cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of a common genetic substrate underlying postpartum cardiac events in congenital long QT syndrome.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to elucidate the genetic basis for long QT syndrome (LQTS) in patients with a personal or family history of postpartum cardiac events. Background The postpartum period is a time of increased arrhythmogenic susceptibility in women with LQTS. Methods Between August 1997 and May 2003, 388 unrelated patients (260 females, average age at diagnosis, 23 years, and average QTc, 482 ms) were referred to Mayo Clinic's Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory for LQTS genetic testing. Comprehensive mutational analysis of the 5 LQTS-causing channel genes was performed. The postpartum period was defined as the 20 weeks after delivery. Cardiac events included sudden cardiac death, aborted cardiac arrest, and syncope. The presence of a personal and/or family history of cardiac events during postpartum period was determined by review of the medical records and/or phone interviews and was blinded to the status of genetic testing. Results Fourteen patients (3.6% of cohort) had personal (n = 4) and/or family history (n = 11) of cardiac events during the defined postpartum period. Thirteen of 14 patients (93%) possessed an LQT2 mutation and 1 had an LQT1 mutation. Postpartum cardiac events were found more commonly in patients with LQT2 (13 of 80, 16%) than in patients with LQT1 (1 of 103, P = .0001). Conclusions There is a relatively gene-specific molecular basis underlying cardiac events during the postpartum period in LQTS. Along with previous gene-specific associations involving swimming and LQT1 as well as auditory triggers and LQT2, this association between postpartum cardiac events and LQT2 can facilitate strategic genotyping.
Effects of dietary metabolizable energy and crude protein concentrations on growth performance and carcass characteristics of French guinea broilers

This study was undertaken to assess dietary CP and ME concentrations for optimum growth performance and carcass characteristics of French guinea broilers. In a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement, 396 1-d-old French guinea keets were randomly assigned to experimental diets with 3,050, 3,100, and 3,150 kcal of ME/kg of diet; each contained 21, 23, and 25% CP, respectively, from 0 to 4 wk of age (WOA). From 5 to 8 WOA, experimental diets had 3,100, 3,150, and 3,200 kcal of ME/kg of diet, and each contained 19, 21, and 23% CP, respectively. Each dietary treatment was replicated 3 times, and feed and water were provided ad libitum. Body weight and feed consumption were measured weekly, whereas carcass characteristics were evaluated at 8 WOA. For the most part, birds on 3,100 and 3,150 kcal of ME/kg of diet at 0 to 4 WOA exhibited greater (P 0.05), but they were better (P < 0.05) than those of birds on 21% CP diets. Positive correlations (P < 0.01) were noted between live weight and weight of carcass, breast, thigh, drumstick, and wing of guinea broilers. Thus, diets with 3,100 kcal of ME/kg and 23% CP or with 3,150 kcal of ME/kg and 21% CP at 0 to 4 WOA and 5 to 8 WOA, respectively, were used more efficiently by French guinea broilers.
Cationic contrast agents improve quantification of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content by contrast enhanced CT imaging of cartilage

Minimally invasive and non-destructive methods to quantify glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in articular cartilage extracellular matrix are of significant interest for the biochemical analysis of cartilage and diagnosis and tracking of osteoarthritis in vivo. Here, we report the use of cationic iodinated contrast agents in comparison to conventional anionic contrast agents for the quantitative monitoring of GAG concentrations with peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Using an ex vivo bovine osteochondral plug model, the cationic contrast agents were evaluated for their ability to distribute into articular cartilage and generate a positive relationship with GAG content. The cationic agents resulted in much higher equilibrium X-ray attenuations in cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) than anionic agents. Experiments with samples subjected to enzymatic GAG degradation demonstrated that the cationic agents were up to five times more sensitive (p = 0.0001) to changes in GAG content and had a 24% higher correlation (p = 0.002) compared to the anionic agent (R2 = 0.86, p < 0.0001 compared with R2 = 0.62, p = 0.004). The natural inhomogeneous distribution of GAGs in the ECM could clearly be identified in undegraded samples. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:704–709, 2011
Paleoseismology of the southern Panamint Valley fault: Implications for regional earthquake occurrence and seismic hazard in southern California

[1] Paleoseismologic data from the southern Panamint Valley fault (PVF) reveal evidence of at least four surface ruptures during late Holocene time (0.33–0.48 ka, 0.9–3.0 ka, 3.3–3.6 ka, and >4.1 ka). These paleo-earthquake ages indicate that the southern PVF has ruptured at least once and possibly twice during the ongoing (≤1.5 ka) seismic cluster in the Mojave section of the eastern California shear zone (ECSZ). The most recent event (MRE) on the PVF is also similar in age to the 1872 Owens Valley earthquake and the geomorphically youthful MRE on the Death Valley fault. The timing of the three oldest events at our site shows that the PVF ruptured at least once and possibly thrice during the well-defined 2–5 ka seismic lull in the Mojave section of the ECSZ. Interestingly, the 3.3–3.6 ka age of Event 3 overlaps with the 3.3–3.8 ka age of the penultimate (i.e., pre-1872) rupture on the central Owens Valley fault. These new PVF data support the notion that earthquake occurrence in the ECSZ may be spatially and temporally complex, with earthquake clusters occurring in different regions at different times. Coulomb failure function modeling of the Panamint Valley and Garlock faults reveals significant stress interactions between these two faults that may influence future earthquake occurrence. Specifically, our models suggest a possible rupture sequence whereby an event on the southern Panamint Valley fault can lead to the potential triggering of an event on the Garlock fault, which in turn could trigger the Mojave section of the San Andreas Fault.
Near-field to near/far-field transformation for arbitrary near-field geometry utilizing an equivalent electric current and MoM

Presented here is a method for computing near- and far-field patterns of an antenna from its near-field measurements taken over an arbitrarily shaped geometry. This method utilizes near-field data to determine an equivalent electric current source over a fictitious surface which encompasses the antenna. This electric current, once determined, can be used to ascertain the near and the far field. This method demonstrates the concept of analytic continuity, i.e., once the value of the electric field is known for one region in space, from a theoretical perspective, its value for any other region can be extrapolated. It is shown that the equivalent electric current produces the correct fields in the regions in front of the antenna regardless of the geometry over which the near-field measurements are made. In this approach, the measured data need not satisfy the Nyquist sampling criteria. An electric field integral equation is developed to relate the near field to the equivalent electric current. A moment method procedure is employed to solve the integral equation by transforming it into a matrix equation. A least-squares solution via singular value decomposition is used to solve the matrix equation. Computations with both synthetic and experimental data, where the near field of several antenna configurations are measured over various geometrical surfaces, illustrate the accuracy of this method.
Evaluation of Prehospital Use of Furosemide in Patients with Respiratory Distress

Objective. To evaluate the appropriateness of prehospital use of furosemide. Methods. All patients over 18 years old receiving prehopsital furosemide were retrospectively identified, andcases were matched to subsequent hospital records. Data collected included ED andhospital primary andsecondary diagnoses, brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels andfinal disposition. Furosemide was considered appropriate when the primary or secondary ED or hospital diagnoses included congestive heart failure (CHF) or pulmonary edema, or the BNP was > 400. Furosemide was considered inappropriate when none of the diagnoses included CHF, when the BNP was 400. Results. Of the 144 included patients, a primary or secondary diagnosis of CHF was reported in 42% and17% patients, respectively. The initial BNP was > 400 in 44% of ...
Statistical methods for studying modularity: a reply to Mitteroecker and Bookstein.

A major focus in studies of multivariate evolution is on trying to understand the biological and evolutionary forces that shape patterns of covariance between organismal traits. This is particularly true with respect to studies concerned with the topics of phenotypic integration and modularity (see Chernoff and Magwene 1999, for a review). In a recent paper published in Systematic Biology on the topic of modularity and integration, Mitteroecker and Bookstein (2007) reviewed the use of “Wrightstyle” factor analysis to characterize and study patterns of morphological integration. These authors compared their preferred approach with a number of frameworks that previous investigators have employed to address similar questions. Among the methods that Mitteroecker and Bookstein comment on is an approach, described in Magwene (2001), for studying modularity and integration using Gaussian graphical models (GGMs). Mitteroecker and Bookstein (hereafter M&B) assert that the methods described in Magwene (2001) are unsuitable for the study of morphological integration because they are only applicable to modules with 2 variables. In their words “Magwene’s example ...a ccidentally worked because all modules consisted of two variables only.” Below I demonstrate that M&B’s assertion is incorrect and there is no inherent limitation in terms of the size of the modules that can be distinguished using the GGM approach. I discuss conditional independence relationships and briefly describe what might be termed a “Wright-style” approach based on graphical modeling. I also highlight a number of recent biological applications of graphical modeling.
Long Range, Low Frequency Acoustic Backscattering: A Survey

At very low frequencies the signals observed from an impulsive source are dominated by scattering from the seafloor. Experiments demonstrating this have ranged from echoes locally reflected by seamounts to transoceanic reverberation from continental margins. Receivers have included omnidirectional sensors, towed line arrays, two dimensional horizontal arrays and vertical arrays.
The Nematodes: (Eelworms)

The eelworms, or nematodes, are common, widespread invertebrates which inhabit salt water, fresh water, soil, and refuse. Some are harmless whereas others parasitize plants and animals and cause serious diseases. They are not related to earthworms or flatworms, but are treated with the round worms.
Rights, Wrongs, and Comparative Justifications

The goal of this article is to rethink the relationship between the concepts of justification and wrongdoing, which play vital roles in the theory of criminal law. Reading George P. Fletcher's new book, The Grammar of Criminal Law, in the context of his earlier scholarship has led me to one major disagreement with Fletcher as well as with the traditional criminal law doctrine: for Fletcher and many others, wrongdoing and justification mutually exclude each other; for me, they do not. Consider a hypothetical: a group of people are captured by criminals. The criminals are about to kill everyone but then they have a change of heart and offer their victims a deal: if Jack rapes Jill, the criminals will let everyone go. If not, no one's life will be spared. Realizing that this is the only way to save several lives, including Jill's own, Jack reluctantly agrees. Jill, on the other hand, vehemently protests that she would rather die than be violated. When Jack attempts to overpower her, Jill fights back and seriously injures Jack. At that moment, the police arrive and take everyone into custody. It appears that both Jack and Jill have valid defenses of justification - Jack can successfully claim necessity, and Jill can successfully claim self-defense. But is it fair to say that the two are equally right or that neither of them has committed any wrongdoing? Focusing on the problem of incompatible justifications, I suggest that we should revise our understanding of justifications in general. Specifically, I argue that, in certain circumstances, justifiable conduct may be wrongful; that in a conflict between two incompatible justifications, one side may be more right than the other; and that justifications should be viewed not as a homogenous group in which each defense has equal importance but as a hierarchical structure in which the place afforded to a defense is determined by its rationale and effect on the rights of others. The top priority belongs to justifications that do not violate rights of others and, in addition, compel others to behave in a cooperative way (the public duty defenses). The intermediate priority belongs to justifications that neither violate rights of others nor create in others a duty to cooperate (the "special relationship" and autonomy defenses). Finally, the lowest priority belongs to the defense of necessity, which, by design, may involve violation of rights of innocent, unoffending individuals.
Structural and optical properties of GaN laterally overgrown on Si(111) by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition using an AlN buffer layer

Lateral epitaxial overgrowth (LEO) on Si(111) substrates using an AlN buffer layer is demonstrated and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and cathodoluminescence imaging. The % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaagKart1ev2aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaeyipaWJaaG % ymaiqaigdagaqeaiaaicdacaaIWaGaeyOpa4daaa!3B04! $$ $$ -oriented LEO GaN stripes grown on silicon substrates are shown to have similar structural properties as LEO GaN grown on GaN/Al2O3 substrates: the surface topography is characterized by continuous crystallographic steps rather than by steps terminated by screw-component threading dislocations; the density of threading dislocations is <106 cm−2; the LEO regions exhibit crystallographic tilt (0.7–4.7° ) relative to the seed region. The AlN buffer thickness affects the stripe morphology and, in turn, the microstructure of the LEO GaN. The issues of chemical compability and thermal expansion mismatch are discussed.
Deep transfer learning for automatic target classification: MWIR to LWIR

Publisher’s Note : This paper, originally published on 5/12/2016, was replaced with a corrected/revised version on 5/18/2016. If you downloaded the original PDF but are unable to access the revision, please contact SPIE Digital Library Customer Service for assistance. When dealing with sparse or no labeled data in the target domain, transfer learning shows its appealing performance by borrowing the supervised knowledge from external domains. Recently deep structure learning has been exploited in transfer learning due to its attractive power in extracting effective knowledge through multi-layer strategy, so that deep transfer learning is promising to address the cross-domain mismatch. In general, cross-domain disparity can be resulted from the difference between source and target distributions or different modalities, e.g., Midwave IR (MWIR) and Longwave IR (LWIR). In this paper, we propose a Weighted Deep Transfer Learning framework for automatic target classification through a task-driven fashion. Specifically, deep features and classifier parameters are obtained simultaneously for optimal classification performance. In this way, the proposed deep structures can extract more effective features with the guidance of the classifier performance; on the other hand, the classifier performance is further improved since it is optimized on more discriminative features. Furthermore, we build a weighted scheme to couple source and target output by assigning pseudo labels to target data, therefore we can transfer knowledge from source (i.e., MWIR) to target (i.e., LWIR). Experimental results on real databases demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm by comparing with others.
Scaling effects in guidance performance in confined environments

Scaling effects relating the maneuvering capabilities of a vehicle and the scale characteristics of a task environment play an important role in how the performance of a guidance system plays out. These effects are most significant for unmanned aerial vehicles because they are built in a much broader range of scales than manned vehicles. This paper investigates how scaling effects should be accounted for in the evaluation of guidance performance. It proposes a nondimensional quantity called the maneuvering environment scale ratio that captures the relationship between the maneuvering limits of a vehicle and the scale characteristics of a task environment. This paper also formalizes the idea of agent–environment dynamic fit for guidance tasks and uses the maneuvering environment scale ratio to measure the fit. A task includes the vehicle dynamics, task environment, and mission objective. Agent–environment dynamic fit for a task is measured both quantitatively and qualitatively using the maneuvering environ...
Neuropsychologische Defizite nach zerviko-zephaler Beschleunigungsverletzung

HWS-Schleudertraumen als eine der haufigsten Folgen von Verkehrsunfallen sind durch Kopf- und Nackenschmerzen gekennzeichnet (Keidel und Diener 1993). Daruberhinaus klagen Patienten mit HWS-Schleudertrauma oft uber eine mitunter langerdauernde Minderung von Auffassung, Konzentration und Gedachtnis (Kramer 1980; Diener und Keidel 1994). Rasche Erschopfbarkeit und vegetative Begleitbeschwerden konnen hinzutreten (Wiesner und Mumenthaler 1975). In der Literatur wird haufig von einem im Subjektiven verhafteten und damit nicht objektivierbaren pseudo-neurasthenischen Syndrom ausgegangen.
Diagnosis and Clinical Evaluation

All headache disorders, including migraine, are diagnosed according to the criteria specified in the International Classification of Headache Disorders, which is currently in its third edition (ICHD-3), and the tenth edition of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) [1, 2]. ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria for episodic migraine with and without aura are shown in Table 2.1.
To err is human: Biography vs. biopolitics in Michel Foucault

This article suggests a new approach to understanding the self-formation of subjectivity in the work of Michel Foucault that emphasizes the influence of his mentor, the philosopher and historian of science Georges Canguilhem (1904–1995). I argue that Foucault adapts Canguilhem’s biological–epistemological notion of ‘error’ in order to achieve two things: (1) to provide a notion of subjective self-formation compatible with the claims of his ‘archaeology of knowledge’ and ‘genealogy of power’, and (2) to provide an alternative to the phenomenological theory of the subject. The notion of ‘error’ accomplishes these goals because it posits that experience is the result of knowledge, not vice versa. To illustrate the notion of ‘erroneous’ subjectivity, I turn to two volumes edited by Foucault: I, Pierre Riviere, having slaughtered my mother, my sister and my brother… and Herculine Barbin; Being the Recently Discovered Memoirs of a Nineteenth- Century French Hermaphrodite. Both juxtapose ‘subjective’ accounts of ‘abnormal’ individuals with ‘objective’ documents written by judges, psychiatrists and medical professionals in order to show how ‘erroneous subjectivities’ may transgress epistemological limits and form new concepts.
“I’m in a good place now”: A case study of empowerment of a combat veteran engaged in peer-led disaster relief

This qualitative single case study examines the lived experience of empowerment of a combat veteran with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who engages in volunteer, peer-led disaster response ac...
Prognostic factors and survival in acral lentiginous melanoma

Background Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a rare melanoma subtype that disproportionately afflicts people of colour. ALMs have a worse prognosis than other melanoma subtypes; this has been attributed to aggressive biological behaviour, more advanced stage at presentation and possible disparities in access to health care. Objectives To examine, using comprehensive patient data and long-term follow-up information in a well-characterized cohort, how patient, tumour and clinical management variables impact overall and melanoma-specific survival. Methods We characterized a consecutive cohort of 123 ALMs diagnosed from 1987 to 2013 and analysed predictors of overall and melanoma-specific survival for their association with survival. Results Univariate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals using Cox regression models showed that increased Breslow depth, presence of ulceration, receipt of radiation, chemo- and vaccine therapy were associated with worse melanoma-specific survival. Notably, nonwhite race/ethnicity was not associated with worse overall or melanoma-specific survival. Multivariate modelling adjusting for patient, tumour and management variables revealed Breslow depth > 2 mm and disease extent as significantly associated with poor melanoma-specific survival. Conclusions Melanoma-specific mortality among patients with ALM is associated with increased tumour thickness and more advanced stage at presentation, but not with race/ethnicity. Advanced tumour features at presentation and access to care may account for less favourable survival outcomes reported among nonwhite patients.
Shallow ponds are heterogeneous habitats within a temperate salt marsh ecosystem

Integrating spatial heterogeneity into assessments of salt marsh biogeochemistry is becoming increasingly important because disturbances that reduce plant productivity and soil drainage may contribute to an expansion of shallow ponds. These permanently inundated and sometimes prominent landscape features can exist for decades, yet little is known about pond biogeochemistry or their role in marsh ecosystem functioning. We characterized three ponds in a temperate salt marsh (MA, USA) over alternating periods of tidal isolation and flushing, during summer and fall, by evaluating the composition of plant communities and organic matter pools and measuring surface water oxygen, temperature, and conductivity. The ponds were located in the high marsh and had similar depths, temperatures, and salinities. Despite this, they had different levels of suspended particulate, dissolved, and sediment organic matter and abundances of phytoplankton, macroalgae, and Ruppia maritima. Differences in plant communities were reflected in pond metabolism rates, which ranged from autotrophic to heterotrophic. Integrating ponds into landcover-based estimates of marsh metabolism resulted in slower rates of net production (−8.1 ± 0.3 to −15.7 ± 0.9%) and respiration (−2.9 ± 0.5 to −10.0 ± 0.4%), compared to rates based on emergent grasses alone. Seasonality had a greater effect on pond water chemistry, organic matter pools, and algal abundances than tidal connectivity. Alternating stretches of tidal isolation and flushing did not affect pond salinities or algal communities, suggesting that exchange between ponds and nearby creeks was limited. Overall, we found that ponds are heterogeneous habitats and future expansion could reduce landscape connectivity and the ability of marshes to capture and store carbon.
Loosening psychometric constraints on educational assessments

As Baird, Andrich, Hopfenbeck and Stobart (2017) argue, we need a better fit between educational assessment and learning theory. In line with this goal, I will examine how psychometric constraints ...
Transplantation Immunity and the Trophoblast

Transplantation immunology is concerned with the genetically determined incompatibilities consistently displayed when grafts of cells, tissues or organs are exchanged between members of an out-bred population. The cellular isoantigens responsible for inciting a host to respond against a homograft — the homograft reaction — are usually referred to as transplantation antigens. These antigens are determined by co-dominant histocompatibility genes and vary considerably in their relative strengths or sensitizing potencies.
Highly Bendable Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells on a Nanoscale Surface Oxide Layer of Titanium Metal Plates.

We report highly bendable and efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) that use thermally oxidized layer of Ti metal plate as an electron transport layer (ETL). The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of flexible PSCs reaches 14.9% with a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 17.9 mA/cm2, open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.09, and fill factor (ff) of 0.74. Moreover, the Ti metal-based PSCs exhibit a superior fatigue resistance over indium tin oxide/poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate. Flexible PSCs maintain 100% of their initial PCE even after PSCs are bent 1000 times at a bending radius of 4 mm. This excellent performance of flexible PSCs is due to high crystalline quality and low oxygen vacancy concentration of TiO2 layer. The concentration of oxygen vacancies in the oxidized Ti metal surface controls the electric function of TiO2 as ETL of PSCs. A decrease in the oxygen vacancy concentration of the TiO2 layer is critical to improving the electron collection efficiency of the ETL. Our results suggest that...
Hemlock woolly adelgid invasion affects microhabitat characteristics and small mammal communities

Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) invasion and preemptive logging practices alter the habitat structure of New England forests and may indirectly affect associated small mammal communities. Microhabitat structure was measured and small mammals were censused in eight large experimental plots to quantify these effects. The Harvard Forest long-term ecological research experiment is a replicated two-block design that includes four ~ 0.81-ha canopy treatments: (1) hemlock control, (2) hardwood control, (3) girdled Treatment, in which hemlock trees were killed by girdling in 2005 and left standing to simulate HWA invasion, and (4) logged treatment, in which trees were removed to simulate preemptive logging management practices. Nine microhabitat characteristics were measured from plot photos revealing differences among ground and canopy microhabitat structure. Small mammals were censused during high (2012) and low (2013) abundant years. Populations of common species were estimated with mark-recapture analysis. Peromyscus spp. were not affected by treatment in either year, but southern red-backed vole populations were greatest in the girdled treatments in 2012 and rarely captured in 2013. Between 6 and 9 mammal species were recorded in all treatments and species composition varied slightly. Estimated species richness was greater in girdled treatments than hemlock controls, but did not differ between girdled and logged treatments, which suggests preemptive logging is as detrimental to some small mammal species as HWA invasion. Overall, there is little evidence of a major shift in small mammal community structure in response to HWA invasion, with only minor changes in relative abundance both years.
Contextual and personal determinants of preferring success attributed to natural talent or striving

Abstract Evidence to date has established a preference for successful individuals whose achievements are attributed to natural talent (“naturals”) rather than focused effort (“strivers”). Across six studies, we discovered a reversal of the bias depending on contextual and personal factors. Strivers, rather than naturals, are favored when evaluating ordinary people. This preference is particularly strong among perceivers who have experience in the performance domain, and it replicates across different domains and participant populations. Strivers are also preferred as cooperative partners and are expected to perform better on novel, unrelated tasks. The direction of the preference for naturals versus strivers can be traced to a combination of the perceiver's experience and the target's professional status. Specifically, a naturalness bias was only present among experienced perceivers evaluating professional targets. On the other hand, a more implicit form of the naturalness bias was observed in attributions made about the target's achievement, such that strivers were assumed to have natural talent more than naturals were assumed to have worked diligently.
Exploring Augmented Reality Approaches to Real-Time Captioning: A Preliminary Autoethnographic Study

We explore an augmented reality (AR) approach to real-time captioning for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. In contrast to traditional captioning, which uses an external, fixed display (e.g., laptop or large screen), our approach allows users to manipulate the shape, number and placement of captions in 3D space. We discuss design factors, describe two early prototypes, and report on an autoethnographic evaluation of the prototypes. Preliminary findings suggest that, compared to traditional laptop-based captions, HMD captioning may increase glanceability, improve visual contact with speakers, and support access to other visual information (e.g., slides).
Matrix Metalloproteinase 21

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the structural chemistry and the biological aspects of Matrix metalloproteinase 21 (XMMP). The sequence of XMMP contains 604 amino acids including a putative signal peptide of 22 residues with a characteristic hydropathy profile. There are no other significant hydrophobic segments, suggesting that XMMP is a secretory protein. At the end of the propeptide, after the cysteine switch PRCGVPD motif, XMMP has a 37 amino acid insertion domain followed by a putative cleavage site for intracellular activation by furin proteinases. The catalytic domain has a unique cysteine; an insertion in a sequence motif that binds the structural zinc in MMPs. XMMP lacks a proline-rich linker peptide or a hinge region that is typically found in other MMPs between the catalytic domain and C-terminal hemopexin/vitronectin like domain. The linker peptide is the most variable region of MMPs, and plays a role in MMP activity and substrate specificity. XMMP has a calculated molecular weight of 70115 and a catalytically active form 47072. The sequence of XMMP is significantly different from other MMPs. It is found that in a phylogenetic tree of MMPs, XMMP is at the very bottom, providing an outlier from which the branching and MMP evolution begins.
Particle Kinetics: Force and Acceleration

The design of machines to achieve maximum performance is one of humanity’s oldest engineering challenges. The design of sailing vessels and some understanding of the wind’s propulsive force go far back in history. The first sailing ship may have been designed by the Egyptians some 5000 years ago. The Egyptians learned about sail forces, as they affected steering, and placed the single mast well forward for sailing down the Nile before a constant southerly breeze. For use on the Mediterranean, the mast was located nearly amidships. Such vessels were followed by Homeric Greek ships which became more specialized and larger.
A novel non-block synchronous checkpointing scheme for distributed systems

In this paper, we have proposed a new approach toward designing a simple and efficient nonblock synchronous checkpointing algorithm for distributed systems. In general, such algorithms require all processes to take checkpoints, even though some of them may not be necessary. In the present work, if a process since its last checkpoint has sent some message(s), but none of which has yet been received, the process does not take a checkpoint. It reduces the number of checkpoints to be taken. This approach offers advantage particularly in case of mobile computing environment where both non-block checkpointing and reduction in the number of checkpoints help in the efficient use of the limited resources of mobile computing environment.
What's Your Number? Developing Number Sense.

In a recent article in Newsweek, a mathematics professor bemoaned innumeracy, a widespread disability among otherwise sophisticated Americans. Such innumerate adults, he feels, have only a hazy understanding of numbers and the way they are used. These adults succumb easily to specious arguments that refer to numbers they do not understand. Many have no appreciation of number magnitudes no grasp of very large numbers and little understanding of small ones (Paulos 1986). National reports have emphasized the need for number sense and the ability to use numbers in everyday living. "A principal theme of K-8 mathematics should be the development of number sense, including the effective use and understanding of numbers in applications as well as in other mathematical contexts" (Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences 1982, 2). What is number sense and how do we know when we have it? People with number sense easily perceive number relationships. They are comfortable and confident with numbers, know how they are used, know how to interpret them, and know when they make sense. People who have
Simulation-Based Training of the Nurse Practitioner in Interventional Radiology

Advanced practice registered nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), can be found working in a variety of settings. Niche practices, such as Interventional Radiology, are highly specialized areas and are often specialties in which few NPs get to orient through during their graduate nursing program clinical rotations. For the NP transitioning into an Interventional Radiology practice, formal on-the-job orientation and training can assist in gaining specialty-based knowledge and competencies in performing interventional procedures. Simulation-based training of the NP helps with critical thinking skills and developing techniques to safely perform minimally invasive procedures. A step-by-step approach via a simulation environment helps the NP learn image guidance, develop hand-eye coordination and become proficient in procedure techniques. Simulation-based education introduces the concept of repetitive practice resulting in the NP gaining confidence in performing procedures while decreasing performance anxiety. The result is a competent NP who can safely perform minimally invasive procedures.
The Opioid Crisis and Surgeons: National Survey of Prescribing Patterns and the Influence of Motivators, Experience, and Gender.

Abstract Background Surgeons are the fifth largest prescribers of opioids in the US. Few studies exist to describe surgeon prescribing practices. Methods A survey was conducted of surgical providers at all ACGME-accredited surgical residency programs. Statistical comparisons between groups were made. Results A total of 114 providers from 21 states responded; 58% male, 57% residents. Only 8% reported being told they were over-prescribing opioids. Oxycodone ± acetaminophen was most commonly prescribed (49%). Median opioids prescribed exceeded guidelines for acute pain management for every procedure except laparoscopic appendectomy/cholecystectomy, lumpectomy and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Attending surgeons more often gave no opioids after laparoscopic appendectomy/cholecystectomy (9% vs 0%; p=0.012), more likely reported patient attempts to return opioids to them (33% vs 16%; p=0.04), and less likely considered patients giving their opioids to someone else (39% vs. 74%; p Conclusions Surgeons vary significantly in their opioid prescriptions, even for the same operation. There are few differences by gender but some important differences by experience.
Computer-aided design and optimization of an aluminum track bracket

The project involves redesigning a track bracket used for a wall cutting saw assembly currently being manufactured by Cushion Cut Company based in Torrance, California. The purpose of the redesign was to facilitate the installation and removal of the track bracket. Each bracket was secured in place by four screws, installed at its bottom surface. The top surface of the bracket was in contact with the track assembly. When mounted in the horizontal or vertical configuration, the bracket's sides do not allow easy access to install/remove the screws for mounting/dismounting the bracket. The geometry of each side provides a limited view and tool leverage to the installer. The manufacturer emphasized that the redesign should involve modifying the sides of the bracket. The brackets were to be made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. A safety factor of 5.5 or better was required for the final design.
Measuring the three-dimensional structural properties of topologically associating domains

Genome topologically associating domains (TADs) are mega base pair (Mbp) sized genomic regions that may be the structural and functional units of the genome. To better understand their structural properties and the relationship between structural properties and genetic and epigenetic features, we designed and benchmarked two measures to capture the three-dimensional structural signature of TADs. We modified the original definition of radius of gyration so that it could measure the spatial compactness of TADs weighted by one or more genetic or epigenetic feature(s). Another structural measure we have benchmarked is folding degree. We found correlations between structural measures and genetic and epigenetic features. We obtained similar correlations if considering the spatial compactness of the DNA segments containing transcription start sites, RNA polymerase II, and H3K4me3 peaks. Moreover, we designed a new objective function for reconstructing chromosome 3D structures using multidimensional scaling and compared it with two existent objective functions. The three objective functions have been implemented as web-based and standalone tools. The web server and source code are available at http://dna.cs.miami.edu/3DChrom/.
Electromagnetic Excitation Modes in Pure Metals in High Magnetic Fields, Including Their Contribution to the Specific Heat

The studies herein reported were undertaken in order to ascertain theoretically whether the electromagnetic modes of excitation (the so-called helicon modes) of a pure metal in a high magnetic field might make a measurable contribution to any low temperature properties of the metal. As an indicative example, we consider in particular their contribution to the specific heat. The theoretical analysis is confined to the free-electron gas which has a spherical Fermi surface, although the lines of generalization to real Fermi surfaces are indicated.
Medical and Psychosocial Risk Profiles for Low Birthweight and Preterm Birth.

Abstract Objectives Low birthweight and preterm birth are risk factors for infant mortality and persistent problems. This study uses representative data to assess whether distinct latent profiles of co-occurring medical and psychosocial factors have implications for preterm birth and low birthweight. Methods Data are from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, a cross-sectional survey constituting representative data on pregnancies from 2012 to 2013. Latent class analysis derived classes of pregnant women potentially at risk for low birthweight and/or preterm birth. Results Latent class analysis identified five homogenous profiles of interrelated psychosocial and medical factors. Risk was greatest for the profile marked by high rates of medical factors, followed by a high risk for a profile marked by a combination of very low income and psychosocial factors. Two profiles involving low income and very low income also indicated greater risk for adverse birth outcomes related to socioeconomic status. Conclusions More attention should be paid to screening for and addressing psychosocial risk in concert with prenatal care. Women who show high-risk profiles can be monitored and supported by an interdisciplinary care team, when warranted.
Reducing the risk of infection after total joint arthroplasty: preoperative optimization

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in orthopedic surgery, and as the demand for TJA increases over time, the number of concurrent complications such as surgical infection will also increase. There are multiple risk factors that independently increase the risk of surgical site infection (SSI) and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after surgery. These modifiable risk factors can be identified in preoperative clinic screening visits that gives physicians the opportunity to provide specific intervention that can decrease patient infection risk. The risk factors that are known to significantly increase the risk of PJI and/or SSI include MSSA/MRSA colonization, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular and renal disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, anemia, malnutrition, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, depression, and anxiety. Patients who present with one or more of these risk factors require intervention with a multidisciplinary approach including patient education, counseling, and follow-up. Preoperative patient optimization for high risk TJA patients can significantly decrease PJI and SSI risk while improving surgical outcomes and patient care.
RePulmo: a remote pulmonary monitoring system

Remote physiological monitoring is increasing in popularity with the evolution of technologies in the healthcare industry. However, the current solutions for remote monitoring of blood-oxygen saturation, one of the most common continuously monitored vital signs, either have inconsistent accuracy or are not secure for transmitting over the network. In this paper, we propose RePulmo, an open-source platform for secure and accurate remote pulmonary data monitoring. RePulmo satisfies both robustness and security requirements by utilizing hospital-grade pulse oximeter devices with multiple layers of security enforcement. We describe two applications of RePulmo, namely (1) a remote pulmonary monitoring system for infants to support the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) clinical trial; (2) a proof-of-concept of a low SpO2 smart alarm system.
Longitudinal progression of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: analysis of a national insurance claims database.

Background Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a recalcitrant inflammatory disorder defined by asthma, nasal polyposis, and sensitivity to cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors. The timeline and course of disease progression is unclear. Methods The Truven MarketScan Database, a large American health insurance claims repository, was queried to identify patients meeting criteria for AERD from 2009 to 2015. Included patients had associated International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition (ICD-9) codes consistent with all 3 components of AERD: asthma, nasal polyposis, and drug allergy. Patterns of disease onset and time to progression were analyzed. Results A total of 5628 patients were identified for study inclusion. Of the 3 components of AERD, 3303 patients (59%) were initially diagnosed with asthma, 1408 (25%) were initially diagnosed with nasal polyps, and 917 (16%) were first diagnosed with drug sensitivity. The most common (36%) sequence of diagnoses was asthma, followed by nasal polyps, followed by drug allergy. The median interval between diagnosis of upper or lower airway involvement (ie, nasal polyps and/or asthma) to recognition of drug sensitivity was 259 days (quartiles Q1 to Q3: 92 to 603 days). In patients with both asthma and nasal polyps diagnoses, the risk of developing drug sensitivity during the study time period was 6%. Conclusion Upper and lower airway disease is often initially recognized in patients with AERD, whereas drug sensitivity presents month to years later. This delay may be due to the pathophysiology of AERD and disease progression or due to practice patterns in diagnostic testing and coding. Further work is warranted to identify these patients at early stages in their disease progression.
Immersive Environments for Persistent Modelling and Generative Design Strategies in an Informal Settlement

This paper discusses the potential of a workflow that integrates parametric design and spatial computing, to create a persistent model, and address the gap between top-down and bottom-up design approaches for an informal settlement in Mumbai. The workflow involves the use of Fologram®, a Grasshopper® plugin for Rhinoceros®, which allows designers to work in a Mixed Reality (MR) environment through the Microsoft Hololens® eyewear and ubiquitous smart devices. While Immersive environments typically enable visualization of a design, we are interested in its possibilities as a tool to assist the locals, who often design and construct without the aid of designers. This practice is a good opportunity to examine the implementation of this technology. These tools allow the user to visualize a model at full scale and make edits, which permit an assessment of the design in real time before finalizing design decisions. In addition, the shared MR experience can be further integrated in the proposed community as a participatory design tool promoting recreational and educational experiences for local people and children. Discussions and investigations of the possibilities happen through an action research under an architectural studio setting. We have considered three types of decision making in the design process: “urban” scale, “building” scale and “detail component” scale. During the design process, Fologram® developers assisted through technical troubleshooting sessions in the form of video conference, e-mail, and workshop. The final objective is to demonstrate that these environments can be combined beyond a representational intent.
Anterior Cervical Corpectomy

Abstract Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion serves as a powerful surgical technique in the treatment of complex cervical spine pathology including multilevel cervical myelopathy, cervical trauma, cervical infection, and neoplastic disease. Determining the optimal approach for treatment involves assessing the need for spinal cord decompression and restoration of structural stability. A number of factors or measurements have been described to assist in determining the best treatment approach for a given pathology. Similar anterior cervical techniques may be utilized whether performing a single or multilevel corpectomy although supplemental posterior instrumentation and fusion should be considered for multilevel corpectomy cases due to increased failure rates with anterior cervical plating alone. Attention to detail and an appropriate degree of vigilance can help surgeons minimize risk, recognize potential complications, and deliver optimal patient care in these often complex and challenging patients.
Sucking behavior in typical and challenging feedings in association with weight gain from birth to 4 Months in full-term infants

Abstract Sucking behavior has been described as an obesity risk marker. Sucking behavior in response to challenge has not been examined as a prospective predictor of infant weight gain. Healthy, full term infants had sucking behavior assessed at ages 2 weeks and/or 2 months via a sucking pressure measurement device in two feeding conditions: during a standard feeding and during a feeding with a more challenging nipple. Weight and length were measured at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 4 months and weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) calculated. Among 45 full term infants, adjusted for age at measurement and time since last feeding, the challenging versus typical feedings differed with regard to amount consumed (54.1g vs. 65.6g, p