cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of cerebellar Purkinje cell complex discharge activity by microiontophoretic serotonin.

The major finding of the present study is that iontophoretically applied serotonin increased markedly (average 94.0%) the number of complex discharges within the majority (74%) of cerebellar Purkinje cells tested. Twenty-five percent of the cells showed an average 23% decrease in complex discharges, whereas 1% of the cells failed to respond. The effects of serotonin on complex activity were not related to any single effect of this amine on simple spike activity. It was apparent that the actions of serotonin on complex discharge activity were correlated with the initial simple-spike firing rate of the Purkinje cell and the predrug number of complex discharges. The other component of the complex discharge pattern analyzed in this study was the mean post-complex-discharge interval (MPCI). Purkinje cells evincing lower MPCI values were those in which serotonin increased the MPCI value preferentially, whereas cells in which serotonin depressed MPCI values exhibited higher predrug MPCI values. The serotonin antagonists methysergide and metergoline antagonized serotonin-induced enhancements in the numbers of complex discharges, whereas ketanserin failed to alter the response, suggesting a degree of receptor specificity. Comparisons between the present study and our previous work identifying a ratedependent component to the actions of serotonin on simple spike activity are described.
Controlled treatment trials in the irritable bowel syndrome: A critique

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common and poorly understood chronic condition that is treated with a great variety of drugs and other therapies without notable enduring success. As there are no objective markers of improvement, and because there may be a very large placebo response, potential treatments for IBS are difficult to assess. Probably the only method that can reliably evaluate IBS therapies is the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment trial. The purpose of this review is to critically examine issues central to establishing the efficacy of treatments for IBS in such trials. These include the definition of IBS, measures of efficacy, the placebo response, trial length, maintaining blindedness, the crossover design, ability to generalize, and statistical considerations. With this background, all published IBS treatment trials are examined. It is concluded that not a single study offers convincing evidence that any therapy is effective in treating the IBS symptom complex. Well-designed and executed IBS treatment trials are urgently needed; suggestions are given for essential features of such trials.
Behavioral Support for Students with Severe Disabilities Functional Assessment and Comprehensive Intervention

Behavioral support for students with severe disabilities has undergone dramatic advances in the past 15 years. The goals of effective behavioral support, as well as the procedures for reaching those goals, have broadened. Two central advances have been procedures for conducting functional assessment and the design of comprehensive interventions. The research foundation for these advances, implications for clinicians, and future research directions are presented.
Section 2. The Mystery of Ore-Forming Environments: Which Parameters to Resolve?

My initial objective at the Geophysical Lab in 1956 was how better to resolve the conditions where hydrothermal deposits must have formed. Progress on the physical environment was moving ahead following the various criteria mentioned above but, for the chemical environment, we were struggling.
Centrality in Transnational Governance: How Networks of International Institutions shape Power Processes

In this article, I argue that network centrality approaches can illuminate power processes in transnational security governance. Most approaches to power and centrality focus on the direct effects of the possession of resources or ties. By contrast, I argue that centrality can also inform how network structures constrain behavior through diffuse power processes. I illustrate my argument by replicating two important papers on socialization through democratic international organizations and producing order through alliance hierarchies. I demonstrate that using network conceptualizations and measurements of these processes allows for better connections between theory and empirics, more precise hypothesis testing, broadened scope, and improved models. I find that socialization by democratic IOs is more important than dispute resolution mechanisms in preventing conflict and that ordering through hierarchical structures occurs throughout the entire international alliance system.
The Effect of Cortisone on Plasmodium Berghei Infections in the White Rat

modium berghei in the white mouse is markedly altered by cortisone treatment of the host.1 Cortisone alters the state of the host's erythropoietic system and causes a decrease in the number of reticulocytes, the host cells preferentially parasitized by P. berghei. The increased survival time for infected mice treated with cortisone has been directly related to the decrease in reticulocytes available to the parasite. Although blood-induced infections with P. berghei in the white mouse are invariably fatal, those induced in mature white rats are not. The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain whether P. berghei infections in the white rat respond to cortisone treatment in a similar or different way than do infections in the white mouse.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRABECULAE CARNEAE FOR LEFT VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC COMPLIANCE: IMPROVEMENT IN COMPLIANCE WITH TRABECULAR CUTTING

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains a leading cause of hospital admission, without development of effective treatments for these patients. We hypothesize that trabeculae carneae serve an important role in modulating LV diastolic compliance, and during hypertrophy of the
Of Knowledge and Rankings: What Do High Ranked Public Businesses Schools Have In Common?

The present study investigates the presence of a substantial relationship between the undergraduate business rankings and their faculty disciplinary knowledge. To that end, the study examines the U...
Random regression models for the prediction of days to weight, ultrasound rib eye area, and ultrasound back fat depth in beef cattle

Genetic evaluation research designed to reduce the required days to a specified end point has received very little attention in pertinent scientific literature, given that its economic importance was first discussed in 1957. There are many production scenarios in today's beef industry, making a prediction for the required number of days to a single end point a suboptimal option. Random regression is an attractive alternative to calculate days to weight (DTW), days to ultrasound back fat (DTUBF), and days to ultrasound rib eye area (DTUREA) genetic predictions that could overcome weaknesses of a single end point prediction. The objective of this study was to develop random regression approaches for the prediction of the DTW, DTUREA, and DTUBF. Data were obtained from the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre, Lethbridge, AB, Canada. Data consisted of records on 1,324 feedlot cattle spanning 1999 to 2007. Individual animals averaged 5.77 observations with weights, ultrasound rib eye area (UREA), ultrasound back fat depth (UBF), and ages ranging from 293 to 863 kg, 73.39 to 129.54 cm, 1.53 to 30.47 mm, and 276 to 519 d, respectively. Random regression models using Legendre polynomials were used to regress age of the individual on weight, UREA, and UBF. Fixed effects in the model included an overall fixed regression of age on end point (weight, UREA, and UBF) nested within breed to account for the mean relationship between age and weight as well as a contemporary group effect consisting of breed of the animal (Angus, Charolais, and Charolais sired), feedlot pen, and year of measure. Likelihood ratio tests were used to determine the appropriate random polynomial order. Use of the quadratic polynomial did not account for any additional genetic variation in days for DTW ( > 0.11), for DTUREA ( > 0.18), and for DTUBF ( > 0.20) when compared with the linear random polynomial. Heritability estimates from the linear random regression for DTW ranged from 0.54 to 0.74, corresponding to end points of 293 and 863 kg, respectively. Heritability for DTUREA ranged from 0.51 to 0.34 and for DTUBF ranged from 0.55 to 0.37. These estimates correspond to UREA end points of 35 and 125 cm and UBF end points of 1.53 and 30 mm, respectively. This range of heritability shows DTW, DTUREA, and DTUBF to be highly heritable and indicates that selection pressure aimed at reducing the number of days to reach a finish weight end point can result in genetic change given sufficient data.
Mechanical characteristics and active tension generation in rat intestinal arterioles

The contributions of active and passive wall tension to regulation of arteriolar diameters were determined for large (1A), intermediate (2A), and small (3A) arterioles in the small intestine of the anesthetized rat. Active tension (Ta) contributed greater than 85% of total wall force at rest in 2A and 3A and 75-80% of total force in 1A. Ta was approximately 90% of peak active tension (Ta,peak) for large through small arterioles, even though absolute Ta varied by fourfold. A linear relationship between microvascular pressure and Ta was observed for decreases in pressure in all arterioles. Ta remained nearly constant for pressure increases of 40% in 2A and 3A but was increased in 1A. Because of the plateau of the circumference-Ta relationship near Ta,peak, superfusion of progressively increasing concentrations of norepinephrine or adenosine resulted in maintenance of the close Ta-Ta,peak relationship unless the vessel diameter changed greater than 25%. These results indicate that, while arteriolar diameters vary substantially, near-peak Ta is generated for a variety of physiological conditions.
Safety and postoperative adverse events in pediatric airway reconstruction: Analysis of ACS-NSQIP-P 30-day outcomes

Objectives Prior research has shown that airway reconstructive procedures comprise significant composite morbidity compared to the whole of pediatric otolaryngologic cases evaluated in the American College of Surgeon's National Surgery Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (ACS-NSQIP-P) platform. We describe postoperative sequelae of pediatric airway reconstructive procedures and identify predictive factors for adverse events. Methods Current procedural terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify children undergoing included procedures in the 2012 to 2014 ACS-NSQIP-P public use files (PUF). Targeted variables included patient demographics and 30-day postoperative events (reoperation, readmission, and complications). Event rates were determined and compared within subgroups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictive factors for major adverse events. Results In 3 years of PUF data (183,283 total cases), 198 cases (0.11%) were airway reconstructive procedures. The most common was laryngoplasty (CPT 31580, 31582; n = 111, 56.1%), followed by cervical tracheoplasty (CPT 31750; n = 47, 23.7%), tracheal resection (CPT 31780; n = 24, 12.1%), and cricoid split (CPT 31587, n = 16, 8.1%). There were 131 premature children (66.2%) and 94 children (47.5%) with history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Thirty-day postoperative sequelae included readmissions (n = 42, 21.2%), complications (n = 27, 13.6%), and reoperations (n = 14, 7.1%). On univariate analysis, children less than 3 years of age were more likely to undergo an unplanned reoperation. There were no significant predictive factors for readmission or complication. On multivariate analysis, there was a trend toward higher rates of unplanned reoperations in children less than 3 years of age. Conclusion The 30-day adverse event rate in pediatric airway surgery is high, with no identifiable predictors noted in the analysis of these data. Findings imply that systematic collection of variables and outcomes specific to pediatric airway surgery, in addition to standard NSQIP workflow, will be essential for NSQIP-P to truly effect quality improvement in these high-risk procedures. Level of evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2016 127:504-508, 2017.
Vibration assisted water-diesel separation by electrospun PVDF-HFP fiber mats

Abstract Water contaminations in fuels are known to adversely affect engine performance and can cause corrosion or plugging of engine components. Filters and membranes are applied to reduce the concentrations of water upstream of the engine. Operating conditions can affect the performance of the filters and membranes. In this work the effects of externally induced vibrations on electrospun Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) fiber mats for water-diesel separation are studied. The electrospun fiber mats operated as barriers to hinder water drops from flowing with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel. As with most barrier media, if the water concentrates on the upstream side of the membrane then the water may find ways to penetrate and the separation performance declines. External vibrations are evaluated in this work to aid the removal of water drops from the upstream surface of the fiber mats to improve the separation performance. The results show the vibrations improved the separation performances but were dependent on the filter orientation to gravity and on the vibrational frequencies.
Quantitative image reconstruction for total-body PET imaging using the 2-meter long EXPLORER scanner

The EXPLORER project aims to build a 2 meter long total-body PET scanner, which will provide extremely high sensitivity for imaging the entire human body. It will possess a range of capabilities currently unavailable to state-of-the-art clinical PET scanners with a limited axial field-of-view. The huge number of lines-of-response (LORs) of the EXPLORER poses a challenge to the data handling and image reconstruction. The objective of this study is to develop a quantitative image reconstruction method for the EXPLORER and compare its performance with current whole-body scanners. Fully 3D image reconstruction was performed using time-of-flight list-mode data with parallel computation. To recover the resolution loss caused by the parallax error between crystal pairs at a large axial ring difference or transaxial radial offset, we applied an image domain resolution model estimated from point source data. To evaluate the image quality, we conducted computer simulations using the SimSET Monte–Carlo toolkit and XCAT 2.0 anthropomorphic phantom to mimic a 20 min whole-body PET scan with an injection of 25 MBq 18F-FDG. We compare the performance of the EXPLORER with a current clinical scanner that has an axial FOV of 22 cm. The comparison results demonstrated superior image quality from the EXPLORER with a 6.9-fold reduction in noise standard deviation comparing with multi-bed imaging using the clinical scanner.
Addition of Rituximab to Mobilization and Conditioning Overcomes the Predictive Value of Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) Score in Patients with Relapsed FL Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (AUTO).

Abstract FLIPI is emerging as an important prognostic factor in patients (pts) with FL. In order to determine its significance in FL pts undergoing AUTO, we examined the outcome of 75 consecutive pts transplanted at the MD Anderson Cancer Center between 02/94 and 04/08. Pts were eligible if they had relapsed chemosensitive disease, and had no HLAidentical sibling donor. Twenty-nine pts were transplanted without rituximab (AUTO-R), and 46 pts received high-dose rituximab (AUTO+R) during stem cell mobilization and on days +1 and + 8 after transplantation as previously described (Khouri, JCO, 2005). Median age (range) at AUTO was 54 (33–76) and 49 (35–63) for the AUTO+R and AUTO-R groups respectively (P =0.002). FLIPI was determined at the time of transplantation; more patients had intermediate-high risk in AUTO+R than in AUTO-R (58% vs 27.5%, respectively, P = 0.011). Other patients characteristics were balanced for gender, time from diagnosis, histology subtypes (grades 1,2, 3a, and 3b), disease stage, LDH, bulk, B-symptoms, B-2microglobulin, bone marrow involvement, number of prior chemotherapy regimens received, remission status (CR vs PR), functional imaging, and co-morbidity score. Median follow-up (range) in months was 20 (1–88) for AUTO+R and 70 (4–167) for AUTO-R. Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly different between AUTO+R and AUTO-R (P = 0.004), with estimated three-year PFS of 48% for AUTO-R and 79% for AUTO+R. Using Cox proportional hazards regression models, the # of prior chemotherapy regimens received ( /=3) (P = 0.015) was the only factor associated with PFS in the AUTO+R group, whereas both age (P=0.010), and risk based on FLIPI (P=0.019) were independently associated with PFS in the AUTO-R group. Pts with low-risk vs. intermediate/high-risk had three-year PFS of 62% and 13%, respectively, in the AUTO-R group, whereas in the AUTO+R group, three-year PFS was 90% and 76% in the low-risk and intermediate/high-risk pts, respectively (Figure). Conclusions: These results suggest that the addition of R to the mobilization and conditioning improves the outcome in pts with relapsed chemosensitive FL treated by AUTO. The number of prior chemotherapy regimens received rather than FLIPI score is the most important determinant of outcome in this setting. Download : Download high-res image (89KB) Download : Download full-size image
Higher-order surface plasmon contributions to plasmonic interferometry

We experimentally unveiled up to the sixth-order surface plasmon contributions to hole-groove plasmonic interferometry using discrete Fourier transform. This method is further extended to double-slit plasmonic structures to deconvolve competing interference effects from asymmetric interfaces.
Where Does Inflammation Fit

This review focuses on the complex relationship between inflammation and the onset of acute coronary syndrome and heart failure. In the last few years, two important lines of research brought new and essential information to light in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome: a) the understanding of the immune mediate mechanisms of inflammation in Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) and b) evidence that the inflammatory mechanisms associated with atherosclerosis and its complications can be modulated by anti-inflammatory molecules. A large amount of data also suggests that inflammation is a major component in the development and exacerbation of heart failure (HF), in a symbiotic relationship. In particular, recent evidence underlies peculiar aspects of the phenomenon: oxidative stress and autophagy; DAMPS and TLR-4 signaling activation; different macrophages lineage and the contribution of NLRP-3 inflammasome; adaptive immune system. A possible explanation that could unify the pathogenic mechanism of these different conditions is the rising evidence that increased bowel permeability may allow translation of gut microbioma product into the circulation. These findings clearly establish the role of inflammation as the great trigger for two of the major cardiovascular causes of death and morbidity. Further studies are needed, to better clarify the issue and to define more targeted approaches to reduce pathological inflammation while preserving the physiological one.
When You Can't Touch a Touch Screen.

A touch screen can be an intuitive interface method for many people. Mobile phones, tablets, and tablet computer combinations have made this technology part of daily use. Touchscreen technologies are common and present unique difficulties for individuals who require alternative access methods. Dedicated augmentative and alternative communication systems continue to offer a range of access methods, but it is also important to examine existing accessibility options from mainstream companies (e.g., Microsoft [Redmond, WA], Apple [Cupertino, CA]) and how current tools can be used to allow individuals to interact with touch screen technologies. An overview of current accessibility features available on popular mainstream devices (e.g., Microsoft Surface, Apple iPad) is provided along with discussion of alternative access methods for current technologies, future research directions, and the potential impact of speech recognition, virtual reality, and augmented reality for interfacing with multiple devices.
Comparative Analysis of Body Radiologist to Neuroradiologist Evaluation of the Spine in Trauma Settings.

Abstract Introduction CT is routinely performed to evaluate trauma patients. When a radiologist misses an acute finding, there could be serious adverse consequences. In many subspecialty settings, body radiologists and neuroradiologists both interpret the thoracic and lumbar spine. RADPEER has estimated general disagreement rates between radiologists to be 2.9%, but the disagreement rate between neuroradiologists and body radiologists in trauma settings remains unknown. Methods This retrospective case review examined reports from the past 10 years of adult CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis interpreted by body radiologists, with concurrent thoracic and lumbar spine reconstructions interpreted by neuroradiologists. Reports were scrutinized for disagreement on the presence of acute fractures visible to both radiologists. Results 1,497 report pairs were analyzed. Of them, 33 pairs (2.2%) disagreed on the presence of an unequivocal acute fracture. In scans where only one miss occurred, the body radiologist and neuroradiologist were attributed with 27 (82%) and 6 (18%) of 32 disagreements, respectively. One scan contained a miss by both the body radiologist and neuroradiologist. Transverse processes were most commonly missed, followed by vertebral body fractures. Conclusion Misses by body radiologists comprised the majority of disagreements. Neuroradiologists are more sensitive for detecting spinal fractures likely secondary to experience, education, small field of view reconstructed, and more detailed reporting protocols. Additional studies are needed to determine whether emulating neuroradiology practices may help body radiologists detect subtle fractures.
Photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen over BiOCl nanosheets with identification of intermediates

Photocatalysis directed at the removal of persistent organic pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, has been the subject of intense recent research. Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) has emerged as a potential alternative to traditional photocatalysts and has shown competitive removal efficiencies. However, pathways responsible for BiOCl photodegradation have not been well characterized. The present work is the first to determine, using LC-MS/MS analysis, the pathways by which BiOCl removes ibuprofen (IBP) from water. HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS analyses show that BiOCl converts IBP to two primary photochemical products, 4-isobutylacetophenone (IBAP) and 1-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethanol (IBPE). The reactivity for BiOCl is attributed to interactions of the carboxylic acid group of IBP with holes in the valence band. Hydroxylated-IBP was not detected in BiOCl photocatalytic degradation experiments which would be expected in a process driven by the formation and reactivity of reactive oxygen species. These data were used to formulate a photocatalytic degradation pathway for IBP and highlight the importance of studying both primary and secondary degradation reactions for photocatalytic studies.
Multiscale Modeling of 2D Material MoS 2 from Molecular Dynamics to Continuum Mechanics

Research on two dimensional (2D) materials, such as Graphene and Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), now involves thousands of researchers worldwide, implementing cutting edge technology to study them. Due to the extraordinary properties of 2D materials, research extends from fundamental science to novel applications of 2D materials. This work introduces atomistic simulation methodologies, based on interatomic potential, as a tool to unveil the mechanical and thermal properties at nanoscale of MoS2, a material that has attracted most research interests among all 2D materials. Young’s modulus, Poison’s ratio, heat conductivity and heat capacity at atomic scale are studied. These findings lend compelling insights into the atomistic mechanism of MoS2. Then, based on these useful information, we perform concurrent multiscale modeling of MoS2 from molecular dynamics simulation in atomic region to finite element analysis in continuum region.
Genetic Engineering to Improve Algal Biofuels Production

Microalgae are a diverse group of photosynthetic microorganisms with considerable potential as a source of bioenergy. Metabolic profiles, product yields, crop protection, and strain optimization influence production costs and therefore the feasibility of algal biofuels. Recent advances in microalgal genetic engineering offers the ability to generate transgenic strains with enhanced profiles for biofuel production. In this chapter we review the molecular tools and techniques developed for algae genetic engineering, including methods for genetic transformation and stable heterologous gene expression. Recent successes in algal genetic engineering to advance algal biofuels production are discussed, as well as potential ways to use molecular genetics for algal biotechnology in the future.
A32 Session 9: Women’s Health

Given the ease of delivery and patient comfort associated with cryoablation, and its success in other areas, there has been significant interest in cryoablation for gynecologic care. In some cases, cryoablation has proved a viable alternative, while in other areas, there are still challenges to be met. For two of the most common gynecologic disorders; fibroid tumors and excessive uterine bleeding, the use of cryoablation has been examined. In both cases, cryoablation is one of several established and experimental therapeutic options, with relative advantages and disadvantages compared with alternatives. Cryoablation has also been used in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. For some cancers, while primary ablation has been studied, the use of cryoablation has been primarily palliative, in cases where surgical removal was not appropriate. In other cases, such as cervical cancer, cryotherapy may play a role in the management of early stage disease (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia). This presentation will examine the role of cryoablation in women’s health, including its limitations and indications compared with alternative therapies.
Thermal Conductivity of Copper-Nickel and Silver-Palladium Alloy Systems

The recommended thermal conductivity values for copper-nickel and silver-palladium alloy systems are presented which cover the full range of alloy composition and temperature. The recommended values are based on both the critically evaluated experimental thermal conductivity data and the values obtained from methods developed for the calculation of the electronic and lattice thermal conductivities. The electronic thermal conductivity of an alloy is calculated from the electrical resistivity and thermoelectric power of the alloy and the electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of the pure constituent elements. The lattice thermal conductivity is calculated semi-theoretically based upon the Klemens-Callaway theory.
Restrictive Spirometry Pattern, Cardiac Structure and Function, and Incident Heart Failure in African Americans. The Jackson Heart Study

Rationale: Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been related to heart failure, the relationship between the restrictive spirometry pattern (forced vital capacity [FVC] < 80% predicted...
The Effect of Heat Treatment to FePt/Fe 2 O 3 and FePt/Cu Magnetic Performance

The effect of heat treatment to FePt/Fe2O3 and FePt/Cu magnetic performance was examined in this paper. To obtain desired phase transformations for high magnetic storage media, a self-assembled layer of FePt nanoparticles was placed between two layers of Fe2O3 nanoparticles using surfactants on Si and Cu substrates to minimize aggregation during heat treatment. To eliminate the surfactant, a sample made by simply mixing FePt and Cu nanoparticles in hexane was deposited on a Cu substrate. Vacuum furnace annealing at 600 °C (1 h) or laser heat treatment at 20, 40, 80 W at a speed of 1–1.5 m/s were carried out on the samples. The coercivity of FePt/Fe2O3-layered samples increased from 148 Oe to 366 Oe and 246 Oe for furnace annealed samples on Si and Cu substrates, respectively; while, it remained almost unchanged in laser heat-treated samples on Cu substrate and slightly higher magnetization at 40 W compared to 20 W laser heat treatment of samples on Si substrate. The FePt/Cu nanoparticles mixer layer on Cu substrate was subjected to laser heat treatment at 40 and 80 W. The coercivity at both laser powers did not show any significant change. During the 80 W laser heat treatment, most of the particles escaped from the surface indicating a high temperature process. The results indicate that the furnace annealing at 600 °C brings the desired magnetic phase transformation in all cases, while the laser heat treatment even at high power does not bring the phase transformation due to very short time period for processing.
Evaluating Robot Manipulability in Constrained Environments by Velocity Polytope Reduction

Robot performance measures are essential tools for quantifying the ability to execute manipulation tasks. Typically, these measures focus on the system's geometric structure and how it impacts the transformation from joint to Cartesian space. In this paper, we propose a new method to evaluate the robot's performance that considers both the system's geometric structure and the presence of obstacles close to or in contact with the robot. This method reduces the manipulator's joint velocity limits by deforming the manipulability polytope to account for obstacles. These constraints are then propagated throughout the chain to get a more representative measure of the end effector's velocity capabilities. The proposed method leads to improved understanding of the robot's capacities in a constrained environment.
Modeling a Bridge When Survey Questions Change: Evidence from the Current Population Survey Health Insurance Redesign

Most research on health insurance in the United States uses the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement. However, a recent redesign of the health insurance questions disrupted the historical time trend in 2013. Using data from the American Community Survey, which has a parallel trend in the uninsured rate, we model a bridge estimate of the uninsured rate using the traditional questions. Also, we estimate the effect of changing the questionnaire. We show that the impact of redesigning the survey varies substantially by subgroup. This approach can be used to produce bridge estimates when other questionnaires are redesigned
Altered levels of the 20S proteasome maturation factor Ump1 affect the response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to the volatile anesthetic isoflurane

Volatile anesthetics have been used in modern medicine for over 160 years, but their sites and mechanisms of action remain unclear. While many effects of these agents are characterized, how these effects relate to the physiological state of anesthesia has not been elucidated. Volatile anesthetics affect all cells and tissues tested, including mammalian, plant, bacterial, and yeast cells. In yeast, these drugs arrest cell division in a manner that parallels their actions in mammals. To gain further insight into the cellular activities of these compounds, genes were isolated that, when overexpressed or deleted from the genome, alter the response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast) to the volatile anesthetic isoflurane. One of the genes we identified is UMP1, which encodes a chaperone required for maturation of the 20S proteasome complex in yeast. Overexpression of UMP1 renders yeast cells more resistant to the growth inhibitory effects of isoflurane, while deletion of the gene renders cells more sensitive than wild type cells. This suggests an important role for the proteasome in responding to volatile anesthetics in yeast, and may provide clues as to how these drugs exert their effects in more complex eukaryotes, including mammals.
On the quantal nature of speech

When a parameter specifying the configuration or state of an articulatory structure is manipulated through a range of values, some acoustic parameter describing the resulting sound often changes in a non-monotonic fashion. In particular, there appear to be ranges of the articulatory parameter for which there is very little change in the acoustic parameter and other ranges where the acoustic parameter is more sensitive to changes in articulation. The articulatory-acoustic relations are quantal in the sense that the acoustic patterns shows a change from one state to another as the articulatory parameter is varied through a range of values. Similar kinds of relations are observed between parameters that give a measure of the auditory response to a speechlike sound and parameters that specify some acoustic dimension of the sound. In this paper a number of examples of these types of acoustic-articulatory or auditory-acoustic relations are given. It is suggested that this tendency for quantal relations among these acoustic, auditory, and articulatory parameters is a principal factor shaping the inventory of acoustic and articulatory attributes that are used to signal distinctions in language.
Automated Assessment of Hematoma Volume of Rodents Subjected to Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhagic Stroke by Bayes Segmentation Approach

Simulating a clinical condition of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in animals is key to research on the development and testing of diagnostic or treatment strategies for this high-mortality disease. In order to study the mechanism, pathology, and treatment for hemorrhagic stroke, various animal models have been developed. Measurement of hematoma volume is an important assessment parameter to evaluate post-ICH outcomes. However, due to tissue preservation conditions and variables in digitization, quantification of hematoma volume is usually labor intensive and sometimes even subjective. The objective of this study is to develop an automated method that can accurately and efficiently obtain unbiased cerebral hematoma volume. We developed an application (MATLAB program) that can delineate the brain slice from the background and use the Hue information in the Hue/Saturation/Value (HSV) color space to segment the hematoma region. The segmentation threshold of Hue is calculated based on the Bayes classifier theorem so that the minimum error is mathematically ensured and automated processing is enabled. To validate the developed method, we compared the outcomes from the developed method with the hemoglobin content by the spectrophotometric assay method. The results were linearly correlated with statistical significance. The method was also validated by digital phantoms with an error less than 5% compared with the ground truth from the phantoms. Hematoma volumes yielded by the automated processing and those obtained by the operator's manual operation are highly correlated. This automated segmentation approach can be potentially used to quantify hemorrhagic outcomes in rodent stroke models in an unbiased and efficient way.
A Systematic Design Methodology for Series-Stacked Energy Decoupling Buffers Based on Loss–Volume Pareto Optimization

The series-stacked buffer (SSB) is an active twice-line frequency energy decoupling buffer architecture in single-phase converters. The high power density and efficiency characteristics of this architecture have been recently demonstrated. However, in previous hardware work on the SSB, the energy utilization ratios of the buffer capacitors are not optimized, and the tradeoff among loss, volume, and bus voltage ripple has not been quantitatively studied. In this article, we propose a methodology that quantifies and formalizes the SSB design process into a multiobjective optimization problem, from which the loss–volume Pareto front can be solved, and an optimal control strategy for minimum loss can be determined. Design constraints, modeling of objective functions, and optimization algorithms are discussed. With realistic hardware parameters and constraints, this methodology is applied to the SSB design for a 1.5-kW, 400-V dc-bus single-phase system. The corresponding Pareto front results are studied with hardware prototypes. Compared with previous SSB hardware demonstrations, both power density and efficiency of the designed hardwares are substantially enhanced with the proposed method.
Adrenergic Blockade Promotes Maintenance of Dormancy in Prostate Cancer Through Upregulation of GAS6.

Abstract Men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer can develop metastases many years after initial treatment, resulting in a poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which signaling through norepinephrine (NE) may incite relapse of quiescent prostate cancer. We used an unbiased bioinformatics pipeline to examine mechanisms for recurrence related to sympathetic signaling in the bone marrow. A transcription factor cell array identified ATF1, RAR, and E2F as key nodes in prostate cancer cells exiting quiescence through adrenergic signaling. Subsequent secretome analysis identified GAS6 as affecting activity of these three factors, leading to cell cycle reentry. GAS6 expression was downregulated in osteoblasts through activation of the cAMP pathway and was targeted in vitro and in vivo using pharmacological agents (propranolol and phentolamine). Propranolol increased expression of GAS6 by osteoblasts, and phentolamine significantly inhibited expression. Propranolol treatment was sufficient to both increase GAS6 expression in marrow osteoblasts as well as eliminate the effects of NE signaling on GAS6 expression. These results demonstrate a strong correlation between adrenergic signaling, GAS6 expression, and recurrence in prostate cancer, suggesting a novel therapeutic direction for patients at high risk of metastasis.
Recent trends in cholecystectomy in US veterans

We hypothesize that the recent trend in performing cholecystectomy in US Veterans shows wide adoption of the laparoscopic technique and improvement in the outcome following both laparoscopic (LC) and open cholecystectomy (OC). This study utilizes the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to examine the status and outcome of cholecystectomy. A retrospective review of veterans who underwent cholecystectomy between 2008 and 2015 was performed. Data analysis included patient demographics, operations, and postoperative outcomes. Cochran-Armitage trend analysis was used to assess significant changes in outcome over the study period. p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 40,722 patients (average age of 61 years) were included in the study (males 85.6%). LC was performed in the majority of patients (86.4%). Patients in the OC group (13.6%) were more likely to have advanced age (≥ 65 years) (47.6% vs 32.0%, p < 0.001) and higher ASA class (III-V) (81.9% vs 65.4%, p < 0.001) than those in the LC group. Compared with LC, OC had higher mortality rates at 30 days (1.3% vs 0.3%; OR = 1.6, p = 0.03), 3 months (2.6% vs 0.7%; OR = 1.7, p < 0.001), 6 months (3.9% vs 1.1%; OR = 1.5, p < 0.001) and 1 year (5.7% vs 2.0%; OR = 1.5, p < 0.001); higher rates of morbidity, including pneumonia (OR = 1.9, p < 0.001), deep venous thrombosis (OR = 2.4, p = 0.02), reoperation (OR = 1.8, p < 0.001), and superficial (OR = 4.9, p < 0.001) and deep (OR = 1.5, p = 0.01) surgical site infections; and a longer length of stay (6.5 days vs 2.6 days, p < 0.001). Trend analysis showed a significant decrease in both mortality (p = 0.02) and morbidity (p < 0.001) for LC over the study period, but no improvement in mortality (p = 0.35) and a only a minimal improvement in morbidity (p = 0.04) for OC. In the recent era, LC has been widely performed in the VA with significant improvement in outcome. Efforts are needed to adopt alternative approaches to planned OC and to improve postoperative outcomes.
An empirical study of spatial and transpatial social networks using Bluetooth and Facebook

This study provides insights into the quantitative similarities, differences and relationships between users' spatial, face-to-face, urban social networks and their transpatial, online counterparts. We explore and map the social ties within a cohort of 2602 users, and how those ties are mediated via physical co-presence and online tools. Our analysis focused on isolating two distinct segments of the social network: one mediated by physical co-presence, and the other mediated by Facebook. Our results suggest that as a whole the networks exhibit homogeneous characteristics, but individuals' involvement in those networks varies considerably. Furthermore this study provides a methodological approach for jointly analysing spatial & transpatial networks utilising pervasive and ubiquitous technology.
Magnetic dynamics with Weyl fermions

Transport of charge and valley (axial) degrees of freedom coupled to order-parameter dynamics in magnetic Weyl semimetals is studied in the framework of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. In addition to the established valley-related transport anomalies that are rooted in band-structure topology, we construct dissipative couplings between the three dynamic constituents of the system driven out of equilibrium by electromagnetic perturbations. We show how the valley degree of freedom mediates an effective coupling between the charge and magnetic sectors of the system, through a combination of the chiral anomaly, on the electric side, and the Onsager-paired valley torque and pumping, on the magnetic side. This work complements previous studies of magnetic Weyl semimetals by a more systematic analysis of collective dissipation. We discuss several concrete examples of the valley-mediated current-driven magnetic instabilities and charge pumping, and extend the theory to the antiferromagnetic case.
Crystallographic orientation-dependent strain hardening in a precipitation-strengthened Al-Cu alloy

Abstract While the strengthening of Al-Cu alloys due to precipitation has been extensively studied, the effect of crystallographic orientation of the matrix and precipitates, as well as precipitate morphology, on the strain hardening behavior is not well understood. Here we investigate this effect with in situ neutron diffraction during deformation of an Al-Cu alloy (206) after multiple aging treatments. Precipitate-dislocation interactions were found to change from precipitate shearing for microstructures predominantly containing GPI and θ′′ precipitates to Orowan looping for microstructures with primarily θ′ and θ precipitates. Notably, significant anisotropy in strain hardening behavior was observed when θ′ precipitates were present, which was attributed to crystallographic orientation dependent load transfer from the Al matrix to the θ′ precipitates. The anisotropic load transfer is hypothesized to be caused by the extent of rotation of high aspect-ratio θ′ precipitates, owing to dislocations looping around them during plastic deformation of the matrix. Predictions from an analytical model describing the anisotropic magnitude of load transfer from precipitate rotation agree well with experimental results, successfully validating the precipitate rotation hypothesis and explaining the anisotropic strain hardening behavior. This model allows for the prediction of stresses separately in the precipitate and matrix phases as a function of crystallographic orientation, only given the bulk mechanical properties.
During vigilance to painful stimuli: slower response rate is related to high trait anxiety, whereas faster response rate is related to high state anxiety.

A pathological increase in vigilance, or hypervigilance, may be related to pain intensity in some clinical pain syndromes and may result from attention bias to salient stimuli mediated by anxiety. During a continuous performance task where subjects discriminated painful target stimuli from painful nontargets, we measured detected targets (hits), nondetected targets (misses), nondetected nontargets (correct rejections), and detected nontargets (false alarms). Using signal detection theory, we calculated response bias, the tendency to endorse a stimulus as a target, and discriminability, the ability to discriminate a target from nontarget. Owing to the relatively slow rate of stimulus presentation, our primary hypothesis was that sustained performance would result in a more conservative response bias reflecting a lower response rate over time on task. We found a more conservative response bias with time on task and no change in discriminability. We predicted that greater state and trait anxiety would lead to a more liberal response bias. A multivariable model provided partial support for our prediction; high trait anxiety related to a more conservative response bias (lower response rate), whereas high state anxiety related to a more liberal bias. This inverse relationship of state and trait anxiety is consistent with reports of effects of state and trait anxiety on reaction times to threatening stimuli. In sum, we report that sustained attention to painful stimuli was associated with a decrease in the tendency of the subject to respond to any stimulus over time on task, whereas the ability to discriminate target from nontarget remains unchanged.NEW & NOTEWORTHY During a series of painful stimuli requiring subjects to respond to targets, we separated response willingness from ability to discriminate targets from nontargets. Response willingness declined during the task, with no change in subjects' ability to discriminate, consistent with previous vigilance studies. High trait anxious subjects were less willing to respond and showed slower reaction times to hits than low anxious subjects. This study reveals an important role of trait anxiety in pain vigilance.
Legally speaking The dead souls of the Google book search settlement

Why the Google Book Search settlement agreement under consideration could result in an extensive restructuring of the book industry.
A New Dc-link Capacitor Voltage Balancing Method for Three-level SVM Strategies Based on Two-level Space Vector Diagram

This paper presents a new dc-link capacitor voltage balancing method for three-level Space Vector Modulation (SVM) strategies that are based on the space vector diagram of two-level inverters. The proposed method uses the time distribution of the local two-level zero vectors to achieve dc- link voltage balancing. It redistributes the zero vector times based on the magnitude and direction of the dc-link capacitor voltage deviations. The performance of the proposed capacitor voltage balancing method is compared with the conventional three-level SVM capacitor voltage balancing method that uses three-level redundant small vectors. The proposed method achieves significantly lower neutral-point voltage ripple compared to the conventional three-level SVM capacitor voltage balancing method for a wide range of modulation indices and load power factor values. Moreover, the code size and execution time are reduced by approximately 30 percent for use in microcontrollers.
Extending the Heron Metrics Sink

Heron is modeled as a plug-in platform and easy to extend through SPI. In this chapter, we will see how to add a MySQL metrics sink. IMetricsSink is the primary interface to implement for new metrics sinks. Heron feeds metrics record to processRecord(), where we will implement the insertion to MySQL. The metrics sink configuration is done in two levels: we first declare the available metrics sinks, and then we configure each sink in detail.