cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Photoacoustic Mapping of Sentinel Lymph Nodes Using Perfluorocarbon-based Nanoparticles

We have developed perfluorocarbon nanoparticles loaded with near-infrared light absorbing dyes for photoacoustic tomography. We have successfully imaged nanoparticles in sentinel lymph nodes in rats in vivo using photoacoustic tomography.
Hidden differences in competent communication: A case study of an organization with Euro-Americans and first generation immigrants from India

Abstract This article reports part of a two stage study of intercultural communication between first generation immigrants from India and Euro-Americans. In-depth interviews were used in the first stage to develop intercultural “critical incidents” for use as stimulus material in a survey. The survey was used in the second stage to explore participant perceptions of the influence of national culture as well as rules for managing intercultural interactions. It was determined that while participants did not agree in their perceptions of the influence of culture, they generally agreed on the dominant culture rules for competent intercultural communication in each of the critical incidents. In addition, support was found for the tacit influence of cultural differences on perceptions of competent communication between Asian Indians and Euro-Americans in one critical incident involving the proper amount of supervision.
Nucleon-Nucleon Interactions at Energies Greater than 10 12 ev

A primary jet of type $2+16p$ and a high-energy secondary jet of the same type as that of the primary, i.e., $2+16p$, were observed in nuclear emulsion. A very high energy electromagnetic cascade was also observed in the primary interaction. Both the primary and the secondary interactions were considered as nucleon-nucleon for their analysis. The energy as calculated from the angular distribution of the shower particles of the primary and of the secondary events is 3.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{12}$ and 2.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{12}$ ev, respectively. The estimate of the energy of the primary event is also obtained from its total energy dissipated. The validity of the energies of the primary as well as of the secondary events as obtained from their angular distribution is discussed. The average transverse momentum of the shower particles is \ensuremath{\sim}0.30 Bev/c. The energy and the angles of shower particles of both these events are transferred to the c.m. system which shows sharp collimation of particles of high energy at small angles with the shower axis. The energy distribution in the c.m. system for both these events is peaked towards low values but shows a remarkably long tail at high energies extending up to 12 Bev. Analysis of both these events is consistent with the "two-fireball" model.
Rigorous quantitative sciences integration—the foundation of high-dimensional genomic research

With the recent rapid increases in the high-dimensionality of genomic data generation comes an increased burden on the biostatisticians and bioinformaticians who process and analyze this data. Study designs must be adapted to the volume of data now available, eliminating designs that rely on fishing and taking advantage of the massive amounts of publically available genomic data through data-mining. Most importantly, it is no longer sufficient to have a single person handling the data analysis. To get the breadth of expertise needed to analyze high-dimensional data and to have the appropriate checks to eliminate the costly mistakes that are so easy to make when handling this volume of data, specialists from many different areas of quantitative sciences must be brought together to approach high-dimensional data analysis as an integrated team.
An advanced IF amplifier and AFT system suitable for HDTV

A circuit which performs the function of intermediate frequency (IF) amplification AGC (automatic gain control), AFT, and demodulation of a TV IF signal for both positive and negative modulation signals is described. The following techniques were used in developing this device: (a) a new AFT system that eliminates the need for an AFT tuned circuit; (b) a chopper stabilized phase detector which greatly reduces PLL (phase-locked loop) phase offsets and, hence, quadrature distortion; (c) wideband postdetector feedback amplifiers which reduce sound/chroma beat products; (d) a reactance tuned VCO (voltage-controlled oscillator) at half intermediate frequency; and (e) improved demodulation circuits which lower distortion. It is concluded that this system has superior performances and fewer external components and adjustments, requires no shielding, and is much easier to use than existing systems. >
On-road evaluation of emission impacts of roundabouts

Reduced emissions and improved air quality are typically attributed to the use of roundabouts rather than traditional stop or signal control. Roundabouts are expected to reduce emissions as a result of reduced delays and stops. However, roundabouts slow all vehicles to speeds at which emissions may be higher, while signals stop and delay only a portion of vehicles. Roundabouts may also increase the amount of acceleration and deceleration for all vehicles. Because emissions are correlated to these modal events, their impacts should be considered in the evaluation of roundabouts. An on-road assessment of the emission impacts of two roundabouts compared with other types of traffic control was conducted with a vehicle instrumented with a portable emissions monitor. Emissions were measured along two corridors in Woodbury, Minnesota, with two drivers. The corridor at Bailey Road had two four-way stop-controlled intersections, one roundabout, and one signal. The corridor at Lake Road had one four-way stop, one roundabout, and one signal. Intersection spacing and traffic parameters were similar along each corridor. Emissions were compared for sections 750 ft upstream and 750 ft downstream of each intersection. Traffic conditions during data collection along both corridors were uncongested. Average emission rate by driver was compared for the three types of traffic control. Results suggested that emissions were highly dependent on driver behavior. The roundabouts did not necessarily have lower emissions than traditional stop or signal control.
Component-oriented modeling of hybrid dynamic systems using the generic modeling environment

This paper presents a component oriented modeling environment for building hybrid dynamic models of physical system. The modeling environment is created using the generic modeling environment (GME), a meta programmable visual modeling application developed at the Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS). The core of the modeling language itself is a hybrid extension of the bond graph modeling language. The advantages of an object-oriented approach to physical system modeling combined with the advanced features of GME for managing model complexity are illustrated by building a library of hydraulic system components. A simulation model can be automatically generated from the physical system model using a model translator. As an example application we use the component library to build the model of a coupled multi-tank system with controlled and autonomous hybrid behaviors, and illustrate this with a simulation example.
Deviation of Dielectric Constant from Ideality for Certain Binary Solvent Systems

An equation was derived which relates the dielectric constant of mixtures of a binary solvent system to the mole fraction of the polar and nonpolar components of the system. The coefficients of the formula are readily calculated from the dielectric constant and the molar volume of the pure components of the binary solvent system. These calculated values are employed in graphical representations of the theoretical relationship of the dielectric constant of the binary solvent system and the mole fraction of the polar component of the solvent system. Experimental measurements are employed to demonstrate deviations from ideality.
STRESSED-BIASED ACTUATORS: FATIGUE AND LIFETIME

ABSTRACT In order to fully understand the performance envelope of Stress-biased piezoelectric actuators, which offer an alternative to electromechanical motors, experimental work was conducted to assess the effects of operational conditions on device performance and fatigue during device lifetime, including tests at five loads, two actuator widths, and two substrate thicknesses and related to the displacement, dielectric, resonance, and impedance properties. Applied load increased the displacement, contributed to substantially decreased lifetime and determined the fatigue mechanism. Highly loaded samples experienced domain pinning, while lightly loaded samples suffered from micro-cracking. Lateral and longitudinal stresses had a similar effect.
Non-centralized target tracking with mobile agents

In this paper we consider the problem of target tracking in a network of mobile agents. We propose a scheme with agents that are endowed with processing and decision-making capabilities and without a central unit that controls them and/or fuses information. The agents measure received signal strengths from the targets and communicate it to the remaining agents engaged in the tracking. Each agent applies particle filtering for tracking and uses an algorithm for optimal agent deployment for the next time instant. We describe the details of the tracking from its initialization to its completion. We demonstrate the proposed method by computer simulations.
Low power 3D MEMS optical switches

Optical switching is a low power, low cost solution to the need for higher capacity switching. We review optical architectures and review interesting design aspects of 3D MEMS switches and their impact on overall switch performance.
Superconductors as very high-speed system-level interconnects

The anticipated propagation characteristics at 77 K of superconducting transmission lines using the new high critical temperature superconductor Ba-Y-Cu-O are calculated and compared with propagation characteristics at 77 K and 300 K of normal aluminum interconnects. The major advantages of superconducting interconnections are: 1) packing density can be increased without incurring the penalties of high loss associated with very dense interconnects of normally conducting lines; 2) propagation time can be greatly reduced; and 3) dispersion is virtually nonexistent for frequencies up to several tens of gigahertz. The peak RF magnetic field (i.e., the linear surface critical current density) and the penetration depth are important material parameters in the operation of superconducting transmission lines.
Automatic direct and indirect schema mapping: experiences and lessons learned

Schema mapping produces a semantic correspondence between two schemas. Automating schema mapping is challenging. The existence of 1:n (or n:1) and n:m mapping cardinalities makes the problem even harder. Recently, we have studied automated schema mapping techniques (using data frames and domain ontology snippets) that not only address the traditional 1:1 mapping problem, but also the harder 1:n and n:m mapping problems. Experimental results show that the approach can achieve excellent precision and recall. In this paper, we share our experiences and lessons we have learned during our schema mapping studies.
Guiding the ocean search process: Applying public land experience to the design of leasing and permitting systems for ocean mining and ocean shipwrecks

The federal administration of the Mining Law of 1872 and of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 offers a wealth of experience on the public lands that should be taken into account in managing ocean res...
A superquadratic indefinite elliptic system and its Morse-Conley-Floer homology.

We study critical points of the indefinite functional $f_H(u, v)=\int\{\nabla u\cdot\nabla v- H(x, u, v) \}\mathrm{d} x$ by applying Floer's homology construction to the ordinary gradient flow of the functional f on a suitable Sobolev space. One of our main observations is that even though this flow is well posed in both time directions and lacks any kind of smoothing property one can still obtain compactness of connecting orbit spaces and thus define the Floer homology for $f_H$ .
Base free, one-pot synthesis of lactic acid from glycerol using a bifunctional Pt/Sn-MFI catalyst

Under base free and mild reaction conditions, 80.5% selectivity of lactic acid (LA) was achieved at 89.8% conversion of glycerol using a bifunctional Pt/Sn-MFI catalyst. In the tandem reaction pathway, selective oxidation of glycerol to glyceraldehyde (GLA) and dihydroxyacetone (DHA) was cascaded with Lewis acid catalyzed isomerization of GLA/DHA into LA.
Influence of the Length of the Lipooligosaccharide α Chain on Its Sialylation in Neisseria meningitidis

The sialylation of lipooligosaccharide (LOS) in Neisseria meningitidis plays a role in the resistance of the organism to killing by normal human serum. The length of the α chain extending out from the heptose I [Hep (I)] moiety of LOS influenced sialylation of N. meningitidis LOS in vitro and in vivo. The α chain required a terminal Gal and a trisaccharide or longer oligosaccharide to serve as an acceptor for sialylation. The disaccharide lactose (Galβ1-4Glc) in the α chain of immunotype L8 LOS could not function as an acceptor for the sialyltransferase, probably due to steric hindrance imposed by the neighboring Hep (II) with phosphorylethanolamine and another group attached.
Evaluation of udder preparations on intramammary infections.

Udder preparations of wet towel plus drying and .1% iodophor premilking teat dipping plus drying were compared with no preparation to determine effects on number of new intramammary infections. Teats of 84 cows were challenged (5 d/wk) for 18 wk with a culture broth of Streptococcus uberis 3 h prior to each p.m. milking to stimulate environmental contamination. Wet towel plus drying and premilking teat dipping plus drying significantly reduced number of new intramammary infections compared to no preparation. Cleaning with water or dipping with a premilking teat dip and manual drying of teats may have contributed to the reduction in number of new infections. Premilking teat dipping plus drying further reduced number of new infections compared to use of wet towel plus drying. Apparently, teat dipping was more effective in reducing the number of new infections than water used with the wet towel. This study showed that udder preparations can affect udder health when an experimental bacterial challenge is applied.
Risk factors for pelvis fracture in older persons.

From 1996 to 2001, the authors undertook a case-control study of 192 pelvis fracture cases (men and women) and 2,402 controls aged � 45 years at five Kaiser Permanente medical centers in Northern California. Most information on potential risk factors was obtained by means of an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Number of fractures since age 45 years and a maternal history of hip fracture were associated with increased risks. Several factors thought to protect against loss of bone mass, including recent use of menopausal hormone therapy (adjusted odds ratio (OR) ¼ 0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33, 0.91) and high body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m) 2 ; per 5-unit increase, adjusted OR ¼ 0.65, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.81), were associated with decreased risks, while cigarette smoking (adjusted OR ¼ 2.17, 95% CI: 1.34, 3.52) and hysterectomy (adjusted OR ¼ 1.75, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.66) were associated with increased risks. Various conditions related to propensity to fall were associated with increased risks. Most indicators of frailty, including use of walking aids and needing help with or being unable to perform various activities of daily living, conferred increased risks. Thus, low bone mass, frailty, and probably a propensity to fall appear to be associated with increased risk of pelvis fracture. accidental falls; aged; estrogen replacement therapy; fractures; frail elderly; osteoporosis; pelvis
Role of Menaquinones in Fe(III) Reduction by Membrane Fractions of Shewanella putrefaciens

Two Tn5-generated mutants of Shewanella putrefaciens with insertions in menD and menB were isolated and analyzed. Both mutants were deficient in the use of several terminal electron acceptors, including Fe(III). This deficiency was overcome by the addition of menaquinone (vitamin K2). Isolated membrane fractions from both mutants were unable to reduce Fe(III) in the absence of added menaquinone when formate was used as the electron donor. These results indicate that menaquinones are essential components for the reduction of Fe(III) by both whole cells and purified membrane fractions when formate or lactate is used as the electron donor.
Processing Bi-2212/Ag thick films under a high magnetic field: On the Bi-2212/Ag interface effect

Bi-2212/Ag thick films have been melt-processed under the influence of a 10 T magnetic field. With a liquid phase present, the Bi-2212 grain orientation can be controlled by the magnetic field. Under these conditions, the c-axis of the Bi-2212 grains produced is always parallel to the applied magnetic field direction and does not depend on the Bi-2212/Ag interface orientation. As a result, a 10 T magnetic field enhances the Bi-2212 grain orientation and texture development for thick films.
Self-powered signal processing using vibration-based power generation

Low power design trends raise the possibility of using ambient energy to power future digital systems. A chip has been designed and tested to demonstrate the feasibility of operating a digital system from power generated by vibrations in its environment. A moving coil electromagnetic transducer was used as a power generator. Calculations show that power on the order of 400 /spl mu/W can be generated. The test chip integrates an ultra-low power controller to regulate the generator voltage using delay feedback techniques, and a low power subband filter DSP load circuit. Tests verify 500 kHz self-powered operation of the subband filter, a level of performance suitable for sensor applications. The entire system, including the DSP load, consumes 18 /spl mu/W of power. The chip is implemented in a standard 0.8 /spl mu/m CMOS process. A single generator excitation produced 23 ms of valid DSP operation at a 500 kHz clock frequency, corresponding to 11,700 cycles.
Delayed type hypersensitivity response to recall antigens does not accurately reflect immune competence in advanced stage breast cancer patients.

The development of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to recall antigens has long been utilized as a measure of immune competence. It is assumed that because patients with advanced stage cancers exhibit multiple immune system defects they may not be responsive to immunization. We pre-selected patients with advanced HER-2/neu (HER2) overexpressing breast and ovarian cancers for enrolment into a phase I trial designed to evaluate the immunogenicity of a HER2 peptide vaccine based on the patient's immune competence as assessed by DTH skin testing to common recall antigens (Multitest CMI, Institut Merieux, Lyon, France). At the time of a positive DTH response to tetanus toxoid (tt) peripheral blood was obtained to measure T cell responses to tt. Of 53 patients evaluated, 38 (72%) were not anergic. Among the 15 (28%) who were, seven patients with advanced stage breast cancer were re-tested a median of 26 days (range 12–150 days) after receiving a tt booster vaccination. Five of the seven had positive DTH responses when re-challenged with tt and six had peripheral blood tetanus specific T cell response with stimulation index > 2.0. Thus, the majority of patients studied with advanced stage breast or ovarian cancer were able to mount a DTH response to common recall antigens. Moreover, a negative response by DTH testing to a battery of common recall antigens was not a reflection of the breast cancer patient's ability to mount a cell-mediated immune response to a vaccinated antigen, tt.
Art therapy on a bone marrow transplant unit: the case study of a Vietnam veteran fighting myelofibrosis

At this time in history, the medical world is beginning to accept holistic approaches to aid in the psychosocial treatment of its patients. This is particularly true for cancer patients. Art therapy is one such psychosocial intervention that provides many possibilities for healing for such patients. This case study examines the art therapy experience of one such patient, a 52-year-old male in medical isolation after having received stem cell transplantation (SCT) to treat myelofibrosis, a life-threatening illness. The patient was a Vietnam Veteran and had a history of alcohol abuse. This study examines how the patient’s history impacted his state of mind during hospitalization and isolation and how this was reflected in his artwork. Art therapy provided a means of examining this patient’s past traumas so that he could then move into examining and living in the present moment. It also provides an example of how art therapy moves beyond the means of art making as healing to the world of metaphor and mental imagery as healing agents in a therapeutic process.
Revealing the Hidden Sentence: The Hierarchy of Knowledge in the Age of Mass Incarceration

Scholarship on the imprisonment binge has engaged in a binge of its own, writing furiously on mass incarceration to the detriment of overlooking less visible forms of punishment. Penology has thus become organized in a hierarchy of knowledge, leaving an assumption that epistemologically marginalized penal practices simply mirror the trends in imprisonment. Closer investigation of non-carceral punishments reveals inconsistencies in the dominant, mass incarceration discourse, especially when considering those penal forms that occupy the bottom of the hierarchy of knowledge: the hidden sentence. The hidden sentence is all punishment imposed by law as a direct result of criminal status, but not as part of any “official”, judicially enunciated sentence. It consists of both “offenders’ rights” and the so-called “collateral consequences of criminal convictions”, making it the deepest, longest, and most prevalent form of punishment in the U.S. system. Most importantly, reconceptualizing both sets of practices as the hidden sentence problematizes their academic and political opacity. The hidden sentence is neither collateral nor merely consequential; it is primary, purposive punishment — but it is hidden. Hiddenness is the feature for which the story of mass incarceration cannot account. The imprisonment binge is supposedly explained entirely as expressive retribution and fear-driven incapacitation — but thoughtlessly instituted punishments without any apparent purpose do not fit that depiction. This paper argues therefore that an in-depth, historical investigation of the hidden sentence is sorely needed, and it concludes by theoretically outlining a plausible, illegitimate function of the modern penal system: the reproduction of assumed difference.
Christian Freedom Reconsidered: The Case of Kierkegaard

In this discussion I have taken up only one of Kierkegaard's writings, Philosophical Fragments (1844). I have not gone very far into the problems of Kierkegaard's intentions in the pseudonymous literature. I have assumed that he meant pretty much what he said in the Fragments ; but even if he did not, the issues there pursued are what they are, i.e., are worth someone's efforts.
The Simple Continued Fraction Expansion of e

(1970). The Simple Continued Fraction Expansion of e. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 77, No. 9, pp. 968-974.
Defending Democracy at Ace Taxi Co-operative

In 2009, Ace Taxi co-op, a taxi co-operative in the Midwestern US was facing problems with conflict and discipline. Disciplinary issues were beginning to take up too much of management and the board’s time; members were not satisfied and were suspicious of the discipline decisions being made; and the way decisions were being made was not in line with Ace Taxi’s values. The board and management were exercising too much power and members of the co-op were beginning to feel uneasy with this. The process was becoming unjust and this was a major concern for the membership. The co-op, after all, had been established to provide a just workplace for everyone. Through various groups and committees, some members collected input from the general membership and investigated several options to remedy the situation. A consensus model was used to design a new disciplinary policy to uphold the values and mission of the co- op. The resulting policy is based on participation and democracy rather than hierarchy and authority.
Electrokinetics, Adsorption and Colloid Study of Simulated Nuclear Waste Glasses Leached in Aqueous Solutions

Zeta potentials of SRL-131-29.8% TOS simulated nuclear waste glasses leached in D.I. water, Al, Ca, Mg, and Zn chloride solutions at 90°C were measured as a function of leaching time. For short term leaching, the adsorption of Ca, Mg, Zn and Al reverses the glass surface potential from negative to positive. Colloids were found to be stable in D.I. water and AICl 3 solutions after leaching, presumably due to the electrostatic repulsion between the glass surface and similarly charged particles. Colloids were not found in Mg, Zn or Ca chloride solutions after leaching; instead, a relatively thick metasilicate surface layer was formed on glass surfaces leached in these solutions. The concentration of Si in solution is reduced by the formation of these surface layers.
Systematic review of character development and childhood chronic illness.

AIM: To review empirical evidence on character development among youth with chronic illnesses. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and PSYCHINFO from inception until November 2013 to find quantitative studies that measured character strengths among youth with chronic illnesses. Inclusion criteria were limited to English language studies examining constructs of character development among adolescents or young adults aged 13-24 years with a childhood-onset chronic medical condition. A librarian at Duke University Medical Center Library assisted with the development of the mesh search term. Two researchers independently reviewed relevant titles (n = 549), then abstracts (n = 45), and finally manuscripts (n = 3). RESULTS: There is a lack of empirical research on character development and childhood-onset chronic medical conditions. Three studies were identified that used different measures of character based on moral themes. One study examined moral reasoning among deaf adolescents using Kohlberg’s Moral Judgement Instrument; another, investigated moral values of adolescent cancer survivors with the Values In Action Classification of Strengths. A third study evaluated moral behavior among young adult survivors of burn injury utilizing the Tennessee Self-Concept, 2nd edition. The studies observed that youth with chronic conditions reasoned at less advanced stages and had a lower moral self-concept compared to referent populations, but that they did differ on character virtues and strengths when matched with healthy peers for age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Yet, generalizations could not be drawn regarding character development of youth with chronic medical conditions because the studies were too divergent from each other and biased from study design limitations. CONCLUSION: Future empirical studies should learn from the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature on character development among youth with chronic medical conditions.
Measurement of Inflammation in Eosinophilic Esophagitis Using an Eosinophil Peroxidase Assay

Measurement of Inflammation in Eosinophilic Esophagitis Using an Eosinophil Peroxidase Assay
Contrast Mechanisms in X-Ray Microscopy

This paper provides a physical explanation of the interaction of soft x-rays with microscopy samples in terms that are intended to be intelligible to nonphysicists. The use of the refractive index as a way of parameterizing the response of the sample to the radiation field is explained. This notion is then applied to understanding amplitude, phase and scattering contrast. A method is given for obtaining a quantitative measure of contrast in a form suitable for making dose estimates for detection of a sample feature according to the Rose criterion.
Authentic servant-leadership exemplified by early childhood educator David Lawrence Jr.: A case study

Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd Part of the Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Human Resources Management Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Nonprofit Administration and Management Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Organization Development Commons, Other Educational Administration and Supervision Commons, Pre-Elementary, Early Childhood, Kindergarten Teacher Education Commons, and the Urban Education Commons
SU‐F‐R‐41: Regularized PCA Can Model Treatment‐Related Changes in Head and Neck Patients Using Daily CBCTs

Purpose: To use daily cone beam CTs (CBCTs) to develop regularized principal component analysis (PCA) models of anatomical changes in head and neck (H&N) patients, to guide replanning decisions in adaptive radiation therapy (ART). Methods: Known deformations were applied to planning CT (pCT) images of 10 H&N patients to model several different systematic anatomical changes. A Pinnacle plugin was used to interpolate systematic changes over 35 fractions, generating a set of 35 synthetic CTs for each patient. Deformation vector fields (DVFs) were acquired between the pCT and synthetic CTs and random fraction-to-fraction changes were superimposed on the DVFs. Standard non-regularized and regularized patient-specific PCA models were built using the DVFs. The ability of PCA to extract the known deformations was quantified. PCA models were also generated from clinical CBCTs, for which the deformations and DVFs were not known. It was hypothesized that resulting eigenvectors/eigenfunctions with largest eigenvalues represent the major anatomical deformations during the course of treatment. Results: As demonstrated with quantitative results in the supporting document regularized PCA is more successful than standard PCA at capturing systematic changes early in the treatment. Regularized PCA is able to detect smaller systematic changes against the background of random fraction-to-fraction changes. To be successful at guiding ART, regularized PCA should be coupled with models of when anatomical changes occur: early, late or throughout the treatment course. Conclusion: The leading eigenvector/eigenfunction from the both PCA approaches can tentatively be identified as a major systematic change during radiotherapy course when systematic changes are large enough with respect to random fraction-to-fraction changes. In all cases the regularized PCA approach appears to be more reliable at capturing systematic changes, enabling dosimetric consequences to be projected once trends are established early in the treatment course. This work is supported in part by a grant from Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA
Automatic Hippocampal Subfield Segmentation from 3T Multi-modality Images.

Hippocampal subfields play important and divergent roles in both memory formation and early diagnosis of many neurological diseases, but automatic subfield segmentation is less explored due to its small size and poor image contrast. In this paper, we propose an automatic learning-based hippocampal subfields segmentation framework using multi-modality 3T MR images, including T1 MRI and resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI). To do this, we first acquire both 3T and 7T T1 MRIs for each training subject, and then the 7T T1 MRI are linearly registered onto the 3T T1 MRI. Six hippocampal subfields are manually labeled on the aligned 7T T1 MRI, which has the 7T image contrast but sits in the 3T T1 space. Next, corresponding appearance and relationship features from both 3T T1 MRI and rs-fMRI are extracted to train a structured random forest as a multi-label classifier to conduct the segmentation. Finally, the subfield segmentation is further refined iteratively by additional context features and updated relationship features. To our knowledge, this is the first work that addresses the challenging automatic hippocampal subfields segmentation using 3T routine T1 MRI and rs-fMRI. The quantitative comparison between our results and manual ground truth demonstrates the effectiveness of our method. Besides, we also find that (a) multi-modality features significantly improved subfield segmentation performance due to the complementary information among modalities; (b) automatic segmentation results using 3T multi-modality images are partially comparable to those on 7T T1 MRI.
Counterfactual Plausibility and Comparative Similarity

Counterfactual thinking involves imagining hypothetical alternatives to reality. Philosopher David Lewis (1973, 1979) argued that people estimate the subjective plausibility that a counterfactual event might have occurred by comparing an imagined possible world in which the counterfactual statement is true against the current, actual world in which the counterfactual statement is false. Accordingly, counterfactuals considered to be true in possible worlds comparatively more similar to ours are judged as more plausible than counterfactuals deemed true in possible worlds comparatively less similar. Although Lewis did not originally develop his notion of comparative similarity to be investigated as a psychological construct, this study builds upon his idea to empirically investigate comparative similarity as a possible psychological strategy for evaluating the perceived plausibility of counterfactual events. More specifically, we evaluate judgments of comparative similarity between episodic memories and episodic counterfactual events as a factor influencing people's judgments of plausibility in counterfactual simulations, and we also compare it against other factors thought to influence judgments of counterfactual plausibility, such as ease of simulation and prior simulation. Our results suggest that the greater the perceived similarity between the original memory and the episodic counterfactual event, the greater the perceived plausibility that the counterfactual event might have occurred. While similarity between actual and counterfactual events, ease of imagining, and prior simulation of the counterfactual event were all significantly related to counterfactual plausibility, comparative similarity best captured the variance in ratings of counterfactual plausibility. Implications for existing theories on the determinants of counterfactual plausibility are discussed.
On the origin of the visible light responsible for proton dose measurement using plastic optical fibers

We experimentally and by means of Monte Carlo simulations investigated the origin of the visible signal responsible for proton therapy dose measurement using bare plastic optical fibers. Experimentally, the fiber optic probe, embedded in tissue-mimicking plastics, was irradiated with a proton beam produced by a proton therapy cyclotron and the luminescence spectroscopy was performed by a CCD-coupled spectrograph to analyze the emission spectrum of the fiber tip. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using FLUKA Monte Carlo code to stochastically simulate radiation transport, ionizing radiation dose deposition, and optical emission of Cerenkov radiation. The spectroscopic study of proton-irradiated plastic fibers showed a continuous spectrum with shape different from that of Cerenkov radiation. The Monte Carlo simulations confirmed that the amount of the generated Cerenkov light does not follow the radiation absorbed dose in a medium. Our results show that the origin of the optical signal responsible for the proton dose measurement using bare optical fibers is not Cerenkov radiation. Our results point toward a connection between the scintillation of the plastic material of the fiber and the origin of the signal responsible for dose measurement.
Screening, treatment initiation, and referral for substance use disorders.

Substance use remains a leading cause of preventable death globally. A model of intervention known as screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) was developed decades ago to facilitate time- and resource-sensitive interventions in acute care and outpatient settings. SBIRT, which includes a psychosocial intervention incorporating the principles of motivational interviewing, has been shown to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption and consequences in unhealthy drinkers both in primary care and emergency department settings. Subsequently, SBIRT for unhealthy alcohol use has been endorsed by governmental agencies and professional societies in multiple countries. Although most trials support the efficacy of SBIRT for unhealthy alcohol use (McQueen et al. in Cochrane Database Syst Rev 8, 2011; Kaner et al. in Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2, 2007; O’Donnell et al. in Alcohol Alcohol 49(1):66–78, 2014), results are heterogenous; negative studies exist. A newer approach to screening and intervention for substance use can incorporate initiation of medication management at the index visit, for individuals willing to do so, and for providers and healthcare systems that are appropriately trained and resourced. Our group has conducted two successful trials of an approach we call screening, treatment initiation, and referral (STIR). In one trial, initiation of nicotine pharmacotherapy coupled with screening and brief counseling in adult smokers resulted in sustained biochemically confirmed abstinence. In a second trial, initiation of buprenorphine for opioid dependent individuals resulted in greater engagement in treatment at 30 days and greater self-reported abstinence. STIR may offer a new, clinically effective approach to the treatment of substance use in clinical care settings.
Limestone and Calcined Clay Blended Cement Used as Low-Cost Binder to Reduce Heat Production and Potential for Delayed Ettringite Formation

The use of mass concrete for the construction of infrastructure has become more prevalent in recent history. However, the use of Portland cement as a binder material for massive concrete structures is both highly expensive and can come with durability issues such as delayed ettringite formation resulting from heat produced during hydration. The use of limestone calcined clay cement binder offers a low-cost alternative to mitigate potential problems borne from construction of mass concrete. This paper presents research in which limestone and calcined clay were used as partial replacement of Portland cement to create low heat, low cost binder for mass concrete members. The specimens were evaluated for the potential for delayed ettringite formation; results were confirmed with scanning electron microscopy. Isothermal conduction calorimetry was performed at temperatures of 23 °C, 70 °C, and 85 °C which showed a reduction in heat production in paste amended with limestone calcined clay cement (LC3). The results of this study indicate that the incorporation LC3 binder of calcined clay and limestone provides higher alumina and lower sulfate which contributes to the mitigation of deleterious ettringite formation. Several conclusions were drawn from this study: LC3 can be used to create more financially viable materials for developing areas to create massive concrete structures and the concrete produced with LC3 as the concrete has a lower potential for delayed ettringite formation due to both lowered heat and chemical composition.
Molecular Neuroscience in the 21st Century: A Personal Perspective

Neuroscience is inherently interdisciplinary in its quest to explain the brain. Like all biological structures, the brain operates at multiple levels, from nano-scale molecules to meter-scale systems. Here, I argue that understanding the nano-scale organization of the brain is not only helpful for insight into its function, but is a requisite for such insight. I propose that one impediment to a better understanding of the brain is that most of its molecular processes are incompletely understood, and suggest a number of key questions that require our attention so that progress can be achieved in neuroscience beyond a description of the activity of neural circuits.
Drain Failure in Intra-Abdominal Abscesses Associated with Appendicitis.

Abstract Background: Previous studies have suggested that percutaneous drainage and interval appendectomy is an effective treatment for appendicitis with associated abscess. Few studies to date have analyzed risk factors for failed drain management. We hypothesized that older patients with more co-morbidities would be at higher risk for failing conservative treatment. Methods: The 2010–2014 editions of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) were queried for patients with diagnoses of peri-appendiceal abscesses. Minors and elective admissions were excluded. We identified patients who underwent percutaneous drainage and defined drain failure as undergoing a surgical operation after drainage but during the same inpatient visit to assess for factors associated with failure of drainage alone as a treatment. After univariable analysis, binomial logistic regression was used to assess for independent risk factors. Frequencies were analyzed by χ2 and continuous variables by Student's t-test. Results: A total of 2,209...
Congressional Redistricting: Keeping Communities Together?

The process of congressional redistricting, delineating boundaries for districts in which voters elect members to the U.S. House of Representatives, has always been an expensive and controversial p...
Oxalate Transport by the Mouse Intestine in Vitro Is Not Affected by Chronic Challenges to Systemic Acid-Base Homeostasis

In rats, we recently showed how a chronic metabolic acidosis simultaneously reduced urinary oxalate excretion and promoted oxalate secretion by the distal colon leading to the proposition that acid–base disturbances may trigger changes to renal and intestinal oxalate handling. The present study sought to reproduce and extend these observations using the mouse model, where the availability of targeted gene knockouts (KOs) would offer future opportunities to reveal some of the underlying transporters and mechanisms involved. Mice were provided with a sustained load of acid (NH4Cl), base (NaHCO3) or the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide (ATZ) for 7 days after which time the impacts on urinary oxalate excretion and its transport by the intestine were evaluated. Mice consuming NH4Cl developed a metabolic acidosis but urinary oxalate was only reduced 46% and not statistically different from the control group, while provision of NaHCO3 provoked a significant 2.6-fold increase in oxalate excretion. For mice receiving ATZ, the rate of urinary oxalate excretion did not change significantly. Critically, none of these treatments altered the fluxes of oxalate (or chloride) across the distal ileum, cecum or distal colon. Hence, we were unable to produce the same effects of a metabolic acidosis in mice that we had previously found in rats, failing to find any evidence of the ‘gut-kidney axis’ influencing oxalate handling in response to various acid–base challenges. Despite the potential advantages offered by KO mice, this model species is not suitable for exploring how acid–base status regulates oxalate handling between the kidney and intestine.
Dr. Strangeweb: Or How They Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love Cyber War

This chapter argues that there are many parallels between discussions of cyber terrorism and cyber war on the one hand, and discussions of terrorism and state terrorism on the other. The chapter begins by tracing these parallels. Next, the chapter explores the development of cyber war capabilities by the major powers and others and focuses on the changes in United States cyber war doctrine. It concludes by considering the consequences of these increasing capabilities and doctrinal decisions, arguing that it is only by convention that these state behaviors are labeled as cyber war rather than cyber terror.
Case 6: Anaphylaxis, Anaphylactoid Reaction, or What Was It?

A 14-year-old healthy girl (weight 60 kg, height 150 cm) with idiopathic scoliosis is scheduled for a spinal instrumentation with Harrington rod placement for cosmetic reasons. She has no known drug or food allergies. The patient and her family have no history of anesthesia-related complications. The patient is taking no medications, is classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I (ASA 1), and has a hematocrit of 36 %. (She has donated 1 unit of blood.) In the operating room, the following drugs are given intravenously: midazolam (1 mg), thiopental (250 mg), fentanyl (100 μ[mu]g), and vecuronium (6 mg). An erythematous rash confined to the upper body is noted within 2 min of induction. Vital signs do not change. Her trachea is intubated without difficulty. Anesthesia is maintained with nitrous oxide 70 % in oxygen and isoflurane 0.6–0.8 %. The patient is given cefazolin (1 g) without any adverse effect over a 10-min period after being given a 100-mg test dose. Invasive monitors are placed. Fifteen minutes after induction, the rash has completely resolved. Three hundred milliliters of her own blood is collected from the central line before surgery for autotransfusion. The patient is turned prone and surgery commences. Ninety minutes after induction of anesthesia, the surgeon complains that the patient is moving. At this time, the vital signs are mean arterial pressure (MAP): 70 mmHg; heart rate: 72; and central venous pressure (CVP): 8 mmHg. The total IV crystalloids given at that time is 1,000 ml and the estimated surgical blood loss is 500 ml. Immediately after the second dose of vecuronium (2 mg), the patient becomes severely hypotensive with an MAP of 25, a pulse of 140 bpm, and an oxygen saturation of 86 %. There is no change in peak inspiratory pressure. No expiratory stridor or wheezing is heard. There is a decrease in the end-tidal CO2 from 30 to 18 mmHg. No rash is noted on face or arms. The rest of the body is draped and is unavailable for examination.
Multiple or familial café-au-lait spots is neurofibromatosis type 6: clarification of a diagnosis.

A cafe-au-lait macule (CALM) is an evenly pigmented macule or patch of variable size. Solitary CALMs are common birthmarks in up to 2.5 percent of normal neonates and their incidence rises to up to 25 percent in preschool-aged children. Two or more CALMs occur much less frequently. Multiple lesions may warrant investigation to identify an underlying disease including neurofibromatosis types 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis type 2, McCune-Albright syndrome, and neurofibromatosis type 1-like syndrome. Considered a hallmark and diagnostic criteria for NF1 is the presence of 6 or more CALMs greater than 0.5 cm in prepubertal individuals. Rare reports describe families which demonstrate the phenomenon of multiple CALMs without other stigmata of NF1 or evidence of other systemic disease. Herein is a description of the condition and justification for this entity to be named Neurofibromatosis type 6.
The story of white hall centre: outdoor education across the decades

This hefty tome provides a detailed history of White Hall Centre as the title suggests. However, the work stretches way beyond a history of one Local (Education) Authority centre and details aspect...