cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perseids: Experimenting with Infrastructure for Creating and Sharing Research Data in the Digital Humanities

The Perseids project provides a platform for creating, publishing, and sharing research data, in the form of textual transcriptions, annotations and analyses. An offshoot and collaborator of the Perseus Digital Library (PDL), Perseids is also an experiment in reusing and extending existing infrastructure, tools, and services. This paper discusses infrastructure in the domain of digital humanities (DH). It outlines some general approaches to facilitating data sharing in this domain, and the specific choices we made in developing Perseids to serve that goal. It concludes by identifying lessons we have learned about sustainability in the process of building Perseids, noting some critical gaps in infrastructure for the digital humanities, and suggesting some implications for the wider community.
Evidence of suboscine song plasticity in response to traffic noise fluctuations and temporary road closures

AbstractThis study investigates how noise reduction (road closure) mitigates the effect of traffic noise on the acoustic communication of the Eastern wood pewee (Contopus virens) (EAWP), a suboscine passerine. Songs were passively recorded at sites where the traffic pattern of the nearest road was either relatively constant or reduced on a weekly basis during a 36 h road closure. Five song attributes, low frequency traffic noise amplitude (LAeq) measured within 20 s of each song, and full-spectrum background noise levels (LAeq) characteristic of each territory were measured and analysed in order to better understand how EAWP respond to variation in traffic noise levels. EAWP adjusted its spectral song attributes by increasing song tonality to improve transmission in immediate response to fluctuations in traffic noise. The results suggest that song adjustments are responses to traffic noise levels at the time of their song, instead of the average background noise level measured per territory. This study pr...
UV-Vis-NIR white light LIDAR using polarization-controlled laser filamentation

White-Light LIDAR was performed using a unique polarization-controlled white light source generated by filamentation. The design and performance of this supercontinuum source will be shown as well as its importance for a novel LIDAR approach.
The Return of Visual Culture (Why Not

In the March 2003 issue of Art Education, editor Pat Villeneuve asked, “WHY visual culture art education? Why not?” (2003, p. 5). More than 2 years later, these questions are still important to consider beyond their apparently rhetorical tone.
The QOL of Countries

There is a growing trend in QOL studies in the development of country-specific measures of QOL, subjective indicators of QOL included. This chapter will describe research related to the development of country-specific measures of subjective well-being. We will begin by describing reports comparing subjective well-being of citizens of various countries, and then we will shift gears to addressing subjective well-being data from specific countries.
Influence of low temperature ageing on optical and mechanical properties of transparent yittria stabilized-zirconia cranial prosthesis

Laser-based diagnostics and therapeutics show promise for many neurological disorders. However, the poor transparency of cranial bone limits the spatial resolution and interaction depth that can be achieved. We addressed this limitation previously, by introducing a novel cranial prosthesis made of a transparent nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia (nc-YSZ) which aims to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases by providing chronic optical access to the brain. By using optical coherence tomography, we have demonstrated the initial feasibility of ncYSZ implants for cortical imaging in an acute murine model. Although zirconia-based implants have been known for their excellent mechanical properties, the in vivo application was found to be affected by long-term failures, due to low temperature degradation. Accelerated aging simulations in humid environments at slightly elevated temperatures and over long periods typically transforms the ceramic surface into a monoclinic structure through a stress-corrosion-type mechanism. It was expected that the new nc-YSZ would show sufficient resistance to humid environments in comparison to the conventional zirconia implant. However, even a modest amount of transformation can change optical characteristics such as transparency. Herein we present the results of a simulated ageing study following the guidelines from the ISO 13356:2008 on aging of surgical zirconia ceramics. Comparison of %monoclinic transformation, optical transparency and mechanical hardness of nc-YSZ samples at baseline and following 25 and 100 h hydrothermal treatments shows our implant can withstand these extended ageing treatments.
Multiple spectral channels in branchiopods. II. Role in light-dependent behavior and natural light environments.

Light is a primary environmental factor used by aquatic invertebrates for depth selection behavior. Many branchiopod crustaceans live in ephemeral aquatic habitats. All branchiopod crustaceans studied to date express four or more visual opsins in their compound eyes. We asked whether two branchiopods, Triops longicaudatus , and Streptocephalus mackini , use multiple spectral channels to regulate their position in the water column. At the lowest intensities that elicited photonegative behavior, both species had broad spectral bandwidths, suggesting they use multiple spectral photoreceptor classes. Male Streptocephalus mackini were more likely to maintain a vertical position 8.0-12.0 cm below the surface than females, independently of whether females were present. Male photopositive behavior at low intensity was restricted to narrow bandwidth centered at 532nm, suggesting a single photoreceptor class is used to maintain position above females. We compared ephemeral pools from two regions in Arizona and found that diffuse light attenuation coefficients were two orders of magnitude greater than the most heavily attenuating coastal waters. At less than a meter of depth, pools were often dimmer than terrestrial habitats under starlight. Soil particle size distribution in each region affected spectral light environments, and behavioral responses of field-caught shrimp were adapted to the spectral properties of their region. The results suggest that branchiopods predominantly use luminance vision summed from multiple spectral photoreceptor classes for depth selection in dim, spectrally variable environments. The neuroanatomical basis for summation is described in a companion paper.
Impacts of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee on the ecology of the Hudson River Estuary

ABSTRACTBetween 27 August 2011 and 15 September 2011, the Hudson River Estuary was subjected to two named weather events: Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. An ongoing sampling programme enabl...
Genetic Basis of Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome in Health and Retirement Study (P2.186)

Objective: To investigate the genetic basis of Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome. Background: Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome (MCR) syndrome is a newly described pre-dementia syndrome. Epidemiological studies link obesity, stroke, depressive symptoms, sedentariness and hypertension to risk of developing MCR. Exploration of the genetic predisposition linked to these phenotypes may provide new biological insights into the pathogenesis of MCR. Design/Methods: We analyzed 5079 individuals aged 65 years and above with European ancestry (mean age 75.0±6.8, 56.8% women) in the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study. MCR syndrome was diagnosed based on presence of subjective cognitive complaints and slow gait in individuals without dementia or disability. Polygenic scores (PGS) released by HRS were calculated as weighted sums of effect of SNPs, with odds ratio (OR) or beta estimates from the GWAS meta-analysis used to define effect for the SNPs. The association between 8 MCR associated phenotypes (General cognition, Body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure, education, Alzheimer’s disease, neuroticism, waist circumference, and depressive symptoms) PGSs and MCR as well as its components were examined by logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender, education, and genetic ancestry. Results: There were 300 (5.9%) cases of MCR, 291 (5.7%) cases of slow gait only, and 1722 (33.9%) cases of subjective cognitive complaints only. Higher PGSs for BMI (OR 1.18, 95%CI 1.03–1.34) and waist circumference (OR 1.17, 95%CI 1.01–1.36) were associated with MCR. PGS of Alzheimer disease showed a suggestive association with MCR (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.99–1.26). Higher PGS for neuroticism (OR 1.12, 95%CI 1.03–1.20) and depressive symptoms (OR 1.08, 95%CI 1.01–1.15) were associated with cognitive complaints. None of the PGS were associated with slow gait. Conclusions: Obesity related genetic traits may increase risk of MCR, and need to be further studied. Polygenic score analyses may provide clues to potential therapeutic targets to reduce risk of MCR. Study Supported by: The research reported on this poster was supported by the National Institute on Aging (U01AG009740). The investigators retained full independence in the conduct of this research. This analysis was supported by R56AGO57548. Disclosure: Dr. Sathyan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ayers has nothing to disclose. Dr. Verghese has nothing to disclose.
Divergence in reproductive ecology of the three-spined stickleback,Gasterosteus aculeatus

An anadromous population (trachurus form) and three freshwater populations (leiurus form) of the three-spined stickleback,Gasterosteus aculeatus, in central Japan were compared with one another in the reproductive traits: body length at maturity, egg size, clutch size, the swell of abdomen and the number of eggs per nest. The anadromous fish which become larger in body size at maturity spawn eggs smaller in size and greater in number than the freshwater fish. The abdomen swell of gravid females expressed by the proportion of abdomen width to body length was greater in the freshwater fish. The anadromous male fish collected a mean of 2,638 eggs with a range of 1,119 to 4,052 eggs from about 6–7 females. In the three freshwater (the Yamayoke, the Tsuya and the Jizo) populations, males must have mated with about 9–22, 7–18 and 4–7 females respectively. It seems that theleiurus form increases its reproductive success by its much more mating opportunities and the parental efforts of nesting males as well as by spawning large eggs. Furthermore, among the freshwater populations, the Jizo one inhabiting the upper stream was clearly larger in body size, in egg size and in clutch size than the Yamayoke and the Tsuya ones which inhabit stable waterbodies with springs. It is possible that the Jizo population adopted the strategy of spawning a few large eggs as an adaptation to its habitat. The causal and functional explanations in reproductive characteristics among the four populations are discussed in regard to differences in the environmental conditions.
Confinement and manipulation of electron plasmas in a multicell trap

Plasma dynamics and transport are studied experimentally in a multicell Penning-Malmberg trap. The goal is to develop methods for accumulation and long-term confinement of larger numbers of charged particles (e.g., positrons) than is presently possible. In this scheme, the particles constitute non-neutral plasmas which are confined separately in a parallel array of storage cells. Experiments are presented in which pure electron plasmas are transferred from a large-diameter “master cell” trapping region into four smaller, parallel “storage cells,” three of which are offset from the magnetic symmetry axis. The physics of the transfer process, as well as the confinement properties of plasmas in the storage cells, is discussed. We show that plasmas can be transferred into the storage cells and held there for up to a day or more using the rotating wall technique, provided that the plasma radius is sufficiently small compared to that of the cell wall. Experiments regarding the confinement of plasmas with kilovolt space charge are discussed. Recommendations are provided for future efforts with high-capacity multicell traps.Plasma dynamics and transport are studied experimentally in a multicell Penning-Malmberg trap. The goal is to develop methods for accumulation and long-term confinement of larger numbers of charged particles (e.g., positrons) than is presently possible. In this scheme, the particles constitute non-neutral plasmas which are confined separately in a parallel array of storage cells. Experiments are presented in which pure electron plasmas are transferred from a large-diameter “master cell” trapping region into four smaller, parallel “storage cells,” three of which are offset from the magnetic symmetry axis. The physics of the transfer process, as well as the confinement properties of plasmas in the storage cells, is discussed. We show that plasmas can be transferred into the storage cells and held there for up to a day or more using the rotating wall technique, provided that the plasma radius is sufficiently small compared to that of the cell wall. Experiments regarding the confinement of plasmas with kilovo...
Characterization of a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)-based LED lighting system

LED lighting systems using Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology have been introduced to the lighting market in recent years as a network-connected lighting solution. PoE technology can provide low-voltage direct current (dc) power and control information to LED lighting over a standard Ethernet cable. One of the commonly claimed benefits of the PoEbased lighting system is higher system efficiency compared to traditional line voltage alternating current (ac) systems. This is due to the fact that in the case of PoE systems, the ac-dc power conversion losses are minimized because the acdc power conversion takes place at the PoE switch rather than at all the LED drivers within the lighting fixtures. However, it is well known that power losses can occur as a result of increased voltage drop along the low-voltage cables. The objective of this study was to characterize a PoE lighting system and identify the power losses at the different parts of the system. Based on the findings, we developed a methodology for characterizing the electrical efficiency of a PoEbased LED lighting system and then used this methodology to characterize commercially available PoE-based LED lighting systems and compare their performance. The electrical efficiency characterization included both the system as a whole and each individual component in the systems, such as the power sourcing equipment, powered device, Ethernet cables, and LED driver. The study results also investigated the discrepancy between the measured and reported energy use of the system components.
Advances in monitoring have not translated into improvements in humanitarian health services.

BACKGROUND: This paper is an attempt to review the advances and shortfalls in data collection and use of health data that have occurred during health emergencies in recent decades for the opening session of the Humanitarian and Health Conference at Dartmouth University in September of 2006. METHODS: Examples of various kinds of successes and failures associated with health data collection are given to highlight advances with an effort to emphasize multi-agency efforts reviewed by outside scholars. RESULTS: Health data, particularly surveillance data, have allowed relief workers to set priorities for life-saving humanitarian programs. The main guidelines widely utilized such as those of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Medecins sans Frontieres, and the Sphere Project have considerable similarity due to the consistency of data collected in various crises. Moreover, difficult to see problems and successes have been revealed by coherent surveillance efforts. Yet, these data collection efforts can not show significant improvements in the quality of humanitarian aid in recent years. Moreover, health data often do not appear to have meaningful influence on the prioritizing of relief resources globally or on those political issues that trigger emergencies. CONCLUSIONS: The field of humanitarian relief is relatively nascent. Methods for documenting basic health measures on the local level have been developed and general health priorities have been documented. Some technical improvements in monitoring still are needed but decision-making is most often limited by the lack of data rather than the problems with data. The ability of health data to influence spending global priorities, legal or political actions undertaken by international organizations, remains very limited. Language: en
Cost-effective monolithically integrated surface grating for polarization-stable VCSELs (Conference Presentation)

Shallow semiconductor grating has been developed as an important add-on feature of Finisar’s VCSEL product family for low cost and yet highly effective polarization control. Our device simulation based on RCWA is capable of surface grating design for a variety of power levels and wavelength range. Data are presented to demonstrate stable polarization locking with side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) up to 30dB.
Drivers of individual tree growth and mortality in an uneven-aged, mixed-species conifer forest

Abstract Individual tree growth and mortality drive forest stand dynamics and are universally important metrics of tree success. Studying factors that affect growth and mortality is particularly challenging in mixed-species, uneven-aged systems due to their defining heterogeneity and strong temporal and spatial variability. The goal of this study was to determine the relative importance of individual tree attributes (i.e., species, size, neighborhood crowding, crown position) and environmental characteristics (i.e., soil moisture) in driving tree growth and survival in an uneven-aged, mixed species forest. In particular we tested if the factors regulating growth were the same as those regulating mortality, as is often assumed. Due to its large size and intensive sampling, the 3-ha, stem-mapped plot (established in 1989) at Howland Research Forest in central Maine, USA, allowed us to address additional questions regarding the influence of sapling crowding, neighbor species identity, and legacies of past disturbance. Growth and survival of over 3000 plot trees was assessed after 25 years and modeled using multiple linear regression (growth) and binary logistic regression (survival). As expected, species, neighborhood crowding, and tree diameter were top predictors of growth and survival. Specifically, growth and survival decreased with greater crowding, and increased with larger diameters. We also found that the identity of neighbors influenced focal tree growth: growth generally improved in neighborhoods comprised of species different from that of the focal. However, this general finding did not hold for all species: eastern hemlock grew better in hemlock neighborhoods, and northern white-cedar showed no response related to neighbor identities. In contrast to growth, neighborhood identity was not related to survival. Crowding from saplings did not explain any additional variability in growth; however, unexpectedly, individuals with greater sapling crowding were more likely to survive. For both growth and survival, we found an interaction between crowding and soil moisture, suggesting that within a single stand, individual success can be limited by both excess and insufficient moisture. We found no relationship between neighborhood cut stumps (legacy of past disturbance) and recent growth or survival. These results highlight the many variables driving growth and survival in uneven-aged, mixed-species forests. The top predictors for growth were identical to those for survival; however, other predictors differed in their relative importance. Given the recent emphasis on promoting uneven-aged, mixed-species forests, we suggest that studies addressing a full range of predictors of individual tree success are necessary to better manage and maintain these complex systems.
Evaluating Unplanned Returns to the Operating Room in Head and Neck Free Flap Patients

Head and neck oncologic surgery with reconstruction represents one of the most complex operations in otolaryngology. Unplanned return to the operating room represents an objective measure of postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to identify reasons and risk factors for unplanned return to the operating room in patients undergoing head and neck surgery with reconstruction. This retrospective cohort study of 467 patients undergoing head and neck surgery with free flap reconstruction used a previously-developed Head and Neck-Reconstructive Surgery-specific National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Disease and site-specific preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were gathered. Comparisons between those with and without an unexpected return to the operating room were completed with univariate and multiple logistic regression models. The rate of unexpected return to the operating room was 18.8% (88 patients). Most common reasons for URTOR were flap compromise (24 patients, 5.1%), postoperative infection (21 patients, 4.5%), and hematoma (20 patients, 4.3%). Two risk factors were identified by multivariate analysis: coagulopathy (ORadjusted = 2.83, 95% CI = 1.24–6.19, P = 0.010), and use of alcohol (ORadjusted = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.14–3.33, P = 0.025). Preexisting coagulopathy and increased alcohol consumption were associated with increased risk of unexpected return to the operating room. These findings can aid physicians in preoperative patient counseling and medical optimization and can inform more precise risk stratification of patients undergoing head and neck surgery with reconstruction. Strategies to prevent and mitigate unexpected returns to the operating room will improve patient outcomes, decrease resource utilization, and facilitate successful integration into alternative payment models.
Interdisciplinary collecting – a conceptual outline of Urban Studies

Supporting interdisciplinary programs like Urban Studies, Urban Affairs or Urban Design and Planning is challenging for subject specialists used to dealing with traditionally defined disciplines. This paper presents an outline of Urban Studies to guide collection development librarians to avoid collection deficiencies.
Indications for and termination of resuscitation

In the opinion of the American Heart Association [AHA] all patients suffering respiratory or cardiac arrest should be resuscitated unless 1. there are obvious signs of clinical death, 2. resuscitating the patient would place the rescuer/rescuers at significant risk of physical injury or 3. there is a documentation or another reliable person confirming that resuscitation is not wanted or in the patient's best interest. Once begun resuscitation should continue until one of the following occurs: 1. Return of spontaneous circulation and ventilation. 2. Care is transferred to another team of trained rescuers [physician, ECC team, etc.]. 3. Reliable criteria for the determination of death is recognized. 4. The rescuer/rescuers ar too exhausted to continue resuscitation or environmental hazards endanger the rescuers. 5. Valid no-CPR documentation is represented to the rescuers, either before the resuscitation has begun or during the effort. The psychological aspects of critical incident debriefing are described as are recommendations for conveying news of a sudden death to family members. In addition, the ethical points of organ transplants and practicing intubation on newly deceased persons are described.
Examining Associations between the Home Literacy Environment, Executive Function, and School Readiness.

ABSTRACTResearch Findings: The purpose of the current study was to investigate direct associations between the home literacy environment (HLE) and preschool children’s executive function (EF), acad...
Annals for Hospitalists Inpatient Notes - Inpatient Hypertension—To Treat or Tolerate?

Hospitalized patients often have elevated blood pressure (BP), but there is a paucity of guidance on how physicians should manage patients with hypertensive urgency (systolic BP >180 mm Hg without ...
EXCITATION OF THE $sup 3$/$sub 2$$sup +$, 2.02-MeV STATE IN $sup 41$Ca BY THE (t,d) REACTION.

The $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ ($t,d$) reaction, with 20-MeV tritons, was used to excite the ground and first two excited states of $^{41}\mathrm{Ca}$. The measured differential cross sections were analyzed using the distorted-wave method, assuming the usual first-order stripping mechanism. The triton optical potential was obtained by fitting measurements of the elastic scattering. The spectroscopic factor ${C}^{2}S$ for ${d}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ capture into the 2.02-MeV state was found to be about 0.06 times that for ${f}_{\frac{7}{2}}$ capture into the ground state when the usual well-depth prescription was used for the neutron wave function. More realistic ${d}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ neutron form factors based upon simple model wave functions for $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ and $^{41}\mathrm{Ca}$ were also used. They led to spectroscopic factors which are at least twice as large and are found to be very sensitive to the type of nucleon-nucleon interaction assumed. The implications for the amount of particle-hole excitation in the ground state of $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ are discussed.
Abstract 4286: TGF-β signature is a therapeutic biomarker for combination immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Several immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently shown promising results in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, tumor response rates ranged from 14% to 17%. Thus, there remains a large unmet medical need for novel and effective immunotherapeutic strategies against HCC. Dysregulated signaling in the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathway plays a central role in immunomodulation, inflammation, and fibrogenesis in the HCC microenvironment. We therefore used The Cancer Genome Atlas database to analyze potential therapeutic approaches combining TGF-β inhibition and immunotherapies for HCC. Methods: Transcriptomic analyses were performed in 193 HCC cases. Pathway analyses were performed by correlating 70 published signatures with TGF-β signatures. Results: 1. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of TGF-β genes in HCC revealed four distinct clusters with unique TGF-β signatures: highly activated (14.5%), activated (45.0%), normal (30.6%), and inactivated (9.9%). 2. Highly activated TGF-β signatures were significantly associated with fibrosis and activated stromal signatures. 3. TGF-β signature subtypes were significantly associated with immune cell infiltration, T cell exhaustion, and checkpoint blockade response subclasses. 4. Potentially targetable genes were associated with specific TGF-β signatures. 5. TGF-β signatures provide potential combination therapeutic options for HCC. Conclusion: We demonstrated a specific immunosuppressive role of TGF-β in mediating immunotherapy resistance in HCC, highlighting the TGF-β signature as a potential biomarker in individualized immunotherapeutic approaches in HCC. Citation Format: Jian Chen, Xiaoping Su. TGF-β signature is a therapeutic biomarker for combination immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4286.
Clinical characteristics and gene variants of patients with infantile intrahepatic cholestasis

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic findings of patients with infantile intrahepatic cholestasis. Methods The clinical data were collected in children who were admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology in Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics from June 2017 to June 2019 and were suspected of inherited metabolic diseases. Next generation sequencing based on target gene panel was used for gene analysis in these children. Sanger sequencing technology was used to verify the genes of the members in this family. Results Forty patients were enrolled. Pathogenic gene variants were identified in 13 patients (32%), including SLC25A13 gene variation in 3 patients who were diagnosed with citrin deficiency, JAG1 gene variation in 3 patients who were diagnosed with Alagille syndrome, ABCB11 gene variation in 3 patients who were diagnosed with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2, HSD3B7 gene variation in 1 patient who was diagnosed with congenital bile acid synthesis defect type 1, AKR1D1 gene variation in 1 patient who was diagnosed with congenital bile acid synthesis defect type 1, NPC1 gene variation in 1 patient who was diagnosed with Niemann-Pick disease, and CFTR gene variation in 1 patient who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Conclusions The etiology of infantile intrahepatic cholestasis is complex. Next generation sequencing is helpful in the diagnosis of infantile intrahepatic cholestasis.
Welcome to the Anthropocene: Gregory Bateson, disaster porn, Swamp Thing, and ‘The Green’

A recurring narrative in popular culture is imminent global catastrophe. Contextualizing the cultural phenomenon of disaster porn, I discuss the Anthropocene and explore Gregory Bateson’s ecosystem...
Airborne Dual-Band Microwave Radar System for Snow Thickness Measurement

An ultrawide-band radar system was developed to measure snow thickness from an airborne platform. It is a second-generation device, improving upon a system that was deployed to Antarctica in 2018–2019. The radar operates from 2.7 -10.7 GHz and from 10–18 GHz for a theoretical resolution of less than 2 cm, It was deployed to the Grand Mesa National Forest in Colorado on a Twin Otter DHC-6 aircraft in March of 2019. The system successfully mapped the air-snow and snow-ground interfaces as well as some internal layering over both vegetative and non-vegetative areas. In this paper, we discuss the design, development and deployment of this radar and show some preliminary results.
Single-port robotic inguinal lymph node dissection: A safe and feasible option for penile cancer.

Abstract Introduction Inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) is essential to the accurate staging of advanced penile cancer and in determining prognosis. Open ILND is associated with significant morbidity. The robotic-assisted approach has been described with comparable nodal yield with the advantage of decreased postoperative complications when studied with the multiport robotic platform. This video shows our approach for an ILND with the Intuitive single port (SP) robotic platform. Method A 54-year-old man underwent a partial penectomy for a penile mass that revealed squamous cell carcinoma invading the corpus spongiosum (pT2). Patient had non-palpable lymph nodes on physical examination. We proceeded with the bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection using the Intuitive da Vinci Single-Port Robot. Results A standard template dissection was performed on both sides. Due to nodal enlargement noted on the pre-operative CT scan on the right side, superficial and deep ILND were performed on that side. Intra-operative frozen section pathologies of superficial lymph nodes were negative on the left side. Bilateral saphenous veins were preserved. Total procedure time was 4 hours and 51 minutes in duration with minimal blood loss noted ( Conclusions We describe the technique and feasibility of ILND using the SP robotic platform. This approach has the potential to reduce morbidity with comparable nodal dissection as the open approach.
Geographic Access to Radiation Therapy Facilities in the United States.

Abstract Background: The current distribution of radiation therapy (RT) facilities in the US is not well established. A comprehensive inventory of US RT facilities was last assessed in 2005, based on data from state regulatory agencies and dosimetric quality assurance bodies. We updated this database to characterize population-level measures of geographic access to RT and analyze changes over the past 15 years. Methods: We compiled data from regulatory and accrediting organizations to identify US facilities with linear accelerators used to treat humans in 2018-2020. Addresses were geocoded and analyzed with Geographic Information Services (GIS) software. Geographic access was characterized by assessing the Euclidian distance between zip code tabulation areas (ZCTA)/county centroids and RT facilities. Populations were assigned to each county to estimate the impact of facility changes at the population level. Logistic regressions were performed to identify features associated with increased distance to RT and associated with regions that gained an RT facility between the two time points studied. Results: In 2020, a total of 2,313 US RT facilities were reported compared to 1,987 in 2005, representing a 16.4% growth in facilities over nearly 15 years. Based on population attribution to ZCTA centroids, 77.9% of the US population lives within 12.5 miles of an RT facility, and 1.8% of the US population lives more than 50 miles from an RT facility. We found that increased distance to RT was associated with non-metro status, less insurance, older median age, and less populated regions. Between 2005 and 2020, the population living within 12.5 miles from an RT facility increased by 2.1 percentage points, while the population living furthest from RT facilities decreased 0.6 percentage points. Regions with improved geographic RT access are more likely to be higher income and better insured. Conclusion: 1.8% of the US population has limited geographic access to radiation therapy. We found that people benefiting from improved access to RT facilities are more economically advantaged, suggesting disparities in geographic access may not improve without intervention.
Using logic programming to detect deception on the basis of actions

Software which can perform generalized, high-level reasoning with respect to the detection of deception is needed, is quite difficult to produce, and is absent from the arsenal of tools available to practitioners and researchers in this field. The author has produced such a program which reasons within the confines of a simple espionage scenario. This program provides the general architecture needed by our desired software. Significant work is still needed to mature this generalized architecture into a feasible tool. That work would include making the program far more robust (handling more varied and more complicated situations), increasing the knowledge base (in the vein of “common sense reasoning”), applying the architecture to many more scenarios, and generalizing the lessons learned from those scenarios. The goal of all this work is to develop an architecture which can automatically detect deception in a wide variety of contexts. The work presented here attempts to detect deception on the basis of actions. This is in sharp contrast with current approaches which detect deception on the basis of physiological factors, and on the basis of verbal and non-verbal queues. Software based on our architecture should be able to predict consequences of actions, and predict future actions. Further, in the light of uncertainty, multiple views of the world can be maintained simultaneously. (In the presence of uncertainty, the ability to postulate different ways that the world could be is very important. Not only can we represent different ways of perceiving the world, but we can also reason about those differences.) An agent architecture is used to represent agents (or entities), their interrelationships, and their actions. These details are represented in a very formal logic programming paradigm, called Answer Set Programming, which is more clearly specified as A-Prolog. The inference engine used is SMODELS We are also using a specific action language formalism. This formalism allows us to reason about prerequisites to actions, consequences of actions, corequisites of actions, mutual exclusivity of actions, and sequences of actions. It also allows us to represent and reason about time. We can predict future actions on the basis of observations. One method of detecting deception is the fact that present observations may not match our earlier predictions. Predicting future actions allows us to identify potential opportunities for deception.
Studying the Process of Writing in a Foreign Language: An Overview of the Methods

This paper provides an overview of the methods adopted in researching the process of writing in a foreign and second language. Cognitively-informed research tends to adopt verbal protocols as a primary method of investigation. In contrast, sociocultural theoretical frameworks typically focus on collaborative writing tasks to elicit data. This overview argues for the need to adopt methods consistent with a sociocultural perspective in studying individual writing tasks.
Partitioned and parallel cyclic redundancy checking

In this paper, the linear feedback shift register (LFSR) is redesigned to process several bits of a long data stream simultaneously in order to obtain a signature more quickly. The resulting structure is capable of encoding, decoding, detecting, and correcting errors in cyclic codes partitioned into variable length words; hence, it is given the name partitioned parallel encoder, decoder, detector, corrector (pPEDDC). A simple pPEDDC VLSI chip has been fabricated and used to extract performance measures for comparison with equivalent LFSR implementations. >
Use of sedation techniques during local and regional anaesthesia

Local anaesthetic techniques are increasing in popularity because of the improved recovery profiles compared with general and regional anaesthesia (Table II). The use of intravenous adjuvants during local and regional anaesthesia can provide enhanced patient comfort while optimizing intraoperative conditions. These sedativeanalgesic techniques may also be applied to procedures in which local anaesthetics are either unnecessary or impractical. While local anaesthetic-based regimens are generally perceived as safer than general anaesthesia, the addition of potent sedative-hypnotic and analgesic drugs may result in severe depression of central respiratory drive and/or transient upper airway obstruction. Although the use of carefully titrated infusions of rapid and short-acting sedative drugs should enhance patient safety, further studies are needed to determine the optimal delivery system for intravenous adjuvants. To achieve the desired results there is a need for vigilant monitoring, combined with supplemental oxygen administration and the availability of resuscitation equipment. Concerns regarding the increasing cost of health care has necessitated a careful examination of the cost-benefit of all newer sedative-analgesic drugs and techniques. Recently, Kainet al. reported that propofol was actually more cost-effective than inexpensive barbiturate drugs when used for sedation outside the operating room because of its more favourable recovery profile.
Evaluating Success Criteria and Project Monitoring in River Enhancement Within an Adaptive Management Framework

Objective setting, performance measures, and accountability are important components of an adaptive-management approach to river-enhancement programs. Few lessons learned by river-enhancement practitioners in the United States have been documented and disseminated relative to the number of projects implemented. We conducted scripted telephone surveys with river-enhancement project managers and practitioners within the Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB) to determine the extent of setting project success criteria, monitoring, evaluation of monitoring data, and data dissemination. Investigation of these elements enabled a determination of those that inhibited adaptive management. Seventy river enhancement projects were surveyed. Only 34% of projects surveyed incorporated a quantified measure of project success. Managers most often relied on geophysical attributes of rivers when setting project success criteria, followed by biological communities. Ninety-one percent of projects that performed monitoring included biologic variables, but the lack of data collection before and after project completion and lack of field-based reference or control sites will make future assessments of ecologic success difficult. Twenty percent of projects that performed monitoring evaluated >or=1 variable but did not disseminate their evaluations outside their organization. Results suggest greater incentives may be required to advance the science of river enhancement. Future river-enhancement programs within the UMRB and elsewhere can increase knowledge gained from individual projects by offering better guidance on setting success criteria before project initiation and evaluation through established monitoring protocols.
Cerebral vascular autoregulation and CO2 reactivity following onset of the delayed postischemic hypoperfusion state in dogs

A small number of animal studies have suggested that during the delayed postischemic hypoperfusion state, CO2 reactivity of the cerebral vasculature is lost whereas autoregulation is retained. These findings, however, are inconsistent with the bulk of experimental evidence which demonstrates that CO2 reactivity is more robust and may be retained in pathologic circumstances which abolish autoregulation. These opposing viewpoints were therefore further evaluated in 18 dogs in which complete global ischemia was induced by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compression for periods of 12 (n = 12) and 18 (n = 6) min. Following 45 min of reperfusion and with onset of the delayed postischemic hypoperfusion state, autoregulation and CO2 reactivity were evaluated using a continuous measurement of CBF (by sagittal sinus outflow). CO2 reactivity was tested over a PaCO2 range of 20 to 60 mm Hg; autoregulation was tested over a blood pressure range of 60 to 140 mm Hg. Results demonstrated that after both 12 and 18 min of complete global ischemia, autoregulation and CO2 reactivity of the cerebral vasculature were both present, but attenuated. In the case of CO2 reactivity, the slope of the CBF response was decreased approximately 75%. In the case of autoregulation, the response in some dogs was incomplete as compared with their preischemic response.
Explaining Mathematics Achievement of Mature Internal and External Students at the University of Papua New Guinea.

This paper explains the variance in matriculation mathematics achievement of mature internal and external students at the University of Papua New Guinea. The 1984 and 1985 intakes of the Preliminary Year and Matriculation Studies were taken as samples. Six instruments were developed and administered. Data were analysed using path analysis. Over 40% variance in mathematics achievement was explained both for internal and external students. Background variables seem to be more important in the learning of mathematics compared to mediatory variables for external students than the internal students.
A structural distance effect for backward anaphora in Broca’s area: an fMRI study

Accounts of the role of Broca’s area in sentence comprehension range from specific syntactic operations to domain-general processes. The present study was designed to tease apart these two general accounts by measuring the BOLD response to two syntactically distinct long-distance dependencies that invoke abstractly similar predictive processes: backward anaphora and filler-gap dependencies. Previous research has observed distance effects in Broca’s area for filler-gap dependencies, but not canonical anaphora, which has been interpreted in support of a syntactic movement account. However, filler-gap dependencies engage predictive mechanisms, resulting in active search for the gap, while canonical anaphora do not. Backward anaphora correct for this asymmetry as they engage a predictive mechanism that parallels the active search in filler-gap dependencies. The results revealed a distance effect in the pars triangularis of Broca’s area for the backward anaphora condition, supporting a prediction-based role for this region rather than one for a particular syntactic operation.
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist prevents Staphylococcus epidermidis-induced hypotension and reduces circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor and IL-1 beta in rabbits.

Similar to shock in gram-negative sepsis, shock from gram-positive organisms is mediated, in part, by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). In the present study, rabbits were infused with IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) prior to and during Staphylococcus epidermidis-induced hypotension. After injection of bacteria, a maximal fall in mean arterial pressure to -42% below baseline occurred at 200 min in vehicle-treated animals compared with a nonsignificant decrease of only 7% in the IL-1ra-treated group (P
Reputational capital, opportunism, and self-policing in legislatures *

This paper examines the question of whether reputational capital can deter opportunistic behavior among legislators preparing to exit the House of Representatives. I create a measure of reputational trustworthiness, based upon pooled samples of constituency opinion derived from the National Election Studies surveys. I then examine the extent to which such reputational good will among constituents deters lame-duck foreign travel by exiting House incumbents within the context of a quasi-experimental research design. The analysis suggests that legislators may be ‘self-policed’ by their reputations for honesty and trustworthiness to the point of discouraging unethical activity. urveys. I then examine the extent to which such s derived from the National Election Studies
The Two-Tiered Ethics of EDP

Ethical questions regarding access to and use of electronically generated data are (if asked) commonly resolved by distinguishing in Lockean fashion between raw (unworked) and refined (worked) data. The former is thought to belong to no one, the latter to the collector and those to whom the collector grants access. Comparative power separates free riders from rightful owners. The resulting two-tiered ethics of access is here challenged on the grounds that it inequitably establishes a rule of law for the strong while leaving the weak in a Hobbesian state of nature. Efforts at legislative constraints are reviewed; but such constraints are found to afford inadequate protections of privacy if a data subject may not prohibit others under ordinary circumstances from using recognizably name-linked data.
Bilateral synovial cysts of the thoracic spine: A case report

Abstract We report a case of bilateral synovial cysts of the thoracic spine. The patient presented with progressive, lowerextremity weakness and hypesthesia, culminating in complete paraplegia. This rare lesion should be considered when confronted with a patient with thoracic cord compression.
Using Application Benchmark Results from TI-10 to Find Appropriate HPCMP Architectures

Time-to-solution and scalability of an application can vary greatly from one computer architecture to another. It is important then to consider the appropriateness of architectures with respect to applications to make the most efficient use of available resources. However, because of the wide range of applications currently in use within the community and the large number of systems managed by the High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP), determining the most appropriate systems for each application can be difficult. This paper, therefore, focuses solely on codes within the HPCMP Technology Insertion 2010 (TI-10) Applications Benchmarking Suite. These codes include AMR, AVUS, CTH, GAMESS, HYCOM, ICEPIC, and LAMMPS. This paper evaluates the parallel performance per processor of each of the seven TI-10 codes on current HPCMP architectures and determines the architectures on which each application runs most efficiently. This, along with added analysis of application and system features, can be helpful in guiding users and developers in selecting appropriate architectures for their codes.