cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Profile of Cell-Derived Microparticles (C-MP) in ITP: Red Cell Microparticles (RMP) Correlate with Severity of ITP.

BACKGROUND: The roles of cell-derived microparticles (C-MP) released from platelets (PMP), endothelial cells (EMP), leukocytes (LMP) and red cells (RMP) in hemostasis, thrombosis and inflammation have been appreciated in recent years. Although PMP were shown to be hemostatically active, the roles of other C-MP, especially RMP, have not been studied in ITP. We investigated C-MP in patients with ITP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred-six patients with ITP were studied. They consisted of 73 pts with active ITP (ITP-A, 30M/43F, mean age 53.8 yr) and 33 pts in remission (ITP-R, 4M/29F, mean age 53.4 yr). ITP-A was defined by plt count 3 months; ITP-R was defined by plt count >140,000 for >3 months. Mean plt counts was 78,000 for ITP-A and 224,000 for ITP-R. The two groups were similar in ages. CBC with plt count, aPTT and activities of FVIII, FIX, FXI, were measured. Using flow cytometry, PMP were identified by CD41+, EMP by CD31+/CD41−, LMP by CD45+, and RMP by glycophorin+. Effects of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) on C-MP were also evaluated. RESULTS: There was a strong inverse correlation between plt counts and RMP (p=0.002). RMP were higher when plt counts were lower. A significant correlation was found between platelet counts and PMP (p 0.05). The mean value of RMP was higher in ITP-A than ITP-R (p= 0.009). Conversely, PMP and EMP were higher in ITP-R (P DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: (i) RMP inversely correlated with plt counts and appear to be a sensitive marker of severity of ITP. However mechanisms of RMP generation, their reduction following IVIG and their roles remain to be elucidated. (ii) Among C-MP, only RMP, not other C-MP, were associated with shortening aPTT and elevated FVIII, IX, XI. (iii) RMP are positive for annexin V, providing anionic phospholipids for clotting factors and generating thrombin (data not shown). These findings suggest that RMP associated with these factors are involved in hemostasis to prevent bleeding in severe ITP.
Eyes Wide Open: Exposure Keratopathy in Pediatric Sedation and Radiology

Abstract Pediatric patients who are sedated or anesthetized for radiologic procedures are at risk for the development of exposure keratopathy (EK; breakdown of the corneal epithelium). EK can lead to permanent damage to the cornea and ultimately the loss of vision. Prevention of EK is key. This article discusses risk factors that need to be identified, such as cranial nerve VII palsy, neurologic impairment, and those with any known eye abnormality. Assessment tools are included in this review article. Referral to ophthalmology is stressed when the condition dictates.
Microelectrode study of spreading depression (SD) in frog retina-Müller cell activity and [K+] during SD--.

By means of K+ microelectrodes, K+ potentials and [K+] were studied in frog retinas conditioned for SD by CL--free Ringer's. A marked increase in [K+]o was observed during SD, the increase being maximal in the inner plexiform layer (up to 50 mM or more) and subsiding towards the distal retina. The extracellular K+ potential change during SD and also the graded K+ potential changes produced locally by iontophoretic injection of SD-stimulant chemicals resembled the membrane potential changes in Muller cells under the same conditions, suggesting that the Muller cells act as K+ electrodes. In retinas conditioned by Cl--free Ringer's Muller cells were swollen. This allowed intracellular recording with K+ electrodes in Muller cells to reveal that upon SD the Muller cells immediately start to cleanse the extracellular space of excess K+ which is probably a product of pathologically enhanced synaptic activity in the inner plexiform layer. The mechanism of SDP, the field potential change associated with SD, is discussed from a proposed model.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy for Quantitative Biological Imaging

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is a method for measuring fluorophore lifetimes with microscopic spatial resolution, providing a useful tool for cell biologists to detect, visualize, and investigate structure and function of biological systems. In this chapter, we begin by introducing the basic theory of fluorescence lifetime, including the characteristics of fluorophore decay, followed by a discussion of factors affecting fluorescence lifetimes and the potential advantages of fluorescence lifetime as a source of image contrast. Experimental methods for creating lifetime maps, including both time- and frequency-domain experimental approaches, are then introduced. Then, FLIM data analysis methods are discussed, including rapid lifetime determination, multiexponential fitting, Laguerre polynomial fitting, and phasor plot analysis. After, data analysis methods are introduced that improve lifetime precision of FLIM maps based upon optimal virtual gating and total variation denoising. The chapter concludes by highlighting several recent FLIM applications for quantitative biological imaging, including Forster resonance energy transfer-FLIM, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy-FLIM, multispectral-FLIM, and multiphoton-FLIM.
A ROC-Based Approach for Developing Optimal Strategies in UUV Search Planning

This paper addresses the high-level search planning that is necessary to find hidden objects in difficult undersea environments where sensor performance varies geographically and the susceptibility to false alarms is high. We develop a game-theoretic approach for maximizing the information that is collected as a multiagent collaborative search is conducted over a region of interest. To accomplish this, we apply 1) a search channel formalism to the discrete search modeling paradigm to develop information measures as a function of searcher regional visitation; and 2) a receiver operator characteristic analysis to map sensor detection characteristics to search events. We formulate an area search game where player action directs where and how information is collected under a fixed cost constraint on search effort. We discuss the properties of the information measure developed for a repeated look over the area search channel and examine the impact of setting ROC operating points to their game equilibrium values. We describe a new algorithmic capability for solving the search allocation problem where searchers can collaborate in their efforts to resolve false alarm outcomes. Results are presented to show the dominance of this approach over alternative strategies allotted to the game and to demonstrate the capability of exploiting the known nonhomogeneity in the search environment.
Is There Any Role for Direct Repair of Extensor Mechanism Disruption Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Extensor mechanism disruption remains a challenging problem in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with historically poor outcomes. The purpose of our study is to determine if patients undergoing acute extensor mechanism repair had different outcomes than patients undergoing allograft reconstruction. Methods We reviewed a series of 126 total knee arthroplasty patients requiring surgical repair or reconstruction of an extensor mechanism injury from 2005 to 2014 with a minimum of 24 months of follow-up. Demographics, comorbidities, Knee Society Scores, time from injury, and reoperations were all recorded from the medical record. A poor outcome was defined as an extensor lag >30°, postoperative Knee Society Scores Results Of the 126 patients, there were 58 patients who underwent direct extensor repair (46%) and 68 patients who underwent allograft reconstruction (54%) at a mean postsurgical follow-up of 81.2 months. Rates of poor outcomes were comparably high in both groups (33% vs 44%, P = .192). Patella tendon repair had the highest rate of poor outcomes compared to quadriceps repair and patella fixation (63% vs 22% vs 8%, P = .002). Independent risk factors for poor outcomes included patients with a history of infection (odds ratio 4.559, P = .002) and injury greater than 2 weeks duration (odds ratio 4.237, P = .031). Conclusion Outcomes following direct extensor mechanism are comparable to extensor mechanism allograft reconstruction; however, patients should be counseled regarding poor outcomes. Direct repair of patellar tendon injuries should likely be avoided due to prohibitively high complication rate.
Validation of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of an Arabic version of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS) using a Jordanian sample. The sample included 233 Jordanian cit...
Identity and Art: A Reflection on “The Arabs: An American Story”

This article reflects on the components of culture and art in the symposium and exhibit, “The Arabs: An American Story”. The project was born out of work done investigating constructions of Arab-American identity utilizing arts-based perspectives. Presented over a six-month period from April 2001 until September 2001, the project was founded on the belief that there is conflict amongst representations of Arabs and Arabic identity in mainstream American society.
VARIATIONAL CRIMES IN THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on variational crimes in the finite element method. The finite element method is nearly a special case of the Rayleigh-Ritz technique. The convenience and effectiveness of the finite element technique is regarded as conclusively established; it has brought a revolution in the calculations of structural mechanics, and other applications are rapidly developing. The chapter reviews the modifications of the Ritz procedure which have been made to achieve an efficient finite element system. On a regular mesh one could regard the system of Ritz-finite element equations KQ = F as a finite difference scheme, and then the patch test would be equivalent to the formal consistency of the difference equations with the correct differential equation. The chapter discusses the convergence theory for non-conforming elements. It is impossible for a polynomial to satisfy a condition like u = 0 on a general curved boundary. Therefore, some alteration in the boundary condition will be necessary. The most important possibility is to change the domain.
Solitary interruption of the arch of the aorta: Clinicopathologic review of eight cases

Patients with isolated total interruption of the arch of the aorta not accompanied by other cardiovascular anomalies may survive to advanced age. Their symptoms and course resemble those of patients with postductal coarctation of the aorta. However, there are basic differences in the pathologic findings in these two types of anomalies that may be of aid in the radiographic diagnosis.
The child with developmental disabilities grown up: adult residua of childhood disorders.

A clinic specializing in learning disabilities and willing to assess adults receives referrals that parallel the three major reasons for referral in the pediatric and adolescent school-aged population: (1) "Is this patient dyslexic"; (2) "Does this patient 'have' ADHD residual type"; (3) "Does this patient have some kind of learning disability?" The third is the most difficult and least well understood, the NVLD or so-called right-hemisphere group, most likely to be referred by mental health facilities and professionals. The first, dyslexia, has the most secure neuroscientific background and in some ways the most straightforward conceptualization yet is still controversial in terms of the subtle and well-masked ways in which its manifestations may be seen. Aptly placed in the second and hence middle position, straddling both dyslexia and NVLD, is that sprawling and emphatically heterogeneous collection of observations agglomerated under the title ADHD and affiliated with the pharmacotherapy of stimulants. Yet for all its sprawl, ADHD stands in relation to its cognitive overlap zone, executive dysfunction, as symptoms do to signs; and executive dysfunction, especially in adults, appears to be a cognitive-deficit cluster of special importance to the persistence of uncompensated or clinically significant learning disabilities. That is, the real question to be answered about adults with learning disabilities is why have they not compensated for cognitive deficits; or, if they have acquired basic academic skills, why have they not been able to use these skills? Unless linguistic or spatial deficits are extremely severe, academic skills can usually be acquired by compensatory strategies and, once acquired, can be used. Ability to compensate (and to generalize the compensation) are crucial determinants of adult learning disabilities outcome. Less is understood about nonacademic skills, of which the social domain seems least optional, i.e., most pervasively important. Spatially based skills are the least difficult to avoid or circumvent. Absent severe linguistic or spatial cognitive deficits, the most central neuropsychologic issues in adult learning-disability studies are executive dysfunction and social imperception/ineptitude. At present, executive dysfunction is the one of these two that can be evaluated in a behavioral neurology clinic.
Influences: Russian training

I grew up in Yaroslavl, an old Russian city on the Volga River, which celebrated its 1,000th anniversary in 2010. Because my mom, a medical nurse, and my dad, a railroad worker, belonged to the working class, I had no intentions of becoming a scientist. As a kid, I dreamed about becoming many things
Trauma-Informed Police Responses to Rape Victims

Rape victims can benefit from trauma-informed approaches when reporting rape to police. Police interviewing skill can prevent survivor re-victimization while eliciting useful crime statements. Howe...
Factors Considered by Nephrologists in Excluding Patients from Kidney Transplant Referral.

Background: Provider perceptions about patient candidacy for kidney transplant (KT) are potentially significant contributors to disparities in KT. Objective: To examine nephrologists’ perceptions about factors that are important in excluding patients from KT referral, and to analyze the association between these perceptions and nephrologists’ demographic and practice characteristics. Methods: Invitations were sent to 3180 nephrologists. Among those who consented, 822 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 250 were randomly invited to complete a questionnaire about perceptions of factors essential in deciding not to refer patients for KT. Results: Responses from 216 participants with complete responses were analyzed. The 3 most common reasons for excluding patients were “patient’s inadequate social support” (44%), “limited understanding of the process due to patient’s inadequate education” (32%), and “patient’s age above 65” (26%). Nephrologists practicing in rural settings were more likely to consider inadequate support and limited education of patients as reasons not to refer for KT. In multivariate analysis, physicians with 2 or fewer transplant centers within 50 miles were more likely to report inadequate social support (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.59–6.24) and age greater than 65 years (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.01–3.49) as reasons to exclude patients from KT referral. Nephrologists whose practice included patients majority of whom had not completed high school were more likely to consider limited understanding due to inadequate education as an important reason to exclude patients from KT (OR: 3.31, 95% CI: 1.60–6.86). Conclusion: Patient’s social support, understanding, and age were the most common factors regarded by nephrologists as important in not referring patients for KT evaluation. Practice location, particularly rural setting, proximity to a transplant center, and the education level of a nephrologist’s patient population were important determinants of referral for KT.
Zooglider-Based Measurements of Planktonic Foraminifera in the California Current System

Author(s): Gaskell, DE; Ohman, MD; Hull, PM | Abstract: Spines and rhizopodia play an important role in the feeding behavior, symbiont ecology, shell geochemistry, and density and drag of planktonic foraminifera. However, there are few empirical data on planktonic foraminifera in situ, and these delicate structures are disturbed on capture. Here, we report spine and rhizopod measurements from underwater images obtained in the California Current System near La Jolla, California by Zooglider, a new autonomous zooplankton-sensing glider. Across all observed species, we find that spine length and flexibility correlate with test size and that spines increase the effective prey encounter volume of spinose foraminifera by two to three orders of magnitude. Our data also yielded several novel observations regarding hastigerinid foraminifera (Hastigerinella digitata and Hastigerina pelagica), a group of ! unusually large planktonic foraminifera that are abundant in our dataset below 250 m. First, the effective encounter volume of hastigerinid foraminifera can be very large: our largest specimen occupies almost 40 cm3 (about the size of a golf ball), while the median specimen occupies 5.3 cm3 (about the size of a cherry). Second, the majority of hastigerinid foraminifera in our dataset have asymmetric bubble capsules, which are most frequently oriented with their bubbles on the upward side of the test, consistent with the hypothesis that the bubble capsule is positively buoyant. Third, 16% of hastigerinid foraminifera in our dataset have dispersed bubble capsules with detached bubbles distributed along the spines and rhizopodia, consistent with a regular source of natural disturbance. Taken together, our observations suggest that hastigerinid foraminifera play a larger role as mesopelagic predators in the California Current System than previously recognized.
Are Global Land Grabs Ticking Socio-environmental Bombs or Just Inefficient Investments?

Across the lower- and middle-income world, investors are acquiring rights to large swathes of land for agricultural development, threatening both existing livelihoods and the environment. The full weight of future impacts remains uncertain. But research on sustainable agriculture offers avenues to mitigate, diffuse, and avoid negative environmental and social consequences.
Insights into membrane-separated organic electrosynthesis: the case of adiponitrile electrochemical production

Organic electrosynthetic processes are key players in the integration of renewable energy in chemical manufacturing, but face important challenges in selectivity and energy efficiency. Although membrane-separated flow reactors can help address these issues, a deeper understanding of membrane behavior in organic-containing electrolytes is required. We evaluate the effect of organic reactants on the conductivity and permeability of one cation exchange membrane (Nafion 117) and two anion exchange membranes (Sustainion and Fumasep FAB), to later assess the advantages of their implementation in flow reactors for the electrohydrodimerization of acrylonitrile to adiponitrile – the largest organic electrosynthesis in industry. The presence of organic molecules led to important losses in membrane conductivity, however no significant contribution to reactor overpotential was observed from their implementation in membrane-separated reactors. Furthermore, permeabilities between 0.4–1.2 × 10−6 cm2 s−1 towards organic molecules led to low crossover of organics and improved reactor selectivity. Undivided reactors yielded selectivities as high as 48% (40 mA cm−2 and 4 V), while selectivities of 77% (20 mA cm−2 and 2.7 V) and 81% (40 mA cm−2 and 3 V) were obtained with Nafion and Sustainion-separated reactors, respectively. The demonstrated improvement in energy efficiency for continuous organic electrosynthetic processes makes the insights from this work a significant step in the development of sustainable electrochemical manufacturing processes.
Sex Bias in Gut Microbiome Transmission in Newly Paired Marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus )

ABSTRACT Social behavior can alter the microbiome composition via transmission among social partners, but there have been few controlled experimental studies of gut microbiome transmission among social partners in primates. We collected longitudinal fecal samples from eight unrelated male-female pairs of marmoset monkeys prior to pairing and for 8 weeks following pairing. We then sequenced 16S rRNA to characterize the changes in the gut microbiome that resulted from the pairing. Marmoset pairs had a higher similarity in gut microbiome communities after pairing than before pairing. We discovered sex differences in the degrees of change in gut microbiome communities following pairing. Specifically, the gut microbiome communities in males exhibited greater dissimilarity from the prepairing stage (baseline) than the gut microbiome communities in females. Conversely, females showed a gradual stabilization in the rate of the gut microbiome community turnover. Importantly, we found that the male fecal samples harbored more female-source gut microbes after pairing, especially early in pairing (paired test, P IMPORTANCE In this controlled study, we collected longitudinal fecal samples from 16 male and female marmoset monkeys for 2 weeks prior to and for 8 weeks after pairing in male-female dyads. We report for the first time that marmoset monkeys undergo significant changes to the gut microbiome following pairing and that these changes are sex-biased; i.e., females transmit more microbes to their social partners than males do. Marmosets exhibit pair bonding behavior such as spatial proximity, physical contact, and grooming, and sex biases in these behavioral patterns may contribute to the observed sex bias in social transmission of gut microbiomes.
Estimating Fiber Orientation Distribution through Blockwise Adaptive Thresholding with Application to HCP Young Adults Data

Due to recent technological advances, large brain imaging data sets can now be collected. Such data are highly complex so extraction of meaningful information from them remains challenging. Thus, there is an urgent need for statistical procedures that are computationally scalable and can provide accurate estimates that capture the neuronal structures and their functionalities. We propose a fast method for estimating the fiber orientation distribution(FOD) based on diffusion MRI data. This method models the observed dMRI signal at any voxel as a convolved and noisy version of the underlying FOD, and utilizes the spherical harmonics basis for representing the FOD, where the spherical harmonic coefficients are adaptively and nonlinearly shrunk by using a James-Stein type estimator. To further improve the estimation accuracy by enhancing the localized peaks of the FOD, as a second step a super-resolution sharpening process is then applied. The resulting estimated FODs can be fed to a fiber tracking algorithm to reconstruct the white matter fiber tracts. We illustrate the overall methodology using both synthetic data and data from the Human Connectome Project.
CONVERGENCE of Some ITERATION FORMULAS and SOLUTION OF RECURRENCE FORMULAS

where A, B, and C are constants. Solutions of the recurrence formula Af(n + 2) + Bf(n + 1) + C/(n) = 0 can be found by trying to choose a and r such that f(n) = arn satisfies the recurrence formula. Substituting, we obtain aArn+2 + aBrn+1 + aCrn = 0. Canceling out a and rn, we get Ar2 + Br + C = 0, which has the same roots as Ax2 + Bx + C = 0. Thus, the solution of the recurrence formula Af(n + 2) + Bf(n + 1) + Cf(n) = 0 will yield the roots of the quadratic equation Ax2 + Bx + C = 0. Generally, if rx ^ r2 and rt and r2 are the roots of Ar2 + Br + C = 0 resulting from the substitution of /(n) = arn in the recurrence formula Aj{n + 2) + Bf(n + 1) + C7(n) = 0, then the general solution of this recurrence formula is:
The Role of Small Extracellular Vesicles in Viral-Protozoan Symbiosis: Lessons From Trichomonasvirus in an Isogenic Host Parasite Model.

The protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), exclusively adapted to the human genital tract, is one of the most common sexually transmitted pathogens. Adding to the complexity of the host-pathogen interactions, the parasite harbors TV-specific endosymbiont viruses (Trichomonasvirus, TVV). It was reported that small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) released by TV play a role in host immunity; however, the role of the viral endosymbiosis in this process remained unknown. We hypothesized that the virus may offer evolutionary benefit to its protozoan host at least in part by altering the immunomodulatory properties of sEVs spreading from the site of infection to non-infected immune effector cells. We infected human vaginal epithelial cells, the natural host of the parasite, with TV natively harboring TVV and an isogenic derivative of the parasite cured from the viral infection. sEVs were isolated from vaginal cell culture 24 h post TV infection and from medium where the isogenic TV strains were cultured in the absence of the human host. sEVs from TVV-negative but not TVV-positive parasites cultured alone caused NF-κB activation and increase of IL-8 and RANTES expression by uterine endocervical cells, which provide innate immune defense at the gate to the upper reproductive tract. Similarly, mononuclear leukocytes increased their IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α output in response to sEVs from virus-negative, but not isogenic virus-positive parasites, the latter exosomes being immunosuppressive in comparison to TV medium control. The same phenomenon of suppressed immunity induced by the TVV-positive compared to TVV-negative phenotype was seen when stimulating the leukocytes with sEVs originating from infected vaginal cultures. In addition, the sEVs from the TVV-positive infection phenotype suppressed immune signaling of a toll-like receptor ligand derived from mycoplasma, another frequent TV symbiont. Quantitative comparative proteome analysis of the secreted sEVs from virus-positive versus virus-negative TV revealed differential expression of two functionally uncharacterized proteins and five proteins involved in Zn binding, protein binding, electron transfer, transferase and catalytic activities. These data support the concept that symbiosis with viruses may provide benefit to the protozoan parasite by exploiting sEVs as a vehicle for inter-cellular communications and modifying their protein cargo to suppress host immune activation.
Assessment of Children With Hearing Loss and Co-Occurring Medical Disorders: Challenging Cases

Purpose Assessing children with hearing loss and co-occurring medical disorders can be challenging. The purpose of this clinical focus article is to highlight multidisciplinary decision making and ...
Abstract TP96: Pexophagy is Neuroprotective in Ischemic Brain

Introduction: Peroxisomes are highly adaptable and dynamic organelles, undergoing a formation/degradation cycle every 24-48 hours. We have previously demonstrated that increasing peroxisomal biogen...
Persistent Misperceptions about Nicotine among US Physicians: Results from a Randomized Survey Experiment.

We conducted a survey experiment among US physicians to evaluate whether question wording impacted perceptions about the health effects of nicotine. 926 physicians were randomized to receive one of two versions of a question matrix that asked about the “extent to which they agree or disagree that ‘nicotine’ (Version 1) or ‘nicotine, on its own,’ (Version 2) directly contributes to” birth defects, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, depression, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We evaluated whether question condition predicted strong agreement and/or agreement with each statement, and assessed demographic correlates of each outcome while adjusting for question version. Physicians who received Version 2 were less likely to “strongly agree” that nicotine directly caused birth defects (Prevalence Ratio (PR) 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.98), CVD (PR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84–0.95), cancer (PR 0.81, 95% CI 0.75–0.87), and COPD (PR 0.78, 95% CI 0.72–0.84). Females were more likely to “strongly agree” that nicotine directly contributes to birth defects and cancer, and family physicians were most likely to “strongly agree” that nicotine directly contributes to CVD, cancer, and COPD. Question wording is important when measuring physicians’ beliefs about nicotine; however, even after accounting for question version, misperceptions about the direct health effects of nicotine were common and varied by sex and specialty.
Usability and Perceived Usefulness of the AFib 2gether Mobile App in a Clinical Setting: Single-Arm Intervention Study

Background: Although the American Heart Association and other professional societies have recommended shared decision-making as a way for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter to make informed decisions about using anticoagulation (AC), the best method for facilitating shared decision-making remains uncertain. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the AFib 2gether mobile app for usability, perceived usefulness, and the extent and nature of shared decision-making that occurred for clinical encounters between patients with AF and their cardiology providers in which the app was used. Methods: We identified patients visiting a cardiology provider between October 2019 and May 2020. We measured usability from patients and providers using the Mobile App Rating Scale. From the 8 items of the Mobile App Rating Scale, we reported the average score (out of 5) for domains of functionality, esthetics, and overall quality. We administered a 3-item questionnaire to patients relating to their perceived usefulness of the app and a separate 3-item questionnaire to providers to measure their perceived usefulness of the app. We performed a chart review to track the occurrence of AC within 6 months of the index visit. We also audio recorded a subset of the encounters to identify evidence of shared decision-making. Results: We facilitated shared decision-making visits for 37 patients visiting 13 providers. In terms of usability, patients’ average ratings of functionality, esthetics, and overall quality were 4.51 (SD 0.61), 4.26 (SD 0.51), and 4.24 (SD 0.89), respectively. In terms of usefulness, 41% (15/37) of patients agreed that the app improved their knowledge regarding AC, and 62% (23/37) agreed that the app helped clarify to their provider their preferences regarding AC. Among providers, 79% (27/34) agreed that the app helped clarify their patients’ preferences, 82% (28/34) agreed that the app saved them time, and 59% (20/34) agreed that the app helped their patients make decisions about AC. In addition, 32% (12/37) of patients started AC after their shared decision-making visits. We audio recorded 25 encounters. Of these, 84% (21/25) included the mention of AC for AF, 44% (11/25) included the discussion of multiple options for AC, 72% (18/25) included a provider recommendation for AC, and 48% (12/25) included the evidence of patient involvement in the discussion. Conclusions: Patients and providers rated the app with high usability and perceived usefulness. Moreover, one-third of the patients began AC, and approximately 50% (12/25) of the encounters showed evidence of patient involvement in decision-making. In the future, we plan to study the effect of the app on a larger sample and with a controlled study design. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04118270; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04118270
Length dependence of striated muscle force generation is controlled by phosphorylation of cTnI at serines 23/24

According to the Frank-Starling relationship, greater end-diastolic volume increases ventricular output. The Frank-Starling relationship is based, in part, on the length-tension relationship in cardiac myocytes. Recently, we identified a dichotomy in the steepness of length-tension relationships in mammalian cardiac myocytes that was dependent upon protein kinase A (PKA)-induced myofibrillar phosphorylation. Because PKA has multiple myofibrillar substrates including titin, myosin-binding protein-C and cardiac troponin I (cTnI), we sought to define if phosphorylation of one of these molecules could control length-tension relationships. We focused on cTnI as troponin can be exchanged in permeabilized striated muscle cell preparations, and tested the hypothesis that phosphorylation of cTnI modulates length dependence of force generation. For these experiments, we exchanged unphosphorylated recombinant cTn into either a rat cardiac myocyte preparation or a skinned slow-twitch skeletal muscle fibre. In all cases unphosphorylated cTn yielded a shallow length-tension relationship, which was shifted to a steep relationship after PKA treatment. Furthermore, exchange with cTn having cTnI serines 23/24 mutated to aspartic acids to mimic phosphorylation always shifted a shallow length-tension relationship to a steep relationship. Overall, these results indicate that phosphorylation of cTnI serines 23/24 is a key regulator of length dependence of force generation in striated muscle.
The Spermatophyta of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma

This paper represents a preliminary taxonomic study of the flowering plants indigenous to Oklahoma County. Collections during the springs, summers and falls of 1939, 1940, and 1941 and also during the spring of 1942. After the first general but extensive collections were made a number of special stations of widely varying ecological structures were selected.
Millimeter-wave radar detection of partially obscured targets

We demonstrate the ability of millimeter-wave (MMW) radars in detecting partially obscured targets. In addition, we introduce two techniques; the first is a data acquisition and processing technique aimed at resolving the obscured target from foliage. The second technique is a post-processing technique that can enhance target detection by reducing the polarimetric distortions incurred by the foliage on the target signature. The techniques are particularly advantageous to MMW radar mounted on land vehicles. The analysis is performed on radar data measured indoors of partially obscured canonical point targets.
Binary Trees for Classification, Regression, and Clustering, with Applications to Lossy Data Compression

This talk is a survey of binary tree-structured methods for classification, regression, survival analysis, and clustering. The discussion will include a survey of unifying themes, together with applications, and an introduction to mathematical issues that arise in studying their asymptotic properties. There will be special emphasis on the CAR/sup TM/ algorithms of Breiman et al., and on applications of the clustering algorithms to predictive, pruned, tree-structured vector quantization (predictive PTSVQ). The talk is a summary of collaborations with many authors over an eighteen year period.
Some applications of invariant imbedding to problems of neutron transport: I. Monoenergetic neutrons diffusing in one space dimension

Neutron diffusion in a homogeneous slab of material that is unbounded in two dimensions is studied. Processes that the neutrons can undergo include fission, capture, and elastic and inelastic scattering, and all these processes are assumed to be isotropic. The neutron sources are assumed to be distributed in a plane parallel to the slab faces, and the source plane may be either external or internal to the slab, Attention is given to the number of collisions, the number of transmitted and returning neutrons, the number of j/sup th/ collisions, and other parameters involved in the diffusion. (T.F.H.)
Evaluation of an in vitro cell assay to select attenuated bacterial mutants of Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda to channel catfish

Aims: To evaluate the feasibility of using an in vitro cell assay to select attenuated bacterial mutants. Methods and Results: Using catfish gill cells G1B, the feasibility of using an in vitro assay instead of in vivo virulence assay using live fish to select attenuated bacterial mutants was evaluated in this study. Pearson correlation analysis between in vitro virulence to G1B cells and in vivo virulence of Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda revealed that there was a significant correlation between the two (r = −0·768, P value = 3·7 × 10−16). Conclusions: The in vitro cell assay might be initially used to screen large quantities of bacteria to select attenuated mutants of catfish pathogens. Significance and Impact of the Study: The in vitro cell assay using catfish gill cells to identify attenuated mutants of catfish pathogens will reduce cost involved in the in vivo virulence assay that requires many fish and aquariums.
Concern for another’s distress in toddlers at high and low genetic risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder

We examined concern for others in 22-month-old toddlers with an older sibling with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and low risk typically-developing toddlers with older siblings. Responses to a crying infant and an adult social partner who pretended to hurt her finger were coded. Children with a later diagnosis of ASD showed limited empathic concern in either context compared to low risk toddlers. High risk toddlers without a later diagnosis fell between the ASD and low risk groups. During the crying baby probe the low risk and high risk toddlers without a diagnosis engaged their parent more often than the toddlers with ASD. Low levels of empathic concern and engagement with parents may signal emerging ASD in toddlerhood.
IL-23–Mediated Psoriasis-Like Epidermal Hyperplasia Is Dependent on IL-17A

IL-23 and Th17 cells producing IL-17A and IL-22 are found in excess in skin affected by psoriasis. Previous studies showed that IL-22, but not IL-17A, mediates psoriasis-like epidermal hyperplasia following recombinant murine (rm)IL-23 injections into skin. To further investigate the role of IL-17A, ears of mice were injected with rmIL-23. Investigators blinded to treatment conditions and mouse genotypes measured ear swelling, epidermal thickness, and cytokine expression. In wild-type (WT) mice, rmIL-23 induced ear swelling (p < 0.001, all p values versus saline), epidermal hyperplasia by histology (p < 0.001) and confocal microscopy (p < 0.004), and expression of both IL-17A and IL-22. As expected, rmIL-23 injections into IL-22(-/-) mice resulted in relatively little ear swelling (p < 0.09) and epidermal hyperplasia (p < 0.51 by histology and p < 0.75 by confocal microscopy). Notably, rmIL-23 injections into IL-17A(-/-) mice produced little ear swelling (p < 0.001, versus IL-23-injected WT mice) and epidermal hyperplasia (p < 0.001 by histology and p < 0.005 by confocal microscopy), even though IL-22 was readily induced in these mice. Furthermore, systemic delivery of blocking Abs directed against either IL-22 or IL-17A completely inhibited IL-23-induced epidermal hyperplasia in WT mice. These results demonstrate that IL-17A, like IL-22, is a downstream mediator for IL-23-induced changes in murine skin and that both of these Th17 cytokines are necessary to produce IL-23-mediated skin pathology. IL-17A may represent an attractive therapeutic target in individuals with psoriasis by blocking downstream effects of IL-23.
A streamline-based method for analysing steady state metal forming processes

Abstract A new method based on streamlines is proposed for the detailed analysis of steady state metal forming processes (e.g. extrusion and rolling). The field equations are formulated in an Eulerian reference frame and approximated by finite differences. In contrast to most Eulerian formulations, the proposed method automatically tracks the paths of material particles; this is done by letting the kinematic unknowns be the locations of the discrete streamlines. The method of analysis is readily adapted to materials with complicated, history-dependent, constitutive laws and a variety of metal/die interface conditions. The method, which is presented here as it applies to two-dimensional planar flows of an incompressible material, is found to give results that compare well with solutions based on other methods. Generalizations to other flows are discussed.
Effect of particle and surface properties on granular lubrication flow

The present modelling study is motivated by experimental shear cell studies of flowing beads. A previous companion study detailed the granular kinetic lubrication continuum modelling methodology and presented selected results. The previous results focused on the effect of the load and surface sliding velocity (or equivalently the shear rate for a fixed gap) on velocity profile, solid volume fraction profile, as well as global variables such as the surface slip velocity and shear stress. The effects of other important variables, namely, particle—particle and wall—particle coefficients of restitution, surface roughness, and granular temperature are now examined. Most predictions of the model seem to be consistent with physical reasoning, e.g. the wall slip is reduced due to roughness, and temperature (particle energy) is increased by wall elasticity. However, unanticipated non-monotonic trends were exhibited, such as the variation of slip velocity with particle—particle collisional dissipation. The predicte...
Aging in the Asian "Tigers" : challenges for fiscal policy

The paper assesses the government expenditure effects from changing demographics in the Asian “Tiger” economies through 2050. With some exceptions, their limited social insurance commitments initially suggest that aging populations may not adversely affect fiscal balances. Yet for all the Tigers, changing illness patterns and medical modernization may combine with demographics to intensify budgetary pressures. The paper notes the implications of the Tigers’ reliance on private sector pension and medical insurance systems; the need for an active public role; and the complications for fiscal analysis when private sector instruments are used, in a mandatory way, as public policy instruments.
Evaluation of an anxiety-related phenotype in galanin overexpressing transgenic mice.

Understanding the role of neuropeptides in mediating emotional behaviors is an important avenue for discovering novel drug targets for anxiety disorders. A role for galanin in mediating anxiety-related behavior is suggested by the pattern of distribution in the CNS and the coexistence of galanin with norepinephrine in the locus coeruleus. Studies in rats have shown that central administration of galanin modulates anxiety-related behaviors, and galanin release blocks the proanxiety effects of noradrenergic activation in prestressed rats. To further investigate the role of galanin in anxiety behaviors, we conducted a comprehensive behavioral phenotyping of galanin overexpressing transgenic mice (GAL-tg). GAL-tg mice were normal on measures of general health, neurological reflexes, home cage social behaviors, sensory functions, motor coordination, and exploratory locomotor activity. In three separate tests for anxiety-related behaviors, the elevated plus-maze, light ↔ dark exploration, and open field center time, GAL-tg mice showed no anxiety-like phenotype. GAL-tg mice and wildtype littermate controls were equally responsive to the anxiolytic effects of chlordiazepoxide (10 mg/kg) in the light ↔ dark exploration test, indicating normal benzodiazepine receptor function in GAL-tg mice. Stimulation of noradrenergic cells via administration with an α2 adrenoreceptor antagonist, yohimbine (2.5 mg/kg), produced proanxiety effects in wild type mice in the light ↔ dark exploration test, but not in the GAL-tg mice. These data suggest that galanin contributes to the modulation of anxiety states induced by high levels of noradrenergic activation, but is silent under less challenging situations. A specific role for galanin in extreme anxiety states represents an attractive target for the development of novel anxiolytic treatments.
Bilateral Vasoconstrictive Differences and Body Focus

Summary Body focus as a function of an S's cognitive schema has been shown to be associated with bilateral differences in skin conductance. This relationship between body focus and physiological activity has been extended by other investigations studying Raynaud's patients to include bilateral differences in digital temperature. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether these results generalize to a population of normal Ss. Differential digital finger temperatures were recorded for 28 male and 28 female Ss. An association was not found between body focus and bilateral digital temperature differences in the normal Ss. It is concluded that the previous relationship found was the result of the Raynaud's disease or the body focus of a Raynaud's victim.
Continuous vocalization control of a full-scale assistive robot

We present a physical robotic arm performing real-world tasks using continuous non-verbal vocalizations for control. Vocalization control provides fewer degrees of control freedom than are necessary to directly control complex robotic platforms. To bridge this gap, we evaluated three control methods: direct joint angle control of a selectable subset of joints, inverse kinematics control of the end effector, and control in a reduced-dimensionality synergy space. The synergy method is inspired by neural solutions to biological body redundancy problems. We conducted several evaluations of the three methods involving the real-world tasks of water bottle recycling and grocery bag moving. Users with no prior exposure to the system were able to perform these tasks effectively and were able to learn to be more efficient. This study demonstrates the feasibility of continuous non-verbal vocalizations for control of a full-scale assitive robot in a realistic context.
Applications of laser desorption mass spectrometry for the study of synthetic organic pigments in works of art

Abstract This paper describes the application of laser desorption mass spectrometry (LDMS) to the identification of synthetic organic pigments in microscopic samples from works of art. This work demonstrates the value of LDMS as a complementary analytical tool for use in the conservation laboratory alongside techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). In many cases LDMS, used in both positive and negative ion modes, provides sensitive and specific identification of pigments based on exact mass, fragment ions, and isotopic patterns. The analyses are rapid, require minimal sample preparation, and are often free from significant interferences from background or additional components such as paint binding media. High-confidence identifications are achieved even for samples containing mixtures of colorants, including inorganic pigments in some cases. Examples are presented in which LDMS provided data that was valuable in addressing questions regarding materials used in paintings attributed to Jackson Pollock and in the investigation of the materials and techniques of the self-taught American artist James Castle.
Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery in Tetralogy of Fallot Associated with Abnormal Mitral Valve Pathology

The association of anomalous left coronary artery with congenital heart disease is a rare occurrence. Seven cases of anomalous left coronary artery associated with tetralogy of Fallot have been reported in the literature. We report a unique case with severe mitral valve abnormality that precluded standard surgical repair.