cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 223: National and Regional Trends in Hospitalizations for Hemorrhagic Stroke after Acute Myocardial Infarction in the United States: 1999-2010

Background: Elderly survivors of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are at elevated risk for hemorrhagic stroke, which has a mortality rate of approximately 50%. Increasing use of warfarin for arterial fibrillation and anti-platelet agents for AMI combined with an increasing aging population may have influenced the risk of post-AMI strokes. We sought to characterize temporal trends in the risk for and mortality from hemorrhagic stroke over 12 years among older AMI survivors of different age, sex, race, revascularization status, and region within the US. Methods: We used 100% of Medicare inpatient claims data to identify all fee-for-service (FFS) patients aged> 64 years who were hospitalized for AMI in 1999-2010. We excluded patients who died during the hospitalization or were transferred. Revascularization procedures were identified during the index admission. We used a Cox proportional-hazards regression model to estimate the risk-adjusted annual changes in one-year hemorrhagic stroke hospitalization after AMI, overall and by subgroups. Changes were adjusted by age, gender, race, medical history and comorbidities. We calculated the 30-day mortality among patients readmitted for hemorrhagic stroke. Stroke belt regions were defined as the states with high stroke hospitalization rates in the southeast United States. Results: Among 2,433,036 AMI hospitalizations and 4,852 hemorrhagic stroke readmissions, the risk-adjusted one-year post-AMI hemorrhagic stroke rate remained stable from 1999 to 2010 (range, 0.2% to 0.3%). No significant trends were found for post-AMI stroke rates across all age-sex-race groups and all treatment groups (Figure). Thirty-day mortality rates for stroke after AMI did not show significant changes (1999, 46.7%, 95% CI 39.9%-53.7%; 2010, 50.7%, 95% CI 45.3%-56.1%; range: 46.5% to 54.6%). No difference was found in post-AMI hemorrhagic stroke rates between the stroke belt and non-stroke belt regions. Conclusions: From 1999 to 2010, the overall hospitalization rates of hemorrhagic stroke after AMI were relatively stable without significant changes across all subgroups. Thirty-day mortality rates remained largely unchanged over time. Stroke risk in the stroke belt was not found significantly higher comparing with non-stroke belt states. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Long-Term Properties of Hoover Dam Mass Concrete

Hoover Dam, at its original construction in 1931-1936, was constructed with over 3.25 million cubic yards of concrete in the dam alone. Most of the concrete for the dam was mass concrete made with up to 9-inch maximum size aggregate (MSA). The original 28-day compressive strength tests performed for quality assurance during construction were found to be in the 3,500 lb/in range. In 1995, the Bureau of Reclamation’s Materials Engineering and Research Laboratory completed a testing program to evaluate the long term properties of the Hoover Dam concrete. Compressive strengths at this time were found to average 7,230 lb/in. Discussions will include the core sample locations and compressive, tensile and shear strength test results from this study, along with a discussion of determining the need for the core testing program.
Abstract 5796: Real-Time 3D Transesophageal Echo Enhances the Diagnostic Capabilities of Patent Foramen Ovale in Patient’s with Cerebral Vascular Accidents

Real-time 3D transesophageal echo (RT3D TEE) is a novel technology whereby RT3D rendering of ultrasound images is performed resulting in unique views of cardiac structures. We have presented initial data reporting the incidence of optimal en face visualization of cardiac structures including the fossa ovalis (FO). We aimed to further characterize the FO. Therefore, our hypotheses were that the FO could be seen en face in full circumferential view (CV) in most patients and saline contrast RT3D TEE would enhance the accuracy of patent foramen ovale (PFO) diagnosis compared to contrast 2D TEE. Therefore, in an unselected series of 124 patients referred for TEE, we performed RT3D TEE with specific views of the FO using the Philips x7–2t RT3D TEE transducer. Images of the FO were acquired in the real-time 3D, 3D zoom, and full volume modes. Visualization of the FO was scored by 2 separate observers using the following scale: full CV of the FO >1/2 CV no visualization. The visualization score was 1.44. The average maximal and minimal diameters of the FO during the cardiac cycle were 1.46±0.90 and 1.12±0.12cm and an average maximum area of 169±20mm2. The sensitivity of saline contrast RT3DTEE for PFO diagnosis was 100% with specificity of 96% due to 3 cases where PFO was seen only by RT3D TEE. RT3DTEE allows complete circumferential visualization of the FO in the majority of cases. Our determination of the size of the FO compares favorably with pathologic series Some cases of PFO can be expected to be detected only by RT3DTEE and therefore this technique should be performed when 2D TEE is negative for PFO but clinical suspicion remains high.
Coherent revival of tunneling

We introduce a tunneling effect by a driving field, referred to as coherent revival of tunneling (CRT), corresponding to complete tunneling (transmission coefficient $=1$) that is revived from the circumstance of total reflection (transmission coefficient $\ensuremath{\approx}0$) through application of an appropriate perpendicular high-frequency ac field. To illustrate CRT, we simulate electron transport through fish-bone-like quantum-dot arrays by using single-particle Green's functions along with Floquet theory, and we explore the corresponding current-field amplitude characteristics as well as current-polarization characteristics. In regard to the two characteristics, we show that CRT exhibits entirely different features than coherent destruction of tunneling and photon-assisted tunneling. We also discuss two practical conditions for experimental realization of CRT.
The Development of the German Macroeconomy

This chapter deals mainly with the remarkable upsurge of the German economy in the 19th century. The most often-mentioned characteristic of modern Germany in discussions of its economic development is the political fragmentation of the country; this appears extreme until well into the 19th century, at least compared with all but Italy in our sample of countries. At one time it was argued that the really strong economic acceleration in Germany came sometime after the formation of the Zollverein in 1834, but more recent data suggest that one can just as easily go back to the immediate post-Napoleonic period — or quite possibly earlier — to locate the source of modern growth. The difference, transparently, is crucial in the interpretation of what went on in Germany, since the earlier start might easily suggest that the oft-praised and certainly more visible mid-19th century bureaucratic control in Germany might have had less to do with the rapid economic progress that country experienced than is commonly supposed. This view is certainly a controversial one. It needs to be underscored, though, that the macro-details are not often directly relevant to this dispute and, in any case, there is obviously a lot to set down about the general macro-profile of modernizing Germany — and that is the main task of this study.
Kv4.2 knockout mice display learning and memory deficits in the Lashley maze.

Background : Potassium channels have been shown to be involved in neural plasticity and learning. Kv4.2 is a subunit of the A-type potassium channel. Kv4.2 channels modulate excitability in the dendrites of pyramidal neurons in the cortex and hippocampus. Deletion of Kv4.2 results in spatial learning and conditioned fear deficits; however, previous studies have only examined deletion of Kv4.2 in aversive learning tests. Methods : For the current study, we used the Lashley maze as an appetitive learning test. We examined Kv4.2 wildtype (WT) and knockout (KO) mice in the Lashley maze over 4 days during adulthood. The first day consisted of habituating the mice to the maze. The mice then received five trials per day for the next 3 days. The number of errors and the time to the goal box was recorded for each trial. The goal box contained a weigh boat with an appetitive reward (gelatin with sugar). There was an intertrial interval of 15 minutes. Results : We found that Kv4.2 KO mice committed more errors across the trials compared to the WT mice p <0.001. There was no difference in the latency to find the goal box over the period. Discussion : Our finding that deletion of Kv4.2 resulted in more errors in the Lashley maze across 15 trials contribute to a growing body of evidence that Kv4.2 channels are significantly involved in learning and memory.
Understanding transistor channel temperature in nonlinear microwave measurements and device operation

With the widespread use of high-voltage GaN devices and other high-power transistors, understanding the heating of a device during large-signal excitation and measurement is critical, both to ensure efficient operation and to prevent destruction of devices during measurement. Device self-heating during RF excitation is directly dependent upon the power-added efficiency of operation. All DC and RF power that is not converted to output RF power is dissipated in the device as heat. When properly applied, the traditional electrothermal model used in circuit simulators adequately calculates this self heating and yields some interesting results. In this paper, it is demonstrated that the load impedance providing maximum power-added efficiency also results in the lowest average dissipated power, and hence the lowest channel temperature, of the device. The variation in average dissipated power (and hence channel temperature) is also examined for different loading conditions; it is shown that some loading conditions produce a dissipated power that is actually higher than the DC power, a situation which often can lead to device failure during load-pull measurements.
Hypertensive Encephalopathy in Children with Sickle Cell Disease.

Abstract Cerebrovascular (CVA) accidents are a serious complication of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Acute cerebral infarction occurs in approximately 10% of children with SCD under the age of 16 years, with silent infarcts identified in an additional 22%. Children however can present with acute neurologic deterioration mimicking a CVA but demonstrate a picture consistent with hypertensive encephalopathy (HTNE). The incidence of HTNE in children with SCD is unknown with few annedoctal reports available in the literature. We retrospectively identified 83 children with SCD, who received their care at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC, from 1992 to 2005, who presented with neurologic complaints that prompted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). There were 37 females and 46 males, age 13 months to 17 years, with mean age of 5 years and 8 months. Clinical and neuro-imaging data identified 8 children (7 females and 1 male) with clinical picture compatible with HTNE (BP > 2 std deviation for age), prior to neuroimaging. At the time of the hypertensive episode, the ages ranged from 6 to 16 years and 8 months, with an average of 14 years and 2 months. All patients had Hb SS. Neurologic complaints included seizure, sudden onset headache, confusion, loss of consciousness, and urinary retention. Elevated blood pressures were aggressively treated and all patient received an exchange transfusion. No specific etiology for the hypertension was determined. Initial MRI, obtained within 24–48 hours of presentation, did not show acute or prior infarction in this group. However, there was absence of diffusion restriction on T1 and T2 weighted images, and presence of cerebral cortical edema, which differentiate HTNE from acute infarction. The magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) did not demonstrate evidence of arteriopathy. The hallmark of HTNE is a complete resolution of abnormalities of both the neurologic exam and the imaging studies at follow up. There was complete resolution of cerebral edema in all patients and mild interval prominence of the cerebral sulci, which can indicate cerebral volume loss, in three out of the 8 patients, in follow up studies obtained 10 days to 4 months later. No recurrences of the symptoms have been reported, with follow up ranging from 5 months to 8 years. None of the patients with HTNE has received chronic transfusions. We conclude that HTNE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an acute neurologic event in a child with SCD. Accurate recording of vital signs and prompt correction of hypertension is indicated. MRI can accurately distinguish between HTNE and acute infarction, even when clinical symptoms are similar. This distinction helps physicians to establish proper treatment such as chronic transfusion following infarction.
Just a "Puff of Smoke".

Case A 44 year old woman with a history of stroke s/p aneurysm clipping, seizure, and substance abuse was brought to the hospital after a family member received a call from her friend saying she was acting unusual and may have had a seizure while hanging out on the street. At her baseline, she needed modest assistance in daily activities after her CVA and conversed without issue. Her mother died of a stroke. On exam the patient was afebrile, normotensive with mild tachycardia to 110. The patient moved all her extremities but was lethargic, agitated, responded to pain but would not follow commands and moaned nonsensical speech. Labs were unrevealing with mild leukocytosis (WBC: 11.7 × 109/L);, normal metabolic panel, ammonia, glucose, and a negative urine toxicology. Initial computed tomography (CT); of her head demonstrated atrophy with large area of encephalomalacia in Left middle cerebral artery (MCA); area. Repeat CT, 1 day later showed edema and sulcal effacement in the right occipital, posterior, temporal, and posterior parietal lobes with evolving infarct in right posterior cerebral artery (PCA); and right MCA territories. CT angiogram showed occlusion of the clinoid segments of both internal carotid arteries, consistent with Moyamoya pattern of collateral flow. Neurosurgery was consulted and recommended cerebral bypass. The patient was unable to consent for surgery and her closest relative refused surgery. The patient received supportive therapy with minimal improvements in word findings/ communication and no improvement in inability to perform daily activities. She was accepted to inpatient stroke rehab upon discharge. Discussion Moyamoya disease is a rare vascular condition which leads to progressive stenosis of the internal carotid arteries through wall thickening of the associated arteries which leads to progressive strokes and the development of collateral vessels. Moyamoya is a Japanese term for a "puff of smoke" which describes the appearance on imaging of the small collateral vessels that develop around the progressively blocked arteries. There is a hereditary association and our patient's mother likely had the disease as well. The prognosis is poor and the disease will lead to a cognitive decline with associated CVAs. Treatment includes cerebral revascularization or bypass. The case highlights the need for early diagnosis, as our patient was too debilitated to make medical decisions for treatment at the time of her diagnosis.
Parental Support of Adult Children and Middle-Aged Couples' Marital Satisfaction.

Background and objectives Middle-aged adults commonly provide support to grown offspring. Yet little is known about how parental support may be related to parents' marital quality at midlife. This study explored couple patterns of support given to adult children and their implications for marital satisfaction. Research design and methods In a sample of 197 middle-aged couples from Wave 2 of the Family Exchanges Study, we estimated actor-partner interdependence models to evaluate the links between each spouse's reports of tangible and nontangible support given to adult children and their marital satisfaction. Results Wives and husbands were more satisfied with their marriage when they and their partner gave more frequent nontangible support to adult children. By contrast, wives and husbands were less satisfied with their marriage when they gave more frequent nontangible support to adult children and their partner gave low levels of this support. Discussion and implications Findings shed light on the conditions under which support given to adult offspring may enhance or undermine marital quality. This study highlights the value of considering both individual and couple-level characteristics of parent-child relationships and their potential consequences for midlife couples.
Is spirometry necessary to diagnose and control asthma

A 41-year-old woman presented with intermittent shortness of breath that worsened with exposure to cold air and cigarette smoke. She said her symptoms got better when she used albuterol, which had been prescribed after an emergency department visit during a worsening episode. The patient was
Mixed Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Pathology in Nhe6-Null Mouse Model of Christianson Syndrome.

Abstract Christianson syndrome (CS) is an X-linked disorder resulting from loss-of-function mutations in SLC9A6 , which encodes the endosomal Na + /H + exchanger 6 (NHE6). Symptoms include early developmental delay, seizures, intellectual disability, non-verbal status, autistic features, postnatal microcephaly, and progressive ataxia. Neuronal development is impaired in CS, involving defects in neuronal arborization and synaptogenesis, likely underlying diminished brain growth postnatally. In addition to neurodevelopmental defects, some reports have supported neurodegenerative pathology in CS with age. The objective of this study was to determine the nature of progressive changes in the postnatal brain in Nhe6 -null mice. We examined the trajectories of brain growth and atrophy in mutant mice from birth until very old age (2 years old). We report trajectories of volume changes in the mutant that likely reflect both brain undergrowth as well as tissue loss. Reductions in volume are first apparent at 2 months, particularly in the cerebellum, which demonstrates progressive loss of Purkinje cells (PC). We report PC loss in two distinct Nhe6 -null mouse models. More widespread reductions in tissue volumes, namely, in the hippocampus, striatum, and cortex, become apparent after 2 months, largely reflecting delays in growth with more limited tissue losses with aging. Also, we identify pronounced glial responses, particularly in major fiber tracts such as the corpus callosum, where the density of activated astrocytes and microglia are substantially increased. The prominence of the glial response in axonal tracts suggests a primary axonopathy. Importantly, therefore, our data support both neurodevelopmental and degenerative mechanisms in the pathobiology of CS. Significance Statement This study provides evidence for mixed neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative pathology in mouse models of Christianson syndrome (CS), an X-linked disorder resulting from mutations in the endosomal Na + /H + exchanger 6 (NHE6). These data provide important insights for a field where human MRI and postmortem data are limited. Neurodegenerative mechanisms appear prominent in major axon tracts, including a strong microglial response. This study expands on the importance of endosomal processes in neurologic disease. Further, studies of the pathobiology of CS may be relevant to the underlying mechanisms involved in more common brain conditions, both developmental and degenerative. The prominent microglial response raises interest in future pre-clinical studies in CS guided by efforts to target neuroimmunity in the treatment of neurologic disease.
Subplane collision probabilities method applied to control rod cusping in 2D/1D

Abstract The MPACT code is being jointly developed by the University of Michigan and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It uses the 2D/1D method to solve neutron transport problems for reactors. The 2D/1D method decomposes the problem into a stack of 2D planes, and uses a high fidelity transport method to resolve all heterogeneity in each plane. These planes are then coupled axially using a lower order solver. Using this scheme, 3D solutions to the transport equation can be obtained at a much lower cost. One assumption made by the 2D/1D method is that the materials are axially homogeneous for each 2D plane. Violation of this assumption requires homogenization, which can significantly reduce the accuracy of the calculation. This paper presents two new subgrid methods to address this issue. The first method is polynomial decusping, a simple correction used to address control rods partially inserted into a 2D plane. The second is the subplane collision probabilities method, which is a more accurate, more robust subgrid method that can be applied to other axial heterogeneities. Each method was applied to a variety of problems. Results were compared to fine mesh solutions which had no axial heterogeneity and to Monte Carlo reference solutions generated using KENO-VI. It was shown that the polynomial decusping method was effective in many cases, but it had some limitations, with 3D pin power errors as high as 25% compared to KENO-VI. The subplane collision probabilities method performed much better, lowering the maximum pin power error to less than 5% in every calculation.
A response spectrum-based indicator for structural damage prediction

Abstract Improving predictive relationships between strong ground motion and seismically induced damage in buildings is an important topic for seismic risk assessment. Spectral acceleration at a structure’s fundamental period Sa(T1) has often been used as the indicator of the potential damage a given ground motion may induce on structural systems. However, such a scalar indicator (Damage Potential Indicator, DPI) captures only limited information about the ground motion time history and response spectrum shape. In a severely damaged state, the effective period of a structure will change, which makes the structure respond to other parts of the response spectrum. In this study, a new response spectrum-based DPI that contains an intensity component and a spectral shape component is proposed. The critical period range of the response spectrum that should be considered in spectral shape evaluation is determined using a circle rule for bilinear single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems. The effectiveness of the newly proposed DPI is validated by comparing damage potential similarity using a database of ground motion records.
A Hierarchical Ensemble of α-Trees for Predicting Expensive Hospital Visits

Hospital charges are determined by numerous factors. Even the cost for the same procedure can vary greatly depending on a patient’s conditions, complications, and types of facilities. With the advent of Obamacare, estimating hospital charges has become an increasingly important problem in healthcare informatics. We propose a hierarchical ensemble of α-Trees to delicately deal with this challenging problem. In the proposed approach, multiple α-Trees are built to capture the different aspects of hospital charges, and then these multiple classifiers are uniquely combined for each hospital. Hospitals are characterized by unique weight vectors that explain the subtle differences in hospital specialties and patient groups. Experimental results based on the 2006 Texas inpatient discharge data show that our approach effectively captures the variability of hospital charges across different hospitals, and also provides a useful characterization of different hospitals in the process.
Anatomy of the Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon is the conjoined tendon of the two heads of the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscle. Together these structures are often referred to as the “gastroc-soleus complex.” It is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body and subject to tensile forces of up to 12.5 times body weight (9 kilonewton [kN ]) during sprinting 1 and six to eight times body weight during athletic activity such as jumping or cycling. 2 Due to its size and functional demands, the Achilles tendon is susceptible to both acute and chronic injuries and is directly or indirectly implicated in many pathologic conditions of the foot and ankle. To diagnose and treat these disorders, a thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the Achilles tendon and its surrounding structures is crucial.
Neighborhood Context, Family Cultural Values, and Latinx Youth Externalizing Problems.

Latinx youth living in the United States reside in a myriad of cultural and neighborhood contexts, yet little is known regarding how cultural values influence behavior problems across neighborhood contexts. Using a person–environment fit framework, the present study explored the degree to which youth cultural values were associated with their externalizing problems, and the degree to which this association was shaped by their neighborhood’s socioeconomic status (SES), and Latinx and immigrant concentration. The sample comprised of 998 Latinx youth (Female = 54.2%), ages 10 to 14 years old (Mage = 11.8), from three large United States metropolitan areas. Multilevel modeling methods indicated that increased fit between youth cultural values and neighborhood Latinx and immigrant concentration was associated with fewer externalizing problems, but only in higher SES neighborhoods. The results support the importance of studying social determinants of Latinx youth behavioral health, and provide implications for both neighborhood-level and individual-level prevention and intervention programming.
Remittances, Remittance Concentration, and Volatility: Is Africa Different from the Middle East?

This paper makes a new contribution to the empirical literature on the macroeconomic consequences of remittances using data over 1970-2015 period for 56 African and Middle Eastern countries to study the impact of (i) large remittance inflows and (ii) high concentration of origin of remittance on the volatilities of real GDP growth, exports-to-GDP ratio, nominal exports growth and nominal exchange rate depreciation. We find that (i) large remittances can reduce all types of volatility, especially in African countries, and (ii) high remittance concentration, by itself, has been associated with higher volatilities in African but not Middle Eastern countries, and that having both high remittances, but also high concentration aggravates all types of volatility in both regions, although results for the Middle East are not always conclusive.
Self-Regulation: Where Metacognition and Motivation Intersect

One of the most challenging issues that confronts educational researchers is explaining how students learn in self-regulated contexts, such as when studying or practicing on their own. Acquisition of skills in these demanding contexts requires more than passive compliance with prior directions; it also involves personal initiative, resourcefulness, and persistence-the motivational fire to which Yeats refers. There is evidence that proactive students often seek to create their own enriched environments for learning (Scarr & McCartney, 1983). However, learning in self-regulated contexts can be challenging for students due to (a) competing activities, such as watching television or conversing with friends, (b) insufficient knowledge about how to proceed, (c) difficulty in judging the quality of one’s learning, and (d) insufficient incentives. These attention, retention, self-awareness, and motivation issues have been studied as important attributes of selfregulated learners. Self-regulated learning refers to self-generated thoughts, feelings, and actions for attaining one’s learning goals.
Targeted inhibition of ErbB heterodimers in the Calu3 lung cancer cell line

2059 In cancer cells the ErbB/epidermal growth factor family of receptors (EGFR) which bind EGF and other ligands serve as effective targets for therapy. Expression of more than one ErbB family member, ErbB-1, ErbB-2, ErbB-3 or ErbB-4, leads to the formation of heterodimers or homodimers which have differential binding affinities and activation thresholds. Activating mutations in EGFR/ErbB-1 result in constitutive activation and perpetual growth of cells. In non-small cell lung cancer (nsclc) activating mutations in the kinase domain result in more effective responses to therapy targeted to EGFR. To gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of activation through ErbB family members in lung cancer, we undertook a study of ErbB signaling in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines where EGFR pathways were constitutively activated. In one line, calu3, EGFR was constitutively phosphorylated and culture with the EGFR specific inhibitor, AG1478 under usual conditions, failed to inhibit phosphorylation detected by anti-EGFR phospho-tyr992, while anti-EGFR phospho-tyr845 activity was only somewhat decreased. Further, culture with the neutralizing anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, clone LA1, failed to inhibit constitutive tyr 992 and 845 phosphorylation. Control experiments with other nsclc cell lines demonstrated effective inhibition of EGF stimulated EGFR phosphorylation with either AG1478 or LA1 at both tyr 992 and 845. Thus, constitutive activation of EGFR in calu3 resulted in responses distinct from those observed in control cells following EGF stimulation. Constitutive activation was not due to activating mutations in the EGFR kinase domain as PCR analyses of ErbB-1 exons19 and 21 demonstrated normal sequences. The potential causes of constitutive activation were further investigated by Western blot analyses which revealed that ErbB-2 and ErbB-3 were coexpressed in the calu3 cell line. Immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed ErbB-2 and ErbB-3 co-expression. Western blots of the immunoprecipitates revealed that ErbB-3 served as the substrate for phosphorylation. Downstream signals that might also be activated as a result of constitutive activation of ErbB-3 were addressed by examining Akt, Erk1,2 and PKCδ phosphorylation. Western blots revealed that both Akt and Erk1,2 were constitutively activated as evidenced by Akt (ser473) and Erk1,2 p44/42 (thr202/tyr204) phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of Akt and PKCδ were totally blocked by inhibition with AG1478 while Erk1,2 phosphorylation was substantially decreased, but still evident. In control experiments, the Erk1,2 specific inhibitor U0126 totally inhibited phosphorylation of Erk1,2. These data reveal a complexity of constitutive activation that merits further investigation. It is our goal that the delineation of the mechanisms of constitutive EGFR/ErbB-3 activation may reveal additional sites that could be used for targeted therapy.
Essential pharmacologic options for acute pain management in the emergency setting

Pain is the root cause for the overwhelming majority of emergency department (ED) visits worldwide. However, pain is often undertreated due to inappropriate analgesic dosing and ineffective utilization of available analgesics. It is essential for emergency providers to understand the analgesic armamentarium at their disposal and how it can be used safely and effectively to treat pain of every proportion within the emergency setting. A 'balanced analgesia' regimen may be used to treat pain while reducing the overall pharmacologic side effect profile of the combined analgesics. Channels-Enzymes-Receptors Targeted Analgesia (CERTA) is a multimodal analgesic strategy incorporating balanced analgesia by shifting from a system-based to a mechanistic-based approach to pain management that targets the physiologic pathways involved in pain signaling transmission. Targeting individual pain pathways allows for a variety of reduced-dose pharmacologic options - both opioid and non-opioid - to be used in a stepwise progression of analgesic strength as pain advances up the severity scale. By developing a familiarity with the various analgesic options at their disposal, emergency providers may formulate safe, effective, balanced analgesic combinations unique to each emergency pain presentation.
The use of progesterone intravaginal devices is superior to use of the ram effect at hastening the reproductive performance in transitional Targhee ewes.

Abstract To compare the use of controlled intravaginal drug release (CIDR, EAZI-BREED™ CIDR® Sheep, USA, Zoetis) with the ram effect, a combination of CIDR and ram effect and the addition of P.G.600® to each of these scenarios on their contribution to inducing the onset of cyclicity and their ability to improve reproductive efficiency in a commercial sheep flock, a randomized clinical trial was conducted. Multiparous ewes (n = 283) were randomly assigned to one of six treatments prior to intact male introduction on day 0: only CIDR devices (day −5 to day 0) (n = 40), exposure to two vasectomized rams (d-14 to d0) (n = 55), CIDR (d-5 to d0) and an intramuscular injection of P.G.600® (d0) (n = 40), exposure to two vasectomized rams (d-14 to d0) and treated with CIDR devices (day −5 to day 0) (n = 40). exposure to vasectomized rams (d-14 to d0), CIDR (d-5 to d0) and an intramuscular injection ofP.G.600®, (d0) (n = 38), and a control group, without exposure to vasectomized rams, CIDRs or P.G.600® (n = 70). Ewes were exposed to intact males on day 0. Days to lambing from the earliest expected lambing date at 150 days post introduction of rams was compared between groups with survival analysis. The mean survival time was significantly shorter in all groups that used CIDR compared to the control group (P
Psychologically Inclusive Design: Cues Impact Women's Participation in STEM Education

Visual and verbal cues can reinforce barriers to access for women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. Psychologically inclusive design is an evidence-based approach to reduce psychological barriers by strategically placing content and design cues in the environment. Two large field experiments provide estimates of the behavioral impact of psychologically inclusive cues on women's and men's enrollment behaviors in an online learning environment. First, a gender-inclusive photo and statement in an online advertisement for a STEM course increased the click-through rate among women but not men by 26% (N=209,000). Second, an inclusivity statement with a gender-inclusive course image to the enrollment page raised the proportion of women enrolling in a STEM course by up to 18% (N=63,000). These findings contribute evidence of the behavioral impact of psychologically inclusive design to the literature and yield practical implications for the presentation of STEM opportunities.
Toward cleaner air for a billion Indians.

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a major risk factor for premature death (1). Few regions of the world experience ambient PM2.5 concentrations as high as the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), home to more than a billion people in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Ground-based monitoring data are incomplete in these countries. However, a robust body of evidence from satellites, urban monitors, and chemical transport models indicates that average population exposures to ambient PM2.5 are 75 to 100 µg m−3 (Fig. 1), with more than 99% of the population experiencing PM2.5 exposures greater than the 10-µg m−3 World Health Organization Air Quality Guideline (2, 3). Health consequences of this pollution are severe. In India and other south-Asian countries, ambient PM2.5 ranks among the largest risk factors for premature death (1), shortening life expectancy at birth by 1.5 to 1.9 y (3, 4). What types of emissions controls might it take to substantially address this major health challenge? In many settings, air pollution control efforts focus on large, visible sources such as electric power generation, industry, and transportation. In PNAS, Chowdhury et al. (5) reframe this debate for India by showing that mitigating household air pollution sources—especially cooking and heating with wood and other solid fuels—is an essential component of effective air pollution control. Fig. 1. Distribution of population for south-Asian countries with respect to year-2016 ambient PM2.5 concentrations (4). Equal-sized plotted areas reflect equal populations. The 860 million people in the northern portion of India, defined here as the region north of 21.5°N, live predominantly in the heavily polluted Indo-Gangetic Plain. This region extends into Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, countries which experience PM2.5 similar to northern India. Pollution tends to be symptomatic of other, larger problems. As Chowdhury et al. (5 … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: jsapte{at}utexas.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Contrast-Enhanced, Molecular Imaging of Vascular Inflammation in the Mouse Model by Simultaneous PET/MRI

Despite advances in diagnosis and management, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death in the US. Atherosclerosis is the most common form of CVD and the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques to rupture is a primary determinant for risk of catastrophic ischemic events. Current imaging of atherosclerotic disease focuses on assessing plaque size and the degree of luminal stenosis, which are not good predictors of plaque stability. Functional methods to identify biomarkers of inflammation in plaques could facilitate assessment of plaque instability to allow early intervention. In this study, we validate the use of a purpose-built, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible positron emission tomography (PET) insert for multimodal, molecular imaging of vulnerable plaques in mice. We illustrate the application of PET to screen for inflamed regions to guide the application of MRI. Molecular MRI visualizes regions of vascular inflammation and is coupled with anatomical MRI to generate detailed maps of the inflammatory marker within the context of an individual vessel. As a testbed for this imaging methodology, we developed a multimodal, iron oxide nanoparticle (NP) targeting vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) for simultaneous PET/MRI of vascular inflammation performed on a mouse carotid ligation model. In vitro cell studies confirmed that the NPs are not cytotoxic to liver cells. In vivo simultaneous PET/MRI imaging identified regions of inflammation. Three-dimensional rendering of the MRI data facilitated high-resolution visualization of patterns of inflammation along the injured vessel. Histology validated the co-localization of the NPs with VCAM-1 expression at sites of induced inflammation. The results of this work validate the utility of the simultaneous PET/MR insert as a research tool for small animals and lays groundwork to further advance the potential clinical utility of integrated imaging systems.
Data Reuse for Accelerated Approximate Warps

Many data-driven applications, including computer vision, machine learning, speech recognition, and medical diagnostics show tolerance to computation error. These applications are often accelerated on GPUs, but the performance improvements require high energy usage. In this article, we present DRAAW, an approximate computing technique capable of accelerating GPGPU applications at a warp level. In GPUs, warps are groups of threads which issued together across multiple cores. The slowest thread dictates the pace of the warp, so DRAAW identifies these bottlenecks and avoids them during approximation. We alleviate computation costs by using an approximate lookup table which tracks recent operations and reuses them to exploit temporal locality within applications. To improve neural network performance, we propose neuron aware approximation, a technique which profiles operations within network layers and automatically configures DRAAW to ensure computations with more impact on the output accuracy are subject to less approximation. We evaluate our design by placing DRAAW within each core of an Nvidia Kepler Architecture Titan. DRAAW improves throughput by up to $2.8\times $ and improves energy-delay product (EDP) by $5.6\times $ for six GPGPU applications while maintaining less than 5% output error. We show neuron aware approximation accelerates the inference of six neutral networks by $2.9\times $ and improves EDP by $6.2\times $ with less than 1% impact on prediction accuracy.
Role of ~(18)F-FIG-PET in diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma in children

Objective To investigate the value of Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (~(18)F-FDG-PET)in staging and detecting residual disease during follow-up of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in children. Methods The results of~(18)F-FDG-PET of 88 podiatric NHL before and after chemotherapy was analyzed respectively.The results were compared with CT scans simultaneously.Results 67 cases were performed for initial staging.Of the 1072 anatomy regions were analyzed by PET and CT with concordalice of 88.62%regions(positive in 11.10%and negative in 77.52%1.Disconcordance were found in 11.38%regions(PET positive but CT negative in 6.8 1%,PET negative but CT positive in 4.57%).PET was significantly better than CT scan in the staging of podiatric NHL.35 scans were performed in the follow-up.The true residual disease positive rate of PET and CT were 87.50%and 57.14% respectively.The false positive rate of PET and CT were 12.50%and 50.00%respectively.Conclusion ~ (18)SF-FDG-PET imaging is of great value for the staging of the pediatric patients with NHL It's a useful technique to identify the residual disease,avoid unnecessary treatment and biopsy and Can predict eady relapse. Key words: Fluorodeoxyglucose F~(18) Positron-Emission tomography; Lymphoma Child; Treatment outcome
The Discrepancy Between Perceived Importance and Actual Delivery of Business Education in Residency: A Survey of Program Directors.

Background In the contemporary healthcare environment, there is a need for physicians to understand business fundamentals. Nonsurgical residencies have implemented formal business education, but surgical training programs have been slower to adapt. Further research is needed to evaluate the status of business education in plastic surgery residency. Methods A 12-question survey was created. Ninety program director (PD) e-mails were obtained and the survey was distributed using SurveyMonkey. The survey evaluated program demographics and current resources, commitments, and attitudes toward business training. The survey also identified the most important topics to include in a business curriculum. Results Thirty-six surveys were completed (response rate = 40%). Whereas most PDs agreed that business education in plastic surgery residency was important (78%) and that their programs should have more business training (73%), only 39% currently offered business training. Only 42% of PDs believed that their chief residents were competent to handle the business aspects of plastic surgery upon graduation. No programs offered a formal gap year to pursue a professional business degree. The most important topics identified for a business curriculum were economics and finance (83.3%), management (64%), and marketing (53%). Conclusions There is disconnect between perceived importance and resources available for plastic surgery residents to receive business education. Increased attention is needed to resolve this discrepancy to ensure that future plastic surgeons are equipped to excel in their personal careers and stimulate the advancement of the field. Future research should aim to outline a business curriculum for plastic surgery trainees.
Broadband Angled Arbitrary Ratio SOI MMI Couplers With Enhanced Fabrication Tolerance

In this article, we design and demonstrate new angled multimode interference (MMI) couplers in silicon-on-insulator that allow arbitrary selection of coupling ratios, while simultaneously achieve low-chromaticity response and improved fabrication variations tolerance. The proposed couplers rely on paired-interference design approach in tandem with a new angled multi-mode junction to mitigate chromatic aberration and geometry-induced waveguide modal shift in conventional angled MMI coupler design. Test devices with footprint of 4.8 μ m × 75 μ m showed full coupling ratio range addressability with insertion loss below 1.2 dB. Spectral responses across the extended C band (1525 nm – 1575 nm) were also characterized, where coupling ratio varied by less than 2.3% across the spectral region of interest. Furthermore, coupler characteristics variations against line-width and thickness deviations are numerically analyzed, demonstrating robustness within typical fabrication tolerances.
Challenging the agricultural viability of Martian regolith simulants

Abstract As human space exploration extends farther from Earth, the cost and risk of resupplying a mission increases substantially. In situ resource utilization (ISRU) is the prospecting, extraction, storage, and exploitation of existing resources at the crew location, reducing cost and risk. Crucial to the development of ISRU solutions is the accurate characterization and modeling of regolith for a variety of applications, including as a substrate for food production at lunar or Martian sites. Previous studies have established the capacity of specific regolith simulants to support the growth of a variety of plants in the short term. However, the mineralogical and physical accuracy of these simulants as proxies for the sites on Mars is debatable, and any conclusion drawn from studies with these simulants must be considered with some degree of caution. For the purpose of studying ISRU food production, we present a systematic effort to evaluate the utility of three different Martian Regolith Simulants (MRSs): JSC-Mars-1A, Mars Mojave simulant (MMS), and Mars Global simulant (MGS-1). Our findings confirmed that none of these simulants are capable of supporting plant growth in the absence of nutrient supplementation. However, with the addition of a nutrient supplement, both JSC-Mars-1A and MMS were able to support the growth of both Arabidopsis thaliana and Lactuca sativa. However, the highly alkaline (pH > 9.0) MGS-1 simulant was unable to support growth even with additional nutrients. Acidification of MGS-1 nearly doubled the longevity of plants grown in this medium, suggesting this simulant may be further modified to eventually support plant growth as well. The addition of calcium perchlorate to each simulant, at concentrations intended to mimic those observed on the surface of Mars, rendered each simulant incapable of supporting plant growth, regardless of nutrient supplementation. These findings underscore that ISRU food solutions are likely at a lower technological readiness level than previously thought. We discuss these findings in the context of future efforts to develop off-world agricultural systems, approaches to developing future MRSs, and the immediate need to address perchlorate contamination as well as nitrogen deficiency for regolith-based food production.
Iran Aviation Industry and Nuclear Deal: The Poster Child of Sanctions and JCPOA

The following article investigates the impact of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s aviation industry. Although the Iranian government has used the aviation industry orders for new modern aircraft to showcase the economic benefits of such agreement, the reality is that actual improvements were very modest. I show that political ambitions did not translate into sustainable economic results. The initial optimism caused a modest increase in demand for air travel to and within Iran, and Iranian airlines modestly expanded their services. International airlines were more successful than their Iranian counterparts to expand their services to Iran. This improved the performance of the commercial aviation sector in Iran. However, it seems that focusing on the role of sanctions causes Iranian authorities to ignore the impact of macroeconomic variables and the competitiveness of Iran’s commercial industry.