cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temperature Reaction Following Intravenous Injections of Proteins of Navy Bean with Special Reference to Hemagglutinating Fraction.

SummaryA method is presented for preparing a strongly hemagglutinating, non-pyrogenic extract from navy beans. This extract is high in protein content. The method demonstrates that the proteins of the bean which may be extracted by water are not fever-producing unless contaminated by bacteria or products of bacterial action.
Transfer to Tertiary Care Hospitals Improve Outcome in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage but Not Intracerebral Hemorrhage (P07.006)

Objective: We sought to determine proportions and outcomes of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who are transferred from outside hospital to a tertiary care center in United States. Background Ischemic stroke patients are being increasingly transferred after evaluation at an outside hospital under the drip-and ship paradigm. However, the value of such practices for hemorrhagic strokes cannot be assessed due to limited data. Design/Methods: We analyzed patient data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the 2005-2008 years. All patients with primary diagnoses of SAH or ICH were identified using ICD-9 CM codes. For each diagnosis, baseline characteristics, hospital complications, and outcomes were compared between those admitted locally and transferred to tertiary hospitals using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Absolute numbers and proportions of patients transferred to tertiary hospitals were 11806 (25.7%) and 14282 (10.5%) for SAH and ICH, respectively. In univariate analysis, transferred SAH patients were significantly more likely to be discharged home (p Conclusions: Transfers to tertiary hospitals appears to be associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with SAH but not with ICH. Our results warrant a critical evaluation of transfer between hospitals in patients with ICH. Disclosure: Dr. Grigoryan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chaudhry has nothing to disclose. Dr. Suri has nothing to disclose. Dr. Qureshi has nothing to disclose.
An Evaluation of the National Character Concept in Sociological Theory

T HE characterization of the social framework known as the nation, and indirectly of the individuals operating within that structure, has occupied social scientists for several decades now. The problem has received varying degrees of interest by the separate disciplines at different times. In American sociology, for example, the tradition dates at least to Sumner who, while trying to establish the structural elements of society, conceptualized the "ethos" of nations.' More recently, however, in the midst of a revived interest in so-called national character on the part of anthropologists and psychologists, sociologists appear to be remaining aloof. The writer of the one book2 on American character by a sociologist denies that the personality types he describes are specific to any nation. Another sociologist3 severely criticizes the psychoanalytically-oriented anthropological studies and denies the usefulness of the concept of national character. On the other hand, and perhaps not unrelated, present-day sociologists are pursuing avidly the value orientation lead. Several4 have recognized that certain "dominant" themes can be identified in any social system and have applied the analysis at the national level. Indeed, the reader of the materials on both value orientations and national character sometimes has difficulty observing the differences between the two; he is frequently confronted with lists of alleged persoinality traits ascribed to individual persons which coincide with lists of value orientations of natioin-societies. The aim of this paper is to examine more closely from the point of view of its usefulness to sociology the concept of national character, by suggesting difficulties which arise in a coinsideration of the legitimacy of the concept in the sociologist's lexicon.5 First, however, a brief review of the ciriticisms leveled against the existing studies of national character will be presented. If it is at all possible to separate methodological problems from theoretical considerations, it appears safe to say that the majority of the ciriticisms of national character studies center around weaknesses in methods. Problems of sampling, sufficiently made and recorded observations, quantification, classification, and correlation would appear to fall under the heading of research methods dilemmas. All of these aspects have been thoroughly covered in the critiques by the psychologists, the group of academics most vociferous in this matter. That many of the statements about national character are hypotheses which require translation from "theoretical" to "empirical" language is
Maintaining Open Adoption Relationships: Practitioner Insights on Adoptive Parents’ Regulation of Adoption Kinship Networks

The present study explores practitioner perceptions of and observations about the adoptive parent, birth parent, and adoptee interactions that regulate open adoption relationships. Grounded in family systems theory, practitioner interviews (N = 19) were analyzed to understand the degree to which open adoption shapes the family system as well as the opportunities, challenges, and considerations experienced by individuals in open adoption. Findings reveal that open adoption relationships consist of numerous complex relationships. This complexity generates significant opportunities for connection. At the same time, the complexity of the system generates challenges. Social networking provides costs and rewards that require consideration on an individual basis. Findings offer implications for the utility of family systems theory in illuminating diverse family construction as well as open adoption communication research.
Role of Health Coaches in Pediatric Weight Management Patient and Parent Perspectives

This study aims to describe patients' and families' perspectives regarding the ideal role and responsibilities of a health coach to facilitate pediatric weight management in the primary care setting. Systematic thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with overweight children and their parents was performed. The majority of participants self-identified as racial/ethnic minorities and were Medicaid eligible. Desired health coaching elements included ( a) customized support and encouragement, including goal setting and maintenance, cultural sensitivity, and consideration of budget and lifestyle; ( b) nutritional guidance, including meal planning, assistance obtaining healthy food, and education and counseling; and ( c) linkage to resources, including social services, physical activity support, and programs for children with special health care needs. We conclude that families' specific needs should be holistically considered in the design of health coaching programs targeting pediatric obesity. Such support may help overcome social and financial barriers to changing health behaviors related to weight management.
To Be or Not To Be an Entrepreneur: Applying a Normative Model to Career Decisions

Reflecting the need for a better and broader understanding of the factors influencing the choices to enter into or exit an entrepreneurial career, this article applies a structured, normative model of career management to the career decision-making of entrepreneurs. The application of a structured model can assist career counselors, college career centers, outplacement firms, and other vocational advisors in properly guiding students and working adults in deciding on an entrepreneurial career. The career decision-making needs of entrepreneurs are examined at two different phases—the choice to become an entrepreneur and the potential to stay in or exit from the business. By summarizing existing research, the article examines key developmental and exploration tasks at each phase. The article concludes with an overview of areas for future research on the career decision-making of entrepreneurs.
The Body Project 4 All: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Mixed-Gender Dissonance-Based Body Image Program

Objective The Body Project is a cognitive dissonance-based body image improvement program with ample research support among female samples. More recently, researchers have highlighted the extent of male body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors; however, boys/men have not been included in the majority of body image improvement programs. This study aims to explore the efficacy of a mixed-gender Body Project compared with the historically female-only body image intervention program. Method Participants included male and female college students (N = 185) across two sites. We randomly assigned women to a mixed-gender modification of the two-session, peer-led Body Project (MG), the two-session, peer-led, female-only (FO) Body Project, or a waitlist control (WL), and men to either MG or WL. Participants completed self-report measures assessing negative affect, appearance-ideal internalization, body satisfaction, and eating disorder pathology at baseline, post-test, and at 2- and 6-month follow-up. Results Linear mixed effects modeling to estimate the change from baseline over time for each dependent variable across conditions were used. For women, results were mixed regarding post-intervention improvement compared with WL, and were largely non-significant compared with WL at 6-month follow-up. Alternatively, results indicated that men in MG consistently improved compared with WL through 6-month follow-up on all measures except negative affect and appearance-ideal internalization. Discussion Results differed markedly between female and male samples, and were more promising for men than for women. Various explanations are provided, and further research is warranted prior to drawing firm conclusions regarding mixed-gender programming of the Body Project. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2016)
Pilocarpine Hydrochloride in Ophthalmic Solutions: Modification of a High-Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Determination and Survey

Pilocarpine undergoes 2 important reactions in solutions, epimerization to isopilocarpine and hydrolysis to pilocarpic acid. There is no official USP limit for isopilocarpine or pilocarpic acid in pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solutions. An existing high-pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was modified by changing the buffer system to permit its use with constant-pressure as well as constant-volume instruments. The procedure separates all 3 components on a cation exchange resin; pilocarpine and isopilocarpine are determined directly and pilocarpic acid indirectly. Ophthalmic solutions and drug substances were obtained from substantially all the United States marketers of pilocarpine opthalmic solutions and were analyzed by the modified HPLC method. Results of the survey show that isopilocarpine is present to the extent of 0.4-3% and pilocarpic acid at levels of 0.6-7% of total alkaloid.
Negative spillover in corporate–nonprofit partnerships: Exploring the effects of company–cause congruence and organization–public relationships☆

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore whether negative spillover effects occur in the context of a corporate–nonprofit partnership when a crisis strikes a partner organization, and what factors might affect the degree of negative impact. The results of an experiment with 268 participants showed that a crisis in an organization made participants’ attitude less favorable and decreased their word-of-mouth intention toward its partner organization. The perceived congruence between a company and the cause of the nonprofit organization buffered the negative spillover effects, and organization–public relationships moderated the buffering effects.
Where’s Papa

Not long before he died, Ernest Hemingway wrote to one of his literary executors, “It is my wish that none of the letters written by me during my lifetime shall be published. Accordingly, I hereby request and direct you not to publish or consent to the publication by others, of any such letters.” That should have been enough to stay the hand of those biographers and publishers avid, like fight promoters, to get one last payday out of the ex-champ, no matter what the cost. Mary Hemingway, to her credit, held out against Carlos Baker and the Scribner Hemingway industry for eighteen years after her husband’s death in 1961, only to cave in at last and authorize publication of a book that is both dishonorable and damaging. The dishonor lies in the violation of Hemingway’s wishes in the name of some higher claim, some fanciful version of the advancement of learning that Baker calls “the continuing investigation of the life and achievements of one of the giants of twentieth-century literature.” Yet to read these letters is to appreciate why Hemingway wanted them kept out of the marketplace, for they place on view in the most vivid fashion all that was most unsavory in the man’s private character.
Brain Abscess: Management

A review of 130 children with brain abscesses treated over 21 years is reported from Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey.
2 /spl mu/m InAsSb quantum-dot lasers

High-density InAsSb quantum dots (QD) have been grown on [001] InP substrates using metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. Photoluminescence shows the QDs emit light in the range of 1.7-2.2 /spl mu/m at room temperature, and at 2 /spl mu/m the QDs have luminescence 3 times stronger than that of InAs QDs. Narrow ridge lasers based on a single-stack InAsSb QDs were demonstrated near 2 /spl mu/m in cw operation at room temperature with a threshold current density of 730 A/cm/sup 2/, output power of 3 mW/facet and a differential quantum efficiency of 13%.
Measurement and modeling of duty-cycle effects due to NBTI

One of the most important requirements for modeling of the long-term effects of negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) on device/circuit response is an understanding of how to include the effect of duty cycle on the threshold voltage shift. Since NBTI is known to be comprised of both permanent and recoverable components, a measurement protocol must be established enabling separation of these components and then their recombination to predict the shift for different duty cycles. In the work reported here, we have endeavored to address these issues by combining pulsed and pseudo-DC stressing/relaxation methods.
Exogenous attention during perceptual group formation and dissolution

Under natural viewing conditions, a large amount of information reaches our senses, and the visual system uses attention and perceptual grouping to reduce the complexity of stimuli in order to make real-time perception possible. Prior studies have shown that attention and perceptual grouping operate in synergy; exogenous attention is deployed not only to the cued item, but also to the entire group. Here, we investigated how attention and perceptual grouping operate during the formation and dissolution of groups. Our results showed that reaction times are higher in the presence of perceptual groups than they are for ungrouped stimuli. On the other hand, attentional benefits of perceptual grouping were observed during both the formation and the dissolution of groups. The dynamics were similar during group formation and dissolution, showing a gradual effect that takes approximately half a second to reach its maximum level. In the case of group dissolution, the attentional benefits persisted for about a quarter of a second after dissolution of the group. Taken together, our results reveal the dynamics of how attention and grouping work in synergy during the transient period when groups form or dissolve.
Evaluating Trap Alternatives for Removal of Salvator merianae (Black and White Tegu)

Abstract Salvator merianae (Argentine Black and White Tegu, hereafter, Tegu) is an omnivorous, burrowing lizard native to South America. Tegus were introduced through the pet trade, and free-ranging populations now threaten many native species in Florida. As Tegu control programs expand and more traps are deployed, the need for a simple, inexpensive trap increases. To date, there has been no experimental effort to compare types of traps or alternative lures. In this study, we evaluated responses of 12 captive Tegus to several alternative trap/bait combinations. We video-recorded each of the trials and scored the outcomes based on the trap the Tegu entered first. Our results suggest that alternative trap/lure combinations, such as traps made of PVC pipe baited with commercial mouse-based trap lure, might be just as effective at capturing Tegus, and thus could be less expensive options for Tegu control programs. Trials with captive animals do not necessarily predict outcomes with free-ranging animals, and w...
Asymptotic Stability of LTV Systems With Applications to Distributed Dynamic Fusion

We investigate the behavior of Linear Time-Varying (LTV) systems with randomly appearing, sub-stochastic system matrices. Motivated by dynamic fusion over mobile networks, we develop conditions on the system matrices that lead to asymptotic stability of the underlying LTV system. By partitioning the sequence of system matrices into slices, we obtain the stability conditions in terms of slice lengths and introduce the notion of unbounded connectivity , i.e., the time-intervals, over which the multi-agent network is connected, do not have to be bounded as long as they do not grow faster than a certain exponential rate. We further apply the above analysis to derive the asymptotic behavior of a dynamic leader-follower algorithm.
Creating a Future for Occupational Health.

Objectives Economic, social, technical, and political drivers are fundamentally changing the nature of work and work environments, with profound implications for the field of occupational health. Nevertheless, researchers and practitioners entering the field are largely being trained to assess and control exposures using approaches developed under old models of work and risks. Methods A speaker series and symposium were organized to broadly explore current challenges and future directions for the occupational health field. Broad themes identified throughout these discussions are characterized and discussed to highlight important future directions of occupational health. Findings Despite the relatively diverse group of presenters and topics addressed, some important cross-cutting themes emerged. Changes in work organization and the resulting insecurity and precarious employment arrangements change the nature of risk to a large fraction of the workforce. Workforce demographics are changing, and economic disparities among working groups are growing. Globalization exacerbates the 'race to the bottom' for cheap labor, poor regulatory oversight, and limited labor rights. Largely, as a result of these phenomena, the historical distinction between work and non-work exposures has become largely artificial and less useful in understanding risks and developing effective public health intervention models. Additional changes related to climate change, governmental and regulatory limitations, and inadequate surveillance systems challenge and frustrate occupational health progress, while new biomedical and information technologies expand the opportunities for understanding and intervening to improve worker health. Conclusion The ideas and evidences discussed during this project suggest that occupational health training, professional practice, and research evolve towards a more holistic, public health-oriented model of worker health. This will require engagement with a wide network of stakeholders. Research and training portfolios need to be broadened to better align with the current realities of work and health and to prepare practitioners for the changing array of occupational health challenges.
Impact of brain injury on functional measures of amplitude-integrated EEG at term equivalent age in premature infants.

Impact of brain injury on functional measures of amplitude-integrated EEG at term equivalent age in premature infants
Anatomical and Behavioral Investigation of C1ql3 in the Mouse Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

Many biochemical, physiological, and behavioral processes such as glucose metabolism, body temperature, and sleep-wake cycles show regular daily rhythms. These circadian rhythms are adjusted to the environmental light-dark cycle by a central pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in order for the processes to occur at appropriate times of day. Here, we investigated the expression and function of a synaptic organizing protein, C1QL3, in the SCN. We found that C1ql3 is robustly expressed in the SCN. C1ql3 knockout mice have a reduced density of excitatory synapses in the SCN. In addition, these mice exhibited less consolidated activity to the active portions of the day and period lengthening following a 15-minute phase-delaying light pulse. These data identify C1QL3 as a signaling molecule that is highly expressed in SCN neurons, where it contributes to the formation and/or maintenance of glutamatergic synapses and plays a role in circadian behaviors, which may include circadian aftereffects.
South Africa Today: Trends and Indicators

While this book focuses on post-apartheid South Africa, it is important to understand the final years of apartheid rule, the key political players, and the conditions and terms under which the African National Congress came to power. This chapter provides an overview of where the country has come since the end of apartheid—outlining key trends in the economy, employment, public safety, public health, higher education, gender, and other areas. Those trends, briefly outlined in Chapter 1, are explored in greater depth throughout the rest of the book.
Adjunctive Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes

The proliferation of new drug treatments for type 2 diabetes in the United States in the past 15 years, with more than 17 drugs approved in six new classes of antidiabetic drugs, has been promoted by several factors. First, the recognition of the importance of intensive glycemic control to reduce the risk of long-term complications has spurred development.1 Second, the epidemic of type 2 diabetes has created an enormous market with commensurate profits for the pharmaceutical industry. Finally, the relatively low bar set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the approval of new antidiabetic drugs — specifically, the . . .
Evaluating Vibration Serviceability Using Experimental Modal Testing

Predicting the dynamic response of pedestrian structures such as building floors and footbridges to human-induced activity is a complex problem that involves estimation of the dynamic properties of the structure and estimating its response to a loading that varies in intensity and location with respect to time. Even though the problem is complex, researchers have developed guides to aid designers in avoiding vibration serviceability issues by providing simple analytical tools for evaluating a proposed design. The strength of these guides lies in prevention of serviceability problems at the design stage, although they also serve as an informative measure when in-service floors or pedestrian bridges are reported to have excessive vibrations.
Association of Medical and Adult-Use Marijuana Laws With Opioid Prescribing for Medicaid Enrollees

Importance Overprescribing of opioids is considered a major driving force behind the opioid epidemic in the United States. Marijuana is one of the potential nonopioid alternatives that can relieve pain at a relatively lower risk of addiction and virtually no risk of overdose. Marijuana liberalization, including medical and adult-use marijuana laws, has made marijuana available to more Americans. Objective To examine the association of state implementation of medical and adult-use marijuana laws with opioid prescribing rates and spending among Medicaid enrollees. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences design comparing opioid prescribing trends between states that started to implement medical and adult-use marijuana laws between 2011 and 2016 and the remaining states. This population-based study across the United States included all Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care enrollees, a high-risk population for chronic pain, opioid use disorder, and opioid overdose. Exposures State implementation of medical and adult-use marijuana laws from 2011 to 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures Opioid prescribing rate, measured as the number of opioid prescriptions covered by Medicaid on a quarterly, per-1000-Medicaid-enrollee basis. Results State implementation of medical marijuana laws was associated with a 5.88% lower rate of opioid prescribing (95% CI, −11.55% to approximately −0.21%). Moreover, the implementation of adult-use marijuana laws, which all occurred in states with existing medical marijuana laws, was associated with a 6.38% lower rate of opioid prescribing (95% CI, −12.20% to approximately −0.56%). Conclusions and Relevance The potential of marijuana liberalization to reduce the use and consequences of prescription opioids among Medicaid enrollees deserves consideration during the policy discussions about marijuana reform and the opioid epidemic.
Registration-Associated Patient Misidentification in an Academic Medical Center: Causes and Corrections

Article-at-a-Glance Background Proper patient identification is a major factor affecting patient safety in any health care organization. Methods An interdisciplinary team, using three Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, reviewed the incidence of patient misidentifications resulting from registration process errors. Retrospective and prospective data were collected to determine the incidence among inpatients and outpatients. Results Registration-associated patient misidentification errors occurred 7 to 15 times per month. Information systems deficiencies, inadequate training, and the lack of a single master patient index were among the root causes identified. After three PDSA cycles, the incidence rate for registration-associated patient misidentification errors declined for inpatients (80.5%) but increased for outpatients (30.2%). Discussion Through an iterative process as implied in the PDSA cycle, registration-associated patient misidentification errors for established Johns Hopkins Hospital patients were dramatically reduced. A checklist is provided for other organizations to assess their vulnerability to registration-associated patient misidentification errors. The checklist suggests, for example, that organizations strive to develop a single master patient index and limit access to registration systems to staff with proper training and performance expectations.
Secure Attachment and Depression Predict 6-Month Outcome in Motor Functional Neurological Disorders: A Prospective Pilot Study

Background The relationships between baseline neuropsychiatric factors and clinical outcome in patients with functional neurological disorder (FND)/conversion disorder remain poorly understood. Objective This prospective, naturalistic pilot study investigated links between predisposing vulnerabilities (risk factors) and clinical outcome in patients with motor FND engaged in usual care within a subspecialty FND clinic. Methods Thirty-four patients with motor FND were enrolled and completed baseline and 6-month follow-up psychometric questionnaires. Univariate screening tests followed by multivariate linear regression analyses were used to investigate neuropsychiatric predictors of 6-month clinical outcome in patients with motor FND. Results In univariate analyses, baseline secure attachment traits and depression as measured by the Relationship Scales Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory-II positively correlated with improved Patient Health Questionnaire-15 scores. In a multivariate linear regression analysis adjusting for the interval time between baseline and follow-up data collection, baseline secure attachment and depression scores independently predicted improvements in Patient Health Questionnaire-15 scores. In additional analyses, patients with a diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures compared to individuals with other motor FND subtypes showed a trend toward worse 6-month physical health outcomes as measured by the Short Form Health Survey-36. Conclusion Future large-scale, multi-site longitudinal studies are needed to comprehensively investigate neuropsychiatric predictors of clinical outcome in patients with motor FND, including functional weakness, functional movement disorders, and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.
Poorly differentiated plasmacytoid squamous cell carcinoma: Case report of a rare malignancy.

Abstract Plasmacytoid squamous cell carcinoma is an especially aggressive variant of squamous cell carcinoma that has previously been described in the literature as a variant of oral cancers and most extensively, in vulvular [3], transitional cell, and urothelial carcinomas [2,13,15–20]. In this case report, we present a 36-year-old man with 6 to 8 weeks of a progressively enlarging mass over the lateral third of his clavicle, acromion process, and deltoid. The mass was resected, and the supraclavicular defect was reconstructed using an anterolateral thigh free flap. Final pathology determined the specimen was an invasive poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with spindle cell and plasmacytoid features of cutaneous origin. Plasmacytoid squamous cell carcinomas have previously been described in the oral cavity, but in no other subsite of the head and neck. This article describes the patient's case and provides a literature review of the available reports related to plasmacytoid variant of squamous cell carcinoma.
“Although He Sinned”: Spanish Conversos Between Law, Theology, and Jewish Popular Perception

Much of the prevailing research on medieval Conversos has focused on Christian attitudes regarding their religious status. To the extent that Jewish responses to the Conversos phenomenon have often been studied, the tendency has been to affirm the influence of the longstanding rabbinic position that the Conversos were forced converts, or ‘anusim, and thus still Jewish. Yet a closer analysis of late medieval sources reveals a great deal of popular Jewish suspicion with regard to Converso religious identity and resistance to the integration of former Conversos into the daily life of professing Jewish communities. Attitudes of average Jews on this issue offer insight into the ways in which theological and legal concepts of sin played out in the social spaces of Mediterranean Jewish communities.
Statistical weights for model-based reconstruction in cone-beam CT with electronic noise and dual-gain detector readout

Cone-beam CT (CBCT) systems commonly incorporate a flat-panel detector (FPD) with multiple-gain readout capability to reduce electronic noise and extend dynamic range. In this work, we report a penalized weighted least-squares (PWLS) method for CBCT image reconstruction with a system model that includes the electronic noise characteristics of FPDs, including systems with dynamic-gain or dual-gain (DG) readout in which the electronic noise is spatially varying. Statistical weights in PWLS were modified to account for the contribution of the electronic noise (algorithm denoted [Formula: see text]), and the method was combined with a certainty-based approach that improves the homogeneity of spatial resolution (algorithm denoted [Formula: see text]). The methods were tested in phantom studies designed to stress DG readout characteristics and translated to a clinical study for CBCT of patients with head traumas. The [Formula: see text] method demonstrated superior noise-resolution tradeoffs compared to filtered back-projection (FBP) and conventional PWLS. For example, with spatial resolution (edge-spread function width) matched at 0.65 mm, [Formula: see text] reduced variance by 28%-39% and 15%-25% compared to FBP and PWLS, respectively. The [Formula: see text] method achieved more homogeneous spatial resolution than [Formula: see text] while maintaining similar variance reduction. These findings were confirmed in clinical studies, which showed ~20% variance reduction in peripheral regions of the brain, potentially improving visual image quality in detection of epidural and/or subdural intracranial hemorrhage. The results are consistent with the general notion that incorporating a more accurate system model improves performance in optimization-based statistical CBCT reconstruction-in this case, a more accurate model for (spatially varying) electronic noise to improve detectability of low-contrast lesions.
The Rumors of Bergson’s Demise May Have Been Exaggerated: Novelty, Complexity, and Emergence in Biological Evolution

Early 20th century philosopher Henri Bergson posited an initial push that propelled the diversity of life forward into a varied, novel future: The elan vital, a necessary force or impulse that animated life’s progress and development. His idea had largely been abandoned by mid-century. Even so, much of the conceptual and explanatory work this impulse targeted is yet in want of an explanation. In particular, Bergson’s derelict ideas on evolution addressed three areas that have once again become relevant in the effort to unite evolutionary genetics, biological development, and ecological context (often shortened to evo/devo/eco): (1) the purposeful nature of individual organisms and their parts; (2) the integrative, holistic, non-linear emergent dynamics seen in evolutionary processes; and (3) how genuine novelty emerges into the universe (Ellegren and Galtier in Nat Rev Genet 17(7):422, 2016; Simondon et al. in On the mode of existence of technical objects. Univocal series, Univocal Publishing LLC, Minneapolis, 2017; Bang, in: Winther-Lindqvist, Bang, Valsiner (eds) Nothingness: philosophical insights into psychology, Transaction Publishers, Somerset, 2016; Moreno and Mossio in Biological autonomy: a philosophical and theoretical enquiry. History, philosophy and theory of the life sciences, Springer, Dordrecht, 2015). In this paper I argue that Bergson’s ideas may yet be relevant to these questions, and his work warrants a reexamination in light of current problems in evolutionary biology. This is not a call to ‘return’ to Bergson, nevertheless his notions about complexity suggest ways of looking at current biological problems in ways that offer a heuristic insight worth entertaining. Bergson’s Nobel Prize-winning book, Creative Evolution, provided a strikingly prescient early 20th century framework for understanding how Darwinian evolution acts as an engine for generating new forms (Bergson in Creative evolution (M. Vaughan, trans., vol. 231), University Press of America, Lanham, Bergson 1911).
Asymptotic Estimates for Queueing Systems with Time-Varying Periodic Transition Rates

We consider the \(M_t/M_t/1\) queue, the multi-server queue (\(M_t/M_t/c_t\)), and queues with jumps of size one and two. Results are extensible to more general ergodic quasi-birth-death processes (QBDs) with time-varying periodic transition rates of period one. The estimates are asymptotic in the level of the process (the length of the queue). These asymptotic estimates highlight the connections between the asymptotic periodic distribution of a stable queue with time-varying rates and the same type of queue with constant rates. The estimates can also be used to approximate other performance measures such as the waiting time distribution. We illustrate the method with several examples.
Predictors of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Infrequently Screened Women Completing Human Papillomavirus Self-Collection: My Body My Test-1.

Abstract Background: Approximately one-half of cervical cancer cases in the United States occur in underscreened or never-screened women. We examined predictors to completing Papanicolaou (Pap) tes...
Pruritic papules in multiple intertriginous areas.

An otherwise healthy 69-year-old woman presented with a several months’ history of a pruritic eruption in intertriginous areas. No treatments had been tried, although the patient had used antiperspirant for years and recently switched to a new brand. Physical exam showed linear hyperpigmented and
Photophysical properties of the [Ru(2,2′-bipyridine)3]2+ templated metal organic framework, RWLC-6

Abstract Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) provide a diverse platform through which to develop photocatalytic materials for light harvesting applications. Here we report the synthesis and photophysical properties of [Ru(2,2′-bipyridine)3]2+ (RuBpy) encapsulated within a MOF constructed from Zn (II) cations connected through 1,3,5-triscarboxyphenylethynylbenzene linkers (RWLC-6). The photophysics of RuBpy within this material are distinct from other RWLC based RuBpy-Zn based MOF materials. Specifically, the emission decay lifetime is biphasic with a fast phase of 216 ns which is attributed to a population of RuBpy that is encapsulated within a confined environment containing a quenching site resulting in deactivation of the triplet ligand field (3LF) state and an increase of the decay rate from the 3MLCT manifold. The slow phase (1032 ns) is consistent with a population of RuBpy encapsulated within a confined environment that is lacking any quenchers. The hypsochromic shift in the steady-state emission spectrum is attributed to a slight increase in E00 which corresponds to the energy gap between the 3MLCT and the ground state (1GS) upon encapsulation.
Invasive Potamopyrgus antipodarum (New Zealand mud snails) and native snails differ in sensitivity to specific electrical conductivity and cations

When species are introduced to novel environments, abiotic conditions must be suitable for species to become invasive. For example, water chemistry must be acceptable for aquatic non-natives to colonize and persist. In two laboratory experiments, we measured growth and survival of Potamopyrgus antipodarum, a worldwide invasive snail from New Zealand, and two co-occurring native snails [Pyrgulopsis robusta and Galba (Bakerilymnaea) bulimoides group] to contrast the relative sensitivity of the three species to aspects of water chemistry (specific conductivity and concentration of multiple cations). Low conductivity reduced growth and survival of Potamopyrgus but did not affect growth of native snails and only reduced survival of one native species, Pyrgulopsis, at extremely low conductivity. In contrast, neither specific cations nor concentration affected growth and survival of Potamopyrgus, but both affected native snails; Pyrgulopsis, grew more at higher concentrations of cations, and Galba grew nine times faster with added potassium than with added magnesium and had higher survival in concentrated than in diluted solutions. Thus, the invasive and native snails differed in their sensitivity to water chemistry: the invasive snail is more sensitive to conductivity, and the native snails are more sensitive to the concentration of specific cations. Our conclusions are consistent with previous studies and with the distribution of Potamopyrgus in the western USA, and parts of Europe, where density of the invasive snail increases with conductivity. Thus, native snails may be able to escape negative effects of the invasive snails by inhabiting areas with low conductivity, when ion concentrations are sufficient.
Multivariate Patterns of Posterior Cortical Activity Differentiate Forms of Emotional Distancing.

Distancing is an effective tactic for emotion regulation, which can take several forms depending on the type(s) of psychological distance being manipulated to modify affect. We recently proposed a neurocognitive model of emotional distancing, but it is unknown how its specific forms are instantiated in the brain. Here, we presented healthy young adults (N = 34) with aversive pictures during functional magnetic resonance imaging to directly compare behavioral performance and brain activity across spatial, temporal, and objective forms of distancing. We found emotion regulation performance to be largely comparable across these forms. A conjunction analysis of activity associated with these forms yielded a high degree of overlap, encompassing regions of the default mode and frontoparietal networks as predicted by our model. A multivariate pattern classification further revealed distributed patches of posterior cortical activation that discriminated each form from one another. These findings not only confirm aspects of our overarching model but also elucidate a novel role for cortical regions in and around the parietal lobe in selectively supporting spatial, temporal, and social cognitive processes to distance oneself from an emotional encounter. These regions may provide new targets for brain-based interventions for emotion dysregulation.
Determining the number of states in dynamic functional connectivity using cluster validity indexes.

Abstract Background Clustering analysis is employed in brain dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) to cluster the data into a set of dynamic states. These states correspond to different patterns of functional connectivity that iterate through time. Although several cluster validity index (CVI) methods to determine the best clustering partition exists, the appropriateness of methods to apply in the case of dynamic connectivity analysis has not been determined. New Method Currently employed indexes do not provide a crisp answer on what is the best number of clusters. In addition, there is a lack of CVI testing in the context of dFC data. This work tests a comprehensive set of twenty four cluster validity indexes applied to addiction data and suggest the best ones for clustering dynamic functional connectivity. Results Out of the twenty four considered CVIs, Davies-Bouldin and Ray-Turi were the most suitable methods to find the number of clusters in both simulation and real data. The solution for these two CVIs is to find a local minimum critical point, which can be automated using computational algorithms. Comparison with Existing Methods Elbow-Criterion, Silhouette and GAP-Statistic methods have been widely used in dFC studies. These methods are included among the tested CVIs where the performances of all twenty four CVIs are compared. Conclusions Davies-Bouldin and Ray-Turi CVIs showed better performance among a group of twenty four CVIs in determining the number of clusters to use in dFC analysis.
PROGNOSIS OF ST CHANGES IN HIGH PERFORMANCE EXERCISE TESTS

Prior studies show limited utility of ST segment changes to identify ischemia in patients with good exercise performance. Our aim was to examine long-term prognosis in such patients. Mayo Clinic stress test database was reviewed from 1993–2010 for Minnesota residents without prior CAD. We defined
CHAPTER II – GEOMETRICAL RADIOMETRY

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on geometrical radiometry. Radiometry, in its general form, is defined as the science of the measurement of the production and propagation of observable electromagnetic fields. Radiometry is a broad field with several smaller departments. One such department is geometrical radiometry in which electromagnetic radiation is measured with instruments built so as to observe radiant energy on the phenomenological level and forms theoretical constructs of radiant energy based on such measurements. As a result of the phenomenological outlook of geometrical radiometry, it is a natural vehicle for the theoretical notions of the light field used in radiative transfer theory. The chapter describes the properties of radiance and their immediate consequences as used in radiative transfer theory. Radiance is a non-negative number that is paired with the dimensions of power per area per solid angle and can be represented in units of watts per square meter per steradian.
Physical Environment Reconstruction Beyond Light Polarization for Coherent Augmented Reality Scene on Mobile Devices

The integration of virtual objects to appear as part of the real world is the base of photo-realistic augmented reality (AR) scene development. The physical illumination information, environment features, and virtual objects shading materials combined are considered to reach a perceptually coherent final scene. Other research investigated the problem while assuming availability of scene geometry beforehand, pre-computation of light location, or offline execution. In this paper, we incorporated our previous work of direct light detection with real scene understanding features to provide occlusion, plane detection, and scene reconstruction for improved photo-realism. The whole system tackles several problems at once which consists of: (1) physics-based light polarization, (2) location of incident lights detection, (3) reflected lights simulation, (4) shading materials definition, (5) real-world geometric understanding. A validation of the system is performed by evaluating the geometric reconstruction accuracy, direct illumination pose, performance cost, and human perception.
Determination of vitamin A and vitamin E in human serum by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

Objective To establish a method for the simultaneous and rapid determination of vitamin A and vitamin E of different configurations in human serum by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) with multi-wavelength fluorescence detector. Methods The serum was mixed after adding internal standard, and acetonitrile was added for protein precipitation. The mixture was centrifuged after extraction with n-hexane. The n-hexane layer was dried by N_2 flow, the residue was dissolved with methanol. The HPLC system was consisted of WATERS Symmetry C_(18) column(4. 6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) and the mobile phase was methanol. The column temperature was 30 ℃ and fluorescence detector with online wavelength conversion method was carried out for the quantitative detection. Results The liner range of determination of vitamin A, α-vitamin E, β-vitamin E and δ-vitamin E were 0. 050-2. 0 μg/mL, 0. 50-50 μg/mL, 0. 050-5. 0 μg/mL and 0. 050-5. 0 μg/mL, respectively(r≥0. 996). The minimum detection limits of the method for vitamin A and vitamin E were all 0. 02 μg/mL. The intraday and interday relative standard deviations(RSDs) were less than 3% at high, medium and low concentrations. The recoveries of the samples at the three concentrations were 91. 2%-107. 5%, and the RSDs were less than 10%. Conclusion This method is simple and accurate, with higher sensitivity than using UV detector and can be used for the simultaneous determination of vitamin A and vitamin E of different configurations in serum, and is suitable for rapid detection of batch serum samples.