cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conveying shape with texture: experimental investigations of texture's effects on shape categorization judgments

We describe the results of two comprehensive controlled observer experiments intended to yield insight into the following question: If we could design the ideal texture pattern to apply to an arbitrary smoothly curving surface in order to enable its 3D shape to be most accurately and effectively perceived, what would the characteristics of that texture pattern be? We begin by reviewing the results of our initial study in this series, which were presented at the 2003 IEEE Symposium on Information Visualization, and offer an expanded analysis of those findings. We continue by presenting the results of a follow-on study in which we sought to more specifically investigate the separate and combined influences on shape perception of particular texture components, with the goal of obtaining a clearer view of their potential information carrying capacities. In each study, we investigated the observers' ability to identify the intrinsic shape category of a surface patch (elliptical, hyperbolic, cylindrical, or flat) and its extrinsic surface orientation (convex, concave, both, or neither). In our first study, we compared performance under eight different texture type conditions, plus two projection conditions (perspective or orthographic) and two viewing conditions (head-on or oblique). We found that: 1) shape perception was better facilitated, in general, by the bidirectional "principal direction grid" pattern than by any of the seven other patterns tested; 2) shape type classification accuracy remained high under the orthographic projection condition for some texture types when the viewpoint was oblique; 3) perspective projection was required for accurate surface orientation classification; and 4) shape classification accuracy was higher when the surface patches were oriented at a (generic) oblique angle to the line of sight than when they were oriented (in a nongeneric pose) to face the viewpoint straight on. In our second study, we compared performance under eight new texture type conditions, redesigned to facilitate gathering insight into the cumulative effects of specific individual directional components in a wider variety of multidirectional texture patterns. We found that shape classification accuracy was equivalently good under a variety of test patterns that included components following either the first or first and second principal directions, in addition to other directions, suggesting that a principal direction grid texture is not the only possible "best option" for enhancing shape representation.
Deposition of rare earth tantalate buffers on textured Ni-W substrates for YBCO coated conductor using chemical solution deposition approach

Epitaxial films of rare-earth (RE = La, Ce, Eu, and Gd) tantalates, RE3TaO7 with pyrochlore structures were grown on biaxially textured nickel-3 at.% tungsten (Ni-W) substrates using chemical solution deposition (CSD) process. Precursor solution of 0.3∼0.4 M concentration of total cations were spin coated on to short samples of Ni-W substrates and the films were crystallized at 1050∼1100 °C in a gas mixture of Ar- 4% H2 for 15 to 60 min. X-ray studies show that the films of pyrochlore RE tantalate films are highly textured with cube-on-cube epitaxy. Improved texture was observed in case of lanthanum tantalate (La3TaO7) film grown on Ni-W substrates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigations of RE3TaO7 films reveal a fairly dense and smooth microstructure without cracks and porosity. The rare-earth tantalate layers may be potentially used as buffer layers for YBa2Cu3O7-δ (YBCO) coated conductors.
Visualization and Classification of Power System Frequency Data Streams

Two challenges in the realization of the smart grid technology are the ability to visualize the deluge of expected data streams for global situational awareness; as well as the ability to detect disruptive and classify such events from spatially-distributed high-speed power system frequency measurements. This paper presents an interactive visualization model for high speed power system frequency data streams that displays both local and global views of the data streams for decision making process. It also presents a K-Median approach for clustering and identifying disruptive events in spatially distributed data streams. The results from experimental evaluation on a variety of datasets show that K-Median achieve better performance and empowers analysts with the ability to make sense of a deluge of frequency measurements in a real-time situation.
Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on the Effectiveness of Peripheral Endovascular Interventions

success rate was 98.3%. The median follow-up duration was 51 months. Overall, limb loss at 2 years was 8.9% (n 1⁄4 10), but 10.2% in patients who had smoked (9 of 88) vs 4.2% in those who had not (1 of 24). Compared with the latter, risk-adjusted odds ratios were 3.3 (P 1⁄4 .04), 2.8 (P 1⁄4 .05), and 1.6 (P 1⁄4 .1) for those whose timing of smoking cessation was categorized as current smoker, quit just after intervention, and quit 3 months preoperatively. Occurrence of reintervention at 2 years was 22.3% (n 1⁄4 25) overall, but 25% in patients who had smoked (22 of 88) vs 12.5% in those who had not (3 of 24). Compared with the latter, risk-adjusted odds ratios were 4.3 (P 1⁄4 .01), 2.3 (P 1⁄4 .03), and 1.2 (P 1⁄4 .1) for those whose timing of smoking cessation was categorized as above. Conclusions: Direct effects of smoking on peripheral arterial reactivity are considered to be responsible for premature failure after intraluminal treatment of CLI in young patients. Smoking cessation is presumed to be beneficial before endovascular treatment. Risks of limb loss and reintervention after intervention are increased by smoking and mitigated gradually by preoperative cessation.
The semiconductor waveguide facet reflectivity problem

The problem of the facet reflectivity of a semiconductor slab waveguide is reexamined as an extension of Ikegami's original approach that includes radiation-like modes. Using a guide-within-a-guide geometry, the radiation-like modes are included as modes bound to a thick air-cladding guide that contains the core profile of interest. In this model, the coupling from the fundamental model to radiation modes can be analyzed using a relatively simple analysis. The cross-coupling to the radiation modes for the simple double heterostructure waveguide is considered in detail and is shown to be important only for a large core-cladding index differences and for strong model confinement that results in a true facet loss. The conditions for this are the same as for low threshold lasers so that the loss sets a maximum limit on the equivalent internal quantum efficiency. A separate 1D finite-element numerical mode matching program, which treats evanescent and propagating radiation modes, is used as a comparison. The two methods of accounting for radiation modes are shown to be in good agreement. Modern graded core cases are treated as general examples. Specific quantum well laser structures taken from the literature, including II-VI and III-V structures spanning wavelengths from 0.5 mu m to 10.0 mu m, are also considered. >
Chemical Composition of Crop Biomass Impacts Its Decomposition

Abbreviations: AI, acid insoluble; AS, acid soluble; SOC, soil organic carbon; SOM, soil organic matter. Understanding the interaction between plant components and their subsequent decomposition provides insights on how plant quality differences may infl uence C sequestration within a given management system. Our hypothesis was that decomposition is a function of biochemical composition when all other variables are constant (e.g., particle size, temperature and moisture). Recognizing the challenges of reconciling laboratory and fi eld studies, this study examined the decomposition dynamics of fiselected crops with varying composition under controlled temperature and moisture regimes. Residue materials were partitioned into leaf, stem, and root organs to give a clearer indication of compositional control on decomposition. Plant quality varied among species (alfalfa [Medicago sativa L.], corn [Zea mays L.], cuphea [Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. ⋅ Cuphea lanceolata W.T. Aiton], soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and switchgrass [Panicum virgatum L.]). A two-component litter decomposition model was used to describe decomposition observed during 498 d. Stepwise multivariate regression indicated initial N concentration, starch, total lignin, and acid-insoluble ash (AI ash) were the four best predictors (r 2 = 0.83) of the rate of active component decomposition (k a ); however, initial composition poorly predicted the rate of passive decomposition (k p ). The best four-component model (r 2 = 0.43) identifi ed by stepwise multiple regression for k p included AI ash, hemicellulose, N concentration, and C/N ratio. Rate constants are a function of the incubation period, thus making direct comparison among separate experiments diffi cult. Chemical recalcitrance appears to slow root decomposition; such chemical recalcitrance to decay may partially explain why roots have been found to contribute more C to the SOC pool than surface residues.
Regulation of Growth of the Adrenal Gland in DOC-Salt Hypertension Role of Angiotensin II Receptor Subtypes

To investigate the role of the renin-angiotensin system in the regulation of adrenal growth in deoxycorticosterone (DOC)-salt hypertensive rats, and the adrenal gene expression of angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors, three groups of uninephrectomized rats+DOC pellet+0.9% NaCl were given water (DOC), losartan (DOC-L), or ramipril (DOC-R) by gavage. Controls had sham surgery and water gavage. Tail-cuff systolic and mean intra-arterial blood pressures were significantly higher in the three DOC groups than in controls and not different among the groups. Adrenal weight of DOC was slightly but not significantly greater than that of controls, while those of DOC-L and DOC-R were greater than that of controls ( P <.01). Northern blots showed that AT1 and AT2 gene expression was significantly reduced in DOC (by 33% and 60%), while that of AT1 (but not AT2) was significantly reduced further (versus control and DOC) in DOC-L and DOC-R. There were negative correlations between adrenal weight and AT1 ( r =−.80, P <.0001) or AT2 ( r =−.60, P <.005). We conclude that DOC-salt hypertension downregulates adrenal AT1 and AT2 gene expression by different mechanisms. Removal of the effects of angiotensin by losartan or ramipril downregulates AT1 further and promotes adrenal growth, indicating the presence of an AT1-mediated growth-inhibitory action of angiotensin II on the adrenal gland. These observations constitute an additional example of a growth-inhibitory role for the AT1 receptor, opposite to its more common growth-promoting actions in other organs and tissues.
Educating medical students in musculoskeletal surgery and medicine-how to get a course up and running at your institution: AOA critical issues.

Approximately 15% to 30% of visits to primary care physicians in the United States and Canada1, 20% of emergency room visits in the U.S.2, and 20% of nonroutine pediatric visits to physicians in Europe3 are for the purpose of addressing musculoskeletal complaints and injuries. In 2004, the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey indicated that musculoskeletal conditions composed the number-one reason for visits to physicians’ offices, with approximately 92.1 million visits reported annually4. Two years later, in 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that an estimated 7.9 million (15%) of the 53.3 million surgical and nonsurgical procedures performed during visits for ambulatory surgery in the U.S. were related to the musculoskeletal system, a percentage that is second only to that of procedures related to the digestive system (27%)5. With the current system of managed care and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disease, knowledge of musculoskeletal medicine must not only be mastered by specialists but should also be well understood by practitioners across a wide range of fields, including internal medicine, family practice, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and surgery. Nevertheless, relatively little attention is devoted to musculoskeletal medicine in most medical school curricula. Of the 122 medical schools in the U.S. in 2003, fewer than 50% required preclinical courses in musculoskeletal medicine, fewer than 25% required a clinical course in that subject area, and nearly 50% had no required course, preclinical or clinical6. In 2005, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) published a report highlighting this deficiency as part of its Medical School Objectives Project. In this report, entitled “Contemporary Issues in Medicine: Musculoskeletal Medicine Education,” the AAMC stated that “Medical schools may not be accomplishing this educational goal (i.e., preparing doctors to care for patients with musculoskeletal …
Selected loss of tolerance evidenced by Crohn's disease-associated immune responses to auto- and microbial antigens.

Background & Aims: Previous studies in Crohn's disease suggest global loss of tolerance with sonicated bacteria preparations containing hundreds of antigens. Monoasso- ciation studies show that a solitary bacterium can induce colitis in one animal model, whereas another is responsi- ble in other models. Among patients with Crohn's disease, serum responses have been documented to microbial and autoantigens (antibodies to the Escherichia coli outer- membrane porin C and the Pseudomonas fluorescens- associated sequence I2, antisaccharomyces cerevisiae an- tibody (ASCA), and perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies). Our aim was to determine whether there are heterogeneous responses to these specific antigens. Methods: Sera from 330 Crohn's patients were analyzed. Immunoglobulin A enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to ASCA, outer-membrane porin C, or I2 and immunoglob- ulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to ASCA and ANCA determined the presence and level of antibodies. Perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were de- termined by immunofluorescence. Results: ASCA was de- tected in 56% of patients; 55% were seroreactive to outer- membrane porin C, 50% were seroreactive to I2, and 23% were perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody pos- itive. Eighty-five percent responded to at least 1 antigen; only 4% responded to all 4. Among microbial antigens, 78% responded to at least 1, and 57% were double posi- tive, but only 26% responded to all 3. The level of response was stable over time and with change in disease activity. Among patients with the same qualitative antigen-re- sponse profiles, quantitative response differed. Cluster analysis of these antibody responses yielded 4 groups: ASCA, outer-membrane porin C/I2, perinuclear antineu- trophil cytoplasmic antibodies, or no/low response. Conclusions: Rather than global loss of tolerance, there seem to be patient subsets with differing responses to selected microbial and autoantigens.
Maternal Drug Abuse: Laws and Ethics as Agents of Just Balances and Therapeutic Interventions

Among the many pressing legal, psychosocial, and ethical issues surrounding perinatal chemical dependence is one of achieving balances between far-reaching rights claimed for the unborn and for children, and those claimed by their mothers. In an attempt to achieve balances that are just and promote positive consequences, policies and laws have evolved that have pitted disparate individuals and groups against each other, most obviously mothers against their fetuses and children. Some such policies have had negative consequences such as the further weakening of already at-risk families and the erosion of doctor/patient trust. This article asserts that ethical concepts and legal tenets must be combined to develop new paradigms designed to minimize conflict and to achieve just and therapeutic balances between the rights and needs of those involved. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]
Automatic measurement of traffic variables for intelligent transportation systems applications

This paper presents a methodology for automatic measurement of major traffic variables for Intelligent Transportation Systems applications (ITS) in real-time. It is an illustration of the integration of theory, measurement, and application. Such effort has been overlooked since the advent of ITS due to the number of different disciplines involved. The inductive methodology adopted in this study includes the development of a new dynamic traffic flow model which is based on the characteristics of the stochastic vehicle counting process and the principle of conservation of vehicles. The model estimates spatial traffic variables, such as link travel times, as a function of time directly from flow measurements. It satisfies the traffic dynamics through a new form of the equation of conservation of vehicles. Analysis results show that the estimates are in qualitative and quantitative agreement with empirical data aggregated at 2-min intervals. The advantages of this inductive model include real-time applicability, computational efficiency, and transportability over traditional deductive models such as continuum flow models. It appears to be promising in applying to real world problems.
From high-level tasks to low-level motions: motion planning for high-dimensional nonlinear hybrid robotic systems

A significant challenge of autonomous robotics in transportation, exploration, and search-and-rescue missions lies in the area of motion planning. The overall objective is to enable robots to automatically plan the low-level motions needed to accomplish assigned high-level tasks. Toward this goal, this thesis proposes a novel multi-layered approach, termed Synergic Combination of Layers of Planning (SyCLoP), that synergically combines high-level discrete planning and low-level motion planning. High-level discrete planning, which draws from research in AI and logic, guides low-level motion planning during the search for a solution. Information gathered during the search is in turn fed back from the low-level to the high-level layer in order to improve the high-level plan in the next iteration. In this way, high-level plans become increasingly useful in guiding the low-level motion planner toward a solution. This synergic combination of high-level discrete planning and low-level motion planning allows SyCLoP to solve motion-planning problems with respect to rich models of the robot and the physical world. This facilitates the design of feedback controllers that enable the robot to execute in the physical world solutions obtained in simulation. In particular, SyCLoP effectively solves challenging motion-planning problems that incorporate robot dynamics, physics-based simulations, and hybrid systems. Hybrid systems move beyond continuous models by employing discrete logic to instantaneously modify the underlying robot dynamics to respond to mishaps or unanticipated changes in the environment. Experiments in this thesis show that SyCLoP obtains significant computational speedup of one to two orders of magnitude when compared to state-of-the-art motion planners. In addition to planning motions that allow the robot to reach a desired destination while avoiding collisions, SyCLoP can take into account high-level tasks specified using the expressiveness of linear temporal logic (LTL). LTL allows for complex specifications, such as sequencing, coverage, and other combinations of temporal objectives. Going beyond motion planning, SyCLoP also provides a useful framework for discovering violations of safety properties in hybrid systems.
Basic concepts and performance measures in prediction of collapse of buildings under earthquake ground motions

This paper summarizes collapse performance measures and the probabilistic basis for their development to assist in understanding of collapse behaviour of buildings and implementation of performance objectives in design and evaluation of buildings for collapse safety. Collapse in this context is defi ned as the loss of lateral load-resisting capability of a building's structural system caused by ground shaking. Estimation of collapse performance requires the relation between a ground motion intensity measure (IM) and the probability of collapse, denoted as collapse fragility curve, and the relation between the same ground motion IM and the seismic hazard for the building, denoted as seismic hazard curve. Two methods for estimating the collapse fragility curve of a building are discussed: the EDP-based approach and the IM-based approach. In both approaches, collapse is associated with a scalar ground motion IM and is obtained by utilizing Incremental Dynamic Analysis. The collapse performance criteria presented in this paper are compared with the collapse performance criteria recommended in the SAC/ Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines. An eight-storey moment-resisting frame case study is used to compare the estimates of collapse performance of various approaches discussed in this paper. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of Multifiber Neuronal Firings: A Mixture Separation Model Applied to Sympathetic Recordings

Sympathetic nervous flow to the vasculature plays a critical role in control of regional blood flow; however, traditional processing methods of multifiber recordings cannot reliably discriminate physiologically irrelevant information from actual nerve activity, and alternative wavelet methods suffer from subjectivity and lack of a well-specified model. We propose an algorithm that allows objective threshold selection under general assumptions regarding the sparsity and statistical structure of the neural signal and noise. Our study shows that the conditional expectation of the actual nerve signal can be estimated and used to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We evaluated the algorithm's performance on artificial datasets and on actual multifiber recordings (44 datasets from 22 subjects, and 1 set from a rat). On artificial datasets, the algorithm identified 70% and 80% of the spikes at -3.5 and 0.5 dB SNR with a good match between the actual and estimated spike count (R2 = 0.179,p < 0.001). On actual recordings, the overall improvement in performance compared to that of a traditional processing method was significant (t = 3.88; p = 0.0002). Our results show the applicability of this algorithm to multifiber recordings not only in humans, but also in other species.
Numerical modeling of phase separation at Main Endeavour Field, Juan de Fuca Ridge

[1] Before being disrupted by a magmatic event in 1999, the vent temperatures and salinities along the axis of the Main Endeavour Field on the Juan de Fuca Ridge exhibited a quasi-steady spatial gradient in which the southern vent fluids were hotter and less saline than the northern vent fluids. We present 2-D numerical models of two phase flow in a NaCl-H2O system to understand these gradients. We consider homogenous permeability models with a range of bottom boundary temperature distributions and heterogeneous permeability models by imposing layer 2A extrusives with a constant bottom boundary temperature distribution. The aim is to understand the impact of both bottom boundary temperature and layer 2A permeability on hydrothermal fluids and to determine what combination of these controlling factors could cause the observed trend. We find that variations in bottom boundary temperature alone cannot explain the span of surface temperatures and salinities measured at the Main Endeavour Field. Heterogeneous permeability within layer 2A that has higher overall permeability in the northern part of the vent field than the southern part can reproduce the observed north to south temperature gradient, but such a permeability distribution cannot reproduce the observed salinity gradient. We conclude that both deep-seated heterogeneous permeability, perhaps localized by a fault zone, and a heterogeneous layer 2A are required to produce the trend of temperatures and salinities in vent fluids at the Main Endeavour Field prior to the 1999 event.
ROSA Rotorcraft Open Systems Avionics

Commercial standards adopted from the volume-driven electronics markets provide improved processing capacities over those widely used military standards and at reduced cost. Desired future capabilities and advanced functions, such as RPA, require the throughput, bandwidth, and memory provided by commercial processors and data buses. The primary issues needing resolution prior to implementation are related to operations in military rotorcraft environment, reliability, redundancy management, and fault and battle damage tolerance. In addition, some required network components presently do not exist in the preferred form factors. The ROSA project is providing effective laboratory demonstrations of COTS products and open systems specifications and standards to rotorcraft avionics. Preliminary cost estimates forecast large potential savings and create a compelling business case for follow-on research and transition to production systems. In addition, the project is developing a Rotorcraft Technical Architecture with the participation of many industry partners and will promote the resulting documentation as background materials for the JTA-A.
Research Ranking of Finance Departments: A Modified Citation Approach

We provide a research ranking of academic finance departments that incorporates both a quantitative and qualitative dimension in its methodology. Based on the strengths of the various approaches in the literature, our modified citation approach includes all research outlets (not just finance journals and not just journal articles) as long as the research work has research impact, which is measured by having at least a moderate number of citations within a set of premier finance journals. The top-5 finance departments are the University of Chicago, the University of Rochester, MIT, Harvard University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Reinvigorating the Concept of Situation in Social Psychology

The concept of situation has a long and venerable history in social psychology. The author argues that recent approaches to the concept of situation have confused certain important elements. Herein, the author proposes that attention to three of these elements will reinvigorate the concept of situation in social psychology: (a) that the analysis of situations should begin with their objective features; (b) that situations should be conceptualized as affordances; and (c) that the interpersonal core of situations, in particular the extent to which they are influenced by relationships, is the proper and most profitable focus for social psychology. These elements are consistent with recent developments in the study of situated social cognition and may help better define social psychology's position within the sciences.
Effective capital project commissioning

Commissioning is an important stage of any large or small capital project. This paper discusses several important aspects of organizing and executing an effective capital project commissioning effort. The authors discuss key concepts that have produced superior project results. Topics such as roles and responsibilities, safety planning, resource planning, communication and staging are discussed.
Parameters For Large Optics Generation

The ability to generate large aspheric optical components to micrometer tolerances while leaving surfaces relatively free of subsurface damage is quite recent. This paper describes methods for determining the optimum parameters for generating high quality aspheric surfaces.
News from the SIGs

Welcome once again to reports highlighting trends within the computing education community. In this issue, we have information from the chairs of SIGCSE, SIGITE and SIGMIS. First, Susan Rodger of SIGCSE updates us on the ITiCSE conference, elections, awards, and upcoming events. Next, Steve Zilora of SIGITE discusses a new framework for Information Technology curricula and the increased involvement of a new "generation" of active members in the SIGITE community. Finally, George Kasper of SIGMIS highlights the best IS Doctoral Dissertations of 2015.
Does monitoring prevent cancer in inflammatory bowel disease

Surveillance colonoscopy for patients who have inflammatory bowel disease with colonic involvement has gained widespread acceptance. From an evidence-based perspective, however, the foundation for this practice remains weak. There are no randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, or case-control studies that definitively prove a benefit for surveillance colonoscopy (i.e., reduction in colorectal cancer-related mortality). Nevertheless, circumstantial evidence indirectly suggests a benefit. This article reviews risk factors for colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease and the evidence supporting the practice of colonoscopic surveillance. The benefits of frequent physician visits and compliance with medication regimens with regard to reduction in colorectal cancer risk are also reviewed.
Synthesis of Cross-Linked DNA Containing Oxidized Abasic Site Analogues

DNA interstrand cross-links are an important family of DNA damage that block replication and transcription. Recently, it was discovered that oxidized abasic sites react with the opposing strand of DNA to produce interstrand cross-links. Some of the cross-links between 2′-deoxyadenosine and the oxidized abasic sites, 5′-(2-phosphoryl-1,4-dioxobutane) (DOB) and the C4-hydroxylated abasic site (C4-AP), are formed reversibly. Chemical instability hinders biochemical, structural, and physicochemical characterization of these cross-linked duplexes. To overcome these limitations, we developed methods for preparing stabilized analogues of DOB and C4-AP cross-links via solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis. Oligonucleotides of any sequence are attainable by synthesizing phosphoramidites in which the hydroxyl groups of the cross-linked product were orthogonally protected using photochemically labile and hydrazine labile groups. Selective unmasking of a single hydroxyl group precedes solid-phase synthesis of one arm...
Algorithms for LAD

This chapter deals with algorithmic considerations in performing LAD fits. From a historical standpoint very little attention seems to have been directed towards LAD fitting until the 1950s. Following Edgeworth’s work in the 1880’s there was relative silence for many years, probably because of computational difficulties.
Branched Fatty Acid Esters of Hydroxy Fatty Acids (FAHFAs) Protect against Colitis by Regulating Gut Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses

We recently discovered a structurally novel class of endogenous lipids, branched palmitic acid esters of hydroxy stearic acids (PAHSAs), with beneficial metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects. We tested whether PAHSAs protect against colitis, which is a chronic inflammatory disease driven predominantly by defects in the innate mucosal barrier and adaptive immune system. There is an unmet clinical need for safe and well tolerated oral therapeutics with direct anti-inflammatory effects. Wild-type mice were pretreated orally with vehicle or 5-PAHSA (10 mg/kg) and 9-PAHSA (5 mg/kg) once daily for 3 days, followed by 10 days of either 0% or 2% dextran sulfate sodium water with continued vehicle or PAHSA treatment. The colon was collected for histopathology, gene expression, and flow cytometry. Intestinal crypt fractions were prepared for ex vivo bactericidal assays. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells pretreated with vehicle or PAHSA and splenic CD4+ T cells from syngeneic mice were co-cultured to assess antigen presentation and T cell activation in response to LPS. PAHSA treatment prevented weight loss, improved colitis scores (stool consistency, hematochezia, and mouse appearance), and augmented intestinal crypt Paneth cell bactericidal potency via a mechanism that may involve GPR120. In vitro, PAHSAs attenuated dendritic cell activation and subsequent T cell proliferation and Th1 polarization. The anti-inflammatory effects of PAHSAs in vivo resulted in reduced colonic T cell activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression. These anti-inflammatory effects appear to be partially GPR120-dependent. We conclude that PAHSA treatment regulates innate and adaptive immune responses to prevent mucosal damage and protect against colitis. Thus, PAHSAs may be a novel treatment for colitis and related inflammation-driven diseases.
CHEMOTHERAPY INDUCED CARDIOTOXICITY, ITS PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND RISK FACTORS

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death among cancer survivors. Chemotherapy is associated with increased risk of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The incidence of cardiomyopathy is dependent upon the class of chemotherapeutics; there is also a reported
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor–induced angioedema: A review of the literature

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012, one third of antihypertensive prescriptions in the United States in the past decade were for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). An important and serious side effect of ACEIs is angioedema caused by a reduction in bradykinin degradation. In a national medical chart abstraction study conducted at the US Veterans Affairs Health Care System in 2008, 0.20% of ACEI initiators developed angioedema while on the medication. The angiotensin-converting enzyme is a part of the renin-angiotensin system that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. It is additionally responsible for the degradation of bradykinin, which is generated from high molecular weight kininogen by kallikrein. Via bradykinin 2 receptors, bradykinin affects vascular permeability and stimulates the release of substance P, which is a peptide that causes vasodilation and fluid extravasation into tissues. Inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and subsequent blockade of bradykinin degradation is thought to be a likely explanation for ACEI-induced angioedema. Studies have shown that blacks, women, and smokers are at an increased risk for ACEI-induced angioedema. A 2005 study identified black race, history of drug rash, age older than 65 years, and seasonal allergies as independent risk factors for angioedema related to enalapril. Angioedema may occur at any time during treatment with ACEIs and may continue after the medication is discontinued. The degree of ACEI-angiotensin receptor blocker angioedema cross-reactivity is difficult to determine from the literature. However, multiple studies have reported relatively low rates of native angioedema with angiotensin receptor blockers (approximately half that of ACEIs, or 0.1%) and a low incidence of cross-reactivity (<10%). Common treatments for angioedema, such as antihistamines and glucocorticoids, have not been shown to be effective in ACEI-induced angioedema. However, medications that have been used for acute treatment of hereditary angioedema and target the factors that cause ACEI-mediated angioedema are being explored.
Recognition in 2D images of 3D objects from large model bases using prediction hierarchies

An object recognition system is presented that it designed to handle the computational complexity posed by a large model base, an unconstrained viewpoint and the structural complexity and detail inherent in a single view. The design is based on two ideas. The first is to compute descriptions of what the objects should look like in the image, called predictions, before the recognition task begins. This reduces actual recognition to a 2D matching process, substantially speeding up recognition time for 3D objects (with manageable storage overhead). The second is to represent all the predictions by a single, combined ISA and PART-OF hierarchy called a prediction hierarchy. The nodes in this hierarchy are partial descriptions that are common to views and hence constitute shared processing subgoals during matching. Many of the problems encountered with large model bases and complex models are reduced by subgoal sharing: projections with similarities explicitly share the representation and recognition of their common aspects. The original contribution of this paper is the automatic compilation, from a 3D model base, of a prediction hierarchy that can be used to recognise objects. A prototype system based on these ideas is demonstrated using a set of polyhedral objects and projections from an unconstrained range of viewpoints.
On Canonical Analysis of Vector Time Series

In this paper, we establish some asymptotic results for canonical analysis of vector linear time series when the data possess conditional heteroscedasticity. We show that for correct identification of a vector time series model, it is essential to use a modification, which we prescribe, to a commonly used test statistic for testing zero canonical correlations. A real example and simulation are used to demonstrate the importance of the proposed test statistics.
New dogs, old tricks: making the case for the use of ABC effect evaluation in the ROI analysis of new technology and knowledge products: WR-AH

The intended and unintended affective, behavioral, and cognitive (ABC) effects of a new product on end users often go unrecognized, yet these effects are critical components in its successful deplo...
Beta oscillations in the sensorimotor cortex correlate with disease and remission in benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes

Introduction Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is a common form of childhood epilepsy with the majority of those afflicted remitting during their early teenage years. Seizures arise from the lower half of the sensorimotor cortex of the brain (e.g. seizure onset zone) and the abnormal epileptiform discharges observed increase during NREM sleep. To date no clinical factors reliably predict disease course, making determination of ongoing seizure risk a significant challenge. Prior work in BECTS have shown abnormalities in beta band (14.9-30 Hz) oscillations during movement and rest. Oscillations in this frequency band are modulated by state of consciousness and thought to reflect intrinsic inhibitory mechanisms. Methods We used high density EEG and source localization techniques to examine beta band activity in the seizure onset zone (sensorimotor cortex) in a prospective cohort of children with BECTS and healthy controls during sleep. We hypothesized that beta power in the sensorimotor cortex would be different between patients and healthy controls, and that beta abnormalities would improve with resolution of disease in this self-limited epilepsy syndrome. We further explored the specificity of our findings and correlation with clinical features. Statistical testing was performed using logistic and standard linear regression models. Results We found that beta band power in the seizure onset zone is different between healthy controls and BECTS patients. We also found that a longer duration of time spent seizure-free (corresponding to disease remission) correlates with lower beta power in the seizure onset zone. Exploratory spatial analysis suggests this effect is not restricted to the sensorimotor cortex. Exploratory frequency analysis suggests that this phenomenon is also observed in alpha and gamma range activity. We found no relationship between beta power and the presence or rate of epileptiform discharges in the sensorimotor cortex or a test of sensorimotor performance. Conclusion These results provide evidence that cortical beta power in the seizure onset zone may provide a dynamic physiological biomarker of disease in BECTS.
Thermally induced transformations of Au@Cu2O core–shell nanoparticles into Au–Cu nanoparticles from temperature-programmed in situ powder X-ray diffraction

Temperature-programmed in situ X-ray diffraction with whole-powder-pattern modeling is used to investigate the reaction of Au@Cu2O core–shell nanoparticles to form nanocrystalline bimetallic CuxAu1−x alloys (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0) in a reducing atmosphere. The mechanisms of the reactions are key to informed design of tailored non-equilibrium nanostructures for catalytic and plasmonic materials. The Au@Cu2O reaction is initiated by reduction of the Cu2O cuprite shell to form nanocrystalline metallic Cu at about 413 K. Alloying begins immediately upon formation of metallic Cu at 413 K, with the nucleation of an Au-rich alloy phase which reaches the nominal Cu content of the overall system stoichiometry by 493 K. All bimetallic alloys form a transient ordered Cu3Au intermetallic compound at intermediate temperatures, with the onset of ordering and subsequent disordering varying by composition. No evidence for an ordered Au3Cu intermetallic is found for any composition. Significant crystal growth in the bimetallic phase is apparent at higher temperatures, with the onset temperature increasing with Cu concentration and initial Cu-shell thickness. The reduction of the cuprite phase is slowed by the presence of the core–shell interface, and crystal growth in the Cu shell is completely suppressed within the alloy systems.
Measuring Patient Satisfaction

The past three decades have seen an evolution in the evaluation of cancer care. Supply has made a determined effort to catch up with the demand for a more comprehensive assessment of factors that ascertain quality of care, striving to provide better service to a consumer-driven society. This is mainly the result of patients becoming more knowledgeable and savvy to the type of care and treatment options they may receive, health care services striving to attain higher standards of care to compete for consumers, and increased interest in health services research (1). The quality of care has been defined as “ the degree to which health services for individual or populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge” (2),(3).
Persistence and human-directed behavior in detection dogs: Ontogenetic development and relationships to working dog success

Abstract Dogs are increasingly utilized for specialized scent detection tasks. Methods for accurately identifying suitable candidates are lacking, as evidenced by the high rate of dogs failing to be placed in service. Given that behavioral factors have the greatest influence on working dog success, developing better methods for their identification is critical. The aim of this study was to use the ‘Unsolvable Task’ to measure persistence and social behavior in a population of candidate detection dogs (n = 81) to determine ontogenetic effects and potential relationships to detection dog success. Both human- and task-oriented behaviors were assessed in candidates of 3, 6, and 11 months of age. We found that human-directed gazing during the Unsolvable Task was nearly absent in puppies 6 months or younger and increased significantly at 11 months (p
Cross Term Decay in Multiplicative Processors

Multiplicative processors combine the beamformed outputs of undersampled subarrays to estimate the spatial power spectrum. While the multiplicative processor requires fewer sensors to achieve the same resolution as a conventional linear processor, it also produces cross terms that can degrade the spectral estimate. Cross terms are false peaks formed when a signal passing through the grating lobe of one subarray interacts with a different signal passing through the other subarray. Snapshot averaging reduces cross terms when the signals are uncorrelated. This letter quantifies the number of snapshots required for effective cross term mitigation, accounting for the use of subarray tapers to control sidelobe levels. To facilitate the analysis, the letter derives closed form expressions for the probability density function and cumulative distribution function of the sum of products of independent complex Gaussian random variables. The analysis demonstrates that cross terms decay at a rate of 5 dB per decade of snapshots averaged. While subarray tapering reduces sidelobe leakage, it also increases the number of snapshots required for cross term mitigation.
Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach for Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a proven effective treatment for morbid obesity and its associated comorbidities, such as diabetes and hypertension. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to ensure maximum benefits that will last for the rest of the patient’s life and for prevention or treatment of complications. Besides the surgeon, the care team consists of the following providers: a primary care provider, a registered dietician, a clinical psychologist, and an exercise physiologist. Patients usually prepare for surgical treatment months before operation, assisted by a bariatric coordinator who helps guide them through the process. Data indicate that patients lose more excess weight and are less likely to regain weight when an intensive multidisciplinary approach is used.
Predicting prolonged opioid prescriptions in opioid-naïve lumbar spine surgery patients.

Abstract IMPORTANCE Preoperative determination of the potential for postoperative opioid dependence in previously naive patients undergoing elective spine surgery may facilitate targeted interventions. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to develop supervised machine learning algorithms for preoperative prediction of prolonged opioid prescription use in opioid-naive patients following lumbar spine surgery. DESIGN Retrospective review of clinical registry data. Variables considered for prediction included demographics, insurance status, preoperative medications, surgical factors, laboratory values, comorbidities, and neighborhood characteristics. Five supervised machine learning algorithms were developed and assessed by discrimination, calibration, Brier score, and decision curve analysis. SETTING One healthcare entity (two academic medical centers, three community hospitals), 2000 to 2018. PARTICIPANTS Opioid-naive patients undergoing decompression and/or fusion for lumbar disk herniation, stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. MAIN OUTCOME Sustained prescription opioid use exceeding 90 days after surgery. RESULTS Overall, of 8,435 patients included, 359 (4.3%) were found to have prolonged postoperative opioid prescriptions. The elastic-net penalized logistic regression achieved the best performance in the independent testing set not used for algorithm development with c-statistic=0.70, calibration intercept=0.06, calibration slope=1.02, and Brier score=0.039. The five most important factors for prolonged opioid prescriptions were use of instrumented spinal fusion, preoperative benzodiazepine use, preoperative antidepressant use, preoperative gabapentin use, and uninsured status. Individual patient-level explanations were provided for the algorithm predictions and the algorithms were incorporated into an open access digital application available here: https://sorg-apps.shinyapps.io/lumbaropioidnaive/ . CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE The clinician decision aid developed in this study may be helpful to preoperatively risk-stratify opioid-naive patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. The tool demonstrates moderate discriminative capacity for identifying those at greatest risk of prolonged prescription opioid use. External validation is required to further support the potential utility of this tool in practice.