cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TU-H-201-03: Panel Discussion Member

The New New Symposium is a symposium for members relatively new to the organization to learn about the organizational structure and operational procedures of the society; how decisions are made, how the council and committee leadership is appointed and operates, opportunities for volunteer involvement, and a brief overview of the services and efforts provided by the HQ staff and the website. Attendees will hear from council chairs, key staff and chairs, and members with volunteer experience. After the symposium a social hour ensues with opportunities to interact with key AAPM members. The New Member Symposium is a (free) ticket option when you register online for the Annual Meeting. And don't forget registrants receive one (free) ticket for a beverage of your choice during the social afterwards.
Regional and Differential Sensitivity of Umbilico-Placental Vasculature to 5-Hydroxytryptamine, Nicotine, and Ethyl Alcohol

The fetal blood concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) increases before birth (Jones and Rowsell, 1973). 5-HT decreases perfusion flow through umbilicoplacental vasculature in isolated human placenta (Gautieri and Ciuchta, 1962). Nicotine is known to release 5-HT from nervous tissues (Goodman and Weiss, 1973; Balfour, 1973; Hery et al., 1977). Among tobacco smokers, nicotine enters fetal circulation from maternal blood. Therefore, a question arises as to whether nictoine releases 5-HT which decreases fetal blood flow through placenta and contributes to fetal hypoxia and growth retardation in tobacco smokers.
The Austin Experience: Behind the Success Factors

In a speech to the National Association of State Venture Funds, I conveyed this general background (Table 3.1) on the evolution of the Austin.
V.N. Sudakov’s Work on Expected Suprema of Gaussian Processes

It is noted that the late Volodya N. Sudakov (1934–2016) first published a statement in 1973 and proof in 1976 that the expected supremum of a centered Gaussian process is bounded above by a constant times a metric entropy integral. In particular, the present author (R.M. Dudley) defined such an integral but did not state nor prove such a bound.
Bortezomib Is a Novel Inducer of Latent Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) in EBV+ Lymphoma Cell Lines.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)+ lymphomas are an important subgroup of aggressive malignant lymphomas which include lymphomas in the post-transplantation setting, Burkitt’s lymphomas (BL), AIDS-related lymphomas (ARL), and some forms of Hodgkin, T-cell, and natural killer (NK) cell lymphomas. EBV is a member of the herpes virus family, characterized by their ability to support two different life cycles: the productive “lytic” cycle leading to the production and release of new virions and the non-productive “latent” cycle. Most lymphoma cells are infected with latent EBV, and only few viral genes are expressed at low levels. Several groups of broad-acting chemical agents are able to reactivate EBV and induce herpes thymidine kinase (TK) expression in vitro and in vivo. NF-kB has been described to play a critical role in regulating the balance between latency and lytic replication of EBV. Therefore, we hypothesized that the proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib can be used to initiate EBV lytic antigen expression in EBV-related malignancies enabling the antiviral drug Ganciclovir to kill EBV+ lymphoma cells. The human cell line HR-1, derived from a Burkitt’s lymphoma and latently infected with EBV, was cultured in the presence of 50nM bortezomib for 24 hrs. The immediate early lytic phase EBV antigens ZEBRA and RTA were induced and expressed as measured by flow cytometry. The EBV-VCA and EBV-R antigens were not expressed in untreated controls but were induced as demonstrated by western blot analysis, indicating the switch to the lytic life-cycle of EBV. These results were successfully repeated using the EBV+ Akata cell line. Induction of viral thymidine kinase (vTK) was shown by QRT-PCR as well. Histone deacetylase inhibitors are a well known group of broad-acting chemical agents able to reactivate EBV. In combination experiments, we found that Bortezomib plus sodium butyrate or SAHA act at least additive in inducing the EBV lytic life cycle in HR-1 or RAJI cells. Bortezomib sensitizes the EBV+ Akata cell line 2A8-1 to growth inhibitory effects of ganciclovir as shown by MTT assays. The cells were treated with two different non-toxic drug concentrations which were chosen low enough not to induce apoptosis (bortezomib: 1nM and 2nM; ganciclovir:15 and 30μM). Bortezomib induces the lytic EBV life cycle in vivo. In murine xenograft models growing the Akata A.15 line subcutaneously bortezomib induces the immediate-early protein ZEBRA as shown by immunohistochemistry and vTK as shown by QRT-PCR. Experiments to induce lytic phase EBV in murine xenograft models using the Akata cell line and to combine EBV induction with the nucleoside analogue ganciclovir are in progress. Murine studies with EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) xenograft models, combination bortezomib plus ganciclovir, and molecular imaging with FHBG specific PET probes are in progress. Reactivating EBV with proteasome inhibitors alone or in combinations with low concentrations of histone deacetylase inhibitors may be a less toxic therapeutic strategy for EBV-associated lymphomas.
Group III Perfluoroalkyl Perfluoro Phthalocyanines

We report the synthesis, redox and photo-physical properties, as well as singlet oxygen reactivity of the first representatives of Group III perfluoroalkyl perfluoro metal phthalocyanines, gallium and indium complexes. Microwave-assisted synthesis was used to produce F64PcM, M = Ga, In in reasonable yields. Both Ga and In complexes exhibit high thermal and chemical stability properties, attributed to the perfluoroalkyl perfluoro phthalocyanine ligand. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical measurements show reversible redox processes for both compounds, including spontaneous re-oxidations following electrochemical or photochemical reductions. No electrochemical or chemical oxidations of the neutral complexes are observed. Photo-hydroperoxidation of (S)-(-)-citronellol occurs with rates of 13.5 and 1.7 μmol O2 min−1 mol−1 Pc and substrate turnovers of 225 and 28.2 mmol (S)-Cit s−1 mol−1 Pc for the In and Ga complexes, respectively. The solid state materials are stable and can be sublimed at temperature...
On J M Keynes's Rejection, in General, of Ramsey's Subjective Theory of Probability: The Keynes–Townshend Exchanges of 1937 and 1938

J M Keynes rejected Ramsey’s subjective theory of probability in general. He did accept Ramsey’s betting quotient approach in the special case where the weight of the evidence, w, equaled one so that all the probabilities were linear, additive, precise, exact, definite, single number answers. In general, Keynes’s probabilities were indeterminate, interval valued probabilities that were non additive and nonlinear because the weight, w, was less than 1. F.Y. Edgeworth, Bertrand Russell, and Edwin Bidell Wilson all recognized the interval valued nature of Keynes’s probabilities (See my Reviewing the Reviewers of Keynes’s A Treatise on Probability, 2016). The Keynes – Townshend exchanges provide incontrovertible evidence that Keynes never accepted Ramsey’s subjective approach to probability because there was no place in that theory for interval valued probability or for the concept of the weight of the evidence, since, for Ramsey, the subjective estimate of a degree of belief is the confidence a decision maker has in the betting odds while for Keynes, it is the degree of rational belief, not the degree of belief.The Keynes –Townshend exchanges, if carefully read and digested, contains the relevant evidence that allows a reader to conclude that Keynes remained an adherent practitioner of his theory of logical probability his entire life. He never changed his mind.Overlooking the Keynes – Townshend exchanges of 1937-38 explains why economists and academicians have failed to see the close connections that exist between the GT and TP.
The Actc A295S Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Mutation Promotes Thin Filament Disinhibition and Enhances Contractile Activity

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an autosomal dominant disease of the heart. HCM mutations in sarcomeric genes often engender hypercontractile myocardium that displays increased Ca2+-sensitivity of force, enhanced cross-bridge cycling, and incomplete relaxation, which precede abnormal wall thickening. The alpha-cardiac actin (ACTC) Ala295Ser substitution causes a highly penetrant disease with diverse phenotypes. To help resolve the mechanistic basis of the disorder, we generated several Drosophila models that limit genetic diversity and pathological complexity. We created lines with inducible wildtype UAS-Act57BWTand mutant UAS-Act57BA295Scardiac actin transgenes to examine the effects of A295S actin on the fly heart. High-speed video microscopy and motion analysis of beating hearts revealed A295S actin expression significantly reduced diastolic volumes and prolonged systolic intervals, consistent with elevated contractile properties at rest and during contraction. In situ treatment of Act57BA295S hearts with blebbistatin, under low intracellular Ca2+ conditions, caused significantly larger increases in myocyte length vs. Act57BWTcontrols. These data suggest A295S actin induces excessive thin filament disinhibition, myosin binding, and resting tension. We also expressed indirect flight muscle (IFM)-targeted Act88FWT or Act88FA295S transgenes in an IFM actin-null background. Confocal microscopy resolved hypercontracted Act88FA295S fibers. Reconstituted Act88FA295S thin filaments, using bovine cardiac troponin-tropomyosin, displayed significantly enhanced Ca2+-sensitivity of activation vs. control filaments in regulated in vitro motility experiments. Finally, in silico modelling revealed the A295S mutation influences the orientation of nearby actin residues that mediate critical electrostatic interactions with tropomyosin. Such mutation-induced propagated effects likely lower the energy required to relieve tropomyosin-mediated inhibition and promote force production. Overall, enhanced contractile activity from the molecular through the cellular level is consistent with the early hyperdynamic contractile properties frequently associated with HCM and could trigger ACTC A295S-associated pathology. This work was supported by R37HL36153 and 1R01HL124091.
Strong off-diagonal polarizability and electron-lattice coupling in high-temperature superconductors

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) cuprates are highly anisotropic materials which exhibit metallic-like behavior in the CuO2 planes while retaining dielectric properties in the perpendicular, c-axis, direction. Experimental data show however that in HTS systems the in-plane electronic excitations are strongly coupled to c-axis polarized vibrations. This interaction is manifest in various settings, for example in the resonant Raman profile of phononic excitations, inelastic quasi-particle tunneling, as observation of notch-like features and forbidden scattering for in-plane optical conductivity, colossal c-axis photo-expansion upon in-plane illumination as well as in high-resolution electron energy-loss spectra. We propose that this anisotropic coupling is driven by strong unscreened Coulomb interactions and the preponderance of the Madelung component to the cohesion energy, in particular by the large atomic displacements in the spacer layers induced by charge redistribution within the CuO2 planes.
Comparison of Whole-Body Cooling Techniques for Athletes and Military Personnel.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate cooling rates of The Polar Life Pod®, a military protocol and cold water immersion. A randomized, repeated measures design was used to compare three treatment options. Participants exercised in an environmental chamber, where they followed a military march protocol on a treadmill, followed by the application of one of three treatments: Cold water immersion tub (5 - 10 °C), Polar Life Pod® (5 - 10 °C), Ice sheets at onset (5 - 10 °C). Mean cooling rate for CWI was 0.072 oC/min, 0.046oC/min for ice sheets, and 0.040oC/min for The Polar Life Pod®. There was a significant difference between conditions (F2,26=13.564, p=0.001, ES=0.511, 1-β=0.969). There was a significant difference in cooling rate among The Polar Life Pod® and CWI (p = 0.006), and no significant difference among The Polar Life Pod® and Ice Sheets (p = 0.103). There was a significant difference of time to cool among the three conditions F2,26 = 13.564, p = 0.001, ES = 0.401, 1-β = 0.950. Our results support multiple organizations that deem CWI as the only acceptable treatment, when compared to the cooling rates of The Polar Life Pod® and ice sheets.
Impact of health care exposure on genotypic antiseptic tolerance in Staphylococcus aureus infections in a pediatric population.

Staphylococcus aureus possessing either the smr gene or the qacA/B genes is associated with decreased susceptibility to chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and other antiseptics. Previous studies of antiseptic-tolerant staphylococci have focused largely on high-risk populations, and the exact role of health care exposure in the acquisition of these organisms is unclear. We sought to describe the risk factors and features of infection caused by antiseptic-tolerant S. aureus in a general pediatric population. Isolates were selected from an ongoing S. aureus surveillance study. Every third sequential isolate in the year 2014 was selected for inclusion. All isolates underwent PCR for the genes qacA/B and smr Medical records were reviewed. Five hundred six isolates were included in the study, with 377 (74.3%) being community acquired. One hundred (19.8%) isolates were smr positive and 79 (15.6%) qacA/B positive. In univariable analyses, the presence of either gene was associated with underlying medical conditions, nosocomial acquisition, recent hospitalization, central venous lines, and CHG exposure. In multivariable analyses, only differences between patients with chronic medical conditions (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22 to 2.64) and nosocomial acquisition (OR = 2.48; 95% CI, 1.16 to 8.17) remained statistically significant. Among patients without risk factors, 27.9% had infection with an antiseptic-tolerant isolate. smr- or qacA/B-positive S. aureus isolates are common in children and are independently associated with nosocomial acquisition and underlying medical conditions. These findings imply a role for the health care environment in acquisition of these organisms. However, genotypic antiseptic tolerance was seen in >25% of healthy children with an S. aureus infection, indicating that these organism are prevalent in the community as well.
Comment on "Self-Referenced Coherent Diffraction X-Ray Movie of Ångstrom- and Femtosecond-Scale Atomic Motion".

Author(s): Bennett, Kochise; Kowalewski, Markus; Mukamel, Shaul | Abstract: This submission is a comment on an article that had previously appeared in Phys. Rev. Lett.
Application of Pattern Recognition Techniques to Fermentation Data Analysis

Abstract Pattern recognition using Principal Component Models was applied to process supervision of an industrial fed-batch fermentation. In a first step, a classification scheme was developed from historical data to classify runs into two classes according to their final yield (high or low) without process-specific knowledge. In a subsequent step, this scheme was used on-line to predict the range of the final yield. It is shown that the scheme might assist a process operator in detecting major disturbances (e.g. low yields, contamination) at an early stage.
Implementation of Cartesian grids to accelerate Delaunay-based derivative-free optimization

This paper introduces a modification of our original Delaunay-based optimization algorithm (developed in JOGO DOI: 10.1007/s10898-015-0384-2 ) that reduces the number of function evaluations on the boundary of feasibility as compared with the original algorithm. A weaknesses we have identified with the original algorithm is the sometimes faulty behavior of the generated uncertainty function near the boundary of feasibility, which leads to more function evaluations along the boundary of feasibility than might otherwise be necessary. To address this issue, a second search function is introduced which has improved behavior near the boundary of the search domain. Additionally, the datapoints are quantized onto a Cartesian grid, which is successively refined, over the search domain. These two modifications lead to a significant reduction of datapoints accumulating on the boundary of feasibility, and faster overall convergence.
Heartburn or heart attack? A mimic of MI.

A 71-year-old man with a history of hypertension, 4 prior myocardial infarctions (MIs), and well- compensated ischemic cardiomyopathy presented to the emergency department after 2 episodes of sharp pain in the left upper abdomen and chest. The episodes lasted 1 to 2 minutes and were not relieved by
Generalized Linear Models and Process Variation

Several approaches have been proposed for optimizing both the mean and variation of a process simultaneously. This paper reviews some of these methods and studies ways in which generalized linear models can be adapted for use with them. Specifically, a ..
Parent-child agreement on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) in a community sample of adolescents.

Despite its widespread use, a minimal amount is known regarding the agreement between parent and youth ratings of youth’s executive functioning on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functio...
Overseeing the Refugee Convention: General Comments

At the Ministerial Meeting of States Parties to the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Refugee Protocol held in Geneva on Dec. 12-13, states agreed formally to pursue efforts to reinforce effective implementation of their refugee protection treaty obligations. To that end, the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), in collaboration with the University of Michigan's Program in Refugee and Asylum Law, convened a Global Consultation on International Protection in Geneva on Dec. 11. That meeting launched a process of careful review of options for the establishment of an independent supervisory mechanism for international refugee law based on a series of Working Papers. The introductory paper, "Taking Oversight of Refugee Law Seriously," by Prof. James Hathaway of the University of Michigan Law School, makes the case for genuinely independent supervision of the Refugee Convention. In particular, it argues that scholars and activists must not be intimidated by institutional insistence that oversight of the Refugee Convention be a function exclusively of the UNHCR. The High Commissioner's duty to supervise implementation of the Convention and the more general obligation of state parties to take collective responsibility to oversee implementation of their treaty obligations are, in fact, compatible - not mutually exclusive - responsibilities. The first four Working Papers in the series consider the usefulness in the context of the Refugee Convention of the most widely used mechanisms of treaty supervision which, as forcefully argued by Harvard's Professor Henry Steiner, are mutually reinforcing and interdependent processes. The final three papers speak to the process of overseeing the Refugee Convention. Working Paper No. 3 takes up the often-overlooked value of "general comments" issued by other human rights treaty bodies to codify their work on particular legal issues, which have had extraordinary value in influencing the work of domestic courts and tribunals. It recommends a staged process to conceive and review general comments, including an open debate in which NGOs and IGOs would participate actively.
Social network simulation and mining social media to advance epidemiology

Traditional Public Health decision-support can benefit from the Web and ocial media revolution. This dissertation presents approaches to mining social media benefiting public health epidemiology. Through discovery and analysis of trends in Influenza related blogs, a correlation to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) influenza-like-illness patient reporting at sentinel health-care providers is verified. A second approach considers personal beliefs of vaccination in social media. A vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May 2006. The virus is present in nearly all cervical cancers and implicated in many throat and oral cancers. Results from automatic sentiment classification of HPV vaccination beliefs are presented which will enable more accurate prediction of the vaccine's population-level impact. Two epidemic models are introduced that embody the intimate social networks related to HPV transmission. Ultimately, aggregating these methodologies with epidemic and social network modeling facilitate effective development of strategies for targeted interventions.
Inheritance of Teat Number and its Relationship to Maternal Traits in Swine

The relationship of teat number to seven measures of female reproduction was evaluated in the University of Nebraska Gene Pool population. Teat number was recorded for 7,513 pigs, ovulation rate for 2,794 gilts and litter size and weight at birth and weaning (42 days) for 789 gilts. Paternal half-sib and full-sib analyses were used to estimate heritabilities for each trait and to estimate the genetic and phenotypic correlations of teat number with the measures of reproduction. The direct response to selection for ovulation rate and the correlated response in teat number were also evaluated from the regressions of line differences (Select-Control) on generation number (10 generations of selection) and cumulative selection differential for ovulation rate. The paternal half-sib heritabililty for teat number was .32, and the paternal half-sib heritabilities for ovulation rate and the litter traits were similar to previous estimates from this population. Most of the genetic and phenotypic correlations with teat number were negative and all were nonsignificant. The realized heritability for ovulation rate was .46 +/- .10. The regression of response in teat number on generation number number was .08 +/- .03 (P < .10). An estimate of .44 was obtained for the realized genetic correlation of teat number with ovulation rate.
Versatile retrovirus vector systems for regulated gene expression in vitro and in vivo.

Several plasmid DNA-based mammalian expression systems have recently been developed which make it possible to manipulate gene expression via the administration of exogenous agents. In order to extend the application of these systems, we have developed retroviral vectors which allow for the controlled expression of inserted genes both in vitro and in vivo. Two vector strategies which make use of the tetracycline-regulated gene expression system described by Gossen and Bujard were evaluated. In a first strategy, one virus was generated which encoded the tTA or rtTA transactivator gene product, and a second virus was generated in which expression of the gene of interest was dependent upon tetracycline-responsive transcriptional control elements placed either within the viral LTR or within the proviral transcriptional unit. In a second vector strategy, both components of the tet-regulatable system were incorporated into a single proviral genome in such a way that expression of both the transgene and the transactivator gene product were under control of tet-regulatable control elements. Both vector strategies resulted in the ability to regulate the expression of inserted genes. In one single virus configuration, gene expression could be regulated over 100× and the level of gene expression in the induced state was comparable to or greater than that achieved with standard LTR-based vectors. The use of different deletions in the viral LTR made it possible to generate a number of vectors which provide for a fourfold range of levels of expression of inserted genes in the induced state. Studies in mice with transduced cells demonstrated that gene expression could be induced in vivo by manipulation of tetracycline for at least 48 days. The availability of highly transmissible, regulatable retroviral vectors should greatly facilitate studies in which it is of interest to manipulate the expression of specific genes in vitro or in vivo.
Aristotle's Method in Ethics: Philosophy in Practice

This book examines Aristotle's method in ethics from the vantage point of his broader conception of philosophy. Joseph Karbowski challenges longstanding dialectical orthodoxy and argues instead that, in his ethical treatises, Aristotle is seeking the first principles of a demonstrative ethical science, a science of human goodness, using an ethically adapted version of the method described in the second book of his Posterior Analytics. Part I of this volume develops a novel interpretation of Aristotle's conception of philosophy, which highlights its ambition to scientific knowledge (epistēmē) and its flexible approach to philosophical inquiry. Part II then demonstrates Aristotle's scientific and flexible approach to philosophy at work in his ethical treatises. The book shows how the aspiration to scientific knowledge is compatible with Aristotle's remarks about ethical precision, the practical aim of ethics, and the particular orientedness of phronēsis (practical wisdom).
SGLT-2 inhibitors in heart failure: a new therapeutic avenue.

Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or heart failure events in 4,744 patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Murine influenza virus encephalomyelitis. III. Effect of defective interfering virus particles.

Defective interfering influenza virus particles lessened the yield of infective virus recovered from brain after intracerebral challenge of 3-week old mice, but failed to affect the appearance of disease or lethality. In 7-week old mice, the presence of defective interfering influenza virus particles reduced both lethality and virus yield. Viral inocula containing significant numbers of defective particles appeared to diminish later inflammatory changes, nerve cell degeneration and the appearance of viral antigen in deeper cerebral regions. The protective effect exerted by defective virus particles does not appear related to interferon production in brain.
August Bebel: social democracy and the founding of the labor movement

For historians working on the origins of the German labour movement at the end of the nineteenth century, August Bebel’s role can scarcely be underestimated. As the leader of the German Social Demo...
Ensuring the Reliability of Fire-Arm Identification Evidence

Notwithstanding the acceptance of firearm identification by courts, the scientific community has been reluctant to recognise firearm identification as a reliable method of conclusively establishing a connection between a particular bullet and a particular gun. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in the United States (US) has categorised firearm identification as a discipline under forensic science, and forensic science has been described as a "fractured and burdened discipline". In addition, in 2009 the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) concluded that forensic science is broken. With regard to firearm identification, the NAS Report emphasised the need for sufficient studies to be done because this report regarded this type of evidence as unreliable and lacking repeatability. The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) Report, released in September 2016, came to a conclusion similar to that of the 2009 NAS Report with regard to forensic science evidence. With regard to firearm identification, the report asserted that firearm identification evidence still "falls short of the scientific criteria for foundational validity". It is disturbing that courts across the globe are using different types of forensic science without subjecting them to scrutiny so as to determine their reliability. In the light of this, reliability and validity have become important factors which demand attention in Anglo-American litigation, even in jurisdictions that do not have a formal reliability standard (such as England and Wales, and South Africa). This article shows the role of cross-examination in establishing the reliability of firearm expert evidence. It also focusses on the role that South African forensic practitioners, prosecutors, defence counsels and presiding officers can play in ensuring the reliability of firearm identification evidence.
Duration of symptoms and manometric parameters offer clues to diagnosis of pseudoachalasia

BACKGROUND Pseudoachalasia manifests high-resolution manometry (HRM) findings of achalasia but results from a secondary process. We analyzed clinical and HRM characteristics of pseudoachalasia, including malignant and non-malignant subtypes. METHODS High-resolution manometry was retrospectively reviewed in patients with confirmed pseudoachalasia, and corroborated with endoscopic and radiographic studies. A control cohort of idiopathic achalasia patients was identified. Clinical characteristics, Eckardt score, and HRM metrics were extracted from institutional records. Grouped data and medians (interquartile range) were compared between pseudoachalasia and idiopathic achalasia, and between malignant and non-malignant pseudoachalasia, using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. KEY RESULTS Of 28 pseudoachalasia patients (62.2 ± 2.5 years, 60.7% female), 18 (64.3%) had malignancy, and 10 (35.7%) had non-malignant obstruction. Although Eckardt score did not differentiate pseudoachalasia from 58 achalasia patients (55.9 ± 2.5 years, 53.4% female), weight loss was greater (median 9.1 [5.0-18.5] vs 3.6 [0-9.1] kg, P < .02) with shorter duration of symptoms (median 12.9 [8.0-38.6] vs 36.0 [25.7-45.0] weeks, P < .001] in pseudoachalasia. Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) metrics demonstrated lower mean IRP values and lower EGJ contractile integral in pseudoachalasia (P < .04 for each comparison with idiopathic achalasia). Type 1 pattern was more frequent in pseudoachalasia (39.3% vs 13.8%, P < .008). Pseudoachalasia demonstrated incomplete HRM patterns, with lower rates of lack of peristalsis (79.6%, vs 93.1% in achalasia, P < .05). Despite higher Eckardt scores in malignant vs non-malignant pseudoachalasia (median 8.0 [7.0-9.0] vs 6.0 [3.5-7.8], P < .03], no significant HRM differences were noted. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES Pseudoachalasia manifests with a shorter history, greater weight loss, and incomplete HRM achalasia patterns compared to achalasia.
Mentorship Initiatives in Radiation Oncology: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Purpose Although mentorship is described extensively in academic medical literature, there are few descriptions of mentorship specific to radiation oncology. The goal of the current study was to investigate the state of mentorship in radiation oncology through a scoping review of the literature. Methods and Materials A search protocol was defined according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Predefined search terms and medical subject headings were used to search PubMed for English language articles published after January 1, 1990, on mentorship in radiation oncology. Additionally, in-press articles from major radiation oncology and medical education journals were searched. Three reviewers determined article eligibility. Included articles were classified based on predefined evaluation criteria. Results Fourteen publications from 2008 to 2019 met inclusion criteria. The most commonly described form of mentorship was the dyad (64.3%), followed by team (14.3%) and peer (7.1%); 2 articles did not specify mentorship type (14.3%). The most commonly mentored participants were residents (35.7%), followed by medical students (35.7%) and attendings (21.4%); 1 study included participants of all levels (7.1%). Thirteen studies (92.9%) identified an experimental study design, most of which were cross-sectional (42.9%), followed by cohort studies (28.6%) and before/after (21.4%). Median sample size, reported in 12 of 13 experimental studies, was 132 (coefficient of variation, 1.06). Although outcomes varied widely, the majority described successful implementation of mentorship initiatives with high levels of participant satisfaction. Conclusions Although few initiatives are currently reported, the present study suggests that these initiatives are successful in promoting career development and increasing professional satisfaction. The interventions overwhelmingly described mentorship dyads; other forms of mentorship are either less common or understudied. Limitations included interventions not being evaluated in a controlled setting, and many were assessed using surveys with low response rates. This review highlights rich opportunities for future scholarship to develop, evaluate, and disseminate radiation oncology mentorship initiatives.
Study on the prediction of smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis with classification trees

Objective To improve the respiratory isolation policy for patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis(TB).Methods All consecutive patients with suspicion of having pulmonary TB when seeking health care at the County TB dispensary of the Center of Disease Control and Prevention received face to face interview.Results A Classification model was construeted with a sensitivity of 90.9% and speeificity of 90.2%,while predictive factors of culture-proven pulmonary TB among smear negative eases were soakage in Chest X-ray exam(77.0% vs.4.4%;P0.0001),bilateral lung's abnormal(1.6% vs.19.4%;P0.0001)and reaction of tuberculin skin testing(0.0 % vs.2.6%; P=0.014).Conclusion Soakage,bilateral lung's abnormal and positive reaction of tuberculin skin testing were important predictors to prognosticate culture positive diagnosis.The model had been proved to have promising sensitivity and specificity in the rural population covered by NTP-DOTs.
Machine learning classification of false-positive human immunodeficiency virus screening results

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening has improved significantly in the past decade as we have implemented tests that include antigen detection of p24. Incorporation of p24 detection narrows the window from 4 to 2 weeks between infection acquisition and ability to detect infection, reducing unintentional spread of HIV. The fourth- and fifth-generation HIV (HIV5G) screening tests in low prevalence populations have high numbers of false-positive screens and it is unclear if orthogonal testing improves diagnostic and public health outcomes. Methods: We used a cohort of 60,587 HIV5G screening tests with molecular and clinical correlates collected from 2016 to 2018 and applied machine learning to generate a classifier that could predict likely true and false positivity. Results: The best classification was achieved by using support vector machines and transformation of results with principle component analysis. The final classifier had an accuracy of 94% for correct classification of false-positive screens and an accuracy of 92% for classification of true-positive screens. Conclusions: Implementation of this classifier as a screening method for all HIV5G reactive screens allows for improved workflow with likely true positives reported immediately to reduce infection spread and initiate follow-up testing and treatment and likely false positives undergoing orthogonal testing utilizing the same specimen already drawn to reduce distress and follow-up visits. Application of machine learning to the clinical laboratory allows for workflow improvement and decision support to provide improved patient care and public health.
SupersymmetricSU8 theory of multigenerational grand unification

SU8 theory of multigenerational grnad unification which is based on\(\overline 8 _{\text{L}} \overline { + 28} _{{\text{L + }}} 56_{\text{L}} \) representations is supersymmetrized explicity. The various parameters in the superpotential are fixed by supersymmetry conditions in the process of multistep gauge symmetry breakings. It is shown that the masses of the coloured generation A α i and the superheavy X i boson are related by MA≃\(\sqrt {5M_{x^1 } ,} \), and the coloured Higgs scalars in the 8-dimensional representationsH8,b can be as massive as the superheavy boson under certain conditions.
Adjudicating climate change : state, national, and international approaches

Preface Peter E. Roderick 1. Introduction: the exigencies that drive potential causes of action for climate change William C. G. Burns and Hari M. Osofsky Part I. Subnational Case Studies: 2. State action as political voice in climate change policy: the Minnesota environmental cost valuation regulation Stephanie Stern 3. Limiting climate change at the coal mine Lesley K. McAllister 4. Cities, land use, and the global commons: genesis and the urban politics of climate change Katherine Trisolini and Jonathan Zasloff 5. Atmospheric trust litigation Mary Christina Wood Part II. National Case Studies: 6. The intersection of scale, science, and law in Massachusetts v. EPA Hari M. Osofsky 7. Biodiversity, global warming, and the United States Endangered Species Act: the role of domestic wildlife law in addressing greenhouse gas emissions Brendan R. Cummings and Kassie R. Siegel 8. An emerging human right to security from climate change: the case against gas flaring in Nigeria Amy Sinden 9. Tort-based climate litigation David A. Grossman 10. Insurance and climate change litigation Jeffrey W. Stempel Part III. Supranational Case Studies: 11. The world heritage convention and climate change: the case for a climate-change mitigation strategy beyond the Kyoto protocol Erica J. Thorson 12. The Inuit petition as a bridge? Beyond dialectics of climate change and indigenous peoples' rights Hari M. Osofsky 13. Bringing climate change claims to the accountability mechanisms of international financial institutions Jennifer Gleason and David B. Hunter 14. Potential causes of action for climate change impacts under the United Nations Fish Stock Agreement William C. G. Burns 15. Climate change litigation: opening the door to the international court of justice Andrew Strauss 16. The implications of climate change litigation: litigation for international environmental law-making David B. Hunter 17. Conclusion: adjudicating climate change across scales Hari M. Osofsky.
Еко-Управление в Българското Селско Стопанство (Environmental Management in Bulgarian Agriculture)

Тази разработка е част от научно-изследователски проект: „Еко-управление в селското стопанство” с възложител Селскостопанска академия и срок за изпълнение 2013-2014г. Този доклад обобщава резултатите от научно-изследователската работа през първата година:от изпълнение на проекта и включва: - състояние на изследванията по проблема; - теоретико-методическите въпроси на еко-управлението в селското стопанство; - обобщаване на опитът на Европейския съюз и другите развити страни в есо-управлението в селското стопанство; - подход за анализ, оценка и усъвършенстване на еко-управлението в българското селско стопанство; - анализ на развитието на институционалната среда в процеса на трансформация и европейска интеграция на нашето селско стопанство; - анализ на развитието на пазарните, частните и обществените форми за еко-управление в процеса на трансформация и европейска интеграция на нашето селско стопанство; - анализ на развитието и ролята на биологичното производство в последните години; - анализ на екологичната култура на селскостопанските производители; - анализ на екологизацията на управлението в лозаро-винарския сектор; - идентифициране на основните екологическите проблеми, рискове и предизвикателства в Българското земеделие; - обобщени изводи и заключения. This study is a part of the research project on “Eco-management in agriculture” funded by the Agricultural Academy with period of implementation 2013-2014. This report summarizes the results of the first year and includes: state of the studies in the area; theoretical and methodological framework of analysis of eco-management in agriculture; review of experiences of EU and other developed countries in eco-management in agriculture; framework for analyzing, assessment and improvement of eco-management in Bulgarian agriculture; analysis of evolution of institutional environment during transformation and European integration of Bulgarian agriculture; analysis of the development of market, private and public modes of eco-management during transformation and European integration of Bulgarian agriculture; analysis of the development and the importance of organic farming in recent years; analysis of ecological culture of agricultural producers; analysis of ecologization of grape and wine sector; identification of major ecological problems, risks and challenges in Bulgarian agriculture; conclusions.
Designing for the Next Generation: Generation-Y Expectations

In designing applications for the next-generation workforce, we considered the requirements of future workforce members (Generation Y). A study was conducted using a wants and needs analysis to analyze a consumer trend toward the use of social networking tools. A significant proportion of future workforce members expected to see consumer social-networking style features in their enterprise applications. The data highlighted specific requirements that provided some further insight into the expectations of future enterprise application users.
Chapter 31 Neurotrophic factors

Publisher Summary The neurotrophic factors promote the differentiation, growth, and survival of many populations of peripheral and central nervous system neurons during development and adulthood. Significant advancement has been made in understanding the biological role of these compounds during the past several decades. Their molecular characterization, regulation, and signaling mechanisms have been partially defined. The responsiveness of neuronal subpopulations to these molecules has also been identified in a variety of animal model systems. These agents may be potentially useful as therapeutic agents in a wide variety of neurologic diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and peripheral neuropathies. The etiology and pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative disorders remains unknown. Nevertheless, major advancement has been made in the understanding of the physiological role and therapeutic potential for neurotrophic factors. However, it is only through the conduct of controlled clinical trials that definitive answers regarding the utility of these compounds for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders can be gained.
Assimilation of satellite images into a sediment transport model of Lake Michigan

[1] In this paper we develop and examine several schemes for combining daily images obtained from the Sea-viewing Wide Field Spectrometer (SeaWiFS) with a two-dimensional sediment transport model of Lake Michigan. We consider two data assimilation methods, direct insertion and a kriging-based approach, and perform a forecasting study focused on a 2-month period in spring 1998 when a large storm caused substantial amounts of sediment resuspension and horizontal sediment transport in the lake. By beginning with the simplest possible forecast method and sequentially adding complexity we are able to assess the improvements offered by combining the satellite data with the numerical model. In our application, we find that data assimilation schemes that include both the data and the lake dynamics improve forecast root mean square error by 40% over purely model-based approaches and by 20% over purely data-based approaches.
Moving Image Cataloging: How to Create and How to Use a Moving Image Catalog.

As non-print media become a more important part of many libraries' holdings, the need for manuals on cataloging those materials increases. Yee's latest book fills that need quite well. As the catal...
Emergency Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: Changes in the Incidence, Clinical Characteristics, and Indications From 1979 to 2003

Objectives The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the changes in incidence, clinical characteristics, and indications for emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 1979 to 2003. Background Emergency CABG after PCI is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Methods Data from 23,087 patients who underwent PCI at Mayo Clinic from 1979 to 2003 were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups: the “pre-stent” era, 1979 to 1994 (n = 8,905); the “initial stent era,” 1995 to 1999 (n = 7,605); and the “current stent era,” 2000 to 2003 (n = 6,577). Results Although patients undergoing PCI in the recent time periods had more high-risk features, there was a significant decrease in the incidence of emergency CABG from 2.9% to 0.7% to 0.3% across the groups (p Conclusions The current study demonstrates that despite the increase in high-risk patients undergoing PCI, there has been a marked decrease in the incidence of patients requiring emergency CABG. However, the in-hospital mortality rate for those requiring emergency CABG remains high and unchanged.
Variations on a Casselman–Osborne Theme

We discuss two classical results in homological algebra of modules over an enveloping algebra – lemmas of Casselman–Osborne and Wigner. They have a common theme: they are statements about derived functors. While the statements for the functors itself are obvious, the statements for derived functors are not and the published proofs were completely different from each other. First we give simple, pedestrian arguments for both results based on the same principle. Then we give a natural generalization of these results in the setting of derived categories.
An improved sequential decoder for the discriminator detection of the continuous phase modulation schemes based on noise estimation techniques

For the limiter-discriminator detection of continuous phase modulation (CPM) signals, a sequential detector is introduced. The decoder takes into account the strong noise correlation between the successive noise samples of the received signal, and uses it in the estimation process. The algorithm has been evaluated for minimum shift keying (MSK) and duobinary MSK, both in additive white Gaussian noise and fading conditions. In comparison with the conventional symbol-by-symbol detector, the technique offers gains of 2.25 dB for the MSK and 2.8 dB for the duobinary MSK (at BER=10/sup -4/). It outperforms the conventional Viterbi decoder (applied on a duobinary MSK signal) by 1 dB. >
Fees, Incentives and Deterrence: A Reply to Professor Fitzpatrick

In his recent article, Protection of Investors in the Wake of the 2008-2009 Financial Crisis: Do Class Action Lawyers Make Too Little?, 158 U. Penn. L. Rev. 2043 (2010), Professor Brian Fitzpatrick asserts that "the optimal award of fees to class action lawyers in small-stakes actions is 100% of the judgment." The premise of Fitzpatrick’s proposal is that deterrence is the sole purpose of small-stakes class actions and an increase in fees will incentivize lawyers to file more small-stakes class actions which in turn will result in more class awards and more deterrence. This paper addresses two fundamental questions relating to Fitzpatrick’s proposal: (1) how much more deterrence can we expect to derive from an increase in fees to class action lawyers?; and (2) what are the costs associated with a significant increase in small-stakes class actions? The paper suggests that the increase in deterrence may be far outweighed by the increase in cost associated with the proposal.