cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection - A mimic

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition if it goes unrecognized. Symptoms can range from chest pain to sudden cardiac death. We present a case of 33 year-old female marathon runner who presented to emergency department (ED) complaining of sudden onset of non-positional, constant, pleuritic chest discomfort. She was eventually found to have spontaneous dissection of coronary artery. The mimicking nature of SCAD is presented in this article. We conclude that spontaneous coronary dissection, although still challenging due to its mimicking nature, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chest pain and associated myocardial injury.
An Examination of the Structure of Leisure Interests of College Students, Working-Age Adults, and Retirees

In this study, the authors investigated the extent to which factor and spatial structures of leisure interests (a) are similar to or distinct from the structure of vocational interests and (b) differ across 3 cohorts: college students (Mage 19.6 years, SD 1.23), working-age adults (Mage 29.7, SD 1.18), and retirees (Mage 72.3 years, SD 5.40). Factor analytic, multidimensional scaling, and covariance structure modeling strategies were used to assess the structure of leisure interests as measured with the Leisure Interest Questionnaire (J. C. Hansen, 1998). Only partial convergence was found for the structure of leisure interests with J. L. Holland’s (1985) model of vocational interest structure, suggesting that researchers should be cautious about using vocational interests as markers for leisure interests. However, the similarity in structure of interests across the three samples was greater than hypothesized. Implications for research on leisure interests and for counseling practice are discussed.
On Computing the Feedback Capacity of Channels and the Feed-Forward Rate-Distortion Function of Sources

The problem of computing the capacity-cost function of channels with feedback and the rate-distortion function of sources with feed-forward is considered. Sufficient conditions are derived on : a) the structure of the cost function for a chosen joint distribution to achieve the optimal feedback capacity-cost function, b) the structure of the distortion function for a chosen joint distribution to achieve the optimal feed-forward rate-distortion function. These structural results are useful since it is infeasible in general to directly compute the optimizations. Examples are provided to show how the results can help compute the performance limits with feedback and feed-forward.
Soil-Site Characteristics and Occurrence of Sugar Maple Canker in Pennsylvania

The occurrence and severity of an annual canker disease among sugar maples, Acer saccharum Marsh., were studies with respect to the soil. topographic, three, and stand c characteristics of maple—growing sites in the nonglaciated plateau and mountain region of Pennsylvania. Symmetric correlation, multiple regression, and factor analytic procedures were used in interpreting approximately 100 variables, or interactions among variables, measured on each of 62 plots. The analyses indicated that occurrence and severity of cankering was most closely associated with those characteristics peculiar to slowly permeable soils. On the heavily cankered plots soils were relatively shallow to an impervious layer, and the A horizons contained a greater clay content and more pore space. A decrease in the percentage of the total root count in the surface 6 inches of these soils indicated that the surface layer was not particularly favorable for the development and survival of roots. The lower vigor of sugar maples growing on such sites was significantly correlated with greater canker incidence.
Lenalidomide-Induced Acute Interstitial Nephritis

The first case of biopsy-proven lenalidomide-induced acute interstitial nephritis is presented.
The training of congenital heart surgeons.

Objective The training of congenital heart surgeons is extremely complex and challenging. It is frequently viewed as a 12-month fellowship followed by an apprenticeship. This study evaluates the initial experience of fellows training in pediatric heart surgery. Methods Fellows completing 12 months of training within the past 5 years were included. Questionnaires were completed by E-mail, mail, or telephone correspondence. Results Twenty-eight of 42 (67%) fellows responded from 11 training programs. Each fellow assisted in a mean of 294 (± 90) operations, 234 (± 86) of which were open, and each fellow performed a mean of 75 (± 53) operations, 51 (± 42) of which were open. Operations were grouped by risk-adjusted congenital heart surgery scores. Fellows were exposed to all groups as the assistant. As the surgeon, fellows typically performed operations only in groups 1, 2, and 3. Only 7 of 28 fellows performed operations in group 4, none in group 5, and 1 of 28 in group 6. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being satisfied), 28 of 28 fellows were satisfied with the exposure to congenital heart surgery (mean 9.5 ± 1.0), but only 10 of 28 with the operative experience (mean 4.9 ± 2.8). Twenty-six of 28 were satisfied with the training overall (mean 7.3 ±1.8). Conclusions Challenges in the training of congenital heart surgeons remain. Although fellows received excellent exposure to surgery for congenital heart disease, there is a perceived minimal operative experience as the surgeon, particularly for the more complex operations. There is dissatisfaction with the operative experience, yet the majority of fellows finish satisfied with their overall training.
An optimal synthetic aperture method for the creation of directional sensitivity and removal of the airwave effect in MCSEM data

This paper introduces a novel approach to the optimal design of the synthetic aperture method for marine controlled source electromagnetic (MCSEM) surveys. We demonstrate that the sensitivity of the MCSEM survey to a specific geological target could be enhanced by selecting the appropriate amplitude and phase coefficients of the corresponding synthetic aperture. We have developed a general optimization technique to find the optimal parameters of the synthetic aperture method. This approach makes it possible to increase the corresponding ratio between total and background fields within the area of an expected reservoir anomaly and in this way improve the resolution of the EM data with respect to potential subsurface targets. We also demonstrate that this optimal synthetic aperture method can be used for a removal of the distorting airwave effect from the MCSEM data collected in shallow water.
Analog front ends for highly segmented detectors

The evolution of analogfront end ASICs is beingdriven by the increasinginterest in fine-g rained detectors and by rapid reduction in transistor feature size. Existingand proposed 2D pad and pixel detectors are movingtowards higher segmentation in order to increase position resolution and/or signal-to-noise ratio. As pixel density increases above 10 4 pixels=cm 2 ; the power dissipation of the front-end ASIC becomes a serious constraint. We discuss the powerconstrained noise optimization of ASIC front ends in scaled CMOS technology. Published by Elsevier B.V. PACS: 07.50.Qx; 07.85.Qe; 07.77.Ka; 85.40.� e; 85.40.Qx
Multiscale Gabor wavelet fusion for edge detection in microscopy images

A new algorithm fusion approach using wavelet filters is used to detect edges with low contrast in the presence of noise. Gabor wavelet edge filters are used that two scales and these are combined using algorithm fusion to locate edges of various sizes under varying contrast and noise conditions. This novel algorithm fusion approach is tested on different microscopy images of several materials and shown to be robust to these changing imaging conditions. A real-time skeletonization approach is also discussed that applies a new and efficient hit and miss transform to produce lines of one pixel width.
Dibromomethane–Zinc–Titanium(IV) Chloride

(CH2Br2) [74-95-3] CH2Br2 (MW 173.83) InChI = 1S/CH2Br2/c2-1-3/h1H2 InChIKey = FJBFPHVGVWTDIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N (Zn) [7440-66-6] Zn (MW 65.39) InChI = 1S/Zn InChIKey = HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N (TiCl4) [7550-45-0] Cl4Ti (MW 189.69) InChI = 1S/4ClH.Ti/h4*1H;/q;;;;+4/p-4 InChIKey = XJDNKRIXUMDJCW-UHFFFAOYSA-J (reagent for the methylenation of ketones1-5 and aldehydes;1 it methylenates highly enolizable1, 4, 6 and sterically hindered ketones;1 it selectively methylenates ketones and aldehydes in the presence of esters, while some variations allow the chemoselective methylenation of aldehydes and ketones;7 in combination with TMEDA it methylenates esters and lactones;1 similar reagents made from other 1,1-dibromoalkanes allow the alkylidenation of esters,8 lactones,8 silyl enol esters,9 thioesters,10 and amides10) Alternate Name: Lombardo's reagent. Solubility: partially sol solvents usually used for the reaction (THF and CH2Cl2). Form Supplied in: not available commercially. Preparative Methods: Oshima method:2, 3 a suspension of Zinc dust (4.5 equiv) and Dibromomethane (1.5 equiv) in dry THF, stirred under N2 at rt, is treated with a 1.0 M solution of Titanium(IV) Chloride (1.1 equiv) in CH2Cl2. After 15 min the resulting dark brown mixture is treated dropwise with a solution of the ketone (1 equiv) in dry THF, and the mixture is stirred at rt for 4–40 h. Lombardo's reagent:4, 5 to a suspension of Zn dust (4.3 equiv) and CH2Br2 (1.4 equiv) in dry THF, stirred under N2 at −40 °C, is added dropwise neat TiCl4. The mixture is then allowed to warm to 5 °C and is stirred for 1–3 days to produce a thick gray slurry of the active reagent. The cold slurry is added to a solution of the ketone in CH2Cl2 or THF. Usually, the reaction is complete within a few minutes. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: moisture sensitive; decomposes at rt. Lombardo's reagent may be stored at −20 °C up to a year with only 5–10% loss of reactivity.
Increasing background ozone in surface air over the United States

The long-term trend of background O3 in surface air over the United States from 1980 to 1998 is examined using monthly probability distributions of daily maximum 8- hour average O3 concentrations at a large ensemble of rural sites. Ozone concentrations have decreased at the high end of the probability distribution (reflecting emission controls) but have increased at the low end. The cross-over takes place between the 30th and 50th percentiles in May-August and between the 60th and 90th percentiles during the rest of the year. The increase is statistically significant at a 5% level in spring and fall, when it is 3-5 ppbv. The maximum increase is in the Northeast. A possible explanation is an increase in the Oa background transported from outside the United States. Better understanding of the causes of the increase is needed because of its implications for meeting Oa air quality standards.
Effect of Centrifugation Technique on Post-storage Characteristics of Stallion Spermatozoa

Abstract Three ejaculates were collected from four stallions and used to compare the effects of three centrifugation methods on post-storage motility and recovery of available sperm. Two aliquots per ejaculate were diluted with skim milk-glucose (SKMG) extender to 50×106 sperm/mL, placed in 50-mL conical bottom tubes, and centrifuged at either 700g for 15 minutes (700g) or 600g for 12 minutes (600g). A third aliquot was diluted 1:1 with SKMG, placed in 15-mL conical tubes, and centrifuged at 400g for 7 minutes (400g). Subsamples from each pre-treated diluted ejaculate were held at room temperature and evaluated for motility at the same time as the post-centrifugation pre-storage motility evaluation was made for treated aliquots. After centrifugation, samples from each aliquot were stored at 5°C for evaluation after 24 and 48 hours or frozen in liquid nitrogen. Percentage of available sperm harvested was higher (P ≤ .05) for aliquots centrifuged in 15-mL tubes at 400g versus 600g in 50-mL tubes. After centrifugation, total but not progressive motility of aliquots centrifuged at 700g was lower than that for noncentrifuged controls and sperm from aliquots centrifuged at 400g in 15-mL tubes. After cold storage, values for total but not progressive motility or velocity were higher (P ≤ .05) for aliquots centrifuged in 15-mL tubes at 400g compared with those centrifuged in 50-mL tubes at both 600g and 700g. Postthaw motility of frozen sperm was not different between centrifugation treatments. Poststorage percentages of intact acrosomes and detached heads did not differ because of centrifugation treatment.
Age-related Differences in Symptoms and Their Interference with Quality of Life in 903 Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the relationship of age with symptoms and interference with daily function and QOL during RT. Design A prospective observational study. Setting A university-based radiation oncology department. Participants 903 cancer patients who received radiation therapy (RT). The mean age was 61 years (18–92) and 41% were ≥ 65 years. Measurements A symptom inventory was administered pre- and post-RT. Patients rated 10 symptoms and their interference with daily function and QOL on a Likert scale from 0 (not present) to 10 (as bad as possible). A total symptom score was calculated by adding the ratings of individual symptoms. T-tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and mixed modeling were used to investigate relationships between symptoms and their interference with daily function and QOL. Results For older and younger patients, the total symptom score worsened during RT (p's Conclusion The prevalence of symptoms was similar for older and younger patients during RT. Older patients are more likely to report that symptoms interfere with walking after RT.
Modern state estimation methods from the viewpoint of the method of least squares

A tutorial guide is presented to the subject of state estimation. The development is presented as an elaboration of the Gauss method of least squares, and consequently differs in viewpoint somewhat from the more conventional development, which is from the viewpoint of linear filter theory. It is shown that all results obtained via the linear filter development are special cases of results obtainable from the method of least squares viewpoint.
Pediatric urology and the internet--does an uncommon topic decrease content quality?

Purpose: The Internet has become a widely used resource for patients and families to obtain medical information but the quality of information available is highly variable. We sought to determine if Web pages addressing common and uncommon pediatric urology topics differ in terms of quality or characteristics.Materials and Methods: We performed an Internet search using 5 common conditions (vesicoureteral reflux, hypospadias, prenatal hydronephrosis, cryptorchidism, enuresis) and 5 uncommon conditions (exstrophy, prune belly, posterior urethral valves, Wilms tumor, ureterocele). We recorded total hits, presence of sponsored links, page owner and author type, last update, content quality, readability, accreditation and advertising. Content quality was graded on a 5-point scale for accuracy and completeness of natural history, diagnosis and treatment.Results: We evaluated 100 sites on 10 topics. Common topics had more hits (980,000 vs 194,000) and were more likely to have sponsored advertisements (40% vs 0%)...
Viral complementation allows HIV-1 replication without integration

Background: The integration of HIV-1 DNA into cellular chromatin is required for high levels of viral gene expression and for the production of new virions. However, the majority of HIV-1 DNA remains unintegrated and is generally considered a replicative dead-end. A limited amount of early gene expression from unintegrated DNA has been reported, but viral replication does not proceed further in cells which contain only unintegrated DNA. Multiple infection of cells is common, and cells that are productively infected with an integrated provirus frequently also contain unintegrated HIV-1 DNA. Here we examine the influence of an integrated provirus on unintegrated HIV-1 DNA (uDNA). Results: We employed reporter viruses and quantitative real time PCR to examine gene expression and virus replication during coinfection with integrating and non-integrating HIV-1. Most cells which contained only uDNA displayed no detected expression from fluorescent reporter genes inserted into early (Rev-independent) and late (Rev-dependent) locations in the HIV-1 genome. Coinfection with an integrated provirus resulted in a several fold increase in the number of cells displaying uDNA early gene expression and efficiently drove uDNA into late gene expression. We found that coinfection generates virions which package and deliver uDNA-derived genomes into cells; in this way uDNA completes its replication cycle by viral complementation. uDNA-derived genomes undergo recombination with the integrated provirus-derived genomes during second round infection. Conclusion: This novel mode of retroviral replication allows survival of viruses which would otherwise be lost because of a failure to integrate, amplifies the effective amount of cellular coinfection, increases the replicating HIV-1 gene pool, and enhances the opportunity for diversification through errors of polymerization and recombination.
Neuromuscular control examination (NMC) for Parkinsonism: vowel prolongations and diadochokinetic and reading rates.

Measures of sustained phonation, diadochokinesis, and reading rate were recorded and contrasted for samples from populations. The three sets of subjects were healthy young normal adults, healthy el...
Regain control of p53: Targeting leukemia stem cells by isoform-specific HDAC inhibition

Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are self-renewable, leukemia-initiating populations that are often resistant to traditional chemotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors currently used for treatment of acute or chronic myeloid leukemia. The persistence and continued acquisition of mutations in resistant LSCs represent a major cause of refractory disease and/or relapse after remission. Understanding the mechanisms regulating LSC growth and survival is critical in devising effective therapies that will improve treatment response and outcome. Several recent studies indicate that the p53 tumor suppressor pathway is often inactivated in de novo myeloid leukemia through oncogenic-specific mechanisms, which converge on aberrant p53 protein deacetylation. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the various mechanisms underlying deregulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs), which could be exploited to restore p53 activity and enhance targeting of LSCs in molecularly defined patient subsets.
The Coca Debate in Colonial Peru

Spanish preoccupation with what seemed to be the inexhaustible mineral resources of the Andes contributed to the collapse of the highly developed agrarian economy of the Incas. The disruption of stable food production and the end of Inca political authority, which had prohibited the indiscriminate chewing of coca, led to the extensive use of the leaf among the Indians as a stimulant, a nutritive substitute, and a fetish. Within a generation after the conquest, several missionaries began to oppose the use of coca by the indigenous population. The leaf soon became the center of a controversy in the Viceroyalty of Peru, which endured in varying degrees of intensity for nearly a century.
Due Process and the Subpoena Power in Federal Environmental, Health, and Safety Whistleblower Proceedings

Some environmental, health and safety whistle-blower matters must be brought by complainants before the U.S. Department of Labor, where they are heard by Administrative Law Judges. At the time this Article was written, the DOL disclaimed the ability to issue subpoenas in these matters. The Article argues that the availability of subpoenas is a due process right possessed by whistle-blower litigants, generally, and that congressional grants of subpoena power are unnecessary.
Study on the symmetry of dynamic triaxial test of coarse aggregates by PFC

Taking dynamic triaxial simulation of coare aggreqates for example,the dynamic shear modulus and damping ratio are studied by different symmetric models(1/2,1/4,1/8,1/12).The results show that there are differences in simulating results of dynamic shear modulus and damping ratio in different symmetric models but the change laws remain the same.With the increase of symmetric ratio,dynamic shear modulus increases and damping ratio decreases,and the calculation time reduces greatly.The initial particle random distribution is studied in 1/8 and 1/12 models.The results show the dynamic shear modulus and damping ratio of 1/8 model and the damping ratio of 1/12 model are not influenced by the initial particle random distribution while the dynamic shear modulus of 1/12 model is greatly influenced by the distribution.The 1/8 model is suggested to analyze the dynamic properties of material.
Identification and Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in an Isolated Patient Population

This study had three goals: (1) Identify patients with Helicobacter pylori, treat their disease, monitor their progress, and determine that they are no longer infected. (2) Realize a cost savings for our health clinic. (3) Improve patient quality of life. These three goals have been met.
Promoting Accountability, Undermining Peace? Naming and Shaming in Transitional Justice Processes

One of the most significant contemporary international human rights developments is the pursuit of what has become known as transitional justice.1 Transitional justice is a catchall term that refers to a variety of measures enacted in the context of political transitions that are designed to provide justice for gross human rights violations.2 Ideally, there is no need for naming and shaming in these contexts. Rather, individual suspects are arrested and, if found guilty, punished for their abuses. However, in the context of fragile political transitions, this is often not feasible. Although it may be morally and legally appropriate to punish perpetrators of human rights abuses and attend to the needs of victims, the continued power or usefulness of perpetrators and the pervasiveness of violence may make it impossible to prosecute those responsible or to adequately repair victims. Perpetrators may remain powerful and able to disrupt nascent peace processes or democratization efforts. Domestic courts may lack the capacity to conduct trials, or may be themselves complicit in abuses. In these contexts, other forms of transitional justice might be established in order to achieve some form of accountability.
Pleomorphic Liposarcoma Arising in the Neck with Myxoid/Round Cell Features Showing DDIT3 Amplification

Pleomorphic liposarcoma (PLPS) is the most rare type of LPS, accounting for fewer than 15% of LPSs. It usually presents in older adults and is most commonly located in the retroperitoneum or deep soft tissue of the extremities. PLPS is a high-grade sarcoma with 1/3 showing local recurrence and having overall 5-year survival rate …
Enhancing Computational Science Curriculum at Liberal Arts Institutions

Computational science curriculum developments and enhancements in liberal arts colleges can face unique challenges compared with larger institutions. We present a case study of computational science curriculum development at a medium sized liberal arts university in the context of cybersecurity. Three approaches, namely a cybersecurity minor, content infusion into existing courses, and a public forum are proposed to enrich the current computational science curriculum with cybersecurity contents.
Interaction of Microwave Energy with Fuel Precursors

Synthetic fuel and fuel gas have been produced by microwave interaction with fuel precursors, particularly oil shale and Colorado coal. Preliminary results with lignite, tar sands, and viscous crudes also show promise. The derived products have been analyzed using a microcoulometric system and important differences in oil flow properties and gas composition are discussed. The objectives of the study, presented in this paper, were designed to provide accurate and precise data on the nitrogen, sulfur, carbon, hydrogen, and on the water, gases, and oil, both from microwave retorting procedures and on parallel Fischer assay tests. The microwave equipment used in this study consisted of a modified commercial microwave oven, together with a specially designed, stainless steel, high temperature and pressure retort.
The real Chironomia

Austin's Chironomia is often associated with a mechanical approach to delivery, and his system of notation for gesture is the feature of the work that has received most attention; but the book is neither mechanical nor limited to the notations. Austin presents a complete analysis of delivery. Chironomia is an excellent introduction to the study of the entire elocutionary movement.
Factors Governing Autooxidation of Human Hemoglobin

Determining mechanisms for the autooxidation of hemoglobin is required for understanding and treating unstable hemoglobinopathies and for developing more stable hemoglobin based O2 carriers. Previous studies suggested significant differences in autooxidation rates of α and β subunits. We used an azide reaction assay to measure the concentrations of ferric α and β chains at different time points during autooxidation. Our results showed no differences between the subunits. To obtain more accurate time courses for autooxidation, we deconvoluted observed spectra into the decay of HbO2, metHb appearance, hemichrome generation, and increases in turbidity due to hemin loss and apoprotein precipitation. The time courses for HbO2 decay at high concentrations (≥ 100µM heme) accelerate implying cooperative autooxidation, where as at low concentrations (≤ 10uM) the time courses are biphasic. These results suggest that the biphasic time courses at low hemoglobin are due to differences between tetramers and dimers. We have also measured autooxidation rates for a recombinant hemoglobin, rHb0.1, that contains a genetically crosslinked di-α subunit. This hemoglobin shows a monophasic time course for autooxidation at both high and low protein concentrations, and the azide binding assay showed equal amounts of ferric α and β subunits. We have also examined recombinant mutant hemoglobins to examine the structural factors that govern autooxidation. Increased rates of autooxidation were found for rHb Providence, rHb Bethesda, rHb Presbyterian, and rHb Kirklareli. We have also confirmed that the rate of autooxidation shows a bell-shaped dependence on oxygen concentration and increases markedly as the pH is decreased.Supported by NIH Grant P01 HL110900 and by Grant C-0612 from the Robert A. Welch Foundation.
Distribution of open sites in Sn-Beta zeolite

Abstract A survey of the open site geometries in Sn-Beta has been completed. Comparing the relative energies of 144 distinct open site structures identifies both T9 and T1 sites as the most stable open sites. However, a key feature of these sites is that the Sn-O-Si bridge which is hydrolyzed is opposite the SnOH, rather than adjacent. This results in geometries in which the SiOH in the open site is significantly more acidic than a surface SiOH or a SiOH defect in the zeolite, as found in adsorption calculations of NH3, pyridine, and acetonitrile. Frequency shifts calculated for acetonitrile are consistent with experimental frequency shifts, and the proposed open site geometry suggests a new assignment for a peak observed experimentally by Harris et al. [1] and Otomo et al. [2] The stabilization of the open site silanol by the nearby Sn generates this unusual Bronsted acidity in the Sn-Beta open site, which highlights the need to consider new reaction mechanisms in the Sn-Beta literature.
Small Molecule Models: Cu, Ni, Co

The binding and activation of small molecules (O 2 , NO x , CO, CO 2 , and H 2 O) by Cu, Ni, and sometimes Co sites in enzymes are key to their biological function. Not only are these small molecule activation reactions biologically important, but they also are of great interest from a synthetic catalysis perspective because of their known or potential involvement in industrial processes, new sustainable technologies, and environmental remediation. This chapter surveys recent efforts using synthetic Cu, Ni, and Co complexes to gain insights into the structures and properties of reactive intermediates involved in these activation reactions, and how these intermediates react with substrates.
A Swarm Environment for Experimental Performance and Improvisation

This paper describes Swarm Performance and Improvisation (Swarm-PI), a real-time computer environment for music improvisation that uses swarm algorithms to control sound synthesis and to mediate interactions with a human performer. Swarm models are artificial, multi-agent systems where the organized movements of large groups are the result of simple, local rules between individuals. Swarms typically exhibit self-organization and emergent behavior. In Swarm-PI, multiple acoustic descriptors from a live audio feed generate parameters for an independent swarm among multiple swarms in the same space, and each swarm is used to synthesize a stream of sound using granular sampling. This environment demonstrates the effectiveness of using swarms to model human interactions typical to group improvisation and to generate organized patterns of synthesized sound.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and glioblastoma.

2033 Background: The risk of VTE is very high for patients with brain tumors, with Glioblastoma (GB) considered one of the most at risk cancers. The aim of this study is to describe the occurrence ...
Integrated System Identification and Optimization

Publisher Summary The modern systems approach in handling large scale problems includes the concepts of system identification and optimization. The coupling relationship between these concepts is inherent in the nature of the desired “optimal solution.” Any mathematical model consists of unknown variables and “known” parameters characterizing the system. These parameters are not known, but are estimated or determined under non-optimal conditions. The solution that is generated from such system models might be non-optimal. The identification of the system's parameters, referred to as system modeling, is essential to obtain an optimal control policy. This chapter discusses the coupling relationship between these concepts and describes the analytical tools and methods for tackling the joint problem. Mathematical models, which aim at representing real physical systems in quantitative form, have become important tools in the design, synthesis, analysis, operation, and control of complex systems.
OP205: Total glossectomy reconstruction using the foldover anterolateral thigh flap technique

Purpose In free flap reconstruction of total glossectomy defects, it is necessary to have sufficient tissue bulk in order to facilitate oropharyngeal squeeze and maintain airway protection. The purpose of this paper is to present our technique of total glossectomy reconstruction with the anterolateral thigh flap utilizing a unique fold-over technique. Material/Methods Retrospective review of total glossectomy patients undergoing ALT fold over flap reconstruction. Demographic and tumor data, surgical therapy, adjuvant therapy, tracheostomy dependence, diet, and disease status at last follow up were recorded. Fold-over flap technique: a de-epithelialized portion of the ALT flap is secured to the mandible with trans-osseous sutures and is used to support the floor of mouth. The epithelialized portion of the flap is sutured into the vallecula and along the alveolar ridge of the mandible resulting in a flap that is folded onto itself with the pedicle exiting through the fold. A hyoid suspension is performed, pulling the larynx superiorly and anteriorly. Results From 2/2007 to 4/2012, nine patients (six males) underwent fold over flap reconstruction for T3 (five patients) or T4 (four patients) oral tongue and floor of mouth cancer. Average age 51 years (28–61) and average follow up 19 months (2–56). Diet at last follow up: three patients on pureed without G-tube; three patients on liquids and G-tube; three patients on G-tube only (two died within 10 months of surgery due to disease progression). At last follow up two patients had tracheostomy, both with disease progression and death within 3 months of surgery. Conclusions The ALT fold over flap technique provides sufficient bulk to allow decannulation and airway protection as well as PO intake in most patients undergoing total glossectomy. Given the minimal donor site morbidity with this flap, it is our reconstruction of choice for total glossectomy defects.
“My Therapist Told Me not to Visit Auschwitz”: The Problem with crisis pedagogy

That the teaching of a topic that principally deals with mass atrocity, death, and annihilation has the potential to produce a set of powerful feelings is perhaps self-evident. But what the exact nature of these feelings is, how to foresee them, and how to mediate and deal with them is far more complex and difficult. Surveys at sites of trauma and violence have shown that visitors predominantly encounter negative emotions during their presence at sites and that these feelings may have long-lasting effects. This should raise some serious ethical concerns for educators whose students may experience feelings of shock, sadness, and anxiety in their encounter with the material. The structure of a five-week long study abroad program can significantly intensify students’ emotional experience; the intimacy with the material at sites of trauma and violence can be particularly burdensome and is compounded by the length of the program, the quantity of sites visited, and the length of time spent at sites. This chapter narrates the emotions reported by my students at sites and contextualizes them within the debates on the effect of vicarious experiences on compassion and empathy. Underscoring the importance of students’ intimate understanding of the material, I offer a set of suggestions on a more controlled engagement with the traumatic effects of “being there.”
Abstract 16: BcrKinase is a Novel Akt Kinase That Modulates Scavenger Receptor BI- and PDZK1-dependent Actions of HDL in Endothelium

High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) has direct atheroprotective actions on endothelium. These are mediated by scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI) and its adaptor protein PDZK1, and they entail the activation of Akt kinase, which phosphorylates and thereby stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). In the present work we sought to determine how PDZK1 couples HDL/SR-BI to Akt and eNOS to modulate endothelial function. Using tandem affinity purification (TAP) following the infection of the human endothelial cell line EAhy926 with adenovirus expressing TAP-tagged PDZK1, we identified Breakpoint Cluster Region (Bcr) kinase as a PDZK1 interacting protein in endothelium. Whereas Bcr is well-known as a component of the Bcr-Abl fusion protein that results from translocation of the Philadelphia chromosome in chronic myelogenous leukemia, little is known of its function in endothelial cells. Bcr contains several distinctive domains including a C-terminal PDZ binding motif and a serine/threonine protein kinase domain. In primary human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC), we determined that endogenous Bcr interacts with PDZK1 in an HDL-dependent manner, and that Bcr is required for HDL-induced activation of eNOS and HDL stimulation of endothelial cell migration, which underlies the ability of the lipoprotein to promote endothelial monolayer integrity. Studies of mutant forms of Bcr with disruption of PDZK1 binding or kinase activity introduced into endothelial cells further revealed that Bcr-PDZK1 interaction and its kinase function are required for HDL activation of Akt and eNOS. Using a novel kinase assay that we recently developed that employs time-resolved Forster resonance energy transfer, we found that via SR-BI and PDZK1, HDL stimulates Bcr kinase activity in endothelial cells more than 20-fold. In addition, using Akt-based peptides in studies of the two known kinases for Akt, mTOR and PDK1, we determined that HDL activates Bcr kinase to directly phosphorylate Akt-Ser473 in an mTOR independent manner, and that Akt-Thr308 is a direct substrate of PDK1. These collective findings have identified Bcr to be a novel kinase for Akt, and they have revealed that Bcr is critically involved in HDL modulation of endothelial cell phenotype.
Professional Identity and Career Calling Across Medical, Pharmacy, and Dental Students

Differences in both professional identity and calling appear across health profession students in medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry but to varying degrees. Dental students have a higher professional identity compared to pharmacy and medical students with significant differences in three of five professional identity domains. Students in medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry exhibit differences regarding presence of a career calling to their vocation (e.g., calling to a particular kind of work) more often than a search for a career calling (e.g., searching for my calling in my career).
Functional Contribution of the Spastic Paraplegia-Related Triglyceride Hydrolase DDHD2 to the Formation and Content of Lipid Droplets

Deleterious mutations in the serine lipase DDHD2 are a causative basis of complex hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP, subtype SPG54) in humans. We recently found that DDHD2 is a principal triglyceride hydrolase in the central nervous system (CNS) and that genetic deletion of this enzyme in mice leads to ectopic lipid droplet (LD) accumulation in neurons throughout the brain. Nonetheless, how HSP-related mutations in DDHD2 relate to triglyceride metabolism and LD formation remains poorly understood. Here, we have characterized a set of HSP-related mutations in DDHD2 and found that they disrupt triglyceride hydrolase activity in vitro and impair the capacity of DDHD2 to protect cells from LD accumulation following exposure to free fatty acid, an outcome that was also observed with a DDHD2-selective inhibitor. We furthermore isolated and characterized LDs from brain tissue of DDHD2–/– mice, revealing that they contain both established LD-associated proteins identified previously in other organs and CNS-enric...
High energy tails of pulsar gamma-ray emission

We perform spectral analyses of four bright $\gamma$-ray pulsars: PSR J0007+7303, Vela, Geminga and PSR J2021+3651 concentrating on the high-energy tails, defined as emission above 10\,GeV. The two competing models of pulsar $\gamma$-ray emission predict qualitatively different spectra well above the break energy: curvature emission predicts an exponential cut-off in the spectra, while the inverse-Compton scattering mechanism favors a power-law. We perform fits to the phase-averaged spectral energy distributions for each of the four pulsars. We find that in all cases both models fit the data equally well---the present data set does not allow any firm claim to be made about the shape of the spectra above 10\,GeV. In no case is the power-law fit or exponential cut-off fit significantly preferred over the other. The Crab pulsar remains the only known pulsar in which the power-law fit is clearly preferred over the exponential cut-off.
OBSERVATION OF THE anti-OMEGA

We have observed an $\overline{\ensuremath{\Omega}}$ event. The $\overline{\ensuremath{\Omega}}$ is produced in the reaction ${K}^{+}d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\overline{\ensuremath{\Omega}}\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\Lambda}p{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ at $12 \frac{\mathrm{GeV}}{c}$, and decays via the mode $\overline{\ensuremath{\Omega}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\overline{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}{K}^{+}$. The fitted mass for this particle is ${M}_{\overline{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}=1673.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0$ MeV. The $\overline{\ensuremath{\Omega}}$-production cross section is of the order of 0.1 \ensuremath{\mu}b.
Non-contact comprehensive breathing analysis using thermal thin medium

Respiration monitoring methods that are both accurate and comfortable are highly sought after in the medical field. No existing method of respiration monitoring perfectly satisfies both of these criteria; each method is a trade-off between comfort and accuracy. Contact methods, which require placing sensors directly on the patient's body, provide reliable measurements, but are uncomfortable for the patient, which alters their natural breathing behaviors. Conversely, non-contact methods monitor respiration remotely and comfortably, but with lower accuracy. We present a method of respiratory analysis that is non-contact, but also measures the exhaled air of a human subject directly through a medium-based exhale visualization technique. In this method, we place a thin medium perpendicular to the exhaled airflow of an individual, and use a thermal camera to record the heat signature from the exhaled breath on the opposite side of the material. Breathing rate and respiratory behaviors are extracted from the thermal data in real time. Our proposed respiration monitoring technique accurately reports breathing rate, and provides other information not obtainable through other non-contact methods. This method can be implemented as a small low-cost device for ease of use in a clinical environment.
An Adaptive SAR ADC for DC to Nyquist Rate Signals

This paper proposes an adaptive algorithm for a predicting SAR ADC which can self-adjust the precision of its prediction. A precise and yet correct prediction reduces bit trials needed in a SAR conversion, leading to great power savings. The presented algorithm uses a 2-byte prediction-success-rate-register and a1st order digital negative feedback loop to control the prediction depth. Additionally, an offset-move-up technique is proposed to boost the prediction success rate when the previous sample is near the boundary of the predicted subrange. The boundary-crossing problem reduces energy-efficiency in other predictive SAR algorithms such as LSB-first. The proposed scheme makes aggressive predictions for low-activity biomedical signals, makes conservative predictions or no predictions for high-activity-high-amplitude signals and it automatically and smoothly transitions between the two extremes.
Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry, SIMS

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is based on the ejection of charged atomic and molecular species from the surface of a solid sample when it is bombarded by a stream of heavy particles. J. J. Thomson1 first observed this phenomenon in 1910. Later Arnot and Milligan2 investigated the secondary ion emission resulting from positive ion bombardment. Herzog and Viehboeck3 provided the basis of modern SIMS instrumentation, using an electron impact primary ion source in 1949. Other pioneers in the field constructed their own unique SIMS instruments.4, 5, 6, 7 The first commercial system derived from Herzog’s work8 was intended for the geochemical analysis of extraterrestrial material captured during the early years of outer space exploration. Since that time, SIMS has become an indispensable tool for the characterization and analysis of semiconductor components and materials. Its ability to detect all elements in the periodic table, excellent elemental sensitivity and inherent depth profiling capabilities make SIMS the appropriate choice for a number of critical semiconductor analysis needs. Dopant profiling, mobile ion monitoring, process contamination diagnosis, thin film characterization, interface analysis and surface analysis are just a few of the areas where SIMS can contribute to the root cause determination of microelectronics failures. In addition to the utilization of SIMS as a tool for the diagnosis of failures, the technique is a very powerful aid in the optimization of semiconductor processes, preventing failures. Typical applications in this preventive mode include the evaluation of the effectiveness of cleaning processes, monitoring the impact of new processing tools on wafer contamination levels and implant matching studies for technology transfer between fabrication sites.
The first generation of computer-assisted instructional systems: An evaluative review

INTRODUCTION After developing machines which could automatically teach drill material and administer and score tests, Pressey (81, 82, 83) argued that the advance of a science is dependent upon the technological improvements made in that science. His contributions to the "educational revolution" were not to be realized, however, until Skinner (98) cogently argued that mechanical means were necessary to arrange the "contingencies of reinforcement" which would allow a student to learn more rapidly and effectively than he could if he were under the unsystematic-and often aversive -reinforcement schedules of the classroom. This argument was attractive to psychologists and experimental educators because it offered the opportunity to apply the psychological principles of learning, derived from the laboratory, to the classroom.
The Rights of Machines: Caring for Robotic Care-Givers

Work in the field of machine medical ethics, especially as it applies to healthcare robots, generally focuses attention on controlling the decision making capabilities and actions of autonomous machines for the sake of respecting the rights of human beings. Absent from much of the current literature is a consideration of the other side of this issue. That is, the question of machine rights or the moral standing of these socially situated and interactive technologies. This chapter investigates the moral situation of healthcare robots by examining how human beings should respond to these artificial entities that will increasingly come to care for us. A range of possible responses will be considered bounded by two opposing positions. We can, on the one hand, deal with these mechanisms by deploying the standard instrumental theory of technology, which renders care-giving robots nothing more than tools and therefore something we do not really need to care about. Or we can, on the other hand, treat these machines as domestic companions that occupy the place of another person in social relationships, becoming someone we increasingly need to care about. Unfortunately neither option is entirely satisfactory, and it is the objective of this chapter not to argue for one or the other but to formulate the opportunities and challenges of ethics in the era of robotic caregivers.
Two-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Sample 2: Comparison of Systolic Blood Pressure Readings by Self-Declared Smoking Habits and by Self-Declared Drinking Habits

The complexity presented in this chapter increases to a measured degree, where R is used as the main tool for analyses of a wellness inventory. Detailed instructions are provided on how R is used to import data in a fixed width–fixed column file. Emphasis is placed on graphical figures as a visual means of conducting quality assurance, with new graphical tools added to this chapter. New packages, with more useful R functions than previously presented, are introduced in this chapter. Complexities from the real-world occurrence of missing data are addressed, both on the practical implications of missing data as well as how R is used to accommodate missing data.
New deformed states near the Z=50 closed shell: 51117Sb66.

Three decoupled ({Delta}{ital I}=2) rotational bands have been observed to rise out of irregular spherical excitations in {sub 51}{sup 117}Sb at moderate spin. These bands are interpreted as resulting from low-lying {pi}{ital g}{sub 7/2}, {pi}d{sub 5/2}, and {pi}{ital h}{sub 11/2} valence orbitals outside the {ital Z}=50 closed shell coupled to the deformed (({pi}{ital g}{sub 7/2}){sup 2}{direct product}({pi}{ital g}{sub 9/2}){sup {minus}2}){sup 116}Sn core state at the {ital N}=66 midshell. The valence orbitals do not significantly influence either the spherical or the deformed core shape; the latter is regulated by the {beta} at which the {pi}{ital g}{sub 7/2} and the intruder {pi}{ital g}{sub 9/2} levels cross. Two strongly coupled ({Delta}{ital I}=1) bands involving (({pi}{ital g}{sub 7/2}){sup 2}{direct product}({pi}{ital g}{sub 9/2}){sup {minus}1}) were also observed.