cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lean histogram of oriented gradients features for effective eye detection

Reliable object detection is very important in computer vision and robotics applications. The histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) is established as one of the most popular hand-crafted features, which along with support vector machine (SVM) classification provides excellent performance for object recognition. We investigate dimensionality deduction on HOG features in combination with SVM classifiers to obtain efficient feature representation and improved classification performance. In addition to lean HOG features, we explore descriptors resulting from dimensionality reduction on histograms of binary descriptors. We consider three-dimensionality reduction techniques: standard principal component analysis, random projections, a computationally efficient linear mapping that is data independent, and locality preserving projections (LPP), which learns the manifold structure of the data. Our methods focus on the application of eye detection and were tested on an eye database created using the BioID and FERET face databases. Our results indicate that manifold learning is beneficial to classification utilizing HOG features. To demonstrate the broader usefulness of lean HOG features for object class recognition, we evaluated our system’s classification performance on the CalTech-101 dataset with favorable outcomes.
Improving Large-Domain Convection-Allowing Forecasts with High-Resolution Analyses and Ensemble Data Assimilation

AbstractAnalyses with 20-km horizontal grid spacing were produced from continuously cycling three-dimensional variational (3DVAR), ensemble square root Kalman filter (EnSRF), and “hybrid” variational–ensemble data assimilation (DA) systems over a domain spanning the conterminous United States. These analyses initialized 36-h Weather Research and Forecasting Model forecasts containing a large convection-allowing 4-km nested domain, where downscaled 20-km 3DVAR, EnSRF, and hybrid analyses initialized the 4-km forecasts. Overall, hybrid analyses initialized the best 4-km precipitation forecasts.Furthermore, whether 4-km precipitation forecasts could be improved by initializing them with true 4-km analyses was assessed. As it was computationally infeasible to produce 4-km continuously cycling ensembles over the large 4-km domain, several “dual-resolution” hybrid DA configurations were adopted where 4-km backgrounds were combined with 20-km ensembles to produce 4-km hybrid analyses. Additionally, 4-km 3DVAR an...
Risk Assessment for Produced Water Discharges to Open Bays in Louisiana

Potential human health and environmental impacts from discharge of produced water to the Gulf of Mexico concern regulators at the State and Federal levels, environmental interest groups, industry and the public. Current regulations in the United States require or propose a zero discharge limit for coastal facilities based primarily on studies performed in low energy, poorly flushed environments. Produced water discharges in coastal Louisiana, however, include a number located in open bays, where potential and impacts are likely to be larger than the minimal impacts associated with offshore discharges, but smaller than those demonstrated in low-energy canal environments.
A Comparative Study of Several Survival Responses of Mammalian Cells After UV and After X-Irradiation

Dose response curves were obtained from Chinese hamster cells irradiated in different growth stages and under different nutritional conditions with either X-ray or ultraviolet light. All X-ray survival curves were asymptotically exponential, while the shape of the UV-curves was bi-phasic. Survival of X-irradiated cells was much less influenced by cultural factors than survival of cells exposed to UV. Recovery of cells from potentially lethal damage had a T1/2 of 1–2 h after exposure to the ionizing irradiation, while it took considerably longer to recover 50% of the UV induced damage. Similarly “fixation” of X-ray damage was relatively rapid (T1/2 ⋍ 30 min) compared to “fixation” of UV damage (T1/2 ⋍ 3.5 h). Finally, exposure of cells to 43°C for 1 h immediately after X-irradiation resulted in synergistic cell killing and subsequent complete inhibition of recovery from potentially lethal damage. On the other hand similar heat treatment of UV-exposed cells resulted only in additive cell killing and did not inhibit recovery.
Abstract 508: TNFα Downregulates DNA Methylation and Increases Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cell (PASMC) Proliferation

Background: Chronic cold exposure triggers robust TNFα production in the lungs and pulmonary arteries (PAs) and causes PA remodeling in rats. A hallmark of the PA remodeling is the over-proliferation of PASMCs. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate potential mechanisms of TNF-alpha induced PASMC proliferation. Methods and Results: PASMCs were isolated from 8-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats and treated with 0, 20 or 200 ng/ml TNFα for 24 or 48 hours. After treatment, cell number, superoxide production, histone acetylation and DNA methylation were assessed. TNFα treatment significantly increased the number of PASMCs, indicating excessive proliferation. TNFα also increased NADPH oxidase activity and superoxide production compared with untreated controls. TNFα treatment however did not affect histone acetylation at either dose. Interestingly, DNA methylation was significantly decreased by TNFα treatment compared to controls. Unexpectedly, the activity of DNA methyltransferase-1, the major enzyme for DNA methylation, was not altered by TNFα treatment. Further investigation using QRT-RT-PCR revealed that TNFα upregulated several factors including Gadd45α that regulate DNA de-methylation. Conclusions: Our results show that TNFα treatment induced cell proliferation and increased superoxide production in PASMCs. TNFα decreased DNA methylation and upregulated mediators of de-methylation in PASMCs. These findings suggest that TNF-alpha induced PASMCs proliferation may involve the DNA methylation mechanism. (Supported by NIH HL077490 and AHA 11PRE7830040).
Intrinsic Functional Connectivity with the Subgenual Cingulate Predicts Clinical Efficacy of TMS Targets for Depression (P01.188)

Objective: To elucidate the antidepressant mechanism of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and translate this information into improved TMS targeting and clinical efficacy. Background TMS to the left DLPFC is used clinically for the treatment of depression. However the antidepressant mechanism remains unclear and its therapeutic efficacy remains limited. One problem known to contribute to limited clinical efficacy is difficulty identifying the appropriate stimulation target. Recent data suggests that some left DLPFC targets are more effective than others; however the reasons for this heterogeneity and how to capitalize on this information remain unclear. Design/Methods: Intrinsic (resting state) functional connectivity MRI was used to determine if differences in functional connectivity could account for differences in clinical efficacy across various left DLPFC TMS sites. We then utilized this information to compute ideal stimulation coordinates using connectivity-based targeting. Results: The clinical efficacy of different DLPFC stimulation sites was related to the strength of their anticorrelation with the subgenual cingulate, both through paired comparisons and on a continuous basis. Optimal left DLPFC coordinates were identified based on subgenual connectivity to be targeted in future TMS clinical trials. Conclusions: This work lends insight into the antidepressant mechanism of TMS and the role of intrinsically anticorrelated networks in depression. Further, it suggests a targeting strategy to optimize focal brain stimulation that could have broad applicability across a number of diseases and stimulation techniques. Supported by: The Brain Genomics Superstruct Project, NIH Grant R25NS065743, National Institutes of Health and National Center for Research Resources: Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center (UL1 RR025758) and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Disclosure: Dr. Fox has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pascual-Leone has received personal compensation for activities with Nexstim, Neuronix, Starlab Neuroscience, Allied Mind, Neosync, and Novavision.
Establishment of Evaluation Criterion for Professional Competency of New Pediatric Nurses

New nurses from Triple-A level Chindren's hospitals were investigated by non-structured interviews and semi-open questionnaires.Based on the responsibilities and requirements of recent clinical pediatric care,the criterion was established to evaluate professional competency of new pediatric nurses.This criterion is beneficial for the training of pediatric nurses.
Neural Plasticity and the Development of Sex Differences

(1998). Neural Plasticity and the Development of Sex Differences. Annual Review of Sex Research: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 20-38.
Effect of hypocholesterolemic doses of 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol on cholesterol balance in liver and extrahepatic tissues.

This study was performed to investigate the effects of 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol, a potent hypocholesterolemic agent at pharmacological doses, on cholesterol balance in the liver and extrahepatic tissues of the rat in vivo. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol (5 mg/kg per day s.c. for 5 days) or with 4-aminopyrazolo(3,4-d) pyrimidine (20 mg/kg per day i.p. for 3 days). Both drug regimens suppressed plasma total and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol by more than 80%. Analysis of the kinetic parameters of low density lipoprotein transport did not show increased receptor activity in extrahepatic tissues during either treatment. 17 alpha-Ethinyl estradiol significantly increased low density lipoprotein tissue spaces and clearance rates in the liver, with a 5-fold increase in low density lipoprotein-receptor activity, whereas 4-aminopyrazolo(3,4-d)pyrimidine suppressed hepatic transport of low density lipoprotein probably due to a nospecific toxic effect. Treatment with 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol markedly enhanced the hepatic expression of low density lipoprotein-receptor protein and mRNA despite a 7-fold increase in hepatic cholesteryl ester levels. Finally, treatment with both drugs increased cholesterol synthesis in several extrahepatic tissues, such as adrenals, ovaries, small bowel, and spleen. These findings confirm that 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol at pharmacological doses markedly increases synthesis and expression of low density lipoprotein-receptor in the liver. Hypocholesterolemia, whether induced by activation of low density lipoprotein-receptors or by other mechanisms, fails to up-regulate low density lipoprotein transport in extrahepatic tissues, which rather respond by increasing local sterol synthesis. This suggests the occurrence of separate regulatory mechanisms for low density lipoprotein transport and cholesterol synthesis.
Successful treatment of acrodermatitis enteropathica with zinc sulfate.

A case of a 22-month-old child with acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is reported. At five months of age, the patient experienced generalized oral and cutaneous candidiasis for which she was treated with nystatin and iodochlorhydroxyquin-hydrocortisone. She then had to be treated for secondary infection of the lesions. After three months, the cycle repeated, and the patient was treated with topical clotrimazole, Mycolog (nystatin, gramicidin, neomycin sulfate, triamcinolone acetonide) and oral nystatin. After a worsening of her condition, she was admitted to a hospital where she was treated initially with procaine penicillin G, then methicillin sodium and gentamicin sulfate. Treatment with zinc sulfate, 50 mg t.i.d., was initiated when laboratory studies showed a serum zinc level of 60 microgram/dl. Skin lesions were 99% resolved and serum zinc increased to 118 microgram/dl after 17 days of zinc sulfate therapy. Previous case reports and studies of the clinical features, treatment and pathogenesis of AE are reviewed.
Pineal region schwannoma arising from the trochlear nerve

Schwannomas arising from the trochlear nerve are very rare and to our knowledge, less than 35 histologically documented cases have been reported in the literature. There are no reports of a schwannoma in the pineal region. We report a 24-year-old woman who underwent a para-occipital trans-tentorial approach and gross total excision of a pineal region schwannoma arising from the trochlear nerve. This is the first such reported case.
13 – FIELD-HARVESTING HAY

Two important components regulate forage quality: fiber [acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF)], and crude protein (CP). Both are related to the age or stage of development of the crop. For example, as the crop ages, fiber increases and protein decreases (on a dry-matter basis). Forage quality then declines with age because fiber becomes a predominant component. Thus, it is important that procedures and protocol be followed in a haymaking system such that quality or quantity (yield) can be optimized. To achieve both maximum quality and quantity is not a feasible option because of the nature of forage plant growth and development. There are a number of steps that can be taken to maintain acceptable dry-matter yields and enhance forage quality. Drying and curing hay is also inextricably tied to realization of quality in the final product.
Domestic Violence Prevention

Domestic violence, which includes physical, sexual, and psychological violence toward a current or former partner, is a pervasive global public health issue that leads to a number of deleterious consequences to victims and costs to society. Thus, the primary prevention of domestic violence is critical, and prevention is most effective when it begins early in life (i.e., in childhood) and extends throughout the life course. Theories regarding the causes of domestic violence and associated risk (e.g., substance use) and protective (e.g., social and community supports) factors for perpetration are critical to inform prevention efforts. However, prevention initiatives often lack strong theoretical and empirical grounding. Nevertheless, there are several theoretically driven and empirically based domestic violence primary prevention programs with adolescents and young adults that have demonstrated promising findings (e.g., long-term reductions in domestic violence, increases in bystander action in situations of domestic violence). There is also a growing understanding of the factors that make domestic violence prevention efforts most effective, including programs that are developmentally and culturally appropriate to the target audience and provide sufficient dosage and intensity. Despite these successes, a number of issues (e.g., sustainability of evidence-based prevention and policy efforts across the life span; increased collaboration among researchers, practitioners, educations, and policymakers) must be addressed in order to substantially decrease, if not eradicate, domestic violence from our society.
Social Skills Training for Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Facebook (Project Rex Connect): A Survey Study.

Background: Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) spend more time using electronic screen media than neurotypical peers; preliminary evidence suggests that computer-assisted or Web-based interventions may be beneficial for social skills acquisition. The current generation of adolescents accesses the Internet through computers or phones almost daily, and Facebook is the most frequently used social media platform among teenagers. This is the first research study to explore the use of Facebook as a therapeutic tool for adolescents with ASD. Objective: To study the feasibility and clinical impact of using a Web-based social platform in combination with social skills training for adolescents with ASD. Methods: This pilot study enrolled 6 participants (all males; mean age 14.1 years) in an online social skills training group using Facebook. Data was collected on the participants’ social and behavioral functioning at the start and conclusion of the intervention. Outcome measures included the Social Responsiveness Scale-2, the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scale, and the Project Rex Parent Survey. Participants were surveyed at the conclusion of the intervention regarding their experience. Results: No statistically significant differences in measurable outcomes were observed. However, the online addition of Facebook was well received by participants and their parents. The Facebook intervention was able to be executed with a careful privacy protocol in place and at minimal safety risk to participants. Conclusions: The utilization of Facebook to facilitate delivery of social skills training for adolescents with ASD appears to be feasible, although the clinical impact of such an addition is still unclear. It is important to note that social difficulties of participants persisted with the addition of the online platform and participants still required assistance to engage with peers in an online environment. A Web-based intervention such as the one utilized in this study has the potential to reach a mass number of patients with ASD and could address disparities in access to in-person treatment services. However, the complexity and evolving nature of Facebook’s website and privacy settings leads to a number of unique online safety concerns that may limit its clinical utility. Issues encountered in our study support the development of an alternative and closed Web-based social platform designed specifically for the target audience with ASD; this platform could be a safer and more easily moderated setting for aiding in social skills development. Despite a small sample size with no statistically significant improvements of target symptoms, the use of electronic screen media as a therapeutic tool for adolescents with ASD is still a promising area of research warranting further investigation. Our study helps inform future obstacles regarding feasibility and safety. [JMIR Ment Health 2017;4(1):e4]
The Lattimer Massacre and the Meaning of Citizenship

The other papers published here on the events that transpired in Lat timer, Pennsylvania in the summer of 1897 describe that tragedy more fully and eloquently than I could ever imagine . What I can try to accomplish in this brief piece, however, is to suggest how the Lattimer Massacre fit into the larger story of labor and general United States his tory in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Lattimer may have been exceptional in the number of lives lost and the intensity of the violent outburst by local sheriffs deputies. But in nearly all other aspects it fit neatly into the narrative of labor s coming of age in the industrial United States. Like the strikers at Homestead and in the Idaho Coeur dAlenes in 1892; like the Pullman strikers of 1894; the lead miners of the Coeur dAlenes again in 1899; the silver miners of Cripple Creek, Colorado in 1894 and again between 1903-1905; the Ludlow coal miners in 1914; and millions of industrial workers during and just after World War I; the coal miners of the Hazleton, Pennsylva nia district were contesting the meaning of citizenship in the United States. Were immigrants and wage workers equal citizens in a demo cratic republic, or were they a subaltern class subject to the whims and wills of their employers and more advantaged local citizens? The behavior of Lattimer s mostly immigrant coal miners during their protest marches in the summer of 1897 illustrated precisely how their actions signified the contested nature of citizenship. During both marches, the initial peaceful parade and the subsequent violent debacle, the marchers in the van of the demonstration held high American flags as a symbol of their equal citizenship rights under United States law. And it was also why the Italian immigrant protestor in the first march carried with him his naturalization papers as evidence that he had a con stitutional right to march and to protest on public highways and streets as a United States citizen-to-be. The flags, the naturalization papers, the marchers claims to the rights of citizenship attested to the reality that Italian, Slavic, and other immigrant coal miners of the district had shed
Adrenergic Receptors in Individual Ventricular Myocytes: The Beta-1 and Alpha-1B Are in All Cells, the Alpha-1A Is in a Subpopulation, and the Beta-2 and Beta-3 Are Mostly Absent.

Rationale: It is unknown whether every ventricular myocyte expresses all 5 of the cardiac adrenergic receptors (ARs), β1, β2, β3, α1A, and α1B. The β1 and β2 are thought to be the dominant myocyte ARs. Objective: Quantify the 5 cardiac ARs in individual ventricular myocytes. Methods and Results: We studied ventricular myocytes from wild-type mice, mice with α1A and α1B knockin reporters, and β1 and β2 knockout mice. Using individual isolated cells, we measured knockin reporters, mRNAs, signaling (phosphorylation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase and phospholamban), and contraction. We found that the β1 and α1B were present in all myocytes. The α1A was present in 60%, with high levels in 20%. The β2 and β3 were detected in only ≈5% of myocytes, mostly in different cells. In intact heart, 30% of total β-ARs were β2 and 20% were β3, both mainly in nonmyocytes. Conclusion: The dominant ventricular myocyte ARs present in all cells are the β1 and α1B. The β2 and β3 are mostly absent in myocytes but are abundant in nonmyocytes. The α1A is in just over half of cells, but only 20% have high levels. Four distinct myocyte AR phenotypes are defined: 30% of cells with β1 and α1B only; 60% that also have the α1A; and 5% each that also have the β2 or β3. The results raise cautions in experimental design, such as receptor overexpression in myocytes that do not express the AR normally. The data suggest new paradigms in cardiac adrenergic signaling mechanisms.
Solar-System Tests in Transition

The solar system is the traditional laboratory for gravity research. In this laboratory, experiments of heretofore undreamed of accuracy are made possible by modern technologies. Among these are atomic clocks, planetary radar, interplanetary spacecraft, and laser ranging. The results of these experiments are consistent with the predictions of general relativity. The differences between the predictions of general relativity and of classical physics are confirmed to accuracies as great as one part in a thousand. However, the solar system tests examine these differences only to first order in post-Newtonian effects.
Abstract 236: Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, a novel target of omega-3 fatty acids for reducing breast cancer risk in obese postmenopausal women

Preclinical and epidemiologic data suggest that a unique feature of lipogenesis in cancer cells which has received limited attention is the accumulation of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) which are largely derived from saturated fatty acids (SFA) by the action of stearoyl-Co-A desaturase (SCD-1). Activation of SCD-1, a delta-9 fatty acid desaturase, is considered to be an important factor in the development of obesity and several types of cancer including breast cancer. However, no data are available on how changes in SCD-1 activity induced by potential chemopreventive agents relate to established biomarkers of breast cancer risk. To address this issue, we measured the activity of SCD-1, expressed as the ratios of palmitoleic acid (C16:ln7) to palmitic acid (C16:0) (SCD-16) and oleic acid (C18:ln9) to steric acid (C18:0) (SCD-18) in plasma samples of postmenopausal women enrolled in our recently published clinical trial (Sandhu N, et al Cancer Prev Res 9:275, 2016) designed to test the individual and combined effect of the antiestrogen Raloxifene and the omega-3 preparation Lovaza on breast density, a validated biomarker of breast cancer risk. We observed that daily administration of Lovaza (1,860 mg eicosapentaenoic [EPA] + 1,500 mg docosahexaenoic [DHA]) significantly reduced SCD-1 activity, an effect which was sustained for the two-year duration of the trial. Raloxifene, on the other hand, did not significantly alter SCD-1 activity in our subjects. SCD-1 activity was positively correlated with BMI (for SCD-16, r=0.45, p Citation Format: Andrea Manni, John P. Richie, Susann E. Schetter, Ana Calcagnotto, Neil Trushin, Cesar Aliaga, Karam El-Bayoumy. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, a novel target of omega-3 fatty acids for reducing breast cancer risk in obese postmenopausal women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 236. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-236
Pop songs on political platforms

This article intends to review the use of music in the campaigns of American presidential candidates for the election cycles from 2004 through 2016. Each presidential race and campaign has its unique sonic identity or lack thereof, depending on candidate. The authors analyze certain criteria for each candidate to assess whether connections exist between party affiliation, age, and other demographic information for the candidates, song details for the music selected (with title, performer, copyright year), genre of music, demographics of targeted voters, if cease and desist/copyright infringement was waged against candidate usage, and resulting success in polls. To analyze these data, the authors use a mixed methodology combining statistics as well as social network analysis (SNA) presenting visual outputs of the data in the form of networks.
A 54-year-old man with new-onset ventricular fibrillation.

Clinical introduction A 54-year-old man without significant medical history presented with sudden-onset chest discomfort and multiple episodes of ventricular fibrillation requiring external defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Coronary angiography ruled out significant artery stenosis. Both ventriculography and echocardiography revealed decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (25%). On examination, he was haemodynamically stable. The lungs were clear to auscultation and there was no jugular venous dilation. The cardiac examination revealed a regular rate and rhythm without murmur. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) images were shown (figure 1). Question Which of the following would be the next best step? Implantable loop recorder Electrophysiological testing for radiofrequency catheter ablation Endomyocardial biopsy Genetic testing
Probing local molecular properties of self-assembled systems with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)

Abstract One of the most powerful and promising tools for probing self-assembled systems is electron parametric resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Although EPR is still relatively uncommon for soft-matter characterization, this technique has gained prominence during the recent years due to its ability to provide site-specific information about organic compounds through the use of site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) with stable nitroxide radicals. By measuring the absorbance of microwave radiation by a radical electron spin label in a magnetic field, EPR experiments can provide crucial information about dynamics and solvent conditions in the vicinity of the radical electron probe. Further, EPR spectroscopy is sensitive to incredibly low numbers of radical electrons enabling measurements to be made with minimally invasive probes. For these reasons, EPR provides unique information about self-assembled structures including phase transitions and conformational dynamics at specific sites. Here, we provide an overview of the use of EPR spectroscopy to probe local properties of self-assembled systems. While both pulsed EPR and multifrequency EPR can provide additional information, we will focus primarily on continuous-wave (CW) experiments performed at X band, that is, at the frequency of ~ 10 GHz.
Kept Together by Faith: Confession and Forgiveness among American Catholic and Orthodox Christian Families

This study examines how religious beliefs, practices, and faith communities influence marriage and family life strengths in American Catholic and Orthodox Christian families. Qualitative, in-depth,...
Determination of Elastic Constants of Anisotropic Materials from Oblique Angle Ultrasonic Measurements I: Analysis

The use of oblique angle ultrasonic measurements for determination of anisotropic material elastic constants has been considered for a number of years[1–8] (ref. [1–8] are just a sample). Renewed interest in this approach is occurring because of the use of anisotropic composite materials[3–5]. However, some of the early works do not indicate a way to take into account the fact that the energy and phase vector, in general, do not coincide for anisotropic materials[1,2]. The energy and phase vector coincide for certain directions, such as symmetry planes. By restricting oblique angle ultrasonic measurements to these planes, certain elastic constants can be obtained[4,5].
When respect means to obey: Immigrant Mexican mothers' values for their children.

We describe Mexican immigrant mothers' values for their children and their understanding of how children acquire those values. Fifteen mothers were given a Q-Sort task of parental values and interviewed at length using a semi-structured format. Analysis of the mothers' transcribed narratives revealed salient features of a cultural model of child development that constrasts sharply with current professional models. The emergent portrait of children was one of inactive learners whose ability “to understand” dictated social behavior, developed very slowly over the years, and was dependent on parental direction and instruction.
Ray Tracing and Seismic Modeling

The basic assumption used in applying ray theory to a traveling wave is that frequency and wavenumber vary slowly. According to Hamilton’s principle of least action, the required solution for the ray path is found by minimizing the total phase change. The two resulting equations are called Hamilton’s equations, Hamilton’s duality between waves and particles then states that wavenumber vector of the wave corresponds to the momentum vector of the particle, the frequency of the wave corresponds to the energy of the particle, and the group velocity of the wave pocket corresponds to the velocity with which the particle travels along the ray. If Hamilton’s equations are solved, then the path of the ray can be traced. This procedure is called ray tracing. An alternative approach to ray tracing, which makes use of the eikonal equation, leads to two ray equations. The two ray equations are equivalent to the two Hamilton equations. Numerical ray tracing is a procedure that makes use of these equations in order to advance the wave along the ray by an incremented raypath distance. The algorithm can be repeated to advance the wave by any desired distance.
Algebra of Regular Structures

In Volume I we introduced the objects of pattern theory: generators, configurations, and images, as well as pattern relations: similarities, combinatory relations, and deformations. We are now going to deepen our understanding of these concepts with the emphasis on their algebraic properties.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation : Knowledge and opinions among the U.S. general public State of the science-fiction

Summary Background and objective Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is undertaken more than 250,000 times annually in the United States. This study was undertaken to determine knowledge and opinions of the general public regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Design Validated multisite community-based cross-sectional survey. Outcome measures Knowledge and opinions about resuscitative practices and outcomes, using hypothetical clinical scenarios and other social, spiritual, and environmental considerations. Results Among 1831 participants representing 38 states, markedly inaccurate perceptions of cardiac arrest were reported. Participants’ mean estimate of predicted survival rate after cardiac arrest was 54% (median 50%, IQR 35–75%), and mean estimated duration of resuscitative efforts in the ED was 28 min (median 15 min; IQR 10–30). Projected age and health status were independent predictors of resuscitation preferences in a series of 4 hypothetical scenarios. Participants indicated that physicians should consider patient and family wishes as the most important factors when making resuscitation decisions. Participants considered advanced technology and physician communication to be the most important actions during attempted resuscitation. Conclusions Inaccurate perceptions regarding resuscitation and survival rates exist among the lay public. Participants indicated strong preferences regarding resuscitation and advance directives.
All Inkjet-Printed High On/Off Ratio Two-Dimensional Materials Field Effect Transistor

This paper introduces the development of a novel ink, design, fabrication, and characterization of all inkjet-printed two-dimensional (2D) materials-based field effect transistor with a high current on/off ratio. A stable and efficient method of inkjet printing is developed for nitrogen-doped graphene (N-graphene) nanosheets. Good area coverage of N-graphene percolation clusters is observed from the SEM image. The Raman spectrum reveals a high amount of disorder in the nanoflakes due to the nitrogen doping. A current on-off ratio of 336 is achieved for the transistor with a systematic combination of N-graphene and molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) percolation network channel. An EDS spectrum confirms the heterostructure of N-graphene and MoS 2 . To our best knowledge, this is the highest on/off ratio for a fully inkjet printed transistor based on 2D materials.
Vinorelbine plus Capecitabine (Vinocap): a retrospective analysis in heavily pretreated HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer patients.

Metastatic breast cancer is regarded as an incurable entity. In heavily pretreated patients with increasingly limited options for palliative management, ensuring proper quality of life continues is to be an elusive issue. With this in mind, the authors evaluated the efficacy and safety of the Vinorelbine/Capecitabine doublet (VINOCAP). The investigators retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 67 women with HER2 negative MBC treated at a large breast cancer practice and a local cancer center with Vinorelbine 22.5 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8 combined with Capecitabine 1 g PO BID for 14 consecutive days of 21 day cycles. Patients had been treated with an average of 4 prior lines of chemotherapy. Patient characteristics and outcomes were evaluated. A total of 67 patients received VINOCAP, and an additional 2 underwent repeat exposure yielding a cohort of 69. Clinical benefit rate, defined as complete response (CR), partial response (PR) or stable disease ≥ 6 months (SD), was 55.07%. Complete response was seen in 4.34%, PR in 18.8% and SD ≥ 6 months in 31.9%. Median progression-free survival was 6.2 months and overall survival 35.47 months after VINOCAP exposure. The most common grade 3–4 toxicity was neutropenia in 10% of cases. Dose had to be reduced in 18% of cases due to toxicity of any type. The regimen was well tolerated, and serious side effects were uncommon. Vinorelbine/Capecitabine appears to be an active and well-tolerated regimen in women with MBC. In particular, encouraging was the efficacy of VINOCAP as fourth or greater line of chemotherapy.
Implementation of objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) in a doctor of pharmacy program.

Abstract Background and purpose Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) are an assessment solution that can be adapted in multiple ways within the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum to assess clinical and communication skills and to improve teaching and learning across the curriculum. Educational activity and setting The University of Florida College of Pharmacy formed an OSCE Assessment Committee, wrote blueprints for the OSCEs aligned with Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs), and delivered OSCEs in the first and third professional years of the PharmD program. Findings Overall, students performed well on both the first year OSCE and third year OSCE (96 to 97% pass rate on first attempt). Summary OSCEs provide a number of benefits to students, faculty, and preceptors. Students are afforded the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired during pharmacy school. Likewise, faculty are able to determine if the skills they are teaching are being retained by students. Faculty are also able to assess if students are ready for pharmacy practice rotations. OSCEs also identify areas within the curriculum which may need reinforcement or review. In order for OSCEs to provide benefit to students and to the college, thought should be given as to what skills OSCEs will assess, how they will be developed and administered, and how they will be graded and used to determine progression through the curriculum.
Deliberate Modification of Fe3O4 Anode Surface Chemistry: Impact on Electrochemistry

Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) with an average size of 8-10 nm have been successfully functionalized with various surface-treatment agents to serve as model systems for probing surface chemistry-dependent electrochemistry of the resulting electrodes. The surface-treatment agents used for the functionalization of Fe3O4 anode materials were systematically varied to include aromatic or aliphatic structures: 4-mercaptobenzoic acid, benzoic acid (BA), 3-mercaptopropionic acid, and propionic acid (PA). Both structural and electrochemical characterizations have been used to systematically correlate the electrode functionality with the corresponding surface chemistry. Surface treatment with ligands led to better Fe3O4 dispersion, especially with the aromatic ligands. Electrochemistry was impacted where the PA- and BA-treated Fe3O4 systems without the -SH group demonstrated a higher rate capability than their thiol-containing counterparts and the pristine Fe3O4. Specifically, the PA system delivered the highest capacity and cycling stability among all samples tested. Notably, the aromatic BA system outperformed the aliphatic PA counterpart during extended cycling under high current density, due to the improved charge transfer and ion transport kinetics as well as better dispersion of Fe3O4 NPs, induced by the conjugated system. Our surface engineering of the Fe3O4 electrode presented herein, highlights the importance of modifying the structure and chemistry of surface-treatment agents as a plausible means of enhancing the interfacial charge transfer within metal oxide composite electrodes without hampering the resulting tap density of the resulting electrode.
INHIBITION OF ESTABLISHMENT OF PRIMARY AND MICROMETASTATIC TUMORS BY A UROKINASE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST

Tumor establishment and metastasis are dependent on extracellular matrix proteolysis, tumor cell migration, and angiogenesis. Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor are essential mediators of these processes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a recombinant human uPAR antagonist on growth, establishment, and metastasis of tumors derived from human cancer cell lines. A noncatalytic recombinant protein, consisting of amino acids 1-137 of human uPA and the CH2 and CH3 regions of mouse IgG1 (uPA-IgG), was expressed, purified, and shown to bind specifically to human uPAR and to saturate the surface of human tumor cells which express uPAR. Daily i.p. administration of uPA-IgG to nude mice extended latencies of unstaged tumors derived from Lox melanoma and SW48 colon carcinoma cells by 7.7 and 5.5 days, respectively. uPA-IgG treatment did not affect the growth of Lox or KB tumors staged to 200 mg before antagonist treatment commenced. The effect of uPA-IgG on the establishment of micrometastases was assessed in SCID mice. KB head/neck tumor cells were injected in the tail vein and allowed to seed for 48 h before initiation of daily i.p. injections of uPA-IgG for 24 days. The number of lung colonies ranged between 5 and 30% of vehicle-treated mice in two separate experiments. Furthermore, a single 800 μg dose of uPA-IgG administered 1 h prior to tail vein injection of KB cells reduced lung colony formation to just 3.5% of vehicle-treated SCID mice. These data demonstrate that antagonism of uPAR arrested metastasis and inhibited the establishment of primary tumors and micrometastases. Thus, small molecule uPAR antagonists may serve as useful adjuvant agents in combination with existing cancer chemotherapy. © Rapid Science 1998
Robot-Assisted Pedicle Screw Placement: Learning Curve Experience.

Objectives To describe the learning curve of pedicle screw placement using robot-assisted spine surgery of an experienced neurosurgeon and 2 supervised neurosurgical fellows. Methods The first 120 cases of robot-assisted spine surgery at our institution were assessed. Patient variables included age, body mass index, and indication for surgery. Intraoperative variables included the vertebral level of screw placement, number of screws placed by each operator, intraoperative blood loss, and operative time. Postoperative variables included length of stay, discharge disposition, 30-day readmissions, wound complications, and hardware revisions. Screw accuracy was determined with image overlay analysis comparing planned screw trajectory on the navigation software with the intraoperative computed tomography scan with final screw placement. Two-dimensional accuracy was determined for the tip of the screw, tail of the screw, and angle at the screw was placed. The supervising physician and first fellow began utilizing the robot concurrently upon its arrival, and the second fellow began using the robot after the system had been in place for 7 months. Results Both experienced surgeon and first fellow displayed a learning curve and achieved statistically significant improvement of accuracy after 30 screws. The second fellow had significantly better accuracy than the experienced surgeon in his first 30 screws. There were no complications from hardware placement in either group. There were no returns to the operating room for hardware issues. Conclusions Robot-assisted spine surgery is a safe, accurate method of pedicle screw instrumentation. Our data show similar learning adaptation rates for the first fellow and the experienced surgeon. Techniques learned by the attending surgeon were immediately transferable to a new learner, who was able to achieve a faster learning curve than both the first fellow and the experienced surgeon.
An exploration of learning needs: identifying knowledge deficits among hospitalized adults with heart failure

The current study examined the learning needs of hospitalized patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) by identifying their current CHF self-care behaviors and knowledge levels, while identifying relationships between clinical variables, and their learning needs. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was utilized to examine a convenience sample of 42 hospitalized patients with CHF. Self-care behaviors and knowledge levels were measured using the Self Care of Heart Failure Index V. 6.2, and the Japanese Heart Failure Knowledge Scale. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the learning needs and sociodemographic data and Pearson product moment correlation examined relationships between the learning needs and clinical variables. The mean scores of self-care were 38.6% (maintenance), 41.6% (management) and 17.8% (confidence). The participant's mean knowledge level score was 74.9%. Multiple CHF hospital readmissions had a significant negative correlation with CHF knowledge scores (r = -0.358, p < 0.05), suggesting the lower the knowledge score, the higher the prevalence of CHF readmissions. There were significant positive correlations between self-care maintenance (r = 0.525, p < 0.05), management (r = 0.435, p < 0.05), confidence (r = 0.366, p < 0.05), knowledge level (r = 0.752, p < 0.05) and not living alone. Thus, indicating that living with family support is correlated with better self-care and greater knowledge. The presence of multiple comorbidities revealed significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) with self-care scores (maintenance [r = 0.391], management [r = 0.438], and confidence r = 0.504), indicating a higher number of comorbidities, yielded lower self-care behaviors. Findings revealed poor self-care behaviors in all three areas (maintenance, management, confidence). These findings suggested that patients had difficulty implementing knowledge into self-care. By identifying knowledge deficits and contributing factors to suboptimal self-care, the chronic care model can be used as a guideline for ideal CHF education and management. Improving self-care behaviors can be obtained by initiating an active engagement between health care teams and the patient.
Spatial-Temporal Cluster Analysis of Childhood Cancer in California.

Background The observance of nonrandom space-time groupings of childhood cancer has been a concern of health professionals and the general public for decades. Many childhood cancers are suspected to have initiated in utero; therefore, we examined the spatial-temporal randomness of the birthplace of children who later developed cancer. Methods We performed a space-time cluster analysis using birth addresses of 5,896 cases and 23,369 population-based, age-, sex-, and race/ethnicity-matched controls in California from 1997 to 2007, evaluating 20 types of childhood cancer and three a priori designated subgroups of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We analyzed data using a newly designed semiparametric analysis program, ClustR, and a common algorithm, SaTScan. Results We observed evidence for nonrandom space-time clustering for ALL diagnosed at 2-6 years of age in the South San Francisco Bay Area (ClustR P = 0.04, SaTScan P = 0.07), and malignant gonadal germ cell tumors in a region of Los Angeles (ClustR P = 0.03, SaTScan P = 0.06). ClustR did not identify evidence of clustering for other childhood cancers, although SaTScan suggested some clustering for Hodgkin lymphoma (P = 0.09), astrocytoma (P = 0.06), and retinoblastoma (P = 0.06). Conclusions Our study provides evidence that childhood ALL diagnosed at 2-6 years and malignant gonadal germ cell tumors sporadically occurs in nonrandom space-time clusters. Further research is warranted to identify epidemiologic features that may inform the underlying etiology.
The Addition of Amphetamine to Potentially Sedating Medication Regimens: An Exploratory Investigation of the Impact upon Reaction Time and Sustained Attention.

Objectives The addition of amphetamine to a sedating medication may reduce sedation but does it augment reaction time and sustained attention for workers? The purpose of this exploratory study was gain insight into between group differences that would assist hypothesis formation for a subsequent hypothesis testing study. Methods This study examined psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) performance for a group taking potentially sedating medications (opiates, benzodiazepines, anticholinergics, barbiturates or polypharmacy) while taking amphetamine to a group not taking amphetamine. Data was assessed using two-way between groups multivariate analysis of variance. Results Multivariate testing found a (p = .05; η2 = .044) difference in combined PVT measures between the amphetamine use groups. Tests of between-subjects effects established (p = .006; η2 = .042) a difference in the number of minor lapses between the groups. Estimated marginal means of minor lapses revealed that the group taking amphetamine had 2.8 times the mean number of minor lapses than the group not taking amphetamine. A non-statistically significant trend was noted for the estimated marginal means of each sedating medication class and the use or nonuse of amphetamines that appears to correspond with the sedating medication's effect upon the cholinergic component of the attention system. Conclusion Using PVT data, this exploratory study has provided information useful for generating the hypothesis that co-administration of an amphetamine with a sedating medication will result in arousal with a deficit of sustained attention related to the sedating medication's level of effect upon cholinergic activity.