cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A RANDOM COLOR MAP ANIMATION ALGORITHM

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an algorithm for random color map animation. Color map animation makes iteration-fractal images come alive and adds considerable viewing interest; applied to more ordinary images, it can give bizarre and entertaining effects and sometimes can reveal data not readily apparent with a fixed color map. The idea behind the algorithm presented in the chapter is simple: A random sawtooth waves is generated in red, green, and blue on the fly, and the resulting color ramps are pushed through the color look-up table. The look-up table can be thought of as a window sliding along the trace of the random RGB sawtooth waves. The power of the algorithm derives from the fact that the color ramps are generated on the fly, and thus need not be stored. User input is limited to a starting seed for the underlying random number generator and parameters for the statistics of the random ramps. The programming work involves the creation of random-number generation routines with specific statistical character to be used in specifying the color ramps, and the interpolation of the ramps once endpoints have been specified.
Enhanced Outcoupling in Organic Light-Emitting Diodes via a High-Index Contrast Scattering Layer

Despite high internal quantum efficiencies, planar organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) typically suffer from limited outcoupling efficiencies. To improve this outcoupling efficiency, we have developed a new thin (∼2 μm) light scattering layer that employs air voids (low-index scattering centers) embedded in a high-index polyimide matrix to effectively frustrate the substrate-trapped light, increasing the outcoupling efficiency. The porous polyimide scattering layers are created through the simple and scalable fabrication technique of phase inversion. The optical properties of the scattering layers have been characterized via microscopy, transmittance/haze measurements, and ellipsometry, which demonstrate the excellent scattering properties of these layers. We have integrated these films into a green OLED stack, where they show a 65% enhancement of the external quantum efficiency and a 77% enhancement of the power efficiency. Furthermore, we have integrated these layers into a white OLED and observed sim...
Imaging of flank pain: readdressing state-of-the-art

Pain resulting from renal and ureteral stones is a common cause for patients presenting in the acute setting. Since the late 1990s, computed tomography (CT) has been the initial imaging method of choice to evaluate patients with suspected ureteral stones; however, concerns regarding both radiation dose and cost-effectiveness have prompted investigations into a different imaging algorithm. Studies utilizing ultrasound have provided evidence indicating that it may be a more appropriate first step, with selective use of CT in selected cases, in the diagnostic work-up. Techniques have evolved with low-dose CT, dual-energy CT, and magnetic resonance urography emerging as useful in imaging of renal colic patients. This manuscript reviews the current literature on state-of-the-art imaging for acute flank pain and proposes a new imaging algorithm in the evaluation of patients with acute flank pain and suspected ureteral stones.
Comparing the effects of granivorous rodents on persistence of Indian ricegrass ( Oryzopsis hymenoides ) seeds in mixed and monospecific seed patches

In desert environments seeds are often heterogeneously distributed in small patches that vary in number of seed species and in seed density. Because seed harvest by rodents is often density dependent (a larger proportion of seeds is removed from high-density seed patches than from low-density patches), the proportion of residual or post-harvest seeds should be greater in low-density patches. In addition, seed preference can affect harvest. We tested whether the residual proportion of a highly preferred seed (Indian ricegrass, Oryzopsis hymenoides ) was less when in a seed patch with a 2nd species (mixed-species patch) than when in a monospecific seed patch. We predicted that the increased overall seed density due to the presence of 2 species in a patch would result in a lower residual proportion of ricegrass seeds in the mixed-species seed patches than in the monospecific patches. As predicted, the residual proportions of Indian ricegrass seeds were less each time ricegrass was paired with one of 6 other species in mixed-species patches. Similarly, the residual proportion of each of those 6 species was less when paired with ricegrass than when in a monospecific patch. We speculate on the potential implications of these results for the population dynamics of plant species and the physical structure of plant communities.
Use of quadratic terms in Type 2 Tobit models

ABSTRACTA Type 2 Tobit model with a common set of regressors in the selection and regression equations is identified by the nonlinearity of the distribution function. The estimates are relatively less precise than in cases where there are at least some distinct regressors in the two equations. In an attempt to overcome this problem, some authors introduce quadratic terms into one or both equations. As this does not add any new statistical information, just a deterministic function of an existing regressor, the sceptic would question how this could improve the reliability of the estimates. This article shows that arbitrary use of quadratics is not without consequence. It increases the chances of getting either multiple roots, no root or a local root where a global does not exist. The nature of this problem is illustrated with Monte Carlo methods as well as several examples from the literature.
Measurement of a fast-wave line using digital non-Foster circuits for software-adjustable delay

Measured results are compared to simulation results for a wideband software-adjustable fast-wave line using coaxial line sections loaded with digital discrete-time non-Foster circuit elements. In the proposed approach, the negative capacitance of non-Foster circuit elements is varied by changing the signal processing in the digital non-Foster circuit. For the purposes of demonstration and comparison with analog non-Foster approaches, a prototype three-stage fast-wave coaxial line is implemented using three digital negative capacitors. Group delay is shown to be less than in corresponding vacuum propagation, and group delay is shown to be adjustable in software with varied negative capacitance. Measured and simulated results are in good agreement, and closely resemble a frequency-scaled version of prior fast-wave results for analog non-Foster loaded waveguide at higher frequency.
A novel role for miR-133a in centrally mediated activation of the renin-angiotensin system in congestive heart failure

Angiotensinogen (AGT) expression is upregulated in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus through posttranscriptional mechanism interceded by microRNA-133a in heart failure. Understanding ...
Abstract 400: Protective Effects of CCR2 Deficiency on Ascending Aortic Aneurysm Formation Are Not Mediated via MCP-1

Background and Objective: Infusion of AngII into hyper- and normocholesterolemic mice leads to formation of aneurysms in the ascending aorta. Aneurysms in this region have markedly different pathology from those formed in the abdominal aorta. We have demonstrated previously that deficiency of the chemokine receptor, CCR2, attenuated ascending aortic aneurysm formation in hypercholesterolemic mice. The purpose of this study was to define whether deficiency of CCR2 also attenuated AngII-induced ascending aortic aneurysms in normolipidemic mice. Furthermore, we also determined whether the effects were attributable to its primary ligand, MCP-1. Methods and results: Male C57BL/6, CCR2 -/- and MCP-1 -/- mice (The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME) were fed a normal diet. Mice were infused with either saline or AngII (1,000 ng/kg/min; N=20/group) subcutaneously via osmotic mini-pump for 28 days. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by a tail cuff-based technique. AngII increased SBP significantly and equivalently in all genotypes relative to saline-infused mice (P -/- mice had no measurable MCP-1; while CCR2 -/- mice had a 10 fold increase compared to C57BL/6 mice (P -/- mice, deficiency of CCR2 attenuated aortic expansion to the same extent as previously described in hypercholesterolemic mice (P Conclusion: CCR2 reduces AngII-induced ascending aortic aneurysm formation in normolipidemic mice, although not via activation through MCP-1.
Relativistic Coordinate Transformation

Lorentz coordinate transformations explore change of measurement of events by different inertial observers; the body is still in the same state of motion as before; it is the observer who is changing her frame of reference. However, we can also ‘boost’ material bodies using a simple modification of the Lorentz coordinate transformation. We show how three physics inputs: i) the isotropy and homogeneity of space; ii) the principle of relativity; and iii) the universality of the speed of light; allow us to determine the form of Lorentz coordinate transformation. Exercises show invariance of speed of light. We discuss atmospheric muon motion. Properties of the transformation such as the Galilean limit, and the Larmor form of Lorentz transformations are presented. The concept of inverse transformation is introduced.
Process Capability: Practice Problems

This case contains four practice problems to help develop student understanding of process capability. Excerpt UVA-OM-1492 Rev. Mar. 18, 2013 PROCESS CAPABILITY: PRACTICE PROBLEMS 1. A supplier makes packaging cartons for a customer, with a length normally distributed around a mean of 150 mm. Due to the cavity in the filling machine, the carton must be no longer than 157 mm and no shorter than 143 mm. The process standard deviation is 2.5mm. a. What is the process capability (Cp)? b. Use NORMSDIST in Excel to calculate the percent defects of the process. . . .
Geotechnical considerations for concurrent pillar recovery in close-distance multiple seams

Room-and-pillar mining with pillar recovery has historically been associated with more than 25% of all ground fall fatalities in underground coal mines in the United States. The risk of ground falls during pillar recovery increases in multiple-seam mining conditions. The hazards associated with pillar recovery in multiple-seam mining include roof cutters, roof falls, rib rolls, coal outbursts, and floor heave. When pillar recovery is planned in multiple seams, it is critical to properly design the mining sequence and panel layout to minimize potential seam interaction. This paper addresses geotechnical considerations for concurrent pillar recovery in two coal seams with 21 m of interburden under about 305 m of depth of cover. The study finds that, for interburden thickness of 21 m, the multiple-seam mining influence zone in the lower seam is directly under the barrier pillar within about 30 m from the gob edge of the upper seam. The peak stress in the interburden transfers down at an angle of approximately 20°away from the gob, and the entries and crosscuts in the influence zone are subjected to elevated stress during development and retreat. The study also suggests that, for full pillar recovery in close-distance multiple-seam scenarios, it is optimal to superimpose the gobs in both seams, but it is not necessary to superimpose the pillars. If the entries and/or crosscuts in the lower seam are developed outside the gob line of the upper seam, additional roof and rib support needs to be considered to account for the elevated stress in the multiple-seam influence zone.
Dimensions of the medial wall of the prelacrimal recess

Background Addressing anterior maxillary sinus pathology endoscopically that is inaccessible with an endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy requires either a prelacrimal approach (PLA) or an endoscopic Denker's approach (EDA). The PLA involves removing the medial wall of the prelacrimal recess (PLR), which is the bone between the pyriform aperture (PA) and nasolacrimal duct (NLD), from nasal floor to orbital floor. The PLA preserves the inferior turbinate and NLD, whereas both are sacrificed during an EDA. The purpose of this computed tomography (CT)-based study was to determine the anteroposterior and superoinferior dimensions of the medial wall of the PLR. Methods One hundred thirty-one triplanar sinus CT scans of patients with various rhinologic diseases, but with intact bony PLR walls, were reviewed to assess dimensions of the medial wall of the PLR. The anteroposterior distances from the PA to the inferior-most, middle, and superior-most aspects of the NLD were measured. The height from the nasal floor to orbital floor was also measured. Combining left and right sides, there were 262 measurements. Results The anteroposterior distances between the PA and the NLD were as follows: inferior: mean, 8.4 mm (standard error [SE], 0.2; range, 1.9-14.2); middle: mean, 7.6 mm (SE, 0.2; range, 0-13.6); and superior: mean, 5.5 mm (SE, 2.5; range, 0-11.9). The mean height of the medial wall of the PLR was 26.5 mm (SE, 0.2; range, 18.5-39.9). Conclusion The anteroposterior and superoinferior dimensions of the medial wall of the PLR are variable, with the anteroposterior dimension being widest inferiorly. Its dimensions should be evaluated preoperatively when considering endoscopic approaches to or through the anterior maxillary sinus.
Analytic prediction of histotripsy-induced bubble growth in an elastic medium

Histotripsy is a form of therapeutic ultrasound that liquefies tissue mechanically via acoustic cavitation. Bubble growth due to histotripsy excitation has been calculated analytically with high accuracy in a fluid medium. Tissue elasticity is a determining factor in the therapeutic efficacy of histotripsy, and has not been considered in analytic bubble dynamics calculations. In this study, an analytic model to predict histotripsy-induced bubble expansion based on the medium surface tension, viscosity, and inertia was extended to include the effects of medium stiffness. Good agreement was observed between the predictions of the model and numerical computations. The predictions of the model were also consistent with experimental observation of bubble expansion, though are dependent on the elasticity form. Bubble growth was weakly dependent on the medium elasticity for highly nonlinear, shock scattering histotripsy pulses, but was strongly dependent for purely tensile, microtripsy pulses. For both forms of histotripsy, bubble growth was completely suppressed when the elastic modulus exceeded 20 MPa and the peak negative pressures was less than 50 MPa. These results highlight the importance of the histotripsy insonation scheme on bubble growth in an elastic medium, as well the range of tissue elasticities for efficacious bubble-induced liquefaction.
Existence and inhibition of hydrolytic enzymes attacking paramyosin in myofibrillar extracts of Mercenaria mercenaria.

Paramyosin is attacked by at least two hydrolytic enzymes in extracts of the adductor muscle of M.,mercenaria under the usual isolation conditions. KDTA inhibited and phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride inhibited hydrolase activities have been identified. When paramyosin is extracted into high salt at pH 7.5 in the presence of 0.01M EDTA, we isolate a new molecular species of paramyosin with a molecular weight ∼5,000 daltons higher than material isolated by previous procedures. A high resolution acrylamide gel electrophoresis technique employing split gels was used to detect small differences in apparent sub-unit molecular weight.
MENTORING AFRICAN AMERICAN FACULTY IN PREDOMINANTLY WHITE INSTITUTIONS

Mentoring has been identified as a method to facilitate the professional growth and development of African American faculty and to increase their representation in predominantly White institutions. However, there is little empirical evidence from studies of this group to suggest that this is the case. This article presents findings from a study of the mentoring experiences of African American faculty in two predominantly White research institutions, and the findings are presented using a cross case analysis to highlight complexities which may affect the dynamics of faculty-to-faculty mentoring for African Americans. The findings from this study make two important contributions to the literature on faculty-to-faculty mentoring for African Americans: an analysis of assigned mentoring relationships and the concept of the isolation of African American faculty in predominantly White institutions. The findings also challenge the literature on traditional faculty-to-faculty mentoring in three areas: mentor functions, phases of the mentor-protege relationship, and race in the mentoring relationship. The article concludes with implications for practice and the role of the university in taking affirmative steps to facilitate the professional growth and development of African American faculty.
Detailed Wind and Temperature Profiles

At the present time personnel of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s Aerospace Environment Division are engaged in an active program to acquire and analyze high resolution tropospheric and lower stratospheric high resolution wind and temperature profile data. The wind data are acquired by use of the Jimsphere/FPS-16 radar wind sensing system and the temperature data are obtained with a 5 mil bead thermistor mounted onboard the Jimsphere balloon. These systems are capable of resolving perturbations in wind and temperature profiles with vertical wavelengths on the order of 50 meters. The systems are discussed in the paper.
RNA METABOLISM IN LYMPHOCYTES STIMULATED BY PHYTOHEMAGGLUTININ: INITIAL RESPONSES TO PHYTOHEMAGGLUTININ.

The initial changes in lymphocyte RNA metabolism produced by treatment with phytohemogglutinin (PHA) are described. The earliest change was a decrease in total RNA (i-RNA), detectable after 30 minutes of exposure to PHA. This loss could not be localized to any of the major types of cellular RNA. After 1 hour, accelerated synthesis of RNA, shown by incorporation of u-H3, was detected, and a progressive increase in rate of synthesis continued for 24 hours. The significance of the early loss of RNA as related to the onset of lymphocyte growth is discussed.
The Unintended Consequences of Stanford v. Roche - Revision 2

This paper analyzes the Supreme Court and Federal Circuit decisions in Stanford v. Roche and concludes: (1) that both courts were correct in holding that the Bayh-Dole Act does not place initial title to inventions resulting from federally funded research in universities; and (2) that both courts were wrong in finding for Roche because there cannot be a legal assignment of title to an invention until the invention has been made, a patent application has been prepared or filed, and the inventor has executed written assignment agreement. The second conclusion is based upon Section 261 of the Patent Act and the Patent Office Manual of Patent Examination Procedure. If the analysis supporting the second conclusion is correct, tens of billions of dollars of patent rights are at risk in the case of unethical employee-inventors. The paper suggests management practices which could lessen this risk and legal means which could eliminate the risk.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brainstem and Thalamic Metastases

Some lesions situated in sensitive areas of the brain are potentially dangerous to treat with any modality. This study reviews one institution's experience with the use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brainstem and thalamic metastases to evaluate its efficacy in treating such lesions. Between October 1989 and January 1998, 20 patients (9 men, 11 women) underwent linear accelerator SRS for metastases in the brainstem or thalamus. A retrospective chart and radiographic analysis was performed on these patients. The mean patient age at the time of SRS was 55.9 years (range 34–76). The median dose of SRS was 1600 cGy (range 1200–2000) to the 80% isodose line, although the isodose line varied somewhat. Of the 20 lesions, median patient survival from the time of SRS was 27.2 weeks (mean 39.7, range 5.4–216). Reliable evaluation of neurological status after SRS was obtainable in 17 patients and radiographical follow-up in 12. The rate of clinical control of symptoms was 88.2% (15/17) and radiographical control was 100% (12/12). Complications occurred in two patients (11.8 %). Our results indicate outcomes that are similar to those in a previous report of SRS for metastatic lesions of the brainstem and thalamus, with survival shorter than that for other cerebral lesions. SRS for metastases of the brainstem and thalamus is a safe and effective treatment option, but does not offer as favorable an outcome as SRS for lesions in other areas of the brain.
Blackface in Shakespeare: Challenging Racial Allegories of Folly and Speech—Cleopatra, Caliban, Othello

This chapter explores tropes of blackface from previous chapters as they appear in three of Shakespeare’s plays, Antony and Cleopatra (1607), The Tempest (1610–11), and, above all, Othello (ca. 1604–05). Each stages representations of black Strangers that bear affinities with moral allegories of protagonists named Youth or Wit tempted by Vices that draw upon Proverbs 1–9. Shakespeare’s plays include many of the tropes discussed in previous chapters that were common to the English morality genre and to Spanish Golden Age drama, including blackface as an emblem of folly and black misspeaking as a moral emblem. They do so, however, in ways that complicate audience responses to racial difference. Here, attempts to read these plays as conventional metaphysical allegories of race are challenged, frustrated, or even foiled.
Efficient and robust lane marking extraction from mobile lidar point clouds

Abstract Surveys of roadways with Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) are now being conducted on a regular basis by many transportation agencies to provide detailed geometric information to support a wide range of applications, including asset management. Most MLS systems provide intensity (return signal strength) data as a point attribute in georeferenced point clouds, which may be used to estimate retro-reflectivity of pavement markings for effective maintenance. Nevertheless, the extraction of pavement markings from mobile lidar data remains an open challenge, due to variable noise, degree of wear on the markings, and road conditions. This paper addresses these challenges, presenting a novel approach for efficient, reliable extraction of lane markings, including those that have been significantly worn. First, using the MLS trajectory information, the lidar data is discretized into smaller sections, and then transformed to the local coordinate system, such that the road surface is near-horizontal for reliable extraction on roads with significant grade. Subsequently, the road surface is extracted using the constrained Random Sampling and Consensus (RANSAC) algorithm and then rasterized into a 2D intensity image to apply image processing techniques, namely: image segmentation to separate the lane markings from the road pavement, and a morphological opening operation to remove small objects. However, the extracted lane markings are prone to over-segmentation, due to occlusions or worn portions caused by moving vehicles. To rectify this, topologically-similar lane markings are associated with each other by computing line parameters (i.e., orientation and distance from the origin), which enables the gaps to be filled among the associated lanes. Finally, the remaining incorrect lane markings are detected and removed through a noise filtering phase using Dip test statistics. Examples of the effectiveness and application of the methodology are shown for a variety of sites with stripes of variable condition to highlight the robustness of the approach. Using optimized parameter values, the algorithm achieved F1 scores of 89–97% when tested on a variety of datasets encompassing a wide range of road scene types.
Preop Considerations in the Evaluation of Children with Airway Pathologies

Critical for successful management of the child undergoing anesthesia is the preoperative assessment of the child. In this era of cost containment, even complex patients undergo procedures on an ambulatory basis. This has mitigated the opportunities anesthesiologists may have had in the years past to see patients while hospitalized the night before surgery. As such, assessments either in an outpatient anesthesia clinic or in the preoperative holding area need to be incisive and precise. Undoubtedly, consideration of key factors is necessary for avoiding predictable difficulties. This introductory chapter will discuss these specific considerations in the preoperative assessment of children undergoing surgery for pediatric airway pathologies.
Advanced [11C]methionine and [18F]FDG positron emission tomography for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of oligodendrogliomas

Abstract Despite recent advances in neuroimaging, the majority of neuro-oncologic imaging, from diagnosis to tumor surveillance, is performed with conventional, morphologic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 2-[ 18 F]Fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose was the first heavily utilized positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer in neuro-oncology, however, newer agents, including amino acid PET radiotracers, have demonstrated better performance in many aspects of neuro-oncology. [ 11 C]Methionine is the most extensively studied amino acid radiotracer for the management of gliomas, and it shows high tumor to normal brain contrast making it an excellent imaging modality in neuro-oncology. Both WHO grade II and III oligodendrogliomas demonstrate avid [ 11 C]methionine uptake, and [ 11 C]methionine PET adds substantial value in narrowing the differential diagnosis, planning surgical resection and radiotherapy, monitoring treatment response, and evaluating for tumor recurrence. The added information that [ 11 C]methionine PET provides when combined with 2-[ 18 F]fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose PET may allow for more personalized treatment and lead to better outcomes in patients with oligodendrogliomas and other brain tumors.
Phase of confined electroweak force in the early Universe

We consider a modified cosmological history in which the presence of beyond-the-Standard-Model physics causes the weak gauge sector, $\mathrm{SU}(2{)}_{L}$, to confine before it is Higgsed. Under the assumption of chiral symmetry breaking, quark and lepton weak doublets form condensates that break the global symmetries of the Standard Model, including baryon and lepton number, down to a U(1) subgroup under which only the weak singlet fermions and Higgs boson transform. The weakly coupled gauge group $\mathrm{SU}(3{)}_{c}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(1{)}_{Y}$ is also broken to an $\mathrm{SU}(2{)}_{c}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(1{)}_{Q}$ gauge group. The light states include (pseudo-)Goldstone bosons of the global symmetry breaking, mostly elementary fermions primarily composed of the weak singlet quarks and leptons, and the gauge bosons of the weakly coupled gauge group. We discuss possible signatures from early Universe cosmology including gravitational wave radiation, topological defects, and baryogenesis.
Achieving Gender Equality in Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: Progress and Challenges in Moving from the MDGs to the SDGs

Achieving gender equality in education is an important goal for a development agenda. Despite major progress, notably with regard to basic education, equal access to education, for all and at all levels, remains a huge challenge facing sub-Saharan African countries. Based on a systematic review, this chapter examines the current state of knowledge regarding gender inequalities in education in the region since the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. The review shows how achieving parity is challenging for countries because the schooling gap between boys and girls results from broader gender inequalities in the family and the communities at school and in society. The chapter argues the need to consider and implement important transformative actions for gender equality at large to achieve inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Higher Long-Term Mortality with Carotid Artery Stenting in Asymptomatic Male Compared with Female Patients in the Southeastern Vascular Study Group

Background To review the sex differences among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients treated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) in the Southeastern Vascular Study Group (SEVSG), a regional quality group of the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI). Methods All cases reported by the SEVSG members of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were included in this retrospective review of CEA and CAS. Primary end point was 3-year survival difference between male and female patients. Secondary end points included in-hospital myocardial infarction (MI), transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke, and mortality differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic male and female patients. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess 3-year survival differences. Results There were 8,303 CEA and 1,876 CAS procedures performed in 29 centers from January 2011 to December 2018. From those, 4,650 (56.0%) and 938 (50.1%) were asymptomatic CEA and CAS, respectively. There were 2,760 (59.4%) male patients in the asymptomatic CEA and 597 (63.9%) in the asymptomatic CAS groups. After CEA, the rates of in-hospital MI (P = 0.034), TIA/stroke (P Conclusions In our SEVSG region, postoperative MIs, TIA/stroke, and deaths were higher in symptomatic CEA patients. MIs were more frequent in asymptomatic CEA females. Postoperative TIA/stroke was more frequent in symptomatic CAS patients. After CAS, asymptomatic male patients had higher 3-year all-cause mortality than female patients. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, male sex and lower hemoglobin levels were predictors of death in these asymptomatic male patients treated with CAS. Long-term mortality risk in asymptomatic males should be considered before offering CAS. Further national VQI analysis of our asymptomatic and symptomatic male and female patients treated with CEA and CAS would be warranted.
Application of Prevention through Design (PtD) to improve the safety of solar installations on small buildings

Abstract As a viable, clean and renewable energy resource, solar energy has gained a significant interest in the US residential sector. Most solar systems are installed on rooftops to take advantage of available space and reduce land use. However, this installation environment also exposes workers to unique safety hazards related to existing roof conditions such as slippery roofing materials, irregular roof layouts, and steep roof slopes. Although Prevention through Design (PtD) has been widely considered as an effective way to address safety issues during the design phase, little to no studies have applied PtD to improve safety in solar energy installations. To fill this knowledge gap, this research aimed to investigate how, during the design phase, to address the safety concerns of solar workers when installing solar energy systems on residential buildings. Through a series of interviews, four case studies, and a seminar, seven solar PtD attributes were identified: roofing materials, roof slopes, roof accessories, panel layouts, fall protection systems, lifting methods and electrical systems. Based on the attributes, a PtD protocol was developed that can serve as guidance for implementing PtD in solar installations. This paper presents the research activities and findings, and feedback gained from solar contractors through a seminar on the study. The study is expected to contribute to reducing safety hazards by implementing PtD, help improve safety performance in solar installations on small residential buildings and support the promotion of safety in sustainable construction.
Reducing Veterans’ Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Posttraumatic Stress, and Enhancing Engagement in Occupations with SCUBA Diving and Occupational Therapy

Veterans face significant occupational and mental health challenges. This article explores whether an occupational therapy program in combination with SCUBA diving can enhance occupational performance and mental health outcomes for veterans more than SCUBA diving alone. A two-group random assignment pretest–posttest design was implemented to compare outcomes across two groups. Veterans in Group 1 (n = 7) completed SCUBA diving while those in Group 2 (n = 8) completed SCUBA diving in combination with occupational therapy. Outcomes were measured using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Both groups participated in a semi-structured focus group post-participation. Additionally, those in Group 2 engaged in follow-up phone interviews. Trial registration number: NCT03928392. All participants significantly improved their occupational performance and satisfaction with performance, and reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression and stress. Those in Group 2 also experienced significant reductions in anxiety levels and reported applying learned interventions to daily life. Participating in SCUBA diving may contribute to reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression and stress among veterans. Engaging in occupational therapy may additionally contribute to reduced symptoms of anxiety and aid in therapeutic application of interventions to daily life.
Imaging with high-efficiency and multifunctional metalenses (Conference Presentation)

Sub-wavelength structured planar lenses known as metalenses are leading to a fundamental breakthrough in optical design with the emergence of high-end and multifunctional flat optical components that circumvent limitations in refractive optics. I will introduce our recent advances in broadband high-efficiency metalenses showing an average efficiency of approximately 90% for a wavelength bandwidth of 470 nm to 700 nm. Additionally, using metalenses as an essential core element in optical systems for polarization imaging and achromatic imaging is discussed.
Male factor infertility: genetic and epigenetic aspects

Abstract The underlying pathophysiology which results in male factor infertility is often multifactorial and complex. While it can be difficult to determine an exact cause of infertility in men, associations between genetics, epigenetics, and infertility may provide important explanations for reproductive dysfunction. Since greater than 2000 genes are involved in spermatogenesis, it is not surprising that genetic factors appear to contribute greatly to proper reproductive function. Men with azoospermia possess the highest frequency of genetic aberrations, but the number of identified genetic anomalies contributing to less severe defects in spermatogenesis is ever expanding. In addition to genetics, variations in the epigenetic landscape may confer a predisposition to infertility, result in perturbations in semen analysis parameters, or lead to diminished outcomes with assisted reproductive technology. Ongoing research is being conducted to delineate clear mechanistic pathways which may impact clinical outcomes and treatment options in the future.
Do Rheumatologists Need More Clues to Diagnose Fibromyalgia

In this issue of The Journal , Gibson, et al have demonstrated that certain subscales of the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ) can be combined to provide clues to the diagnosis of comorbid fibromyalgia (FM) in patients with rheumatic diseases1. An FM assessment screening tool (FAST) compared favorably to the 2011 self-report FM criteria, developed for clinical and epidemiologic studies2, and both agreed moderately with the clinical diagnosis of FM. The authors suggest that because MDHAQ is already frequently used in rheumatology centers, adapting the FAST indices can alert clinicians to concurrent FM without adding new self-administered screening instruments. This paper also reconsiders a number of important issues involving rheumatologists and FM. First, rheumatologists have become more aware of the frequency and effect of FM in every rheumatic disease. Whether using the FAST indices, the 2011 FM criteria, or the gold standard (Dr. Gibson’s clinical diagnosis), FM was present in about 20–30% of patients with rheumatic disease. This is consistent with reports of FM in 13–40% of cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)3,4, 10–20% of osteoarthritis (OA)5, 10–30% with psoriatic arthritis or a spondyloarthropathy [SpA; such … Address correspondence to Dr. D.L. Goldenberg, 1125 NW 12th Ave., Unit 107, Portland, Oregon 97209, USA. E-mail: dongoldenberg44{at}gmail.com
Examining perceived adolescent socioemotional development and repeated camp experiences using a planned missing data design

In questionnaire-based research, leisure investigators must balance the need for comprehensive measurement with participant fatigue associated with lengthy questionnaires. Planned missing data desi...
A phase II randomized four-regimen selection trial incorporating response for sequential chemotherapy in metastatic, unresectable urothelial cancer: Final results from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

5071 Background: We developed a clinical trial incorporating response into the treatment algorithm. Patients meeting a certain threshold of response continued with the same treatment; those with in...
P-glycoprotein Expression Is Upregulated in a Pre-Clinical Model of Traumatic Brain Injury.

Athletes participating in contact sports are at risk for sustaining repeat mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI). Unfortunately, no pharmacological treatment to lessen the pathophysiology of brain in...
Haemoptysis in third trimester-sole manifestation of stage IV gestational choriocarcinoma

Gestational choriocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm of pregnancy that is often undiagnosed until the advanced stage manifests with metastatic complications. Herein, we present a case of a 22-year-old young woman with metastatic gestational choriocarcinoma with unidentified primary origin, who presented with haemoptysis as a chief problem in her third trimester. The case emphasises on the rarity of this neoplasm in a viable pregnancy. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is the key for good maternal and fetal prognosis.
The PTAB's Problem?

To date, concerns raised to the very existence of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) are largely unpersuasive. However, underlying these concerns may be a more legitimate problem – ex post patent invalidation undermines reliance interests of patent owners that never would have developed if the patent had been rejected as unpatenable during ex ante patent examination. This is a potential problem of ex post patent invalidation generally, not the PTAB specifically, but has become more apparent as the PTAB has made ex post invalidation more common. The extent, source, and consequences of such reliance costs are questionable and require much more exploration and evaluation. These issues, however, would be a better focus for debates over the optimality of the PTAB generally, and its design choices specifically, than existing arguments focused on constitutional power, the PTAB’s absolute invalidity rate, and supposed procedural bias. They also may be relevant to on-going debates about whether it would be rational to expend more resources on ex ante patent examination.
Iron oxide nanoparticle targeted chemo-immunotherapy for triple negative breast cancer

Abstract Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is difficult to treat effectively, due to its aggressiveness, drug resistance, and lack of the receptors required for hormonal therapy, particularly at the metastatic stage. Here, we report the development and evaluation of a multifunctional nanoparticle formulation containing an iron oxide core that can deliver doxorubicin, a cytotoxic agent, and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly IC), a TLR3 agonist, in a targeted and simultaneous fashion to both breast cancer and dendritic cells. Endoglin-binding peptide (EBP) is used to target both TNBC cells and vasculature endothelium. The nanoparticle demonstrates favorable physicochemical properties and a tumor-specific targeting profile. The nanoparticle induces tumor apoptosis through multiple mechanisms including direct tumor cell killing, dendritic cell-initiated innate and T cell-mediated adaptive immune responses. The nanoparticle markedly inhibits tumor growth and metastasis and substantially extends survival in an aggressive and drug-resistant metastatic mouse model of TNBC. This study points to a promising platform that may substantially improve the therapeutic efficacy for treating metastatic TNBC.
Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) Circuits

In this chapter, the most popular type of superconductive digital logic—rapid single flux quantum (RSFQ) logic—is described. The basic building blocks of digital RSFQ circuits are described in this chapter. Different types of transmission lines for this technology—JTL and PTL—are introduced, and the advantages and disadvantages of these interconnect structures are discussed. Certain basic structures of RSFQ circuits, flux storage loops, balanced comparators, and buffers, are described here as a framework to demonstrate the operation of more complex gates. Bias current distribution in RSFQ circuits is also discussed in this chapter. Resistive bias distribution, commonly used in RSFQ circuits, is described, and the disadvantages of this approach are reviewed. Energy efficient modifications to RSFQ logic to reduce or eliminate static power dissipation are also introduced, along with the advantages and disadvantages of these different circuit topologies. In particular, the ERSFQ bias scheme, which utilizes inductive current distribution with JJs as current regulators and feeding JTLs as voltage references, is introduced.
The Effect of Investor Flows on Hedge Fund Manager Performance and the Decision to Invest

The Hedge Fund Industry has grown tremendously over the last decade and a half and its importance is becoming more pronounced in the financial markets. This thesis examines if manager performance is driving the growth of hedge funds, and how the performance of the funds is affected by increasing investor flows. Using data on the monthly returns of 3668 hedge funds during the period January 1988 to December 2005, from a less frequently researched hedge fund database, CISDM, individual hedge fund alphas are estimated using an eight-factor model. It is found that manager alphas have compressed towards zero over time and investors are generally not likely to find managers who generate significant risk adjusted returns annually and persistently. Using a logistic regression, the determinants and influences on alpha and persistence are explored. It is found that managers increase their likelihood of having alpha and their likelihood of persistence in alpha by taking on less risk, as well as age tends to negatively affect alpha. Lastly, the relationship of investor flows to performance is examined. Investors are found to be rational because flows do not react to alpha, since most managers are unlikely to generate alpha persistently. Investors do however, base their flows on past raw returns and generally prefer funds with low volatility and more experience.
Secular equilibrium of radium in Western coal

Concentrations of radium-226, radium-228, and thorium-228 in coal from six Western states have been measured by gamma spectroscopy. The existence of secular equilibrium was verified for radium-226 and previously measured uranium-238 and also for radium-228 and thorium-228. The measured radionuclide concentrations for Western coal averaged about 0.3 pCi/g for radium-226 and 0.2 pCi/g for radium-228 and thorium-228. These average values are not greatly different from those in coal from other provinces of the United States.
Trends in High-Performance Computer Architecture

Technological advances have led to microprocessors running at 300 MHz, to memory capacities of hundreds of megabytes per processing element, and to parallel processors with a few hundred nodes. In this paper, we review advances in processor design, techniques to reduce memory latency, and means to interconnect powerful nodes. In the case of processors, we emphasize the implementation of techniques such as speculative execution based on branch prediction and out-of-order execution. We describe alternate ways to handle vector data. While memory capacity is increasing, so has, relatively speaking, its latency. We describe how add-ons to caches and cache hierarchies can help reduce the memory latency. In the case of shared-memory multiprocessors, we show how relaxing sequentiality constraints is one way to reduce latency. In the case of interconnects, there is no definite trend for topology at this time. It appears that the real problem is latency, not bandwidth.
Practical advice for implementing long-term ecosystem monitoring

Understanding the current status and long-term trends of natural resources is widely recognized as a cornerstone of ecological research and management. As society wrestles with complex environmental issues involving multiple species and dynamic habitat conditions, the call for ecosystem-based management becomes increasingly urgent (Francis et al. 2007; Levin et al. 2009). However, to effectively implement ecosystem-based management, managers need access to baseline environmental measurements from appropriate temporal and spatial scales that are directly related to programme objectives. Examples of long-term data contributing to policy exist (e.g. UK Environmental Change Network: http://www.ecn.ac.uk/ what-we-do/evidence/), but in many places, there remains a lack of credible and commonly shared baseline data that often results in poor decision-making and environmental policy (Yaffee 1997). Books and articles invoking the value of long-termmonitoring have existed for decades (e.g. Holling 1978). The monitoring of carbon dioxide at Mauna Loa and ozone in Antarctica, possibly the two most famous examples demonstrating the importance of long-term studies, alerted scientists to drastic changes in the earth’s atmosphere. Recent documentation of natural phenomena such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (Mantua H watershed restoration: Roni 2005; National Marine Sanctuaries: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/science/ monitoring/; Long Term Ecological Research Network: *Correspondence author. E-mail: christopher_sergeant@nps.gov Journal of Applied Ecology 2012, 49, 969–973 doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2012.02149.x