cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐G‐206‐10: Low‐Contrast Detectability Vs. Dose for CT Images Reconstructed Using Filtered Backprojection and Iterative Reconstruction: Assessment with a Model Observer

Purpose: To evaluate CT low-contrast detectability at different dose levels in images reconstructed using filtered backprojection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction (IR). Methods: A validated channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) model was used to detect low contrast objects in images of a helical CT phantom (Model 061, CIRS) using an Aquilion Prime 160 scanner (Toshiba Medical Systems). Twenty-one different objects of 7 diameters (2.4, 3.2, 4.6, 6.3, 9.5, and 10 mm) and 3 contrast levels (∼10, 15, and 25 HU) were evaluated. Images were acquired using 5 different tube current settings (45, 60, 90, 140, and 180 mA) and reconstructed using both FBP and IR (Adaptive Iterative Dose Reduction (AIDR) 3D). For each tube current, the phantom was scanned 100 times, yielding sets of 100 object-present and object-absent images at the same x-y locations. All images were evaluated using the CHO and detectability indices (d’) for each object were calculated at all dose levels. Results: For the same tube current setting, images formed using IR yielded d’ values on average 8% higher than images reconstructed using FBP. When dose was reduced by more than 25% of the full dose, however, results showed reduced low-contrast detectability in AIDR-3D images compared to 100% dose, FBP images. With the vendordefault settings, dose is automatically reduced by 70-75% when AIDR 3D reconstructions are selected, which our data indicate would significantly reduce low contrast detectability. Conclusion: At higher dose levels (minimal dose reduction), AIDR-3D improved object detectability as compared to full-dose FBP images. However, when dose was reduced by more than 25%, object detectability was substantially reduced for images reconstructed with AIDR-3D compared to full-dose FBP images. CH McCollough is supported by industry funding from Siemens Healthcare
Representations of a Group

Here we shall give a detailed exposition of a general theory of Group representations, pseudo-representations and their deformation. These results will be used later. The reader who knows the theory well can skip this chapter. Group Representations A representation of degree n of a group G is a group homomorphism of G into the group of invertible n × n matrices GL n ( A ) with coefficients in a commutative ring A . When the structure of the group is very complicated or when the group is very large, such as the absolute Galois group over ℚ, it is often easier to study representations rather than the group itself. In this section, we study the basic properties of group representations. Coefficient rings Any ring in this section is commutative with the identity 1 = 1 A . If we refer to an algebra R , then R may not be commutative. A ring A is called local if there is only one maximal ideal m A in A . An A -module M is artinian (resp. noetherian) if the set of A -submodules of M satisfies the descending (resp. ascending) chain condition. If A itself as an A -module is artinian (resp. noetherian), we just call A artinian (resp. noetherian). For an artinian A -module M , if M ⊃ M 1 ⊃ ⊃ M n = {0} is the maximal descending chain of, A -submodules, the number n is called the length of M and is written as l A ( M ). If A is an artinian ring, A is noetherian (Akizuki's theorem, [CRT] Theorem 1.3.2).
Uncertainties associated with the IMERG Multi-Satellite precipitation product

This study compares the NASA Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) satellite precipitation product with the satellite radar-based GPM Ku-Ka 2ADPR product across the contiguous United States (CONUS) at 0.1° and half-hourly resolution. Results are shown in terms of performance and Taylor's diagrams, which provide a concise description of several validation metrics. The dependence of each error statistic is assessed as a function of climate region and season. The quantification of error estimates associated with the GPM product allows inferences about the reliability of this satellite precipitation dataset and will enhance its deployment for forecasting climate and weather variations, extreme events mitigation (floods and droughts), agricultural planning, and water resources management.
Cognition and the Brain

The aim of this paper is to put the search for brain corre lates of stimulus meaning, the general topic of the first section of this book, into the broad perspective of cognition and the brain. I shall begin by making a brief statement of some of the major points of view to be developed, along with a rough outline of the paper.
Design of multiple fanout clock distribution network for rapid single flux quantum technology

Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) logic cells have traditionally been limited to driving one fanout cell because of the difficulty in distributing the single flux quantum pulse to multiple fanouts. This paper presents a method to modify the standard RSFQ cells at their input/output interfaces to other cells in order to support a multiple-fanout drive capability. This capability is especially useful for clock distribution in RSFQ logic. This is because RSFQ logic is requires the clock signal to be provided to every logic gate. This is why this paper focuses on the clock signal driving more than one cell without the use of splitters. The potential tradeoff is in lower margins for the cells. However, by careful design of the RSFQ cells, the yield is not compromised by our proposed technique.
Magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection in the setting of chorioamnionitis.

AbstractPurpose: We examined the effects of magnesium on premature neonatal outcomes complicated by chorioamnionitis.Materials and methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the BEAM Trial, an RCT to determine if antenatal magnesium decreases the incidence of CP in preterm birth. We compared the effect of magnesium sulfate by the presence or absence of chorioamnionitis. Outcomes examined include CP, IVH, NEC, BPD, and assessments of mental and motor disability. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios of each outcome.Results: About 1944 women were included in this analysis of which 228 were diagnosed with chorioamnionitis. Demographic characteristics were similar between women randomized to receive magnesium or placebo. Magnesium therapy demonstrated no significant reduction in CP in the presence of chorioamnionitis (OR 0.76, CI: 0.19–2.76) but does demonstrate benefit in the absence of chorioamnionitis (OR 0.52, CI: 0.31–0.86).Conclusions: Antenatal magnesium did not sho...
Investigation of Fill Factor in Two-Wing Rotor Mixing of Rubber by Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

ABSTRACT The industrial process of manufacturing tires brings together all the ingredients required to mix a batch of rubber compound in an operation called mixing. The development and use of mixing in a mixing chamber equipped with a rotor has a significant impact on the process itself, and understanding mixing is important in terms of evaluating how material, mixer design, and operating variables (e.g., rpm, temperature, ram pressure) affect distribution, dispersion, and coupling reaction. One of the most important factors to consider is the fill factor, which is the volume of the material relative to the volume of the chamber. It is critical to determine the operating regime in terms of the level of mixing material in the chamber to satisfy all the mixing requirements of the process. Furthermore, the availability of modern high-performance computing resources and accurate mathematical models makes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) an important and necessary tool in understanding some of the complex ph...
Never smokers with resected lung cancer: different demographics, similar survival.

OBJECTIVES We sought to examine changes over time in the proportion of never smokers among surgical lung cancer patients and to determine whether smoking history affected survival. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of a prospective database. Among never smokers and smokers, demographic and pathological data were compared. Disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were analysed. Propensity matching was performed for further comparison of survival in a matched cohort. RESULTS Among 3232 patients, we identified 718 never smokers (22%), 993 smokers with <30 pack history (31%) and 1521 smokers with ≥30 pack history (47%). The proportion of never smokers increased over time, comprising 26.6% of the cohort after 2007 compared with 16.1% prior thereto (P ≤ 0.001). Never smokers were younger, more likely to be women and Asian, more frequently had adenocarcinoma and lower lobe tumours and were more likely to have pStage I disease. In pStage-matched cohorts, there were no differences in DFS or CSS. Similarly, in propensity-matched groups (498 patients each), there was no difference in 5-year DFS (66% vs 67%, P = 0.661) or in CSS (84% vs 81%, P = 0.350). On univariate analysis of the matched cohort, never smoking status had no effect on DFS (hazard ratio 1.05, P = 0.661) or CSS (hazard ratio 1.16, P = 0.350). CONCLUSIONS The proportion of never smokers undergoing resections for lung cancer is increasing. Never smokers have distinct demographic patterns and tend to be younger women with adenocarcinoma. Despite these differences, stage and propensity-matched never smokers have the same survival as smokers and remain at equal risk for recurrence and death.
Welfare Reform's Impact on Homelessness

As the most dramatic shift in welfare policy occurs since its inception in 1935, it is imperative to examine potential impacts on homelessness. This paper describes changes in homelessness and welfare policy, assesses potential effects of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, and addresses public policy issues stemming from these changes. Of utmost concern are the continuing growth in female-headed families among the ranks of the homeless and a decline in affordable housing units. Welfare reform has already reduced the numbers of persons on welfare rolls, but it remains unclear as to whether the situation of low-income and homeless female-headed families will become better or worse.
Short-term electrical load demand forecasting using artificial neural networks for off-grid distributed generation applications

The rapid transformation in the power sector with the move to renewables unlocks many applications. One of the application areas is off-grid distributed generation, where solar photovoltaics-energy storage systems are used to power remote facilities with small electrical loads. Since energy storage costs dominate the overall system costs, effective utilization of energy storage is essential. To reduce life cycle costing, and to maximize the system reliability, requires not only accurate system design but also optimum operational efficiency. To run the plant at optimum levels requires effective power flow and a load management mechanism to sustain power demand effectively. For off-grid solar photovoltaics-energy storage systems, both power supply and power demand behaviors are independent and nonlinear, which creates operational and modelling complexities. In this paper, only one side of the equation, the prediction of power demand, will be studied by using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). As a case study, remote oil & gas facility electrical load is considered, using several multi-layer neural network prediction models to evaluate forecasted load demand accuracy. We find that CNNARX2 cascaded nonlinear autoregressive neural network model 2, utilizing 15-min load demand data, provides the best fit to the load with 0.9778 R-Value and 5.49% Root mean squared error (RMSE).
Post-treatment advice following botulinum toxin injections: a review

There is a paucity of published research evidence to support post-treatment recommendations commonly provided to patients following botulinum toxin injections. The purpose of this article is to rev...
Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Understanding the Different Immune-Mediated Phenotypes and Clinical Management

The aim of this manuscript is to review two immune-mediated drug-induced liver injury (DILI) phenotypes, immune-allergic DILI (IA-DILI) and DILI with autoimmune hepatitis features (DILI-AIH), which are poorly defined and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Recent information on this topic improves the understanding of IA-DILI and DILI-AIH regarding risk factors, associated medications, clinical presentations, histopathologic findings, and management strategies. Although the pathogenesis and specific mechanisms remain elusive, clinical and pathological advancements in our understanding of IA-DILI and DILI-AIH have provided clinicians with added tools for the diagnosis and management of these diseases. Further studies are needed to improve our understanding of immune-mediated DILI.
Universal collective modes in two-dimensional chiral superfluids

In this work, we utilize semiclassical kinetic equations to investigate the order parameter collective modes of a class of two-dimensional superfluids. Extending the known results for $p$-wave superfluids, we show that for any chiral ground state of angular momentum $L\ensuremath{\ge}1$, there exists a subgap mode with a mass $\sqrt{2}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}$ in the BCS limit, where $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}$ is the magnitude of the ground-state gap. We determine the most significant Landau parameter that contributes to the mass renormalization and show explicitly that the renormalized modes become massless at the Pomeranchuk instability of the fermion vacuum. Particularly for $L=1$, we propose a continuous field theory to include the Fermi liquid effect in a quadrupolar channel and produce the same result under consistent approximations. They provide potential diagnostics for distinguishing two-dimensional chiral ground states of different angular momenta with the order parameter collective modes and reveal another low-energy degree of freedom near the nematic transition.
Less Than Whole Uterus Irradiation for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Maintains Locoregional Control and Decreases Radiation Dose to Bowel.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether our institutional standard of less-than-whole-uterus irradiation affects locoregional control in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Methods and Materials We retrospectively reviewed 53 patients with stage IB to IVB cervical carcinoma who were treated with image guided intensity modulated radiation therapy and brachytherapy. The entire uterus was not included in the clinical target volume, as per our institutional standard. Dosimetric parameters were obtained, including positron emission tomography gross tumor volume (GTV), uterus volume excluding GTV, proportion of uterus included in the planning target volume (PTV; percentage), volume of overlap between uterus and prescription dose (cm3), minimum and mean dose to the uterus, and bowel V40 and D200cc. Local, regional, and distant failure and death were recorded. Results The median proportion of the uterus included in the PTV was 66%. With a median follow-up of 44 months, no patient experienced isolated local recurrence, and 2-year locoregional failure was 10.9%. Positron emission tomography GTV correlated significantly with increased chance of any failure (P = .049; 95% confidence interval, 1.000-1.018). Compared with patients who had ≥90% of the uterus included in the PTV (n = 12), patients who had Conclusions Less-than-whole-uterus irradiation for locally advanced cervical cancer does not compromise locoregional control and reduces bowel V40 and D200cc. Further investigation is required to evaluate whether this reduction in bowel dose translates to a clinically significant reduction in bowel toxicity and whether modifications should be made to the recommended definitive cervix intensity modulated radiation therapy volumes.
BUILDING THE EVIDENCE BASE FOR FALLS PREVENTION: THE CDC’S STEADI INITIATIVE

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) initiative, based on American and British Geriatric Society Guidelines to assist healthcare providers in preventing older adult falls. Core elements were defined to allow health systems to implement STEADI with fidelity while adapting it to their unique clinical practice. These elements include: screening older patients for fall risk, assessing at-risk patients to identify modifiable risk factors, and intervening by recommending evidence-based strategies. Similar strategies using a multifactorial approach are associated with a 24% reduction in the rate of falls. CDC’s evaluation strategy includes determining the cost effectiveness of STEADI in preventing older adult falls, and understanding implementation best practices including: defining core elements across different settings, ensuring feasibility and acceptability to healthcare providers, and increasing patient adherence to prescribed strategies. STEADI is being implemented and evaluated in outpatient practices in Oregon, New York, and Pennsylvania, and for use in inpatient units to reduce fall-related readmissions in California. In addition, an evaluation of optimal fall-risk screening methods for identifying at-risk patients is ongoing. Each project requires decisions on how to implement STEADI with fidelity; utilize the full capacity of multiple provider types; and incorporate complex patient work-flows and unique clinical standards and requirements. Balancing data collection cost with obtaining adequate evaluation data is a critical consideration. Understanding the results of these evaluations to-date, demonstrates the complexity of implementing and evaluating multifactorial fall prevention strategies.
Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome in Liver Failure Patient Without Hyponatremia (P4.020)

Objective: NA Background: Osmotic demyelination syndrome has been described in patients with rapidly corrected hyponatremia and underlying liver failure is a known risk factor for the above complication. The current case demonstrates that acute pontine demyelination can occur in liver failure patients even in absence of rapid sodium level changes. Design/Methods: NA Results: 46 year-old construction worker with no significant past medical history presented with four days of generalized weakness, bilateral lower extremity pain and jaundice and was diagnosed with acute hepatic and renal failure. He was intubated due to progressively worsening mental status. On initial neurologic examination patient had intact brainstem reflexes but no movement in extremities. Computed tomography of head demonstrated posterior frontal lobe subarachnoid hemorrhage in a setting of severe thrombocytopenia and possible cerebral edema. Follow up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was negative for edema however showed a central pontine lesion with restricted diffusion with corresponding low values on apparent diffusion coefficient concerning for osmotic demyelination syndrome. Per chart review, patient was not hyponatremic and no rapid changes in sodium levels were recorded prior to MRI. Patient’s liver failure was treated medically and he received hemodialysis for renal failure. Eventually patient was diagnosed with Leptospirosis which was thought to be the culprit for the multiorgan system failure. His mental status and strength in extremities have improved although did not return to baseline. Follow up imaging demonstrated a persistent but smaller T2 hyperintense pontine lesion without corresponding diffusion restriction changes. Conclusions: The above case demonstrates that osmotic demyelination syndrome should be in the differential for acute neurologic deficits in liver failure patients even with absence of rapid sodium level fluctuations. Disclosure: Dr. Biesiada has nothing to disclose.
Toward A Reproducible, Scalable Framework for Processing Large Neuroimaging Datasets

ABSTRACT Emerging neuroimaging datasets (collected through modalities such as Electron Microscopy, Calcium Imaging, or X-ray Microtomography) describe the location and properties of neurons and their connections at unprecedented scale, promising new ways of understanding the brain. These modern imaging techniques used to interrogate the brain can quickly accumulate gigabytes to petabytes of structural brain imaging data. Unfortunately, many neuroscience laboratories lack the computational expertise or resources to work with datasets of this size: computer vision tools are often not portable or scalable, and there is considerable difficulty in reproducing results or extending methods. We developed an ecosystem of neuroimaging data analysis pipelines that utilize open source algorithms to create standardized modules and end-to-end optimized approaches. As exemplars we apply our tools to estimate synapse-level connectomes from electron microscopy data and cell distributions from X-ray microtomography data. To facilitate scientific discovery, we propose a generalized processing framework, that connects and extends existing open-source projects to provide large-scale data storage, reproducible algorithms, and workflow execution engines. Our accessible methods and pipelines demonstrate that approaches across multiple neuroimaging experiments can be standardized and applied to diverse datasets. The techniques developed are demonstrated on neuroimaging datasets, but may be applied to similar problems in other domains.
Improving Patient Comprehension of Screening Mammography Recall Lay Letters

Abstract Purpose In accordance with the Mammography Quality Standards Act, recall lay letters should be written using language that is “easily understood by a lay person.” The authors hypothesized that the readability of their institution’s current recall lay letter may contribute to the misinterpretation of intended time for patient return. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the comprehension of the current recall lay letter statement. Methods The Flesch-Kincaid grade level was used to assess readability of the lay letter currently used at the authors’ institution. A revised statement was formulated. A single paper-based survey presented both current and revised statements and asked questions to probe patients’ understanding of expected time to return. Surveys were provided to screening mammography patients at four outpatient imaging centers. Results The Flesch-Kincaid grade levels of the current and revised statements were 12th and 4th grades, respectively. Five hundred ninety-nine surveys were analyzed. Survey data demonstrated that only 49.6% of all patients understood that the current statement requests return within 1 month specifically with the breast center, compared with 95.2% of patients with the revised statement (P Conclusions The grade level of the authors’ institution’s current lay letter statement is greater than the national recommendation for the average patient, which is between 6th and 8th grade. These data suggest that revising the language of recall statements to the recommended grade level would potentially improve patient understanding and compliance.
The association of overall diet quality with BMI and waist circumference by education level in Mexican men and women

Objective The present study evaluated the association of two measures of diet quality with BMI and waist circumference (WC), overall and by education level, among Mexican men and women. Design We constructed two a priori indices of diet quality, the Mexican Diet Quality Index (MxDQI) and the Mexican Alternate Healthy Eating Index (MxAHEI), which we examined relative to BMI and WC. We computed sex-specific multivariable linear regression models for the total sample and by education level. Setting Mexico. Participants Mexican men (n 954) and women (n 1356) participating in the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012. Results Total dietary scores were not associated with BMI in men and women, but total MxDQI was inversely associated with WC in men (-0·10, 95 % CI -0·20, -0·004 cm). We also found that some results differed by education level in men. For men with the lowest education level, a one-unit increase in total MxDQI and MxAHEI score was associated with a mean reduction in BMI of 0·11 (95 % CI -0·18, 0·04) and 0·18 (95 % CI -0·25, -0·10) kg/m2, respectively. Likewise, a one-unit increase in total MxDQI and MxAHEI score was associated with a mean change in WC of -0·30 (95 % CI -0·49, -0·11) and -0·53 (95 % CI -0·75, -0·30) cm, respectively, in men with the lowest level of education. In women, the association of diet quality scores with BMI and WC was not different by education level. Conclusions Our findings suggest that a higher diet quality in men with low but not high education is associated with lower BMI and WC.
Evidence for a high rate of false-positive results with the indirect fluorescent antibody test for Ehrlichia risticii antibody in horses

OBJECTIVE The original objective was to determine seroprevalence of Ehrlichia risticii antibody among horses in California. On the basis of the unexpected results of the survey, an investigation into the accuracy and reproducibility of results of the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test for E risticii was carried out. DESIGN Prospective, seroprevalence study. ANIMALS Healthy horses (n = 655) and horses with clinical signs of equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (EME; n = 514) from various regions of California. PROCEDURE The IFA test was performed. Results were compared with results of an ELISA and with results of western immunoblot analysis. RESULTS Overall, 104 of 655 (15.9%) healthy horses had evidence of an antibody response. However, 84 of 514 (16.3%) horses with clinical signs of EME also had positive test results, and of the 8 seropositive diseased horses for which paired (acute and convalescent) samples had been submitted, only 1 had a rise in antibody titers between the acute and convalescent samples. Comparison of results for the IFA test, ELISA, and western immunoblot analysis revealed a high rate of false-positive results for the IFA test. Subsequent studies suggested that routine vaccination of horses with non-E risticii vaccines may have contributed to the false-positive reactions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The data failed to provide conclusive evidence of E risticii infection among California horses. Owing to the high percentage of false-positive test results, caution is advised when using the IFA test to diagnose EME in horses or to determine the necessity for E risticii vaccination.
Ammonia-salt solvent promotes cellulosic biomass deconstruction under ambient pretreatment conditions to enable rapid soluble sugar production at ultra-low enzyme loadings

Here, we report a novel ammonia : ammonium salt solvent based pretreatment process that can rapidly dissolve crystalline cellulose into solution and eventually produce highly amorphous cellulose under near-ambient conditions. Pre-activating the cellulose I allomorph to its ammonia–cellulose swollen complex (or cellulose III allomorph) at ambient temperatures facilitated rapid dissolution of the pre-activated cellulose in the ammonia-salt solvent (i.e., ammonium thiocyanate salt dissolved in liquid ammonia) at ambient pressures. For the first time in reported literature, we used time-resolved in situ neutron scattering methods to characterize the cellulose polymorphs structural modification and understand the mechanism of crystalline cellulose dissolution into a ‘molecular’ solution in real-time using ammonia-salt solvents. We also used molecular dynamics simulations to provide insight into solvent interactions that non-covalently disrupted the cellulose hydrogen-bonding network and understand how such solvents are able to rapidly and fully dissolve pre-activated cellulose III. Importantly, the regenerated amorphous cellulose recovered after pretreatment was shown to require nearly ∼50-fold lesser cellulolytic enzyme usage compared to native crystalline cellulose I allomorph for achieving near-complete hydrolytic conversion into soluble sugars. Lastly, we provide proof-of-concept results to further showcase how such ammonia-salt solvents can pretreat and fractionate lignocellulosic biomass like corn stover under ambient processing conditions, while selectively co-extracting ∼80–85% of total lignin, to produce a highly digestible polysaccharide-enriched feedstock for biorefinery applications. Unlike conventional ammonia-based pretreatment processes (e.g., Ammonia Fiber Expansion or Extractive Ammonia pretreatments), the proposed ammonia-salt process can operate at near-ambient conditions to greatly reduce the pressure/temperature severity necessary for conducting effective ammonia-based pretreatments on lignocellulose.
Historicity and Cameroonian Fiction: Writing the Nation

The peculiarity of Cameroonian fiction is seen in part by its relation to history, considered both on the one hand, as events that unfolded and, on the other hand, the narrating of those events. The literature does not limit itself to the colonialist cum neo-colonialist exploits and the peoples’ resistance to it; it is as well carving out an identifiable politico-cultural consciousness as part of the process of coming to terms with the new world reality. From Fedinand Oyono, Mongo Beti and Ngong Winkuo who focus their attention to the eventful colonial era through Linus Asong, Francis Nyamnjoh and Shaddrack Ambanasom who are preoccupied with the upheavals of the postcolonial setting, the Cameroonian novelists are spinning an inciting yarn in the loom of postcolonial discourse. In this paper, I elect to explore selected Cameroonian fiction as analogous to the nation building process.
Credibility Perceptions and Detection Accuracy of Fake News Headlines on Social Media: Effects of Truth-Bias and Endorsement Cues:

This article focuses on message credibility and detection accuracy of fake and real news as represented on social media. We developed a deception detection paradigm for news headlines and conducted...
Unexplained Syncope in Patients with High Risk of Sudden Death

Syncope is a clinical measure of increased risk for sudden death in the genetic diseases being considered in this chapter. Distinguishing a syncopal episode that is due to an arrhythmic cause from benign causes of syncope can be difficult. Nonetheless, the clinician needs to make that distinction as the therapy for arrhythmic syncope is entirely different from a case of syncope due to an autonomic cause.
Metformin and Systemic Metabolism

Metformin can improve patients' hyperglycemia through significant suppression of hepatic glucose production. However, up to 300 times higher concentrations of metformin accumulate in the intestine than in the circulation, where it alters nutrient metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells and microbiome, leading to increased lactate production. Hepatocytes use lactate to make glucose at the cost of energy expenditure, creating a futile intestine-liver cycle. Furthermore, metformin reduces blood lipopolysaccharides and its initiated low-grade inflammation and increased oxidative phosphorylation in liver and adipose tissues. These metformin effects result in the improvement of insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization in extrahepatic tissues. In this review, I discuss the current understanding of the impact of metformin on systemic metabolism and its molecular mechanisms of action in various tissues.
Continuous Bracing Systems for Columns and Beams

AbstractEffective bracing systems for columns and beams exist in many forms, including point bracing and continuous bracing. Employing continuous bracing formulations for cases with point braces pr...
Random Forest Factorization Reveals Latent Structure in Single Cell RNA Sequencing Data

Abstract Single-cell RNA sequencing data contain patterns of correlation that are poorly captured by techniques that rely on linear estimation or assumptions of Gaussian behavior. We apply random forest regression to scRNAseq data from mouse brains, which identifies the co-regulation of genes within specific cellular contexts. By analyzing the estimators of the random forest, we identify several novel candidate gene regulatory networks and compare these networks in aged and young mice. We demonstrate that cell populations have cell-type specific phenotypes of aging that are not detected by other methods, including the collapse of differentiating oligodendrocytes but not precursors or mature oligodendrocytes.
The Application of Single-Cell Sequencing in Dynamic Transcriptomes

There has been long-standing interest in developing procedures for profiling single-cell gene expression dynamics. Single-cell transcriptome profiling is useful for studying heterogeneity and mosaicism in tissues and understanding cellular behaviors and compositions. Recent advancements in RNA sequencing technologies dramatically improved sensitivity and specificity of gene expression quantifications, leading to rapid progress in single-cell transcriptome profiling methods. In this chapter, we provide a timely review on basic principles of single-cell RNA sequencing methods and discuss the technical challenges and their applications in research and medicine.
The Gas Production Rate and Coma Structure of Comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp)

The University of Wisconsin—Madison and NASA—Goddard conducted a comprehensive multi-wavelength observing campaign of coma emissions from comet Hale-Bopp, including OH 3080 A, [0 I] 6300 A, H2O+ 6158 A, H Balmer-α 6563 A, NH2 6330 A, [C I] 9850 A CN 3879 A, C2 5141 A, C3 4062 A, C I 1657 A, and the UV and optical continua. In this work, we concentrate on the results of the H2O daughter studies. Our wide-field OH 3080 A measured flux agrees with other, similar observations and the expected value calculated from published water production rates using standard H2O and OH photochemistry. However, the total [O I] 6300 A flux determined spectroscopically over a similar field-of-view was a factor of 3 – 4 higher than expected. Narrow-band [O I] images show this excess came from beyond the H2O scale length, suggesting either a previously unknown source of [O I] or an error in the standard OH + v → O(1 D) + H branching ratio. The Hale-Bopp OH and [O I] distributions, both of which were imaged to cometocentric distances > 1 x 106 km, were more spatially extended than those of comet Halley (after correcting for brightness differences), suggesting a higher bulk outflow velocity. Evidence of the driving mechanism for this outflow is found in the Hα line profile, which was narrower than in comet Halley (though likely because of opacity effects, not as narrow as predicted by Monte-Carlo models). This is consistent with greater collisional coupling between the suprathermal H photodissociation products and Hale-Bopp’s dense coma. Presumably because of mass loading of the solar wind by ions and ions by the neutrals, the measured acceleration of H2O+ down the ion tail was much smaller than in comet Halley. Tailward extensions in the azimuthal distributions of OH 3080 A, [O I], and [C I], as well as a Doppler asymmetry in the [O I] line profile, suggest ion-neutral coupling. While the tailward extension in the OH can be explained by increased neutral acceleration, the [O I] 6300 A and [C I] 9850 A emissions show 13% and > 200% excesses in this direction (respectively), suggesting a non-negligible contribution from dissociative recombination of CO+ and/or electron collisional excitation. Thus, models including the effects of photo-and collisional chemistry are necessary for the full interpretation of these data.
Neutron Polarisabilities from Deuteron Compton Scattering in \chiEFT

Chiral Effective Field Theory is for photon energies up to 200 MeV the tool to accurately determine the polarisabilities of the neutron from deuteron Compton scattering. A multipole analysis reveals that dispersive effects from an explicit �(1232) prove in particular indispensable to understand the data at 95 MeV measured at SAL. Simple power-counting arguments derived from nuclear phenomenology lead to the correct Thomson limit and gauge invariance. At next-to-leading order, the static scalar dipole polarisabilities are extracted as identical for proton and neutron within the error-bar of available data: α n = 11.6 ± 1.5stat ± 0.6Baldin, β n = 3.6 ∓ 1.5stat ± 0.6Baldin for the neutron, in units of 10 −4 fm 3 , compared to α p = 11.0 ± 1.4stat ± 0.4Baldin, β p = 2.8 ∓ 1.4stat ± 0.4Baldin for the proton in the same framework. New experiments e.g. at MAXlab (Lund) will improve the statistical error-bar.
The role of distinctive features in children's acquisition of phonology.

This investigation studied the acquisition and proportion of correct usage of consonants by Japanese and American children; the consonant substitutions of children developing normal language and of...
Microscopic Elasticity of DNA from Torsionally-Constrained Stretching

We investigate the statistical mechanics of a torsionally constrained polymer. The polymer is modelled as an inextensible chain with bend rigidity A, twist rigidity C, and twist-stretch coupling D. In such a model, thermal bend fluctuations couple geometrically to an applied torque through the relation Lk = Tw + Wr. We explore this coupling and find excellent agreement between the predictions of our model and the single λ-DNA molecule stretching experiments of Strick et al. [Science 271 (1996) 1835]. This analysis affords an experimental determination of the microscopic twist rigidity C. Quantitative agreement between theory and experiment is obtained using C = 120 nm and D = 50 nm. The theory further predicts a thermal reduction of the effective twist rigidity induced by bend fluctuations.
Context inclusive function evaluation: a case study with EM-based multi-scale multi-granular image classification

Many statistical queries such as maximum likelihood estimation involve finding the best candidate model given a set of candidate models and a quality estimation function. This problem is common in important applications like land-use classification at multiple spatial resolutions from remote sensing raster data. Such a problem is computationally challenging due to the significant computation cost to evaluate the quality estimation function for each candidate model. For example, a recently proposed method of multi-scale, multi-granular classification has high computational overhead of function evaluation for various candidate models independently before comparison. In contrast, we propose an upper bound based context-inclusive approach that reduces computational overhead based on the context, i.e. the value of the quality estimation function for the best candidate model so far. We also prove that an upper bound exists for each candidate model and the proposed algorithm is correct. Experimental results using land-use classification at multiple spatial resolutions from satellite imagery show that the proposed approach reduces the computational cost significantly.
Site specific PCB-correlated interspecies differences in organ somatic indices.

We correlated site specific differences in the organ somatic indices of nestlings of five passerine species (tree swallow, red-winged blackbird, house wren, Carolina chickadee, and eastern bluebird) with the degree of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) exposure in ovo and post-hatching. The birds were exposed to PCBs at or downstream of four PCB-contaminated sites. Of the organs evaluated for this paper, brain, bursa, heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and thyroid varied significantly (p<0.05) or marginally significantly (0.05<p<0.11) between sites for at least one species. Differences were noted in the direction of the mean SI change (increased or decreased with increasing contaminant exposure by site) between different species for brain, lung, pancreas, spleen and thyroids. Our results indicated that no single passerine species fully represented the response characteristics observed in these species, and no single difference in organ SI should be used in ecotoxicological evaluations. Further, it is critical to include congener analysis in any evaluations since some endpoints in some species correlate well with total TEQs, and some with total PCBs and not TEQs. Some samples containing biologically significant levels of dioxin-like congeners would have been “non-detects” for total PCBs using common analytical methods.
High Pre-Eruptive Water Contents Preserved in Lunar Melt Inclusions

The Moon has long been thought to be highly depleted in volatiles such as water, and indeed published direct measurements of water in lunar volcanic glasses have never exceeded 50 parts per million (ppm). Here, we report in situ measurements of water in lunar melt inclusions; these samples of primitive lunar magma, by virtue of being trapped within olivine crystals before volcanic eruption, did not experience posteruptive degassing. The lunar melt inclusions contain 615 to 1410 ppm water and high correlated amounts of fluorine (50 to 78 ppm), sulfur (612 to 877 ppm), and chlorine (1.5 to 3.0 ppm). These volatile contents are very similar to primitive terrestrial mid-ocean ridge basalts and indicate that some parts of the lunar interior contain as much water as Earth's upper mantle.
Surgical Treatment of Ascending Aortic Aneurysms in Patients With Giant Cell Aortitis

Background Giant cell aortitis is a rare cause of ascending aortic aneurysm disease despite giant cell arteritis being a common cause of vasculitis. We evaluated an 8-year experience with surgical repair with regard to preoperative variables, extent of disease, required surgical procedures, and the propensity to develop additional great vessel aneurysms. Methods Thirty-seven patients (29 female, 8 male; aged 69.6 ± 9.5 years) were operated on from 1995 to 2002. Ten (27%) patients had a history of steroid treatment for temporal arteritis or polymyalgia rheumatica 8.9 ± 3.9 years before. Nineteen (51%) patients had +3 or +4 aortic regurgitation. Maximal aneurysm size was 6.1 ± 0.8 cm. Thirty (81%) patients underwent polyethylene terephthalate fiber (Dacron) tube graft replacement of the ascending aorta, 4 (11%) had a modified Bentall procedure, 2 (5%) had a valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction, and 1 (3%) had aortorrhaphy. Twenty-two (59%) patients required 22 ± 9 minutes of hypothermic circulatory arrest for hemiarch or complete aortic arch replacement. Twenty-six (70%) patients had concomitant cardiac procedures. Results There was no early mortality. Morbidity was reexploration for bleeding in 3 (8%) patients, stroke in 3 (8%), left vocal cord paralysis in 2 (5%), renal failure in 2 (5%), and gastrointestinal bleeding in 1 (3%). Mean follow-up was 2.8 ± 2.3 years. Four-year actuarial survival was 74% (95% confidence interval, 57% to 94%). Other descending or abdominal aortic or great vessel aneurysms occurred in 17 (46%) patients. Four patients had prior aneurysm surgery, 8 are monitored with aneurysms, and 5 underwent repair of an aneurysm in the follow-up period. Of 8 late deaths, 3 were caused by complications of a descending thoracic aneurysm. No patient required replacement of a native aortic valve that was preserved during the initial operative procedure. Conclusions Ascending aortic aneurysms caused by giant cell aortitis can involve the aorta from the aortic root through the aortic arch, thus requiring a tailored operative approach. The aortic valve tissue is spared from the pathologic process. Other aneurysms of the aorta and great vessels occur in nearly half of patients. Frequent surveillance of the remaining aorta is mandatory.
Abiotic As(III) Oxidation by Hydrated Fe(III) Oxide (HFO) Microparticles in a Plug Flow Columnar Configuration

Scientific evidence pertaining to selective sorption of As(V) species or arsenates and As(III) species or arsenites onto Fe(III) oxide microparticles is widely available in the literature. Practical implications of this phenomenon are well recognized for both natural and engineered systems. The previous investigations to this effect have clearly established that such selective sorption processes are accompanied by formation of inner-sphere complexes between the surface functional groups of Fe(III) oxides and As(V) or As(III) species in question. Although thermodynamically favorable, oxidation of As(III) or arsenite by Fe(III) oxides has not been reported to date. Experimental studies for all such investigations were, however, carried out in continuously stirred batch reactors. The results of the present study confirm that, in a plug flow configuration with stationary Fe(III) oxide microparticles in a column, aqueous-phase As(III) undergoes near-complete conversion to As(V) at neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The stationary phase consists of porous polymeric particles within which submicron hydrated Fe(III) oxide particles have been irreversibly dispersed. As the mobile liquid phase slowly percolates through the stationary column, each As(III) solute progressively binds to a multitude of Fe(III) sorption sites favoring As(III) oxidation. The resulting As(V) and Fe(II) are subsequently sorbed onto iron oxide particles. The plug flow configuration of the system allows thousands of contacts with Fe(III) sorption sites for each As(III) molecule, thus enhancing As(III) oxidation in accordance with law of mass action effect. Also, the absence of Fe(II) in the aqueous phase offers highest possible oxidizing environment near the HFO sorption sites. The reactor configuration approximating plug flow is postulated to be the major contributor for As(III) oxidation by Fe(III) oxide microparticles. This observation may have major ramifications for arsenic-containing groundwater percolating through iron-rich soil. At acidic pH, conversion of As(III) to As(V) is, however, much less pronounced due to unfavorable thermodynamics.
Relationship of optic nerve and brain conventional and non-conventional MRI measures and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, as assessed by OCT and GDx: A pilot study

Abstract Background Measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in multiple sclerosis (MS) is gaining increasing attention. Objectives To explore the relationship between RNFL thickness as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation (GDx), and conventional and non-conventional optic nerve and brain MRI measures. Methods Twelve relapsing–remitting (RR) MS patients (12 affected and 12 unaffected eyes) and 4 age- and sex-matched normal controls (NC) (8 unaffected eyes) were enrolled. Four MS patients had a history of bilateral optic neuritis (ON), four had a history of unilateral ON, and 4 had no history of ON. Optic nerve MRI measurements included the length of T2 lesions, measurement of optic nerve atrophy, magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures. Optic nerve atrophy was measured by a novel method with high reproducibility. Brain MRI measurements included T1 and T2 lesion volumes (LVs) and their relative MTRs, and tissue class specific atrophy, MTR and DTI measures. Measures of RNFL were evaluated with OCT and GDx. We also evaluated both high and low contrast letter acuities (LCLA) in order to determine the relationship between vision, MRI metrics, and retinal structural architecture. Results LCLA, RNFL-OCT and optic nerve radius measures showed more robust differences between NC and MS patients, and between MS patients with affected and unaffected eyes. T2-LV and T1-LV, as well as gray matter atrophy, DTI and MTR measures were related to LCLA and RNFL thickness. Unique additive variance regression models showed that both brain and optic nerve MRI measures independently accounted for about 50% of the variance in LCLA and RNFL thickness. In reverse models, about 20% of the additional independent variance was explained by optic nerve or brain MRI metrics. Conclusions Measurement of RNFL thickness and radius of the optic nerve should be preferred to the other optic nerve MRI measures in clinical studies. Whole brain lesion and GM measures are predictive of impaired visual function with corresponding structural concomitants.