cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controlling activity fluctuations in large, sparsely connected random networks

Controlling activity in recurrent neural network models of brain regions is essential both to enable effective learning and to reproduce the low activities that exist in some cortical regions such as hippocampal region CA3. Previous studies of sparse, random, recurrent networks constructed with McCulloch-Pitts neurons used probabilistic arguments to set the parameters that control activity. Here, we extend this work by adding an additional, biologically appropriate, parameter to control the magnitude and stability of activity oscillations. The new constant can be considered to be the rest conductance in a shunting model or the threshold when subtractive inhibition is used. This new parameter is critical for large networks run at low activity levels. Importantly, extreme activity fluctuations that act to turn large networks totally on or totally off can now be avoided. We also show how the size of external input activity interacts with this parameter to affect network activity. Then the model based on fixed weights is extended to estimate activities in networks with distributed weights. Because the theory provides accurate control of activity fluctuations, the approach can be used to design a predictable amount of pseudorandomness into deterministic networks. Such nonminimal fluctuations improve learning in simulations trained on the transitive inference problem.
Bounds on parallel‐processing of queues with multiple‐phase jobs

Currently, both the hardware and software designs of many large computing systems aim at improved system performance through exploitation of parallelism in multiprocessor systems. In studying these systems, mathematical modelling and analysis constitute an important step towards providing design tools that can be used in building such systems. With this view the present paper describes a queueing model of a multiprocessor system operating in a job-shop environment in which arriving jobs consist of a random number of segments (sub-jobs). Two service disciplines are considered: one assumes that the sub-jobs of a given job are capable of parallel operation on different processors while the other assumes that the same sub-jobs must be operated in a strictly serial sequ'snce. The results (in particular, the mean number in the system and waiting time in queue) obtained for these two disciplines are shown to be bounds for more general job structures.
Jelačič and the Frontier in Modern History

Professor Rothenberg writes that his purpose was not to restate the case for or against Jelacic or to give yet another account of the complicated relationship between Zagreb, Pest, and Vienna. But it is not at all clear what the precise thesis of his paper is. The paper, based largely on archival materials and other primary sources, makes two very worthwhile contributions. It presents an excellent discussion of the appointment of Jelacic (whom the author considers “more a political general than a first rate field commander”) to the office of ban and Jelacic military and political activities during the crucial months of 1848 and 1849. And it enables us to understand more easily some of the more complicated aspects of Croatia's political history at that time.
A THREE-VALUED INTERPRETATION OF NEGATION IN FEATURE STRUCTURE DESCRIPTIONS

Feature structures are informational elements that have been used in several linguistic theories and in computational systems for natural-language processing. A logical calculus has been developed and used as a description language for feature structures. In the present work, a framework in three-valued logic is suggested for defining the semantics of a feature structure description language, allowing for a more complete set of logical operators. In particular, the semantics of the negation and implication operators are examined. Various proposed interpretations of negation and implication are compared within the suggested framework. One particular interpretation of the description language with a negation operator is described and its computational aspects studied.
Zone Descriptions of Film Structure-A Rationale

The Microstructure of films is a result of the interplay of nucleation and growth processes which occur during deposition. A columnar structure is characteristic of films irrespective of the material or the deposition process. The length scale of the microstructure depends systematically on the atomic mobility during growth.
Performance evaluation of a reconfiguration-algorithm for memory arrays containing clustered faults

Reconfiguration of memory arrays using spare rows and columns is useful for yield-enhancement of memories. This paper presents a reconfiguration algorithm (QRCF) for memories that contain clustered faults. QRCF operates in a branch and bound fashion similar to known optimal algorithms that require exponential time. However, QRCF repairs faults in clusters rather than individually. Since many faults are repaired simultaneously, the execution-time of QRCF does not become prohibitive even for large memories containing many faults. The performance of QRCF is evaluated under a probabilistic model for clustered faults in a memory array. For a special case of the fault model, QRCF solves the reconfiguration problem exactly in polynomial time. In the general case, QRCF produces an optimal solution with high probability. The algorithm is also evaluated through simulation. The performance and execution-time of QRCF on arrays containing clustered faults are compared with other approximation algorithms and with an optimal algorithm. The simulation results show that QRCF outperforms previous approximation algorithms by a wide margin and performs nearly as well as the optimal algorithm with an execution-time that is orders of magnitude less.
High aspect ratio electrodeposited Ni/Au contacts for GaAs‐based III–V concentrator solar cells

We report on a photolithographic and electro-deposition process that results in an optimized front grid structure for high efficiency multi-junction III–V concentrator solar cells operating under flux concentrations up to 1000 suns. Two different thick photoresists were investigated to achieve a 6 µm wide grid line with an aspect ratio of 1:1. A positive photoresist, SPR220 manufactured by Rohm and Haas was compared with a negative photoresist, nXT15 manufactured by AZ. A gold sulfite electrolyte was employed to prevent underplating as well as for environmental and safety considerations. An initial layer of nickel was discovered to be necessary to prevent delamination of the fingers during the removal of the contact layer. When deposited on a purpose grown, heavily doped GaAs contact layer, this Ni/Au contact exhibits an acceptable specific contact resistance in the low 10−4 to mid 10−5 Ohm cm2 range along with excellent adhesion without sintering. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Standards for Total Serum Protein Assays— A Collaborative Study

We have studied the standardization of total serum protein assay with the biuret reaction. Standard solutions were prepared from lyophilized preparations of human serum albumin and bovine serum albumin, with corrections made for volatile material and ash contents. These solutions and a solution of crystalline albumin standard were analyzed with a new stable biuret reagent, to establish absorptivity values (values for the absorbance of a 1 g/liter final reaction mixture). The mean values obtained were 0.302, 0.292, and 0.290 for human serum albumin, bovine serum albumin, and the crystalline albumin, respectively. We believe that the established absorptivity value will improve the accuracy of serum protein determinations. We studied the linearity of the relation between color produced and protein concentration, with use of the solutions described above and a serum pool. The color adheres to Beer's law up to the highest concentration tested: 3 g/liter for HSA and BSA, and 2.8 g/liter for serum in the final reaction mixture. The new biuret reagent has been stable for one year at room temperature. We recommend the use of bovine serum albumin as a primary standard for serum protein assays. It is inexpensive, easily available, and exhibits the best linearity in the biuret reaction.
Aqueous room temperature synthesis of cobalt and zinc sodalite zeolitic imidizolate frameworks

Sodalite zeolitic imidazolate frameworks containing Co (ZIF-67) and Zn (ZIF-8) were synthesized at room temperature under aqueous conditions in 10 min. A trialkylamine deprotonated the 2-methylimidazole ligand and nucleated the frameworks. Furthermore, the ligand acted as a structure directing agent in place of an organic solvent.
Future Time Perspective As A Temporal Anchor: Applications To Organizations

Future time perspective was introduced as a cognitive dynamic orientation. We propose a model explaining its relationship with personality and organizational behavior, explain results of empirical tests, and identify uses. There has been a great deal of confusion regarding the meaning and measures of Future Time Perspective. Despite being treated as a stable trait for many years, it is reemerging as a temporal anchor that affects human behavior.
The India International Centre of Joseph Allen Stein: a story of cold war politics and the preservation of a modern monument

The India International Centre (IIC), designed by Joseph Allen Stein in 1958 in New Delhi, is a significant work from the early period of modernisation following Indian independence. Upon completion, the Centre was published alongside Le Corbusier's Assembly Building at Chandigarh in architectural journals, and it topped a 2008 poll of architects' favourite buildings in the capital. The Centre's success, however, has led to numerous changes over the years, including several additions, which raise questions about how monuments from the post-independence period are identified and treated in India. The Centre's funding by the Rockefeller Foundation and design by an expatriate American present additional interesting issues about the project's significance both as an artifact of cold war competition for India, and as an example of Nehru's quest for a highly visible presence for his nation on the international stage.
Glenoid Bone-Grafting in Revision to a Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Background: Revision of a shoulder arthroplasty to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty in the presence of glenoid bone loss is especially challenging. The purpose of the present study was to determine the complications and results of glenoid bone-grafting in revision to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Methods: Between 2005 and 2010, 143 consecutive reverse shoulder arthroplasties performed as revision procedures were performed at our institution. Glenoid bone-grafting was performed in forty-one shoulders (29%), with 98% (forty) that had follow-up of more than two years (mean, 3.1 years). The 102 patients who did not undergo grafting served as a control group. Results: Seven patients (18%) required another revision surgery because of glenoid loosening (four patients), instability (two patients), or infection (one patient). The two and five-year implant survival rate free of revision for shoulders that had glenoid bone-grafting was 88% and 76%, respectively, which was lower than that for patients who had not required glenoid bone-grafting. The survival rate free of radiographic glenoid loosening at two and five years for the shoulders that had bone-grafting was 92% and 89%, respectively, which was worse than that for those that had not had glenoid bone-grafting. Patients had significant pain relief and improvement in their shoulder range of motion, and they had an increased level of satisfaction compared with the preoperative status. Increased rates of glenoid loosening were seen in patients who had an increased body mass index, an implant with a lateral center of rotation, a previous total shoulder replacement (versus hemiarthroplasty), and in those who were smokers. Conclusions: Although there were relatively high rates of glenoid loosening and reoperation at mid-term follow-up, glenoid reconstruction with bone graft in the revision setting was able to relieve pain and restore shoulder function and stability. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Dose-Escalated Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Patients With Intermediate- and High-Risk Prostate Cancer: Initial Dosimetry Analysis and Patient Outcomes

Purpose To report the short-term clinical outcomes and acute and late treatment-related genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities in patients with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer treated with dose-escalated stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Methods and Materials Between 2011 and 2014, 24 patients with prostate cancer were treated with SBRT to the prostate gland and proximal seminal vesicles. A high-dose avoidance zone (HDAZ) was created by a 3-mm expansion around the rectum, urethra, and bladder. Patients were treated to a minimum dose of 36.25 Gy in 5 fractions, with a simultaneous dose escalation to a dose of 50 Gy to the target volume away from the HDAZ. Acute and late GU and GI toxicity outcomes were measured according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events toxicity scale, version 4. Results The median follow-up was 25 months (range, 18-45 months). Nine patients (38%) experienced an acute grade 2 GU toxicity, which was medically managed, and no patients experienced an acute grade 2 GI toxicity. Two patients (8%) experienced late grade 2 GU toxicity, and 2 patients (8%) experienced late grade 2 GI toxicity. No acute or late grade ≥3 GU or GI toxicities were observed. The 24-month prostate-specific antigen relapse-free survival outcome for all patients was 95.8% (95% confidence interval 75.6%-99.4%), and both biochemical failures occurred in patients with high-risk disease. All patients are currently alive at the time of this analysis and continue to be followed. Conclusions A heterogeneous prostate SBRT planning technique with differential treatment volumes (low dose: 36.25 Gy; and high dose: 50 Gy) with an HDAZ provides a safe method of dose escalation. Favorable rates of biochemical control and acceptably low rates of acute and long-term GU and GI toxicity can be achieved in patients with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer treated with SBRT.
The importance of winning: an analysis of the relationship between an athlete's performance and sponsor exposure during televised sports events

It has long been assumed that brands sponsoring athletes who excel in competition realise more exposure than brands that do not. But which factors have a significant impact on the amount of exposure a competitor earns? The broadcasts of six major men's golf tournaments were analysed to determine the exact duration and value of sponsor exposure during those broadcasts. Multiple regression analysis was then utilised to determine the impact of several variables on the exposure the competitors realised for their sponsors, resulting in a model that estimates the amount of exposure a competitor should earn, based on these factors.
A Multilevel Examination of the Code of the Street’s Relationship With Fear of Crime:

Research suggests that youths adopt the code of the street to reduce potential victimization, but it may increase actual risk of victimization. Because of this contradiction, the relationship between the code of the street and fear of crime may be an important component; however, fear of crime is an understudied component in the code of the street literature. This study conducts multilevel models to examine whether the code of the street is associated with perceived risk of victimization and emotional fear of crime. Individual belief in the code of the street was positively related to emotional fear of violent crime. At the neighborhood level, the code of the street was associated with higher perceived risk.
Dva načina razotkrivanja znanstvene prijevare

In spite of the awareness of the existence of scientific malpractice and of irrelevance of a great body of scientific research, science has barely lost any credibility. This is mainly because it is still assumed that science is normally a self policing and self correcting practice, and that it is perhaps the only human endeavor where no external force of control is needed. According to that opinion, represented most notably by Robert Merton, bad methodologies, procedural mistakes, statistical make-up of data, false claims, fraud, will sooner or later be checked and thrown into oblivion. But this self-correcting-science assumption has increasingly been put in doubt. In another classical book in the field, Betrayers of the truth, by Nicholas Broad and Wade, authors cite numerous examples and reasons why this self correcting science assumption does not work. They begin their pathology of science with the following words: “According to conventional wisdom, science is a strictly logical process, objectivity is the essence... and scientific claims are rigorously checked by peer scrutiny and the replication of experiments. From this self-verifying system, error of all sorts is speedily and inexorably cast out. We began to doubt this view in the course of reporting some of the recent cases in which scientists had been discovered publishing results that were fictitious. (But) a more serious and general issue lay beneath these individual incidents: fraud was a phenomenon which the conventional ideology of science could not properly account for; therefor the ideology itself must be flawed or seriously incomplete... Fraud, we believe, offers another route to understanding science. By studying science through its pathology... it is easier to see the process as it is, as distinct from how it ought to be... Our conclusion in brief, is that science bears little resemblance to its conventional portrait... Science should not be considered the guardian of rationality in society, but merely one major form of its cultural expression.” (Broad & Wade, 1982:7-8)
The Crises of the Mathematical Sciences, and Why No One Group Can Solve Them

(1971). The Crises of the Mathematical Sciences, and Why No One Group Can Solve Them. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 78, No. 9, pp. 980-987.
Interaction of Thin Ga Overlayer with InP(110): a Photoemission Study

Photoemission study of the Ga/InP(110) interface, in particular at the In 4d cooper minimum (CM) reveals that the growth of the deposited Ga on InP(110) at room temperature (RT) has two modes: chemisorption at low coverage and metallic island formation at high coverage, whereas the Ga overlayer is much more uniform at 80K low temperature (LT). A replacement reaction between Ga and InP is found to take place only underneath the Ga islands. Metal screening from the Ga islands is suggested to weaken the substrate bonds and enhance the replacement reaction. Distinct behavior of Fermi level pinning has been observed at different temperatures. This is correlated with the temperature dependence of the overlayer morphology as well as the interfacial reaction.
The Dynamic Characteristics of Neoprene Vulcanizates

Abstract The utilization of the elastomeric spring goes back at least to the days of solid rubber carriage tires. The use of such materials to dampen vibration or absorb shock expanded rapidly despite the lack of engineering data and the inadequacy of testing methods for proper evaluation. Within the last twenty years these materials have been used in many dynamic applications, even though no appropriate means existed for the measurement of dynamic properties to determine their suitability for the particular service. Coincident with the practical application of rubber parts to vibration problems, engineers developed considerable data on the use of natural rubber in springs. Marked differences in performance were encountered when engineers were obliged to replace natural rubber with synthetic rubber in spring applications. Some engineers redesigned the rubber part used and obtained workable, although not entirely acceptable, performance. Design alone was not a complete solution to the problem, and it was n...
Assay for yeast susceptibility to 5-fluorocytosine and amphotericin B in a frozen microtiter system.

A microtiter plate method for determining susceptibility of yeasts to 5-fluorocytosine and amphotericin B, which uses color indicators to detect end points, is presented. The microtiter plates can be made in advance and stored frozen for at least eight weeks. Forty-two isolates of Candida albicans , 12 of Candida tropicalis , and nine of Torulopsis glabrata were tested. Results showed good correlation with turbidity tube dilution susceptibility testing methods. The microtiter method is stable, easy to use, accurate, and reproducible. Studies with four strains of Cryptococcus neoformans showed that the organism could not be tested by this method because growth was slow and there was insufficient acid production.
Comparison of Length of Stay, 30-Day Mortality, and 30-Day Readmission Rates in Medicare Patients With Heart Failure and With Reduced Versus Preserved Ejection Fraction

Length of stay (LOS), 30-day mortality, and 30-day readmission rates have not been compared between Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and beneficiaries with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), although HFpEF is common in patients with HF. To determine whether type of HF (HFrEF or HFpEF) was associated with LOS, 30-day mortality, and 30-day readmission, we used a cohort of 19,477 Medicare beneficiaries admitted to the hospital and discharged alive with a primary discharge diagnosis of HF between 2007 and 2011. Gamma regression, Poisson regression, and Cox proportional hazards with a competing risk for death were used to model LOS, 30-day mortality, and 30-day readmission rate, respectively. All models were adjusted for HF severity, co-morbidities, demographics, nursing home residence, and calendar year of admission. Beneficiaries with HFpEF had an LOS 0.02 days shorter than beneficiaries with HFrEF and a nearly identical 30-day readmission rate. Thirty-day mortality was 10% lower in beneficiaries with HFpEF versus HFrEF. In conclusion, readmission rates were as high in those with HFpEF as they are in those with HFrEF, with comparable LOS in the hospital.
Arendt’s genealogy of thinking

This paper presents what I will call Arendt’s genealogy of thinking. My purpose in doing so is to strengthen Arendt’s critique of thoughtlessness which I believe is both a powerful, but underappreciated analytic tool and a consistent, but under-examined thread that occurs throughout Arendt’s oeuvre. To do so I revisit her phenomenology of thinking and the distinction between thinking and cognition she introduces in her last, unfinished work, The Life of the Mind. When read alongside the genealogy of action in The Human Condition to create a parallel genealogy of thinking, we can begin to see that the implications of this distinction between thinking and cognition are radical, challenging, and deeply important.
The Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895: The Cultural Dimensions of the Sino-Japanese War

It is the law, as in the arts so in politics, that improvements ever prevail; and though fixed usages may be best for undisturbed communities, constant necessities of action must be accompanied by the constant improvement of methods. Thucydides (471–400 B.C.) Do not look at what is contrary to ritual, do not speak what is contrary to ritual, and make no movement which is contrary to ritual. Confucius (551–479 B.C.) From a Western point of view, the question immediately arises: Why did the Chinese choose such self-destructive policies during the Sino-Japanese War? By population, geographic extent, resources, traditional primacy, and shorter logistical lines, the Chinese should have won hands down. Yet they were pasted by a small island nation possessing none of these advantages. To answer this question, it is necessary to try to see the world as the Chinese and the nationals of the powers did in the late nineteenth century. Today, in an era of innumerable dictionaries, how-to books, and crash courses, it is hard to imagine the information void in which Westerners, Chinese, and Japanese interacted in the late nineteenth century. The Industrial Revolution was at its height in the West, but the modern era of global politics was only dawning, and the communications revolution was a long way off. Each country had its own experts on the others, but these people were few and far between. While many educated Japanese were familiar with China, the reverse was absolutely not the case. In China travel abroad was stigmatized, so that a foreign assignment, considered indispensable training in Japan, was recognized to be career-threatening in China. Most Europeans and Chinese knew little about each other or Japan.
Epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Zhaoqing,2008

Objective To analyze the epidemic trend and characteristics of HIV/AIDS in Zhaoqing and provide scientific evidences for AIDS prevention. Methods HIV infection was detected by western blotting (WB) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results A total of 121 HIV infection cases and 32 AIDS cases were detected in 2008 including 104 male cases and 49 female cases with male to female ratio of 2.12∶1. The young adults(aged 20-49 years) accounted for 77.78% of the total HIV infection cases.The case of oldest was 78 years old and youngest was 4 years old. The cases among farmers accounted for 35.29%. The major transmission routes included sexual contacts (49.02%) and intravenous drug use (32.68).Conclusion Sexual contact had become the first leading transmission route of AIDS and most HIV infection occurred among young males in Zhaoqing in 2008.
Analysis on Coking in Large-scale Power Plant Boiler Fueled with Shenfu Coal

The mechanism reason resulted in coking in large-scale power plant boiler are analyzed.In accordance with the characters of Shenfu Coal,i.e.high heat value,low melting point,flammability and easy coking,the measures to prevent coking are put forward in view of boiler structure design,operation adjustment and effective soot blowing.
Epidermal Growth Factor is not the Major Growth-Promoting Agent in Extracts of Prostatic Tissue

Extracts of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) contain a factor which is mitogenic for human foreskin fibroblasts in culture. Because of the similarity of BPH extract and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in stimulating quiescent fibroblasts to divide, it was of interest to determine if the prostate-associated growth factor competes for EGF receptor binding. BPH extract was found to compete poorly for 125I-EGF-receptor binding, did not influence the dissociation of cell-bound 125I-EGF and caused only a slight down-regulation of the EGF receptor. These findings indicate that EGF and BPH extract do not recognize the same receptor and that the major growth stimulating activity of BPH extract is not due to EGF.
National Trends in Postoperative Outcomes and Cost Comparing Minimally Invasive Versus Open Liver and Pancreatic Surgery

Although minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been associated with improved postoperative clinical outcomes, the widespread use of MIS by procedure and hospital has been limited. We sought to report on national trends postoperative clinical outcomes for minimally invasive liver and pancreatic surgery. Patients undergoing an elective liver or pancreatic resection were identified using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2002 and 2012. Multivariable regression analysis was used to compare postoperative outcomes, and total hospital costs between patients who underwent a MIS versus an open resection over the study time period. A total of 47,685 patients were identified; 21,280 (44.6 %) patients underwent a hepatic resection while 26,405(55.4 %) patients underwent a pancreatic resection. MIS was performed in 2674 (5.6 %) patients and increased from 2.6 % in 2002 to 9.6 % in 2012 (p < 0.001); this trend was observed for both pancreatic and liver resections (both p < 0.001). Over the study time period, use of MIS was consistently associated with improved postoperative outcomes including decreased postoperative morbidity (open vs. MIS: 32.9 vs. 29.6 %) and a shorter length-of-stay (≤4 days; MIS, 21.4 %; Open, 13.7 %; both p < 0.05). The median costs associated with MIS decreased over time compared with the open surgical approach and were on average $572 lower than the cost associated with open surgery. Compared to open resection, MIS was associated with lower postoperative morbidity, a shorter length-of-stay, and lower cost. The use of MIS should be encouraged in order to improve postoperative outcomes and decrease healthcare spending via value enhancement.
“The Past is Your Playground”: The Challenges and Possibilities of Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate for Social Education

Recognized for its lavish depiction of historical settings, Assassin’s Creed is frequently mentioned in the literature on video games and social education (Chapman, 2013; Metzger & Paxton, 2016; Wa...
An investigation of highly identified fans who bet against their favorite teams

Abstract Using a mixed-method exploratory approach we describe and explain the seemingly non-normative behaviors of highly identified fans who Bet Against their Favorite Teams (BAFT). Axial coding of qualitative data from 190 survey respondents and two focus groups indicates the emergence of common themes allowing a typology to unfold that explains the motives for and against BAFTing. Results reveal that Gamblers BAFT for reasons un-related to fandom. Hedgers, on the other hand, BAFT precisely because they are fans; they offset a perceived impending emotional loss with a financial gain, a behavior we identify as Hedging Against Future Failure (HAFFing). This research expands the theoretical knowledge of indirect tactics of image management and introduces HAFFing as a transactional, proactive, and private coping mechanism utilized by highly identified fans to regulate their psychological health. Beyond the implications for researchers of self-image management, these results are applicable to global sport managers adapting to the rising prominence and societal acceptance of sport gambling.
Fantastic Voyage of the Virtual Colon

We pioneered a visualization-based alternative to conventional optical colonoscopy, called virtual colonoscopy (VC), for screening patients for colonic polyps, the precursor of colon cancer. Unlike optical colonoscopy, VC is patient friendly since the patient undergoes a less rigorous bowel preparation. VC is also a fast, non-invasive, more accurate, and cost-effective procedure for mass screening of colon polyps. In VC, the patient’s abdomen is imaged by a helical or multi-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner during a 40-second singlebreath-hold. Supine and prone scans are acquired, each typically consists of 350 to 700 axial 512×512 images of sub-millimeter resolution. A 3D model of the colon is then reconstructed from the CT scan by automatically segmenting the colon out of the rest of the abdomen and employing an electronic cleansing algorithm for computer-based removal of the residual material and accurate reconstruction of the soft surface behind the removed material. This is accomplished using a novel segmentation rays algorithm. The visualization software, running on a PC, allows the physician to interactively navigate through the colon using a physically-based navigation system with fast volume rendering for visualization and the center line of the colon as a guide for the navigation. An intuitive user interface with customized tools supports measurements and virtual biopsy to inspect suspicious regions.
A tale of two norms: the impact of normative sample selection criteria on standardized scores in older adults.

AbstractObjective: Normative sample composition can vary notably as a function of exclusionary criteria in older adult samples given that typical medical conditions of exclusion become more prevalent with age. Older adult norms may consist of typically aging or healthy aging individuals according to the stringency of the exclusion criteria, a difference illustrated when comparing two normative samples for the RBANS: the original standardization sample and the Oklahoma sample. Methods: The current study examined the clinical impact of norm selection in older adults by analyzing impairment classification rates for 105 older adult behavioral health inpatients. Rates of impaired performance (scaled score ≤4 or its normalized equivalent) were compared across RBANS subtests using standardization sample vs. Oklahoma sample normative data in patients aged 70–79 (n = 57) and 80–89 (n = 48). Results: Across most RBANS subtests, utilization of the original standardization sample vs. Oklahoma sample norms resulted in...
Measuring Global Perceptions of the Research Training Environment Using a Short Form of the RTES-R

A brief measure of the research training environment in counseling graduate programs was developed and cross-validated. This new instrument is recommended when efficient measurement is required.
Interplay between Surface Roughening, Preroughening, and Reconstruction

Solid-on-solid models provide a comprehensive description of surface roughening, preroughening, and reconstruction. The origin and properties of the preroughening transition and disordered flat (DOF) phase are reviewed. The present experimental evidence for realizations of DOF phases in (110) facets of face-centered cubic (FCC) metals and in (111) facets of noble gas crystals is discussed. A chiral 4-state clock-step model is introduced to describe the deconstruction and roughening of missing row reconstructed (110) facets of FCC crystals. It is shown that a reconstructed rough phase is not possible. Instead roughening induces a simultaneous deconstruction transition, with central charge c=1.5 and both Ising and conventional roughening critical exponents. This, together with the experimental evidence suggests that at deconstruction Pt(110) becomes rough and simultaneously undergoes an incommensurate melting transition with respect to its reconstruction degrees of freedom.
A Transformation for Implementing Efficient Dynamic Backpropagation Neural Networks

Most Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have a fixed topology during learning, and often suffer from a number of short-comings as a result. Variations of ANNs that use dynamic topologies have shown ability to overcome many of these problems. This paper introduces Location-Independent Transformations (LITs) as a general strategy for implementing distributed feedforward networks that use dynamic topologies (dynamic ANNs) efficiently in parallel hardware. A LIT creates a set of location-independent nodes, where each node computes its part of the network output independent of other nodes, using local information. This type of transformation allows efficient support for adding and deleting nodes dynamically during learning. In particular, this paper presents an LIT for standard Backpropagation with two layers of weights, and shows how dynamic extensions to Backpropagation can be supported.
Evaluating Effectiveness of Color Information for Face Image Retrieval and Classification Using SVD Feature

LBP (Local Binary Pattern) algorithm has been a popular pattern matching technique used for various purposes such as image retrieval, image classification etc. But efficiency of the algorithm could be enhanced more by applying it over decomposed sub-images of the original image as it enables in extracting and identifying more prominent features and the accuracy could be increased. Thus, in this paper, SVD (Singular Value Decomposition) is applied to individual component of a color space followed by LBP. The individual feature vectors are merged to get the final feature vector. The combined process has been applied to RGB, YCbCr, HSV and La*b color spaces for image retrieval and their behavior is analyzed. The highest value of precision, recall and f-score was found to be 57.0,85.5 and 68.4 respectively for the technique LBP-S-YCbCr, in its optimal bin size 16. Behaviour of finally obtained feature vectors of all the techniques, has also been analyzed by classifying them using KNN. Highest accuracy of classification with a value of 90% was also found for the technique LBP-S-YCbCr.
57 Non-targeted metabolomic profiles within the uterine milieu of porcine pregnancies containing populations of uniform or diverse spherical, ovoid, or tubular conceptuses during initiation of embryo elongation

Alterations in the signalling of critical molecular factors within the uterine milieu result in deficiencies in embryo elongation, leading directly to embryonic loss as well as delayed elongation. The objective of this study was to identify metabolites within the uterine environment from populations of uniform and diverse porcine conceptuses as they transition between spherical, ovoid, and tubular conceptuses during the initiation of embryo elongation. White crossbred gilts (n = 38) were bred at standing oestrus (designated Day 0) and again 24 h later and randomly assigned to collection group. At Day 9, 10, or 11 of gestation, reproductive tracts were collected immediately following harvest and flushed with 40 mL of RPMI-1640 media. Conceptus morphologies were assessed from each pregnancy to assign to 1 of 5 treatment groups based on these morphologies: (1) uniform spherical (n = 8); (2) diverse spherical and ovoid (n = 8); (3) uniform ovoid (n = 8); (4) diverse ovoid and tubular (n = 8); and (5) uniform tubular (n = 6). Subsequently uterine flushings from these pregnancies were submitted for non-targeted profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) techniques. Raw spectral data were processed using the XCMS package in R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) and features were clustered using RAMclustR. Unsupervised multivariate principal component analysis was performed in R using pcamethods package, and univariate ANOVA was performed in R with a Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate adjustment. Principal component analysis of the GC-MS and UPLC-MS data identified 153 and 104 metabolites, respectively. Of the identified metabolites, 51 and 71 metabolites from the GC-MS and UPLC-MS analysis, respectively, corresponded to known compounds. After false discovery rate adjustment of the GC-MS and UPLC-MS data, 38 and 59 metabolites from the GC-MS and UPLC-MS analysis, respectively, differed (P < 0.05) in uterine flushings from pregnancies for the 5 conceptus stages. Some metabolites were greater (P < 0.05) in abundance for uterine flushings containing earlier stage conceptuses (i.e. spherical) such as uric acid, tryptophan, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, and L-tryosine. In contrast, some metabolites were greater (P < 0.05) in abundance for uterine flushings containing later stage conceptuses (i.e. tubular) such as creatinine, serine, isovaleryl-I-carnitine, and lauric diethaolamide. These data illustrate several putative metabolites that change within the uterine milieu as porcine embryos transition between spherical, ovoid, and tubular conceptuses. Funding was provided by USDA-NIFA-AFRI Grant no. 2017-67015-26456.
Crip Feminist Trauma Studies in Jessica Jones and Beyond

The article argues for a crip feminist trauma studies framework by developing its methodologies theoretically and in the practice of interpreting the Netflix series Jessica Jones. Synthesizing rece...
Performance of the PROMIS in Patients Undergoing 3 Common Elbow Procedures.

Background:Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, distal biceps tendon repair, and elbow arthroscopic surgery are common elbow procedures performed in active patients.Hypothesis:We hypothe...
Monitoring of rivaroxaban levels in patients with class III obesity.

Purpose There is little evidence to guide the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with class III obesity. Clinicians face the dilemma that using DOACs in patients with class III obesity may not provide adequate anticoagulation, while avoiding DOACs may deprive them of a useful therapeutic option. We present 2 cases describing our experience navigating rivaroxaban use in patients with class III obesity and review available case reports of measurement of rivaroxaban levels using a calibrated anti-factor Xa assay. Summary In patient case 1, the rivaroxaban trough level was within the reference range, and therapy was continued. In patient case 2, the rivaroxaban trough level was below the reference range, and the patient's anticoagulation therapy was switched to warfarin. No thromboembolic events were noted in the 2 patients more than 1 year (15 and 22 months, respectively) after initiation of anticoagulation therapy. Because of the many advantages associated with use of DOACs instead of vitamin K antagonists, further research is critical to enabling clinicians to use DOACs more confidently in a broader population. Conclusion When monitoring rivaroxaban therapy in patients with class III obesity, there is uncertainty regarding clinical interpretation of drug levels that fall outside of established reference ranges, and monitoring is not standardized or widely available. In addition to case reports found in the literature, the presented cases highlight these challenges and differing clinical decisions made when evaluating rivaroxaban levels in patients with class III obesity.
A Semiparametric Approach to Interpretable Machine Learning.

Black box models in machine learning have demonstrated excellent predictive performance in complex problems and high-dimensional settings. However, their lack of transparency and interpretability restrict the applicability of such models in critical decision-making processes. In order to combat this shortcoming, we propose a novel approach to trading off interpretability and performance in prediction models using ideas from semiparametric statistics, allowing us to combine the interpretability of parametric regression models with performance of nonparametric methods. We achieve this by utilizing a two-piece model: the first piece is interpretable and parametric, to which a second, uninterpretable residual piece is added. The performance of the overall model is optimized using methods from the sufficient dimension reduction literature. Influence function based estimators are derived and shown to be doubly robust. This allows for use of approaches such as double Machine Learning in estimating our model parameters. We illustrate the utility of our approach via simulation studies and a data application based on predicting the length of stay in the intensive care unit among surgery patients.
Investigation of Pathophysiological Aspects of Aortic Growth, Remodeling, and Failure Using a Discrete-Fiber Microstructural Model

Aortic aneurysms are inherently unpredictable. One can never be sure whether any given aneurysm may rupture or dissect. Clinically, the criteria for surgical intervention are based on size and growth rate, but it remains difficult to identify a high-risk aneurysm, which may require intervention before the cutoff criteria, versus an aneurysm than can be treated safely by more conservative measures. In this work, we created a computational microstructural model of a medial lamellar unit (MLU) incorporating (1) growth and remodeling laws applied directly to discrete, individual fibers, (2) separate but interacting fiber networks for collagen, elastin, and smooth muscle, (3) active and passive smooth-muscle cell mechanics, and (4) failure mechanics for all three fiber types. The MLU model was then used to study different pathologies and microstructural anomalies that may play a role in vascular growth and failure. Our model recapitulated many aspects of arterial remodeling under hypertension with no underlying genetic syndrome including remodeling dynamics, tissue mechanics, and failure. Syndromic effects (smooth muscle cell (SMC) dysfunction or elastin fragmentation) drastically changed the simulated remodeling process, tissue behavior, and tissue strength. Different underlying pathologies were able to produce similarly dilatated vessels with different failure properties, providing a partial explanation for the imperfect nature of aneurysm size as a predictor of outcome.
Evaluation of Hemodynamics in a Murine Hindlimb Ischemia Model Using Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI), an optical imaging technique capable of quantitatively measuring tissue hemodynamics over a large field-of-view, has captured the interest of scientists and clinicians due to its ability to image rapidly and noninvasively. The goal of this study was to apply SFDI in a preclinical murine model to assess its ability to measure hemodynamic changes due to hindlimb ischemia in vivo longitudinally. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS Complete unilateral femoral artery ligation was performed on a total of nine C57BL/6J mice to induce ischemia in the left hindlimb. Changes in vascular perfusion in each mouse were monitored through SFDI acquisition of both the ischemic and control limbs throughout the course of 4 weeks. High-frequency pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound was also acquired to confirm occlusion of the left femoral artery post-ligation compared with the control limb, while histological analysis was used to quantify femoral artery lumen shape and size. RESULTS Tissue oxygen saturation in the ischemic limb normalized to the control limb decreased from a ratio of 0.96 ± 0.06 at baseline to 0.86 ± 0.10 at day 1, then 0.94 ± 0.06 at day 3, followed by 0.95 ± 0.14 at day 7, 0.91 ± 0.09 at day 14, 0.90 ± 0.09 at day 21, and 1.01 ± 0.09 at day 28. CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate the utility of SFDI to detect hemodynamic changes in a preclinical murine model, as well as how to effectively use this tool to extract information regarding ischemia-induced hindlimb changes. In our model, we observed a decline in tissue oxygen saturation within one day post-ischemic injury, followed by a return to baseline values over the 4-week study period. While reducing skin artifacts and modifying camera hardware could still improve this murine imaging approach, our multimodality study presented here suggests that SFDI can be used to reliably characterize ischemia-mediated changes in a clinically relevant mouse model of peripheral arterial disease. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A phase I/II study of docetaxel in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Taxanes and anthracyclines have been among the best-studied chemotherapy classes in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Docetaxel (D) 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks has been the standard first line chemotherapy for CRPC. Encapsulation of doxorubicin in polyethylene glycol-coated liposomes (PLD) was developed to enhance the safety and efficacy of conventional doxorubicin. We hypothesize that the combination of weekly low dose-D and PLD would result in a high response rate and low toxicity. Eligibility criteria included metastatic progressive CRPC, no prior D or PLD and good organ function. After a short phase I with no dose-limiting toxicity, D 30 mg/m2 was administered on days 1, 8 and 15; and PLD 30 mg/m2 on day 1 only, every 28 days. Thirty-seven patients were enrolled. The PSA response rate was 53%. Twenty-two subjects had measurable disease; one (5%) achieved complete response, five (23%) partial response, and twelve (54%) stable disease. Twenty-seven patients (73%) manifested pain relief. The median time to progression was 3.7 months for all patients and 7.9 months for responders. Median overall survival was 16.3 months. Grade 4 neutropenia without infection and anemia occurred in 1 patient each. Grade 3 treatment-related toxicities included: 15% fatigue; 9% neutropenia, anemia and nausea; 6% dehydration and hand-foot syndrome; and 3% infection, febrile neutropenia, thrombosis, stomatitis, headache, vomiting, weight loss and weakness. In this non-comparative study D-PLD demonstrated a higher activity than previously reported with single agent D with favorable side effect profile. A phase 3 study would be needed to evaluate the true benefit of this combination. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00456989.