably no closer to the halcyon conditions he longed for than he and his associates were in the 1940's. In fact, psychotherapy is under stronger attack for lack of precision (effectiveness) now than at any time in the recent past.
Interfacing Microfabricated and Nanomaterial-Based Sensors with a Modular Environmental Monitoring System

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanomaterial-based sensors are increasingly important in environmental monitoring. A new modular software and hardware platform called "SALAMANDER" (serial amphibious linear arrays of micro and nano devices for environmental research) provides an electronic interface for these devices as well as conventional sensors. The SALAMANDER platform enables environmental researchers and students to assemble an array of aquatic sensors at high spatial density, for fundamental studies of sediment transport. Specifications are given for integrating new sensor types such as sample collectors and chemical sensors for determining the composition of sediment in this multi-year project.
Electron transfer kinetics with both reactant and product attached to the electrode surface

Abstract An open circuit charge injection (“coulostatic”) technique was employed to measure electron transfer kinetics for reactants confined to the surface of graphite electrodes. Iron protoporphyrin IX exhibited kinetics that were too fast to measure but the rate constant for the reduction of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone at its formal potential in 1 M HClO4 was evaluated as 320 s−1 at 22°C. Measurements of the rate constant at temperatures between 5 and 50°C produced a linear Arrhenius plot with an intercept which was rationalizable in terms of a frequency factor near kT/h. This result is utilized in a discussion of the factors that control the electrochemical reactivity of reactants in attached and unattached states.
A One-to-One Code and Its Anti-Redundancy

One-to-one codes are ldquoone-shotrdquo codes that assign a distinct codeword to source symbols and are not necessarily prefix codes (more generally, uniquely decodable). Interestingly, as Wyner proved in 1972, for such codes the average code length can be smaller than the source entropy. By how much? We call this difference the anti-redundancy. Various authors over the years have shown that the anti-redundancy can be as big as minus the logarithm of the source entropy. However, to the best of our knowledge precise estimates do not exist. In this note, we consider a block code of length n generated for a binary memoryless source, and prove that the average anti-redundancy is -1/2 log2 n +C +F (n)+o (1) where C is a constant and either F (n) = 0 if log2(1-p)/p is irrational (where p is the probability of generating a ldquo0rdquo) or F(n) is a fluctuating function as the code length increases. This relatively simple finding requires a combination of analytic tools such as precise evaluation of Bernoulli sums, the saddle point method, and theory of distribution of sequences modulo 1.
Sediment Dispersion in Flow with Moving Boundaries

The longitudinal dispersion equation for sediment in unsteady nonuniform flow with moving boundaries is formulated from the three-dimensional instantaneous diffusion equation for movement of sediment by means of the time- and space-averaging processes. The equation is then studied for its applicability and validity in the sediment problem. The analytical expressions of the longitudinal dispersion coefficient for sediment in flow with moving boundaries are obtained for both turbulent and laminar flow. The effect of moving boundaries in turbulent flow on the value of the longitudinal dispersion coefficient has theoretically been shown to be negligible, but may be significant at a place where a sand or water wave breaks, causing an infinite gradient of bed or flow profile. The longitudinal dispersion equation that may often be called the suspended-load equation is shown to play an important role in the mathematical modeling of an alluvial channel where the suspended bed-material discharge is greater than the contact-bed discharge.
Stressed out? Healing Tips for Newly Reprogrammed Neurons

How do astrocyte-derived neurons deal with the sudden loss of their glial identity? Exciting new findings from Gascon et al. (2016) single out metabolic conversion as a critical checkpoint for direct neuronal reprogramming.
The use of computers in the study of aqueous humor dynamics

Because of the role played by vitreous humor and lens, the formulation of posterior chamber kinetics becomes complex and the mathematics cannot be solved formally. An analog computer was therefore used to facilitate the calculations. Using this approach, coefficients of transport by flow and diffusion into the posterior chamber have been evaluated for a number of substances.
Teaching Recurrent Selection in the Classroom with Wisconsin Fast Plants

Plant breeding is a process that is difficult to compress into laboratory exercises for the classroom. At the heart of plant breeding is the act of selection, a process whereby differential reproduction and survival leads to changes in gene frequency. Given the relatively short span of an academic semester, it has been difficult for students to gain experience with the practice of selection using plant materials. Nearly 15 years ago, P.H. Williams developed Wisconsin Fast Plants, a model system for teaching plant biology in a classroom setting. Wisconsin fast plants are rapid-cycling versions of various Brassica species amenable to a variety of genetic studies due to their short life cycle and ease of handling. This paper describes the development of a model system using Brassica rapa L. fast plants for teaching the cyclical selection process known as recurrent selection in the context of a course on plant breeding. The system allows for up to three cycles of recurrent selection during a single 15-week semester and enables students to gain experience in planting, selection, pollination, and seed harvest during each cycle. With appropriate trait choice, phenotypic changes resulting from selection can be visualized after just three cycles. Using the Fast Plant model, recurrent selection can be practiced successfully by students in the classroom.
Neutrophilic Vascular Dermatoses

The neutrophilic vascular dermatoses are a divergent group of disorders with distinct cutaneous manifestations. Diagnosis of these diseases requires clinical acumen because of the lack of pathognomonic histopathologic features. It is important for physicians to recognize these entities because of the large number of possible associated underlying diseases.
Great Plains vegetation dynamics in response to fire and climatic fluctuations during the Holocene at Fox Lake, Minnesota (USA).

Vegetation composition and fire frequency are tightly linked in North American grasslands and have varied considerably throughout the Holocene in response to different drivers. Yet, detailed records of both long-term changes in grassland vegetation composition and diversity, coupled with fire history, are still relatively sparse. In this study, we examine a sediment core from Fox Lake, Minnesota, using pollen, charcoal, magnetic susceptibility, organic carbon (%C), and silica (%Si) records with the aim of understanding grassland structure and function during the Holocene, particularly in the context of vegetation composition and diversity, erosion, and fire activity. Nonarboreal pollen comprises between 37% and 86% of the assemblage throughout the record with the largest percentages occurring during the mid-Holocene (~8000–4000 yr BP). The pollen record also suggests that at 8200 yr BP, there was an abrupt shift from oak-elm woodland to a more open landscape of grassland or savanna, which remained through...
Motives of Old People for Taking Part in Winter Swimming Exercise in Dalian and Huhehot Cities

This paper made questionnaires about 268 old people who take partin swimming exercise in winter in both Dalian and Huhehot cities,and then analysed systematically the data acquired.The result shows that main moties that old people in two cities for attending winter swimming exercise are strengthening body,curing illness,companying in society,showing ability,meeting interest,developing ego and disentangling spirit.And the motives of the different levels of old people in two cities are different.
Towards real-time shape sensing of continuum manipulators utilizing fiber Bragg grating sensors

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are a promising tool for real-time shape reconstruction of dexterous continuum manipulators (DCM). We have recently developed a novel FBG-based shape sensor which is capable of detecting a radius of curvature of 15 mm for a 35 mm length DCM. This paper aims to further evaluate the accuracy of this shape sensor during motion of the DCM. Different experiments were performed including free bending, bending in the presence of an obstacle, and bending with a tool inserted in the lumen of the DCM. Results indicate that this sensor can track the tip position with an average error of 0.81 mm for free bending, 2.73 mm for bending with an obstacle, and 0.93 mm for bending with a tool.
Early detection and diagnosis of oral premalignant squamous mucosal lesions

Head and neck squamous carcinoma (SCC) arises from the squamous mucosal lining of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx and is the sixth most common cancer with an estimated 500,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide annually. Conventional SCC of the oral cavity accounts for ~15 % of all head and neck malignancies, leading to 7000 deaths per year in the USA [2, 3]. Risk factors for conventional oral SCC include smoking and chewing tobacco, heavy alcohol consumption, and chewing betel quid. Recently, a new subtype that typically originates from the oropharyngeal mucosa has been recognized [4]. The tongue is the most common site for oral cancer among European and US populations, accounting for 40–50 % of oral cancers [2, 5], and the buccal mucosa is the most common site of the Indian subcontinent due to betel quid/tobacco chewing habits [5]. Predicting the phenotypic progression of high risk premalignant lesions is fundamental to early intervention and ultimately to the prevention of SCC. This chapter will discuss the phenotypic and biological events associated with early SCC tumorgenensis and advances in early detection.
The effect of smoking status on burn inhalation injury mortality.

Abstract Introduction Three factors that effect burn mortality are age, total body surface of burn (TBSA), and inhalation injury. Of the three, inhalation injury is the strongest predictor of mortality thus its inclusion in the revised Baux score (age + TBSA + 17* (inhalation injury, 1 = yes, 0 = no)). However, the weighted contribution of specific comorbidities such as smoker status on mortality has traditionally not been accounted for nor studied in this subset of burn patients. We therefore sought to examine the impact of current tobacco and/or marijuana smoking in patients with inhalation injury. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a regional burn center from 2002 to 2012. Independent variables analyzed included basic demographics, burn mechanism, presence of inhalation injury, TBSA, pre-existing comorbidities, and smoker status. Bivariate analysis was performed and logistic regression modeling using significant variables was utilized to estimate odds of mortality. Results There were a total of 7640 patients over the study period. 7% (n = 580) of the burn cohort with inhalation injury were included in this study. In-hospital burn mortality for inhalation injury patients was 23%. Current smokers (20%) included cigarette smokers and marijuana users, 19% and 3%, respectively. Preexisting respiratory disease (17%) was present in 36% of smokers compared to 13% of non-smokers (p Conclusion In the sub group of burn patients with inhalation injury, the odds of mortality significantly decreased in pre-existing smokers after adjusting for significant covariates. We postulate that an immune tolerance mechanism that modulates and diminishes the pro-inflammatory response confers a survival advantage in smokers after exposure to acute smoke inhalation injury. Future prospective studies in human and/or animal models are needed to confirm these findings.
Signal Processing for Real-Time DNA Microarrays

In conventional fluorescent-based microarrays, data is acquired after the completion of the hybridization phase. In this phase the target analytes (i.e., DNA fragments) bind to the capturing probes on the array and supposedly reach a steady state. Accordingly, microarray experiments essentially provide only a single, steady-state data point of the hybridization process. On the other hand, a novel technique (i.e., real-time microarrays) capable of recording the kinetics of hybridization in fluorescent-based microarrays has recently been proposed in A. Hassibi, et al., (2007). The richness of the information obtained therein promises higher signal-to-noise ratio, smaller estimation error, and broader assay detection dynamic range compared to the conventional microarrays. In the current paper, we model the kinetics of the hybridization process measured by the realtime microarrays, and develop techniques for estimating the amounts of analytes present therein.
Creating a VW Killer App for the Department of Defense

Organizations within the Department of Defense have adopted a large number of first person shooter games for use in military training. However, the use of virtual worlds has been much slower and no large investments have been made to date. This article explores some of the reasons for this slow progress and suggests some features that might make virtual worlds more attractive to DoD users.
GABA B receptor attenuation of GABA A currents in neurons of the mammalian central nervous system.

Abstract Ionotropic receptors are tightly regulated by second messenger systems and are often present along with their metabotropic counterparts on a neuron9s plasma membrane. This leads to the hypothesis that the two receptor subtypes can interact, and indeed this has been observed in excitatory glutamate and inhibitory GABA receptors. In both systems the metabotropic pathway augments the ionotropic receptor response. However, we have found that the metabotropic GABA B receptor can suppress the ionotropic GABA A receptor current, in both the in vitro mouse retina and in human amygdala membrane fractions. Expression of amygdala membrane microdomains in Xenopus oocytes by microtransplantation produced functional ionotropic and metabotropic GABA receptors. Most GABA A receptors had properties of α ‐subunit containing receptors, with ~5% having ρ ‐subunit properties. Only GABA A receptors with α ‐subunit‐like properties were regulated by GABA B receptors. In mouse retinal ganglion cells, where only α ‐subunit‐containing GABA A receptors are expressed, GABA B receptors suppressed GABA A receptor currents. This suppression was blocked by GABA B receptor antagonists, G‐protein inhibitors, and GABA B receptor antibodies. Based on the kinetic differences between metabotropic and ionotropic receptors, their interaction would suppress repeated, rapid GABAergic inhibition.
Psychophysiological responses to variable-interval reinforcement in a human operant situation

GSR, heart rate, respiration, forearm muscle potential, volume pulse of the finger, and blink rate were recorded for six human Ss during 15 sessions in which a simple operant task was performed under a variable-interval schedule of positive reinforcement. Physiological response to reinforcement was assessed by comparison of responses to reinforced lever presses with responses to non-reinforced lever presses. All Ss showed a very consistent GSR and a less consistent decrease of volume pulse in response to reinforcement. Among the remaining physiological variables the only reliable responses to reinforcement were delayed cardioacceleration by one S, an increase of forearm tension in a second S, and an increase of blink rate in a third S.
The Stock and Flow of U.S. Firearms: Results from the 2015 National Firearms Survey

Since the mid-1990s, the U.S. civilian gun stock has grown from approximately 192 million (65 million handguns) to approximately 265 million (113 million handguns). In 2015, gun owners owned more weapons and were more likely to own both handguns and long guns than in 1994. As in 1994, ownership in 2015 was highly concentrated: the median owner owned two, but the 8 percent of all owners who owned ten or more accounted for 39 percent of the stock. Approximately seventy million firearms changed hands within the past five years (from 2011 to 2015); most were purchased. Two and a half percent of Americans had guns stolen within the past five years, accounting for an estimated five hundred thousand guns per year.
A longitudinal study of stress and satisfaction among child welfare workers

SummaryStress and satisfaction have long been topics of research and interest in public child welfare, particularly in relation to their links with retention. Fewer studies have focused on specific...
Preliminary results of a study on focal low dose rate prostate brachytherapy using Cesium 131.

151Background: Prostate cancer patients continue to seek out minimally invasive therapies with equal disease eradication, but with less morbidity, lower cost and multiple salvage options. Our objective was to evaluate PSA response and determine rate of prostate specific antigen (PSA) kinetics in patients undergoing permanent low dose rate (LDR) focal prostate brachytherapy at a single institution. Methods: Between 4/2015 – 1/2017, 52 patients, of which 25% of patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer using a stereotactic transperineal mapping biopsy approach, while 75% had a standard transrectal prostate biopsy, were treated with LDR focal prostate brachytherapy. Dose to target was 115 Gy using Cesium-131. 30 patients (57.7%) were considered low risk, 21 pts (40.4%) were intermediate, and 1 patient (1.9%) was high risk. Treatment was limited to the side of the gland where the cancer was diagnosed. Because there is no agreed upon standard regarding PSA control, we are choosing to call the percent change...
Imaging with ultrasound contrast agents: current status and future.

Microbubble ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) were recently approved by the Food and Drug administration for non-cardiac imaging. The physical principles of UCAs, methods of administration, dosage, adverse effects, and imaging techniques both current and future are described. UCAs consist of microbubbles in suspension which strongly interact with the ultrasound beam and are readily detectable by ultrasound imaging systems. They are confined to the blood pool when administered intravenously, unlike iodinated and gadolinium contrast agents. UCAs have a proven safety record based on over two decades of use, during which they have been used in echocardiography in the U.S. and for non-cardiac imaging in the rest of the world. Adverse effects are less common with UCAs than CT/MR contrast agents. Compared to CT and MR, contrast-enhanced ultrasound has the advantages of real-time imaging, portability, and reduced susceptibility to metal and motion artifact. UCAs are not nephrotoxic and can be used in renal failure. High acoustic amplitudes can cause microbubbles to fragment in a manner that can result in short-term increases in capillary permeability or capillary rupture. These bioeffects can be beneficial and have been used to enhance drug delivery under appropriate conditions. Imaging with a mechanical index of < 0.4 preserves the microbubbles and is not typically associated with substantial bioeffects. Molecularly targeted ultrasound contrast agents are created by conjugating the microbubble shell with a peptide, antibody, or other ligand designed to target an endothelial biomarker associated with tumor angiogenesis or inflammation. These microbubbles then accumulate in the microvasculature at target sites where they can be imaged. Ultrasound contrast agents are a valuable addition to the diagnostic imaging toolkit. They will facilitate cross-sectional abdominal imaging in situations where contrast-enhanced CT and MR are contraindicated or impractical.
La narrativa gallega en el fin de siglo

La profesora de la Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Dolores Vilavedra ha publicado un estudio monografico sobre narrativa que, como expone en la introduccion, tiene como voluntad analizar la produccion literaria en gallego tomando «1981 como o verdadeiro punto de partida do proceso de institucionalizacion dun campo literario autonomo e propon[o] a etiqueta de “literatura postautonomica” (si, xa sei que non soa moi ben) para a producion posterior a esa epoca» (p. 10).
Renal Saturation and Acute Kidney Injury in Neonates with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Undergoing Therapeutic Hypothermia.

Objective To investigate the range of renal near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measures in neonates undergoing therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and to determine the association between renal NIRS measures and the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). Study design A retrospective chart review was conducted of neonates with moderate to severe HIE who received therapeutic hypothermia at a tertiary care center from 2014 to 2016. Neonates had routine continuous NIRS monitoring of cerebral and renal saturation (Rsat) as part of their clinical care for 72 hours of cooling and until 24 hours after rewarming. The outcome of AKI was defined by an abnormal rate of decline of serum creatinine over the first 5 days of life. Mixed effects models determined the association between renal NIRS measures and AKI over time. Results Of 38 neonates with HIE undergoing cooling, 15 (39%) developed AKI. Rsat was lower than cerebral saturation during cooling (P 75% by 24-48 hours predicted AKI with a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 82% (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.76). Conclusions Throughout cooling, neonates with AKI had higher Rsat measures than those without AKI. These differences may reflect lower oxygen extraction by the injured kidney. NIRS monitoring of Rsat may identify neonates with HIE at risk of developing AKI.
Biological Therapies for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Overview

Both core and secondary symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) respond to medication, a valuable part of overall PTSD treatment. Treatment options include antidepressants, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, and mood stabilizers. A growing data base of results from double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials supports the use of antidepressants, especially tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Although heightened anxiety is characteristic of PTSD, benzodiazepines have not yet proved useful in controlled trials and may be associated with a rebound effect on discontinuation. The small, open studies of anticonvulsant drugs indicate moderate to good improvement with these agents. Tricyclic, SSRI, and MAOI antidepressants have demonstrated efficacy in larger, longer-term controlled trials. Drug/psychotherapy combinations may enhance the usefulness of psychotherapeutics in the management of PTSD. Studies with tricyclics and fluoxetine indicate that magnitude and type of trauma may determine the degree of response.
Essential thrombocythemia with acquired von Willebrand's disease.

Two patients with essential thrombocythemia showed a marked decrease in ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation in addition to other aggregation defects during routine aggregation studies for prolonged bleeding times. Further investigation revealed type I von Willebrand’s disease (vWD) in one patient and a variant of vWD compatible with type IIA defect in the second patient. The latter patient had minor episodes of epistaxis clinically, while the patient with type I disease experienced excessive blood loss during menstrual periods. Both patients gave negative history for abnormal bleeding in the past or in their families. Both have had uneventful surgical procedures in the past, at which time bleeding times and basic coagulation test results were normal.
Photon-pair and heralded single photon generation initiated by a fraction of a 10 Gbps data stream

A fraction of a classical 10 Gigabits-per-second, non-return-to-zero data stream at 1.55 micron wavelengths from a standard telecommunications optical transceiver was tapped and used to generate photon-pairs and heralded single photons using a silicon microring resonator at room temperature. These results show that there may be no need for a separate laser to generate high-quality photon pairs for quantum applications in a typical optical communications network.
Toward Restoration of Normal Mechanics of Functional Hand Tasks Post-Stroke: Subject-Specific Approach to Reinforce Impaired Muscle Function

Robotic therapy enables mass practice of complex hand movements after stroke, but current devices generally enforce patients to reproduce prescribed kinematic patterns using rigid actuators, without considering individuals’ unique impairment characteristics, thereby reducing their efficacy. In this paper, we tested the feasibility of a novel, theory-based “biomimetic” approach to restoring mechanics of complex hand tasks with subject-specific assistance patterns. Twelve chronic stroke survivors performed two simulated functional tasks: hand open and simulated pinch task (distal pad press). Assistance was provided by non-restraining actuators (exotendons) that counteracted ‘subject-specific’ impairments, identified during unassisted task performance. There was no constraint of movement to predefined patterns. Assistance patterns required to complete tasks were significantly different across subjects, reflecting high variability in impairment and required assistance patterns. For hand open, range of motion and interjoint coordination were significantly improved for severely impaired patients, while movement quality was enhanced (reduction in jerk) for those less impaired. For simulated pinch, subject-specific assistance restored task mechanics before injury, as patients were able to direct fingertip force toward the direction normal to surface; angular deviation reduced from 16.8°±10.4° to 3.7°±2.6°. Notably, electromyography data confirmed that subjects maintained an effort level under assistance comparable to unassisted conditions. The proposed method could lead to a novel paradigm for hand rehabilitation that restores complex task mechanics with a subject-specific assistance reflecting individual impairment characteristics while promoting subjects’ participation.
Gradient Methods for Non-convex Optimization

Non-convex optimization forms bedrock of most modern machine learning (ML) techniques such as deep learning. While non-convex optimization problems have been studied for the past several decades, ML-based problems have significantly different characteristics and requirements due to large datasets and high-dimensional parameter spaces along with the statistical nature of the problem. Over the last few years, there has been a flurry of activity in non-convex optimization for such ML problems. This article surveys a few of the foundational approaches in this domain.