cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Extinction Memory and Prefrontal Cortex Metabolic Capacity Via Low-Level Light Therapy (P07.176)

Objective: To determine the ability of low-level light therapy (LLLT) to modulate memory and brain energy metabolism in vivo. Background LLLT enhances the metabolic capacity of neurons in culture through stimulation of the mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome oxidase, but the in vivo effects of LLLT on brain and behavior are poorly characterized. Design/Methods: This study tested the hypothesis that transcranial LLLT facilitates fear extinction memory and prevents the reemergence of extinguished conditioned fear responses via enhancement of brain metabolic capacity in rats. Long-Evans rats were trained in a Pavlovian fear-conditioning paradigm consisting of two sessions of four tone-foot shock presentations. Subsequently, rats underwent extinction training and LLLT was delivered at λ= 660 nm, 5.4 J/cm2, 15 min after each extinction session. Freezing behavior scores were compared to those of control rats (undergoing fear-conditioning training but no LLLT). Effects of LLLT on brain metabolism were determined through measurement of prefrontal cortex oxygen concentration with fluorescent quenching oximetry and brain cytochrome oxidase histochemistry. Results: LLLT-treated rats showed an enhanced rate of extinction, with freezing levels 59 and 70% lower than control, after the 2nd and 3rd extinction sessions. After the 4th extinction session, LLLT-treated rats showed a paradoxical increase in freezing, compared to control. However, LLLT-treated rats showed decreased rates of fear renewal compared to controls. Also, LLLT increased the rate of in situ oxygen consumption in the prefrontal cortex, and induced a hormetic dose-response effect on the metabolic capacity of the prefrontal cortex, with a low dose showing the largest (12%) increase as compared to control. Conclusions: The data demonstrate that in vivo transcranial LLLT can be used to enhance the metabolic capacity of the brain and to facilitate retention of extinction memories, and implicate LLLT as a potential intervention to improve memory in humans. Supported by: NIH grants R01 NS37755 and T32 MH65728 directed by Prof. F. Gonzalez-Lima. Disclosure: Dr. Martinez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bruchey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gonzalez-Lima has nothing to disclose.
Improving NAD/NARB Self-Regulation of Advertising:

This article builds on the background, growth and development of the National Advertising Division/National Advertising Review Board (NAD/NARB) system, the relationship between government and self-...
Problems and Ways of Sustainable Development of Cassava Industry

The problems in cassava industry,such as scattered planting,low yield,low benefit and loose connection between cultivation and processing in China are analyzed.Sustainable development ways for cassava industry are pointed out as establishing cooperatives of cassava industry to improve management modes,developing intensive management to maximize the benefit of the whole industry,improving cultivation methods to increase unit area yield,connecting processing closely with cultivation to increase the economic benefit of the industry,utilizing the waste of cassava to stabilize cassava yield.
Watkins ES: The Estrogen Elixir: A History of Hormone Replacement Therapy in America Baltimore, MD, The Johns Hopkins University Press; 2007:368. ISBN-978-0-8018-8602-7

The Estrogen Elixir: A History of Hormone Replacement Therapy in America by Elizabeth Siegel Watkins is a thoroughly documented cautionary tale of the information and advice offered to women in the perimenopausal period of their life, and the consequences of exposure to sexual hormones on their health and wellbeing.
Nitrogen transformations in different types of soil treatment areas receiving domestic wastewater

Removal of N within the soil treatment area (STA) of onsite wastewater treatment systems is attributed to heterotrophic denitrification, with N lost to the atmosphere as N2. However, the evidence supporting heterotrophic denitrification as the sole process for N removal is scant. We used 15NH4+ to follow N transformations in intact soil mesocosms representing a conventional STA receiving anoxic, C-rich wastewater, and two shallow-placed STAs receiving partially oxygenated, low-C wastewater. Nitrogen losses in the gas phase took place almost exclusively as 15N2 in all STA types. We observed 102–103 times higher flux of N2 than N2O in all STAs, as well as net production of 15N2 and 15N2O near the infiltrative surface and at greater depths in the soil profile. In situ net production of 15NH4+ suggested internal recycling of inorganic N in all STAs. The constraints imposed by differences in availability of electron donors and acceptors and soil physicochemical parameters in different STAs, point to autotrophic N removal processes (e.g., anaerobic ammonia oxidation, autotrophic denitrification) as playing an important role in N removal. Our results suggest that N removal occurs at all depths of the STA, with losses due to both autotrophic and heterotrophic processes. Optimization of autotrophic N removal processes in the STA warrants further research efforts and may provide improved N removal.
Why Upwinding is Reasonable

Upwind-biased discrete approximations have a distinguished history in numerical fluid mechanics, dating at least to von Neumann and Richtmyer (1950). Lately, however, upwinding has come under fire in water resources engineering. Among the most effective critics of upwind techniques are Gresho and Lee (1980), who take umbrage at the smearing of steep gradients in solutions of partial differential equations. While this viewpoint has cogency, a blanket condemnation of upwinding would be injudicious. There exist fluid flows for which upstream-biased discretizations are not only valid but in fact mathematically more appropriate than central approximations having higher-order accuracy.
A Legitimate Contribution to the War Effort: 1939–51

No part of the 1951 author’s blurb is more misleading than this account of Waugh’s military service. It states some of the facts but sets them out as if they formed a normal and unremarkable sequence. In reality there are great oddities here, particularly in the moves from posting to posting. His military service was very unlike the ‘plain regimental soldiering’ that proved ‘an orderly and not disagreeable way of life’ for John Plant (Postscript to 1949 edition of Work Suspended).
An Essential Role for (p)ppGpp in the Integration of Stress Tolerance, Peptide Signaling, and Competence Development in Streptococcus mutans

The microbes that inhabit the human oral cavity are subjected to constant fluctuations in their environment. To overcome these challenges and gain a competitive advantage, oral streptococci employ numerous adaptive strategies, many of which appear to be intertwined with the development of genetic competence. Here, we demonstrate that the regulatory circuits that control development of competence in Streptococcus mutans, a primary etiological agent of human dental caries, are integrated with key stress tolerance pathways by the molecular alarmone (p)ppGpp. We first observed that the growth of a strain that does not produce (p)ppGpp (ΔrelAPQ, (p)ppGpp(0)) is not sensitive to growth inhibition by comX inducing peptide (XIP), unlike the wild-type strain UA159, even though XIP-dependent activation of the alternative sigma factor comX by the ComRS pathway is not impaired in the (p)ppGpp(0) strain. Overexpression of a (p)ppGpp synthase gene (relP) in the (p)ppGpp(0) mutant restored growth inhibition by XIP. We also demonstrate that exposure to micromolar concentrations of XIP elicited changes in (p)ppGpp accumulation in UA159. Loss of the RelA/SpoT homolog (RSH) enzyme, RelA, lead to higher basal levels of (p)ppGpp accumulation, but to decreased sensitivity to XIP and to decreases in comR promoter activity and ComX protein levels. By introducing single amino acid substitutions into the RelA enzyme, the hydrolase activity of the enzyme was shown to be crucial for full com gene induction and transformation by XIP. Finally, loss of relA resulted in phenotypic changes to ΔrcrR mutants, highlighted by restoration of transformation and ComX protein production in the otherwise non-transformable ΔrcrR-NP mutant. Thus, RelA activity and its influence on (p)ppGpp pools appears to modulate competence signaling and development through RcrRPQ and the peptide effectors encoded within rcrQ. Collectively, this study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms that integrate intercellular communication with the physiological status of the cells and the regulation of key virulence-related phenotypes in S. mutans.
Dissection of signalling modalities and courtship timing reveals a novel signal in Drosophila saltans courtship

Courtship signalling, necessary for the recognition of potential mates, is often complex, using many modalities with multiple components. Drosophila courtship comprises chemical, tactile, visual and acoustic stimuli. Ablation of single sensory channels, either signal production or reception, can determine the roles of individual modalities in overall reproductive success. Adding measures of courtship timing, particularly courtship latency, the time for the male to initiate courtship, and courtship duration, the time from courtship initiation until the female accepts the male for copulation, allows us to identify the stage of courtship at which a signal acts. This study focuses on Drosophila saltans, a member of the saltans species group. Little is known about sexual behaviour of species in this group, part of the Sophophora subgenus. In the present study, we found that ablation of any one signal in D. saltans did not eliminate mating, thus courtship is multimodal. In addition to examining the signals and signal reception common to most Drosophila species, we also examined the role that the midtarsi play in courtship. The removal of the female's midtarsi significantly reduced mating occurrence. Using timing data, we discerned that the absence of midtarsi in the female did not affect the male's ability to identify the female as a potential mate, but the male may be unable to sufficiently stimulate the female to copulation. Measuring courtship latency and courtship duration, as well as the occurrence of courtship and copulation, allowed us to determine whether a particular signal plays a role in activating the male to initiate courtship or stimulating the female to mate.
SAW passive multi-sensor system: Status and future opportunities

Over the past 15 years, our group has been developing passive wireless multi-sensor systems based on surface acoustic wave (SAW) encoded delay line sensors. The work has been principally developed through NASA SBIR/STTR programs, NASA developmental contracts, and NASA graduate fellowships. This period of effort has resulted in the development of orthogonal frequency coded RFID sensor devices, specialized transceiver (reader) technology, and adaptive filter correlator post processing techniques. Operational systems and devices were demonstrated from 250 MHz to 1 GHz.
GENDER, TINGKAT PENDIDIKAN DAN LAMA USAHA SEBAGAI DETERMINAN PENGHASILAN UMKM KOTA SURABAYA

Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh perbedaan gender, tingkat pendidikan dan lama usaha terhadap penghasilan pemilik UMKM kota Surabaya. Oleh karena itu, peneliti akan menganalisa pengaruh perbedaan gender, tingkat pendidikan dan lamanya usaha terhadap penghasilan UMKM di Surabaya. Ada sekitar 3.947 pemilik UMKM yang dikelola oleh pemerintah kota Surabaya, namun tidak semua produktif. Untuk menganalisis data, pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui survei dan wawancara semi-struktural kepada pemilik UKM di Surabaya. Peneliti menggunakan analisis regresi logistik pada program SPSS dengan jumlah sampel 170 pemilik UMKM. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perbedaan gender secara signifikan mempengaruhi pendapatan dari UKM. Tapi tingkat pendidikan dan usia bisnis tidak berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap pendapatan UKM. Kata kunci: perbedaan gender, tingkat pendidikan, usia bisnis, UKM di Surabaya Abstract The purpose of this research is to test the influence gender differences, level of education and business age to income of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Surabaya. This researcher will analyze the influence gender differences, the level of education and business agetowards the income of SMEs in Surabaya. There are more than 3.947 SMEs managed by government of Surabaya, but they are not all productive. In order to analyze the data, the collection of data is done through survey and semi-structural interview to the owners of SMEs in Surabaya. The researcher utilizes ordinary logistic regression analysis SPSS program while the sample size is 170 owners of SMEs. Results show that gender differencessignificantly influences the income of the SMEs.But level of education and business age not significantly influences the income of the SMEs. Key words: gender differences, level of education, business age, SMEs in Surabaya
A proposed genome of mobile and situated crowdsourcing and its design implications for encouraging contributions

A number of papers have surveyed mobile crowdsourcing systems and, to a lesser extent, situated crowdsourcing systems. These surveys have either contributed a comprehensive taxonomy of the diverse application domains where the systems have tapped into or have characterized different components of the system platforms. In this paper, we present a survey of mobile and situated crowdsourcing systems by addressing fundamental questions about user contributions that system designers pose when building new systems or evaluating existing ones. We select and analyze 40 mobile and situated crowdsourcing systems for which prototypes were deployed and studied in the real world. Inspired by the MIT's genetic model of collective intelligence, we propose our genetic model and new genes for mobile and situated crowdsourcing systems by examining user contributions to the selected systems. We present the observed patterns of different genes and discuss how the model can be used to create new applications and design ideas. By reviewing the existing design principles of online communities, we also provide examples to illustrate how unique genes inspire new design suggestions for encouraging user contributions in the context of mobile and situated crowdsourcing. HighlightsA new perspective to survey mobile and situated crowdsourcing systems.A proposed genome containing 14 new genes that describe and categorize mobile and situated crowdsourcing systems.An extensive discussion on the observed patterns of the genes and how the unique mobile and situated crowdsourcing genes can be used to generate new application ideas and to inform new design suggestions for encouraging user contributions.
Dating violence and physical health: A longitudinal lens on the significance of relationship dynamics and anti‐social lifestyle characteristics

Background Scholars have documented the significant physical health consequences of intimate partner violence. Yet, because existing research draws primarily on clinical samples of adult women, it is unclear whether exposure to dating violence is related to health detriments among young men and women. Furthermore, data limitations largely have precluded consideration of the mechanisms underlying these previously observed associations. Aims We sought to examine the direct association between dating violence and self-rated physical health during adolescence and across the transition to adulthood. We also directed attention to potential mediating and confounding factors, including negative relationship dynamics, anti-social lifestyle characteristics and physical health correlates. Methods Drawing on five waves of data from the Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study (n = 3746 person-periods), we used growth curve analyses to examine these associations among a sample of young men and women in dating relationships. Results Longitudinal analyses revealed that dating violence was associated with declines in self-rated physical health across the period from adolescence to young adulthood. This effect, however, was attenuated with the inclusion of negative relationship dynamics. Conclusions Findings suggest the need to further examine the physical health consequences of dating violence, with a particular focus on the relationship context and other potential confounding forces. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recovery trends and predictions of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) dynamics in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

The endemic Fraser fir (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.) is found in only seven montane regions in the southern Appalachians above ca. 1500 m elevation. Due to widespread insect-caused mortality from t...
Accuracy of Interpolated Bathymetry in Digital Elevation Models

ABSTRACT Amante, C.J. and Eakins, B.W., 2016. Accuracy of interpolated bathymetry in digital elevation models. In: Brock, J.C.; Gesch, D.B.; Parrish, C.E.; Rogers, J.N., and Wright, C.W. (eds.), Advances in Topobathymetric Mapping, Models, and Applications. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 76, pp. 123–133. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Digital elevation models (DEMs) are used to model numerous coastal processes, including tsunamis, contaminant dispersal, and erosion. In the bathymetric realm, the distance between measurements typically increases farther from shore (i.e., deeper water), such that gridding interpolation to build a bathymetric DEM is often across large distances. This study examined the accuracy of interpolation in bathymetric DEMs using three common interpolation techniques: inverse distance weighting, spline, and triangulation. The goal was to examine the relationship between interpolation accuracy and cell sampling density, distance to the nearest depth measureme...
Realism and the history of chemistry

This essay presents a model of a scientific field, as constituted by a domain of objective phenomena and a community of practitioners, interfaced by laboratory instrumentation and machinery. The relations between items in the domain, as well as those between the cognitive tools (concepts, statements, problems, classifications) that shape the practices of the community are postulated to be relations of exteriority, that is, relations that do not determine the identity of what they relate. This move allows the model to avoid holism. The essay then goes on to contrast the proposed model with Kuhn holistic theory of paradigms to highlight its advantages.
Reconstruction of the middle third auricular defects

A variety of reconstructive methods exist for defects involving the middle third of the auricle. Depending on the specific 3-dimensional characteristics of a defect, local flaps involving the rearrangement of adjacent tissues are oftentimes effective and esthetically favorable procedures. In this article we describe 2 techniques for reconstructing defects of the middle third of the auricle: the pedicled postauricular interpolation flap and single- or bipedicled chondrocutaneous composite advancement flaps.
Local and Average Glass Transitions in Polymer Thin Films

In the companion paper (DOI 10.1021/ma101098d), we presented a quantitative theory for the suppression of the glass transition in a thin polymer film. Our delayed glassification (DG) model follows a proposal by de Gennes that free volume can be transmitted from surface to film interior via kinks transported along molecular strands or loops. In this paper, we use the DG model to predict the effects of molecular weight and film thickness on the film-averaged glass transition for a polystyrene sample. Our predictions for both freestanding and supported films of polystyrene illustrate that the DG model is able to account for some, but not all, of the experimental trends. This leads us to confront a number of issues, including how to average local glass transitions to yield a sample value as well as how to rationalize the nature of the molecular weight dependence for transitions in the thinnest freestanding films.
The effects of Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) on health-care workers

Background The main objective of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of the Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) on various aspects of burnout and job satisfaction in health-care workers. Specifically, this study sought to investigate whether CCT reduces work-related burnout, interpersonal conflict, as well as increases of mindfulness, compassion toward the self, fears of compassion, and job satisfaction scores. Method Participants consisted of 62 adults, who identified as health-care workers between the ages 22 and 80. All participants completed an 8-week CCT course and filled out questionnaires related to self-compassion, fears of compassion, mindfulness, burnout, job satisfaction, and interpersonal conflict. The questionnaires were administered by email during the first, middle, and last weeks of CCT, as well as 1 month after completion of CCT (follow-up). Results The results for this study demonstrated significant improvements in participants’ self-compassion, mindfulness, and interpersonal conflict scores. In addition, the results indicated marginally significant improvements in self-reported job satisfaction scores. No differences were observed on the burnout measure due to possible floor effects. Conclusions The general conclusions of this study are that CCT may be helpful at improving several aspects of health in health-care providers, such as self-reported mindfulness, self-compassion, compassion toward others, and interpersonal conflict. The implications of this study are that this training may promote mental health resilience in health-care workers, improve patient care, and may be helpful in burnout prevention. Further implications and future directions are discussed.
Effect of particle size and surface treatment on constitutive properties of polyester-cenosphere composites

Cenospheres (hollow, aluminum silicate spheres ranging from 10 to 400 μm in diameter) are used as filler in a homogeneous polyester composite. Particle size was varied to study its effect on mechanical properties of the composite. The effect of particulate surface modification using a silane coupling agent was also studied. Properties of the composites were characterized using standard testing methods. When compared to the largest particulate used, an increase in compression strength was achieved by particle size reduction and use of coupling agent. The Elastic modulus increased by using fine particles, while Poisson's ratio remained constant and independent of silane treatment or particle size. Fracture toughness increased with particle size reduction and increased further with silane surface modification. Dynamic compressive strength increased with particle size reduction, while silane did not show improvement. The addition of cenospheres as well as silane treatment increased the glass transition temperature for polyester. A given mass fraction of particulate, of a mean diameter D, will have the surface area between the particulate and matrix scale as D −1 (specific surface area). The sensitivity of these properties to cenosphere size is a direct function of the interfacial surface contacts between the polyester and the cenospheres and the specific surface area.
Forward-flyback converter for LED driving with reduced number of components

Flyback type converters are widely used in various applications including small power LED drivers. However, they suffer from the losses from the snubber circuit. To beat this problem, previous studies investigated the lossless snubbers. However, they still have a limitation due to the additional components resulting in a high cost and low power density. In this paper, a new converter topology for two-channel LED driving with the reduced number of components. The proposed converter is based on the isolated forward-flyback converter with the blocking capacitors for two-channel output structure. The proposed converter delivers the energy stored in the leakage inductor to the output side directly, whereas conventional approaches store the energy in the additional components. Therefore, the proposed converter can remove the additional snubber components, and it also can achieve a high efficiency. The effectiveness of the proposed converter has been verified with 3.3V input and 11.55W output prototype.
Web-Based Alcohol Intervention in First-Year College Students: Efficacy of Full-Program Administration Prior to Second Semester

Background: Commercially available, web-based interventions for the prevention of alcohol use are being adopted for universal use with first-year college students, yet few have received empirical e...
Using the “Indicators of Engaged Learning Online” Framework to Evaluate Online Course Quality

This article is a case study of the use of the Indicators of Engaged Learning Online (IELO) framework (See Appendix 1) as a guide to evaluate the quality of online courses. The framework lends itself well to measures of engagement, particularly, in terms of online course design because of its comprehensiveness. Six online courses were evaluated for quality in terms of engaged learning based on thirty indicators contained within the framework. Results ranged from a score of 21 to 71 out of a potential total score of 90. This 0–90 scale represented a continuum of passive to engaged learning. The purpose of the pilot study was to explore how the Indicators of Engaged Learning Online (IELO) framework could be used as a tool for evaluating the quality of online courses by instructional designers (IDs) and instructors. Insights into the practical use of the IELO framework and the need for improved guidelines for IDs and instructors as they assess the amount of student engagement designed in a course are provided. Recommendations for practice have implications for both aspects of engagement: how a course is designed and how it is delivered.
Update in Immunotherapies for Melanoma

In the setting of metastatic and advanced melanoma, systemic medications are often used. These new medications can be organized into those that target pathway alterations caused by gene mutations or those that augment the immune system to fight off the cancer. The key to targeted melanoma therapy primarily revolves around the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway. Vemurafenib and dabrafenib are inhibitors of mutated BRAF. They are used in combination with MEK inhibitors, such as trametinib and cobimetinib. Immunotherapy prompts the body’s immune system to recognize and eradicate the melanoma. Ipilimumab, a CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody, and pembrolizumab and nivolumab, PD-1 monoclonal antibodies, are mainstays of melanoma treatment.
Thrombosis in the Development of Newborn Brain Damage

Neonatal stroke is defined as a group of heterogeneous conditions in which there is focal disruption of cerebral blood flow secondary to arterial or cerebral venous thrombosis or embolization, between 20 weeks of fetal life through 28th postnatal day, and confirmed by neuroimaging or neuropathological studies [1]. Two types of ischemic neonatal strokes are arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS) and cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT). The third stroke type is primary bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Additional forms of ischemic stroke unique to the perinatal period include periventricular venous infarction (PVI) and presumed perinatal stroke detected in infancy or childhood (both are not discussed in this chapter). Vessels are occluded by thrombosis, embolism, direct trauma, compression, spasm or obliteration by an inflammatory process. Open vessel ischemia, e.g., during hypovolaemia, arrhythmia or asphyxia, is not included in the definition of stroke.
Participatory Fact-Finding: Developing New Directions for Human Rights Investigations Through New Technologies

This chapter considers the way in which broader participation in human rights fact-finding, enabled by the introduction of new technologies, will change the nature of fact-finding itself. Using the example of a participatory mapping project called Map Kibera, the chapter argues that new technologies will change human rights fact-finding by providing opportunities for ordinary individuals to investigate the human rights issues that affect them. Those who were formerly the ‘subjects’ of human rights investigations now have the potential to be agents in their own right. This ‘participatory fact-finding’ may not be as effective in ‘naming and shaming’ states and companies that violate human rights because the absence of the imprimatur of an established organization may render the information collected vulnerable to critique. At the same time, new and more participatory techniques of investigation will be better suited to other forms of accountability. Participatory fact-finding has the potential to be fact-finding as empowerment — the collection of information and documentation of facts as means for empowering those affected by abuses to advocate for their change. Participatory fact-finding will also be more effective in documenting violations of the positive obligation to fulfill rights than traditional fact-finding methods because they offer opportunities for gathering more data than is possible through victim and witness interviewing.By supporting local participation, new technologies provide an opportunity to bring the practice of human rights fact-finding into greater alignment with human rights principles. Utilizing new technologies to achieve greater participation in human rights fact-finding will allow human rights organizations to ‘practice what they preach’ — to integrate the principle of participation into their own work in addition to recommending it to states and other duty-bearers. There is and will continue to be a significant need for the kind of fact-finding done by large and established international human rights organizations. Yet documentation projects involving citizens have the potential to be a new kind of fact-finding — to look and function differently than fact-finding as generally practiced by the major international non-governmental organizations and the United Nations. By opening up who can participate in investigation, new technologies will not replace established methodologies, but will instead broaden our understanding of what counts as human rights documentation and the purposes such investigations serve.
Validation of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System 2017 (LI-RADS) Criteria for Imaging Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) is being adapted by many clinical practices. To support continuation of its use, LI-RADS (LR) is in need of multicenter validation studies of recent LI-RADS iterations. Furthermore, while both gadoxetate and extracellular agents have been incorporated into LI-RADS, comparison of the diagnostic performance between the two has yet to be determined. Purpose/hypothesis To evaluate the rate, diagnostic performance, and interreader reliability (IRR) of LI-RADS 2017 for hepatocellular carcinoma, including LR major and ancillary features, with both gadoxetate and extracellular agent-enhanced MRI against a reference standard of histopathology or imaging follow-up. Study type Retrospective. Population In all, 114 patients with 144 observations were included who met LR 2017 criteria for at risk and had at least one hepatic observation on liver MRI performed with either gadoxetate (n = 52) or an extracellular agent (n = 92) between 2010-2016, with histopathology (n = 103) or follow-up imaging (n = 41). Field strength/sequence 1.5 and 3.0T/T1 -T2 WI, diffusion-weighted imaging. Assessment Three radiologists independently assessed major/ancillary features and assigned overall LI-RADS category for every observation. Statistical tests Diagnostic performance of LR5/TIV+LR5 for identifying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was compared between contrast agents with a generalized estimating equation. Weighted kappa was performed for interrater reliability. Results The frequency of HCCs among LR1, LR2, LR3, L4, LR5, LRTIV+LR5, and LRM observations were: 0% (all readers), 0-12.5%, 11.4-26.9%, 50-76%, 83.0-95.1%, 83.3-100.0%, and 45.0-65.0%, respectively. Sensitivity of LR5/LRTIV+LR5 for HCC was 59.7-71.4% and specificity 85.0-96.8%. LI-RADS specificity and positive predictive value for observations imaged with gadoxetate was higher than extracellular agent for the most inexperienced reader (R3) (P = 0.009-0.034). IRR for LI-RADS categorization was substantial (k = 0.661). Data conclusion Increasing numerical LI-RADS 2017 categories demonstrate a greater percentage of HCCs. LR5/TIV+LR5 demonstrates excellent specificity and fair sensitivity for HCC. MRI with gadoxetate in liver transplant candidates may be beneficial for less experienced readers, although further large-scale prospective studies are needed. Level of evidence 4 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:e205-e215.
Intrathecal Central Nervous System Prophylaxis in Patients With Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma at an Academic Healthcare System

Abstract Introduction Intrathecal chemoprophylaxis is often administered to patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) to lower the rates of central nervous system (CNS) relapse, although its benefit has not been well-described. Prognostic models, including the CNS-International Prognostic Index (IPI), have been developed to aid in identifying patients at highest risk for CNS relapse. Patients and Methods We evaluated 112 patients diagnosed with DLBCL from 2009 to 2016 at Emory Healthcare and classified them as high (n = 44) or low risk (n = 68) for CNS relapse and compared CNS prophylaxis rates and relapse rates between groups. The primary outcome was to compare the CNS relapse rate in high-risk patients who received intrathecal prophylaxis with patients who did not. Results Twenty-six patients (14 high-risk and 12 low-risk) received intrathecal prophylaxis. Only 4 of 112 patients experienced a CNS relapse, including 1 in the high-risk group and 3 in the low-risk group. Among 14 high-risk patients who received intrathecal prophylaxis, no patient experienced CNS relapse compared with 1 of 30 high-risk patients without prophylaxis (P = 1.0). Conclusion Given the low rates of CNS relapse in this series, it is difficult to discern the impact of current risk stratification combined with intrathecal prophylaxis on outcomes. Our observation that many high-risk patients did not receive prophylaxis, whereas many low-risk patients received prophylaxis emphasizes the need for a standardized approach.
Precision Assembly of Optical Backplanes

Full optical backplanes can be seen as a promising technology for high bandwidth ICT (Information and Communication Technology) apparatuses and high performance computing systems. According to a recent frame-based solution, the backplane mounts a number of independent optical interconnect circuits mainly consisting of a set of optical fiber ribbons of different lengths arranged to fulfill a specific planar ribbon routing. A non-negligible problem is related to the development of suitable techniques for the efficient and cost-effective assembly of such sub-circuits. New systems are required that combine ultimate hardware and software capabilities and derive from a synergic implementation of digital and advanced manufacturing technologies. The successful assembly of the optical interconnection circuits lies in the development of cyber-physical production systems within the framework of Industry 4.0. In this context, this work will present and discuss how different innovative technologies and consolidated technologies applied in a novel context were exploited to demonstrate the feasibility of the automated backplane assembly. The achieved results are discussed in terms of design of the work-cell layout and related equipment, simulation tests, tool path planning, and final task execution.
Immunological recovery in T-cell activation after sustained virologic response among HIV positive and HIV negative chronic Hepatitis C patients.

Rapid decreases in activated CD4+ and CD8+ (HLA-DR + and CD38+ co-expressed) T-lymphocytes have been described within 1–2 weeks of initiating direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy among chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) patients. However, it is not known whether these changes are maintained past sustained virologic response (SVR), particularly in those who are HIV/HCV-coinfected. We investigated the changes in immune parameters of T-lymphocytes from pre-DAA therapy to post-SVR among HIV negative and HIV positive patients with CHC. Repeated measurements of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry at pre-DAA therapy, DAA therapy, end of treatment, SVR, and post-SVR. A general linear model for repeated measurements was used to estimate the mean outcome at each timepoint and change between timepoints. HCV-monoinfected (n = 161) and HIV/HCV-coinfected (n = 59) patients who achieved SVR with DAA therapy were predominately middle aged, male, black, and non-cirrhotic. At pre-DAA therapy, HCV-monoinfected patients had significantly higher CD4+ T cells and CD4+:CD8+ T-cell ratio, while significantly lower CD8+ and activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells compared to HIV/HCV-coinfected patients (p < 0.0001). HCV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients had a significant mean decrease from pre-DAA therapy to post-SVR year 1 for activated CD4+ (HCV-monoinfected: 4.8–3.9%, p < 0.0001; HIV/HCV-coinfected: 6.6–4.5%, p < 0.0001) and activated CD8+ T cells (HCV-monoinfected V: 13.8–11.8%, p = 0.0002; HIV/HCV-coinfected: 18.0–12.4%, p < 0.0001). This longitudinal study showed CHC patients treated with DAA therapy had continued decrease of T-lymphocytes from start of DAA therapy to after achievement of SVR suggesting improvement as HCV clearance normalizes activated T-cell phenotype.
IDDF2019-ABS-0347 Platelet count after living donor liver transplantation as a surrogate for portal vein pressure monitoring and predictor of graft hyperperfusion syndrome: the ‘5–67–8’ rule

Background Thrombocytopenia early after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) mainly occurs secondary to hepatic/splenic sequestration, a product of Portal vein pressure (PVP). Portal vein flow (PVF) unlike PVP, is mainly an inflow parameter and does not directly reflect sinusoidal pressure and predict graft dysfunction secondary to hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS). The aim of this study is to determine whether post-LDLT platelet count (PC) can reflect PVP and serve as a biomarker to predict HPS. Methods A total of 757 consecutive adult to adult LDLTs were performed from July 2010 to January 2018 at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. After excluding recipients who underwent splenectomy or splenic artery ligation, a total of 690 patients were included. Postoperative liver function, the volume of ascites and graft hemodynamics were recorded on days 1,3,5,7 and 14. Correlation analysis was done using Generalized estimating equations and Receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) with Youden’s index to determine the optimal cut-off point. Results A total of 201 patients (29%) developed HPS in this study. Post LDLT PC significantly correlated to PVF (p Conclusions Platelet counts within the first 2 weeks after LDLT can serve a surrogate for PVP monitoring and can be used as a guide for further inflow modulation. Furthermore, a PC on POD5 of less than or equal to 67,000 per mm3 is 80% sensitive in predicting HPS hence, the ‘5-67-8’ rule.
Passivity-Based Predictive-Resonant Current Control for Resonance Damping in LCL -Equipped VSCs

In this article, we propose a frequency-domain passivity-based damping controller combined with predictive current control for LCL -filter-equipped voltage source converters (VSCs) connected to an arbitrary ac network to achieve passive VSC input admittance almost up to the Nyquist frequency. The controller guarantees resonance damping in the corresponding frequency range irrespective of the network impedance seen by the VSC. Resonant current compensation is added to eliminate the steady-state tracking error and to achieve superior disturbance rejection. We have used impedance-based method for the analysis of harmonic resonance instabilities caused by current controllers. The developed passivity-based predictive-resonant current controller is analytically shown to stabilize interactions among multiparalleled VSCs. Resonance damping capability of the proposed method is validated through simulation and hardware experiments.
Educated acquiescence: how academia sustains authoritarianism in China

As a presumed bastion of the Enlightenment values that support a critical intelligentsia, the university is often regarded as both the bedrock and beneficiary of liberal democracy. By contrast, authoritarian regimes are said to discourage higher education out of fear that the growth of a critical intelligentsia could imperil their survival. The case of China, past and present, challenges this conventional wisdom. Imperial China, the most enduring authoritarian political system in world history, thrived in large part precisely because of its sponsorship of a form of higher education closely tied to state interests. Although twentieth-century revolutions brought fundamental change to Chinese politics and pedagogy, the contemporary party-state also actively promotes higher education, cultivating a mutually advantageous state-scholar nexus and thereby reducing the likelihood of intellectual-led opposition. As in the imperial past, authoritarian rule in China today is buttressed by a pattern of educated acquiescence, with academia acceding to political compliance in exchange for the many benefits conferred upon it by the state. The role of educated acquiescence in enabling Chinese authoritarianism highlights the contributions of a cooperative academy to authoritarian durability and raises questions with prevailing assumptions that associate the flourishing of higher education with liberal democracy.
Perceptions of Apparel Retailers’ Culture Based on Employees’ Style of Dress Featured on Corporate Recruitment Websites

The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine if images of employees’ dress on apparel retailers’ recruitment web pages have an impact on undergraduates’ perceptions of the companies. Students (male=13, female=25) examined the recruitment landing pages of apparel retailers. Next, using an open-ended question, students listed adjectives to describe each retail organization’s culture based on the dress styles (formal business style, business casual style, or casual style) of employees featured on the landing pages. Students’ responses were content analyzed and categorized. Formal business styles were associated with an aggressive culture, business casual styles were associated with a supportive and innovative culture, and casual styles were associated with a supportive culture. Based on their responses, undergraduates did seem to use the style of dress featured on the models in the photographs on the recruitment landing pages as a cue related to the retailers’ culture.
Mechanisms to increase cascade testing in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer: Impact of introducing standardized communication aids into genetic counseling.

Aim Precancer identification of women with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) could prevent 20% of these ovarian cancers. The objective was to determine whether standardized Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) materials are acceptable, improve knowledge of HBOC and increase disclosure to family members. Methods A prospective cohort of women with breast or ovarian cancer was identified prior to genetic testing. Subjects completed a baseline knowledge survey and were provided three communication aids. Knowledge, acceptability and communication to family members were reassessed at 6 months and compared to a retrospective cohort who had undergone genetic testing for breast or ovarian cancer prior to the intervention. The primary outcome was increase in HBOC knowledge, requiring 20 pre- and postknowledge scores to detect a 10% difference. Results Forty women were enrolled. The median age at cancer diagnosis was 50 years and 55% had a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Though subjects found the resources acceptable, knowledge scores did not improve after their use. Disclosure rates were of no different between cohorts (83% preintervention vs 77% postintervention, P = 0.26) though there was an increase in deleterious mutation carriers, 0% (0/6) preintervention vs 100% (22/22) postintervention. Rates of subsequent testing in relatives were low in both preintervention and postintervention cohorts (0% vs 4.5%). Conclusion Inclusion of standardized communication tools is acceptable to patients. Knowledge did not improve after their use. In deleterious mutation carriers, disclosure rates increased postintervention.
An Ex-Post Empirical Investigation of the Efficacy of Central Bank Interventions in Currency Markets: Bilateral Exchange Rate of the Dollar

This paper investigates the role of central bank intervention in currency markets. Specifically, the bilateral exchange rates of the dollar versus the British pound, Swiss franc, and the yen are examined. Central banks conduct open market operations in order to regulate exchange rates in currency markets. The daily data and appropriate EGARCH models, which account for information asymmetry, provide the time varying volatility measures in the market for the three exchange rates. It is shown that the ex-post daily volatility in two out of three cases rises with central bank market interventions, while there is no statistically significant reaction in the daily volatility. Our findings suggest that rational expectations of currency traders may be responsible for these findings. Furthermore, our findings show that central bank expectations of intervention and reality of exchange rate behavior may be inconsistent.
Discounting Climate Change Mitigating Projects: A Production-Based Model with Disasters

This paper proposes a model that sheds light on the appropriate discount rate on projects that mitigate climate change. In addition, it helps determine the best time to start implementing climate policy. The model is production-based and features endogenous climate-related disasters. It suggests (1) that the discount rate on climate change mitigation projects is lower than that on the stock market but higher than the risk-free rate and (2) that it is optimal to start investing into climate change mitigation projects as soon as possible.
Cold sintering of magnetic BaFe12O19 and other ferrites at 300 °C

Densifying ZnFe2O4 and BaFe12O19 at 300 °C to values greater than 90% of theoretical is demonstrated via hydroflux-assisted densification (HAD), a derivative of the cold sintering process employing non-aqueous, flux-based mass transport phases to facilitate particle consolidation. Previous attempts to cold sinter these materials with aqueous-based mass transport phases were not as successful with final densities < 90%. Attempts to densify NiFe2O4 and (Ni0.5Zn0.5)Fe2O4 only achieved densities around 80%, indicating an alternative transport phase may be needed to achieve high densities in Ni-containing materials. Magnetic hysteresis measurements of the low-temperature densified BaFe12O19 samples produced magnetic saturation values as high as 93 emu/g and coercive fields as high as 1789 Oe, which are comparable to values reported in the literature for this material produced via other processing techniques. Additional techniques are suggested to further optimize the magnetic properties of BaFe12O19 densified following the HAD approach.