cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural Control of Rocky Mountain Front: COCORP Profiles Across Laramie Mountains: ABSTRACT

The Rocky Mountain Front forms the eastern edge of the North American Cordillera and represents significant Laramide deformation of the continental basement 1,500 km from the nearest coeval plate margin. COCORP deep seismic profiles were recorded across the northern part of the front to investigate its structure and the influence of the Archean-Proterozoic crustal boundary, expressed in the nearby Medicine Bow Mountains as the Nash Fork-Mullen Creek (NFMC) shear zone. Four COCORP profiles totaling 180 km transect the Denver basin, Laramie Mountains, and Laramie basin. West-dipping (20°) reflections beneath the mountains truncate basement events and project to key frontal faults, suggesting that the northern front has a structure of shallow, en echelon basement thrusts. A steep northwest dip for the NFMC shear zone is indicated by equivocal truncations and diffractions in basement beneath the east edge of the Laramie basin. Alternatively, a band of events with apparent southward dip under the mountains may be sideswiped from the shear zone, which, together with a predominant southeast-dipping seismic basement fabric, suggests a moderately steep southeast-dipping shear zone. The second interpretation is favored. Continuous reflections at 15.5 to 17.0 sec east of the mountains may indicate a Moho depth of 48 km, while the deepest events on other lines are shallower (11 to 13 sec). Thus, COCORP profiling and nearby refraction surveys suggest crustal thinning to the northwest across the Archean-Proterozoic boundary which also controlled the segmentation of the northern Rocky Mountain front. On a regional scale, crustal thinning may be partly responsible for the greater diversity of the Laramide in Wyoming. End_of_Article - Last_Page 889------------
Is type 2 diabetes mellitus a vascular disease (atheroscleropathy) with hyperglycemia a late manifestation? The role of NOS, NO, and redox stress.

Cardiovascular disease accounts for at least 85 percent of deaths for those patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Additionally, 75 percent of these deaths are due to ischemic heart disease. Is type 2 diabetes mellitus a vascular disease (atheroscleropathy) with hyperglycemia a late manifestation? The role of NOS, NO, and redox stress. The vulnerable three arms of the eNOS reaction responsible for the generation of eNO is discussed in relation to the hypothesis: (1). The L-arginine substrate. (2). The eNOS enzyme. (3). The BH4 cofactor. If we view T2DM as a vascular disease initially with a later manifestation of hyperglycemia, we may be able to better understand and modify the multiple toxicities associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, overt T2DM, and accelerated atherosclerosis (atheroscleropathy). The importance of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), L-arginine, and redox stress are discussed in relation to endothelial cell dysfunction and the development and progression of atheroscleropathy and T2DM. In addition to the standard therapies to restore endothelial cell dysfunction and stabilization of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, this article will discuss the importance of folic acid (5MTHF) supplementation in this complex devastating disease process. Atheroscleropathy and hyperglycemia could be early and late manifestations, respectively, in the natural progressive history of T2DM.
Chemical Interactions of UOP IONSIV IE-911 (CST) with SRS Waste Simulants

UOP IONSIV® IE-911 is a bound form of cystalline silicotitanate (CST) that was extensively tested for removing 137Cs from the Savannah River Site (SRS) tank wastes. In some simulant tests, column plugging incidents were observed, which led to thorough investigations to determine the causes and to develop protocols to avoid future plugging incidents. A related problem was the apparent decrease in Cs scavenging capability in some long-term tests. Our studies revealed that the interaction of IE-911 with the highly basic, high ionic strength, SRS average salt simulant could result in precipitation of; 1) poorly crystalline Nb-oxide, or 2) aluminosilicate zeolitic phases. The source for the Nb-oxide precipitate was determined to be a minor impurity phase that is a byproduct of CST manufacturing. The mechanisms of dissolution and re-precipitation of this phase in column pretreatment solution were investigated, and a protocol to rid IE-911 of this impurity was devised. The source material for the aluminosilicate zeolite precipitate was determined to be predominantly from the waste solution rather than the IE-911. Solubility experiments coupled with a thermodynamic analysis provided a protocol to predict when aluminosilicate precipitation will and will not occur. Finally, it was also established that aluminosilicate precipitation on the surfaces of the IE-911 granules could also account for an apparent decrease in equilibrium Kd and decrease in kinetics of Cs sorption.
Computer-aided design of VLSI circuits

With the rapid evolution of integrated circuit (IC) technology to larger and more complex circuits, new approaches are needed for the design and verification of these very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuits. A large number of design methods are currently in use. However, the evolution of these computer aids has occurred in an ad hoc manner. In most cases, computer programs have been written to solve specific problems as they have exist and no truly integrated computer-aided desisn (CAD) systems exist for the design of IC's. A structured approach both to circuit desisn and to circuit verification, as well as the development of integrated design systems, is necessary to produce cost-effective error-free VLSI circuits. This paper presents a review of the CAD techniques which have been used in the design of IC's, as well as a number of design methods to which the application of computer aids has proven most successful. The successful application of design-aids to VLSI circuits requites an evolution from these techniques and design methods.
The Evolution and Structure of a ``Bow-Echo Microburst'' Event. Part I: The Microburst

Abstract On 14 July 1982, a comprehensive multi-Doppler radar dataset was collected during the life cycle of an intense microburst-producing thunderstorm during the Joint Airport Weather Studies (JAWS) Project. This is believed to be one of the first attempts to study the temporal and spatial evolution of an entire microburst-producing thunderstorm. In addition, the radar echo of the parent storm evolved into a bow-shaped echo, thus providing the first detailed dataset on this phenomenon. This microburst was numerically simulated using Srivastava's one-dimensional downdraft model in an attempt to quantify microphysical processes and downdraft propagation in the subcloud layer. Analysis of the stormwide structure using a standard multi-Doppler kinematic analysis technique and the Gal-Chen thermodynamic retrieval technique is stressed in this paper, which is Part 1 of a two-part study. Part II examines the evolution of the stormwide vorticity during the formation of the bow echo. The microburst downdraft wa...
Dig Deeper or Diversify? The Rewards and Penalties of Knowledge Exploration and Exploitation Capabilities in the Context of IS Scholar Publication Productivity

We develop a model of knowledge creation in rapidly changing academic disciplines and posit that it is important for scholars in such environments to explore a variety of knowledge domains as opposed to focusing on narrow domains to ensure publication productivity. We hypothesize that in the IS domain, an example of a rapidly changing knowledge environment, explorative knowledge capability will positively impact knowledge creation. On the other hand, exploitative knowledge capability will penalize the researcher by negatively impacting knowledge creation. Using bibliometric information of IS scholars who published in top 10 IS journals from 2000- 2011, we perform a co-citation analysis and identify the key IS knowledge domains. Using indices borrowed from ecology and economics, we operationalize explorative and exploitative knowledge capabilities based on a researcher’s breadth and depth of previous publications in those knowledge domains. Results from a regression analysis of 91 IS scholars provide strong evidence for our hypotheses.
Can Weight-Based Measures Distinguish between Informed and Uninformed Fund Managers?

This paper studies weight-based mutual fund performance measures in a panel predictive regressions framework, where future stock returns are regressed on a fund's portfolio weights. Existing performance measures suffer biases related to benchmark misspecifications and are statistically inefficient. To address these issues, we introduce bias-adjusted and weighted least squares (WLS) measures. Simulations show that new methods can effectively control bias and improve power, compared with existing measures. We also apply the existing and newly introduced measures to empirical examples. Using bias-adjusted measures and efficient measures can lead to different conclusions about managers' abilities.
Droplet burning rate enhancement of ethanol with the addition of graphite nanoparticles: Influence of radiation absorption

Abstract A droplet stream flame was used to measure the burning rate of ethanol droplets with the addition of graphite nanoparticles. Two particle sizes, 50 nm and 100 nm, were used for this study. Results indicate that as particle concentration is increased, the burning rate of the resulting nanofluid droplet also increases. The maximum enhancement of 62% was observed with the addition of 3 wt.% 50 nm graphite nanoparticles. To understand the burning-rate-enhancement phenomenon, a model was developed to estimate the radiation absorptivity by the hybrid droplet from the stream flame. The computational models determine the ratio of radiation retention by the entire depth of the fluid (volumetric absorptivity) using optical properties of both the particles and the fluid along with the penetration of radiation within the nanofluid using the well-known Monte Carlo algorithm that incorporates the aforementioned calculated optical properties of the nanofluid. Results indicate that radiation absorption by the hybrid droplet does play a role in the enhancement of burning rate. More importantly, the absorption is not uniform within the hybrid droplet. It is localized in the region near the droplet surface, promoting boiling at the droplet surface. This mechanism is believed to be responsible for the observed increased burning rate.
SPORADIC MICROMEDULLARY THYROID CARCINOMA WITH BONE METASTASES AT DIAGNOSIS: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

ABSTRACT Objective: Describe a case of sporadic micromedullary thyroid carcinoma (mMTC) found to have bone metastases at the first presentation. Methods: We present the initial clinical manifestations, pathology findings, laboratory results, and management of a patient with mMTC. Literature related to mMTC and its presentation was reviewed. Results: A 35-year-old female presented with a neck mass in 2012 and was found to have a left level IV cervical lymphadenopathy. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) revealed benign lymphoid tissue. She was kept under observation but a repeat FNA of the same persistent lymph node one year later revealed a low-grade neuroendocrine tumor. Serum calcitonin was 1,996 pg/mL (reference range: 0.0 to 5.1 pg/mL) at this time. Computerized tomography demonstrated multiple sclerotic lesions in the spine, ribs, and pelvis that were suspicious for metastatic lesions. A neck ultrasound revealed a subcentimeter, hypoechoic thyroid nodule in the lower isthmus and suspicious neck lymph nodes....
Peritonitis from Rothia mucilaginosa in a chronic peritoneal dialysis patient.

Rothia mucilaginosa is a Gram-positive, coagulase-negative, encapsulated, non-spore-forming coccus considered part of the normal flora of the upper airway in humans. It is considered to have low virulence, but has been reported to cause infections in various organs in immunocompromised patients. Only two cases of R. mucilaginosa peritonitis in chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients have been reported previously, and we report the third case here in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus, who was successfully treated with intraperitoneal vancomycin.
Measurement Errors in Reports of Consumer Expenditures

Efficient survey design requires knowledge of nonsampling errors and methods of controlling them as well as of sampling errors and their control. Empirical information on nonsampling errors has been growing rapidly in the last two decades. This paper will review the empirical information that has been obtained about measurement errors (one type of nonsampling error) in reports by consumers of past expenditures. The implications of the empirical findings for survey design are considered, and the needs for future research are discussed. MEASUREMENT ERRORS
A patient-education tool for patient-controlled analgesia.

Purpose/objectives To develop a pamphlet for educating patients about patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Data sources Journal articles and pump manufacturers' materials. Data synthesis This pamphlet defines PCA and describes PCA pump operation, pain assessment, medication side effects, and safety considerations. A numerical pain-assessment tool also is included. Conclusions This pamphlet has been helpful in assisting patients to use PCA pumps effectively. Implications for nursing practice Nurses can use this tool to educate patients requiring PCA therapy for pain management.
Neonatal Intestinal Metabolism

In the presence of glutamine, glucose, and 3-hydroxybutyrate, glutamine is the preferred oxidative substrate in enterocytes of suckling and weaned rats. The oxidation of substrates that enter the citric acid cycle in the form of acetyl-CoA such as glucose, fatty acid, and lipids is low during the suckling period and increases after weaning. The control of the citric acid cycle appears to be the intramitochondrial [NADH]/[NAD + ] ratio which is high during the suckling period and low in the intestine of weaned rats. The changes in substrate oxidation during weaning is not controlled by the endogenous steroid burst that occurs at 16 days of age. Substrate oxidation only changes after weaning suggesting that a change in diet is a significant factor in intestinal substrate oxidation.
Genetic Assays for Triplet Repeat Instability in Yeast

The unusual genetic features of trinucleotide repeat (TNR) diseases have stimulated a substantial body of research into the underlying molecular mechanisms of repeat instability. As one useful tool to study TNR instability, selectable genetic assays for expansions and contractions were developed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These assays are sensitive, quantitative, easy to manipulate, and reproducible. Once colonies are identified through genetic selection, follow-up experiments with PCR help detail the precise molecular changes that occurred at the TNR tract. This chapter describes these yeast assays and provides useful technical insights into creating and testing triplet repeat instability in a classic model system.
A 24.7 mW 65 nm CMOS SAR-Assisted CT $\Delta\Sigma $ Modulator With Second-Order Noise Coupling Achieving 45 MHz Bandwidth and 75.3 dB SNDR

A continuous-time (CT) sixth-order $\Delta \Sigma $ modulator, employing a 4 bit asynchronous successive-approximation-register (ASAR) quantizer, incorporates second-order noise coupling (NC) and excess-loop-delay compensation, all are tightly integrated into the switched-capacitor (SC) SAR digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The mixed-mode second-order NC structure is implemented in both discrete-time (DT) and CT domains. Clocked at 900 MHz, the 65 nm CMOS prototype measures a 120 dB/decade shaped noise slope and a peak 75.3 dB SNDR at an over-sampling ratio (OSR) of 10, yielding a Schreier FoM of 167.9 dB and a Walden FoM of 57.7 fJ/conversion-step. The modulator occupies an active area of 0.16 mm2 and consumes 24.7 mW.
Les conditions politiques au développement de la firme managériale

The large publicly held firm dominates business in the United States. But in other economically ad- vanced nations, ownership is not dif- fuse but concentrated. Social demo c- racies press managers to stabilize em- ployment. Hence, public firms there will have higher managerial agency costs, and large-block shareholding will persist. Indeed, when we line up the world's richest nations on a left- right political continuum and then line them up on a close-to-diffuse owner- ship continuum, the two correlate powerfully. We thus uncover not only a political explanation for owner- ship concentration in Europe, but also a crucial political prerequisite to the rise of the public firm in the United States, namely the weakness of social democratic pressures on the American business firm.
Beyond Editing: Extended Interaction with Textual Code Fragments

We describe research extending the interactive affordances of textual code fragments in creative coding environments. In particular we examine the potential of source code both to display the state of running processes and also to alter state using means other than traditional text editing. In contrast to previous research that has focused on the inclusion of additional interactive widgets inside or alongside text editors, our research adds a parsing stage to the runtime evaluation of code fragments and imparts additional interactive capabilities on the source code itself. After implementing various techniques in the creative coding environment Gibber, we evaluate our research through a survey on the various methods of visual feedback provided by our research. In addition to results quantifying preferences for certain techniques over others, we found near unanimous support among survey respondents for including similar techniques in other live coding environments.
Two-step flash sintering of ZnO: Fast densification with suppressed grain growth

Abstract Two-step flash sintering (TSFS) was proposed as a new ceramic fabrication method to achieve fast densification with suppressed grain growth. Using ZnO as an examplar, ~ 96.5% of theoretical density was achieved using TSFS with a grain size of ~ 370 nm, representing a > 3 times reduction of the grain size in comparison with conventional (one-step) flash sintering. Moreover, TSFS achieved this result in a few minutes, > 200 times faster than that needed for conventional two-step sintering to obtain comparable results, thereby representing an opportunity for significant energy and cost savings.
Definition and Description (Traits and Skills) of Narcissistic Leaders

After describing the different clusters of personality disorders and their associated traits and behaviors, Germain details the differences between healthy and unhealthy narcissism, as well as clarifying the concepts of covert vs. overt narcissism. “Definition and Description of Narcissistic Leaders” then examines the role of racial and gender differences in narcissistic individuals. After presenting interpersonal challenges associated with pathological narcissism, Germain concludes by placing NPD in the workplace context. She does so by discussing how certain corporate leaders may present observable signs of NPD in the workplace, and how these signs may affect employees and organizations as a whole.
Abstract WP330: Unreliable Long-term Cost Data Introduces Substantial Uncertainty Into Stroke Cost-Effectiveness Models

Background: Cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) models evaluate the value of stroke care methods. Estimates of long-term costs of stroke, a key input, vary substantially. We explored the effect of long-term cost variation on the interpretation of stroke CEA models. Methods: We estimated the lifetime costs and outcomes associated with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen treatment in acute ischemic stroke within the 0-3 hr and 3-4.5 hr windows. Decision analytic model inputs were from previously published literature, and clinical trials. We varied annual long term care costs, using cost groupings (i.e. cost per year at a given level of function) from published CEA models. Low estimates were from the Stroke Treatment Economic Model based on cost in the United Kingdom. High estimates were from the Rochester Stroke Registry from 1987 to1989. Split estimate took cost of minor disability from the low estimate and cost of major disability from the high estimate. We estimated incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) for the base-case and conducted probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Results: The split estimate resulted in the lowest ICERs and was the dominant strategy (improved efficacy, cost savings) in all three conditions (0-3hr, 3-4.5hr, ECASS III) with ICERS -$67,530, -$223,294, and -$39,517 respectively. The low estimate, while still cost effective, increased ICERS substantially to $809, $144, and $18,549 respectively. When low cost estimates were substituted for split cost estimates, the percentage of dominant stimulations dropped by more than half (figure 1). Conclusion: Varying cost estimates led to considerably different conclusions regarding the cost effectiveness of tPA . For a highly cost-effective therapy, these differences do not affect the overall judgement of cost-effectiveness. However, this uncertainty could alter the cost effectiveness of more marginally effective or costly treatments. More reliable long term stroke cost estimates are needed.
Fixed Points of Multi-valued Maps and Static Coulomb Friction Problems

The existence of solutions to the Signorini problem with Coulomb friction is a long standing open question. We prove the existence of generalized solutions that satisfy the pointwise Coulomb friction conditions on the entire interface and the normal nonpenetration condition on the complement of a subset with arbitrarily small but possibly positive measure. Furthermore, the penetration itself can also be made arbitrarily small. Although “measure zero” instead of “arbitrarily small measure” would be needed to fully resolve the issue, these generalized solutions seem to be the closest answer available to date. Their existence is proved by a suitable application of Ky Fan's fixed point theorem for multi-valued maps. The same method can be used with a number of variants involving contact of two or more elastic bodies and possible debonding phenomena.
Mentoring for Mentors: The Music Mentor Plus Program:

The Music Mentor Plus program was designed to introduce mentoring strategies teachers can implement during supervision of student teachers and early field experience interns, while also fostering c...
Abstract 397: HMOX1 Ameliorates Fatty Liver and Metabolic Syndrome by Reduction of Hepatic Heme and PGC1a

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) occurs in a setting of high fat diets, insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidemia. Individuals with NAFLD have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1), a major cytoprotective enzyme, attenuates oxidative stress and obesity and increases insulin sensitivity. The antioxidant effect of HMOX1 is due to an increase in ferritin, and bilirubin and a decrease in heme, a pro-oxidant. The aim of this study was to examine the role of increased hepatic HMOX activity in decreasing steatosis, adiposity and vascular dysfunction and to determine the mechanism underlying these metabolic changes in obese mice. Methods: Obese mice were administered cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) and HMOX activity inhibitor stannous mesoporphyrin (SnMP) for 6 weeks. Blood pressure, body weight and blood glucose levels were measured in all the groups. Glycogen content, hepatic fibrosis, heme levels, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and lipid droplet size in liver were also assessed. Results: CoPP administration increased hepatic HMOX1 protein levels and HMOX activity, decreased blood pressure, body weight, blood glucose levels, hepatic heme content (p Conclusion: This novel study demonstrates the role of hepatic HMOX1 in attenuating the fatty liver and metabolic homeostasis by decreasing PGC1α and heme content and enhancing glycogen levels. Pharmacological agents that increase HMOX1 levels or gene targeting of HMOX1 offer a promising therapeutic target for NAFLD and suggest the existence of a significant link between the heme-HMOX system and the extent and severity of heme-dependent fatty liver.
Changes in hemodynamic classification over time are common in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension: insights from the PHAROS cohort.

Group classification of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is based on pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) on right heart catheterization (RHC). How hemodynamics, particularly PAWP, change over time in...
Network Measures of Collaborative Support for Young Adults With Autism.

OBJECTIVES: The treatment of autism requires complex, multimodal interventions, provided by parents and providers across settings. As young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) transition into adulthood, new stakeholders are added to support planning for postsecondary employment. In this article, we investigate the use of dynamic social network measures that describe the resources of young adults throughout transition. METHODS: A longitudinal, dynamic social network survey (Social Dynamics of Intervention [SoDI]) was conceptualized, designed, and conducted as a feasibility test, measuring changes in collaboration among parents and school staff members who provided interventions for children with ASD in 2 urban public schools. Using the SoDI, we tracked the following over time: the team who provided interventions, their locations, the interventions they provided, the autism trainings they attended, and the density of the team’s problem-solving network for the child. RESULTS: Using the SoDI, we successfully identified stakeholders across settings who provided interventions for each child. Results indicated variation in the density of problem-solving and trust related to ASD intervention across teams as well as variation in intervention and autism knowledge networks during the school year. Adaptations of the SoDI for mapping pre- and posttransition resources and social connectivity across stakeholders for young adults with ASD are proposed in the Discussion section. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic social network approaches can be used to capture changes in intervention, autism knowledge, and social connectivity, providing informative descriptive data about how vocational rehabilitation policies might increase employment supports during the transition process for young adults with ASD.
An improved method for post-PCR purification for mtDNA sequence analysis

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis of forensic samples typically is performed when the quantity and quality of DNA are insufficient for nuclear DNA analysis or when maternal relatives may be the only reference source. Many of the steps required in the analytical process are both lengthy and labor intensive. Therefore, improvements in the process that reduce labor without compromising the quality of the data are desirable. The current procedure requires purification of the amplicons by centrifugal filtration after PCR and prior to cycle sequencing. Because this method requires several manipulations to perform, alternate cleanup procedures were investigated. These include the use of 1) Qiagen QlAquick PCR Purification columns, 2) Concert Rapid PCR Purification columns, and 3) ExoSAP-IT reagent. When the yield of purified amplicons, quality of the sequence profile, and ease of assay were evaluated, the use of ExoSAP-IT reagent for post-amplification purification was chosen to replace the filtration method.
Multivariate Selection of Students in a Racist Society: A Systematically Unfair Approach

In American society, minority group members are underrepresented in academic settings—as undergraduates, as graduate students, and as faculty members. This underrepresentation has many pernicious effects. For example: (i) the subsequent earning power of minority group members is lower than that of majority group members, (ii) there is an underrepresentation of minority group members in important positions in society, (iii) there is an underrepresentation in high status occupations in general, and (iv) consequently, minority group children do not have as many high prestige models as do majority group children. Women are also underrepresented in academic settings.
Data-Driven Education Reform: A New Pseudoscience

The underlying logic and assumptions behind the testing and assessment craze that has swept through education is examined, and the erroneous chain of reasoning based on tests and related metrics that leads to dangerous education policy decisions is uncovered. Many of the “data-driven” education policies and reforms are shown to resemble pseudoscience more than real science because they are missing one or more of the essential elements of science identified in Chapter 1. Examples discussed are value-added models for teacher effectiveness, measurements of adequate yearly progress in schools, college admissions based on SAT scores, and assessment practices in higher education. It is shown that all of these practices fail to provide causal explanations for student learning. The underlying reasons for why some teachers are more effective than others, why some schools succeed while others fail, why some students succeed in college while others drop out, why some college programs achieve their learning outcomes while others do not, are left unexamined. Instead these metrics provide tautologies—successful programs, teachers, schools, and students have successful outcomes.
Cultural studies in the present tense

ABSTRACTCultural studies professed ‘radical contextualism’ imbues the project with a particular orientation toward ‘the present,’ a consideration of ‘the current moment’ as a configuration of forces shaping possibilities for politically engaged practice and affording concrete potentials for telling better stories. This essay elaborates these claims by way of tribute to Lawrence Grossberg. It is neither retrospective nor prospective. Instead – and in a manner more befitting a figure who continues to champion the political-intellectual practice of cultural studies here and now, in the present – this essay reflects on the author’s experiences learning with and from Grossberg in order to explore the the temporality of the cultural studies project.
Semi-automated Image Segmentation of the Midsystolic Left Ventricular Mitral Valve Complex in Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is primarily a left ventricular disease in which the mitral valve is dysfunctional due to ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. Current automated methods have focused on analyzing the mitral valve and left ventricle independently. While these methods have allowed for valuable insights into mechanisms of IMR, they do not fully integrate pathological features of the left ventricle and mitral valve. Thus, there is an unmet need to develop an automated segmentation algorithm for the left ventricular mitral valve complex, in order to allow for a more comprehensive study of this disease. The objective of this study is to generate and evaluate segmentations of the left ventricular mitral valve complex in pre-operative 3D transesophageal echocardiography using multi-atlas label fusion. These patient-specific segmentations could enable future statistical shape analysis for clinical outcome prediction and surgical risk stratification. In this study, we demonstrate a preliminary segmentation pipeline that achieves an average Dice coefficient of 0.78 ± 0.06.
Location, location, location: Tissue resident memory T cells in mice and humans

The discovery of T cells resident in diverse tissues has altered our understanding of adaptive immunity to encompass site-specific responses mediated by tissue-adapted memory T cells throughout the body. Here, we discuss the key phenotypic, transcriptional, and functional features of these tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) as established in mouse models of infection and translated to humans by novel tissue sampling approaches. Integration of findings from mouse and human studies may hold the key to unlocking the potential of TRM for promoting tissue immunity and preventing infection.
Defining Genetic Variation in Widely Used Congenic and Backcrossed Mouse Models Reveals Varied Regulation of Genes Important for Immune Responses

Genetic variation influences how the genome is interpreted in individuals and in mouse strains used to model immune responses. We developed approaches to utilize next-generation sequencing datasets to identify sequence variation in genes and enhancer elements in congenic and backcross mouse models. We defined genetic variation in the widely used B6-CD45.2 and B6.SJL-CD45.1 congenic model, identifying substantial differences in SJL genetic content retained in B6.SJL-CD45.1 strains on the basis of the vendor source of the mice. Genes encoding PD-1, CD62L, Bcl-2, cathepsin E, and Cxcr4 were within SJL genetic content in at least one vendor source of B6.SJL-CD45.1 mice. SJL genetic content affected enhancer elements, gene regulation, protein expression, and amino acid content in CD4+ T helper 1 cells, and mice infected with influenza showed reduced expression of Cxcr4 on B6.SJL-CD45.1 T follicular helper cells. These findings provide information on experimental variables and aid in creating approaches that account for genetic variables.
Improving Concussion Reporting across National College Athletic Association Divisions Using a Theory-Based, Data-Driven, Multimedia Concussion Education Intervention

Although a base level of knowledge is needed to recognize a concussion, knowledge-focused concussion educational materials ignore multifaceted barriers to concussion reporting. We compared student-...
Surfactant-Enhanced Bioremediation

Hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOCs) often exhibit limited bioavailability to microorganisms and can persist in the subsurface for long periods of time. The use of surfactants has been proposed to enhance the effectiveness of both in-situ bioremediation and ex-situ slurry-reactor bioremediation by increasing HOC bioavailability. However, the fate of HOCs in response to surfactant addition at both the laboratory and field scale is difficult to predict; in some cases, surfactants sometimes even inhibit HOC biodegradation. The objective of this review is to identify factors that influence the effectiveness of surfactant-enhanced bioremediation (SEB) of soils contaminated with HOCs.
The Feasibility and Use of Simulation to Assess Parent Learning

Abstract Children dependent on long-term mechanical ventilation after discharge from an acute care center are at high risk for readmissions, morbidity, and mortality directly related to the care they receive in the home environment. Parents are inadequately prepared to provide the level of care needed in the home setting before their child's discharge home. The primary goal of the Parental Airway Assessment with Simulation program was to assess parent learning and confidence in managing these children in the home setting after discharge. The Simulation Model for Improved Learner and Health Outcomes framed this assessment program's development, implementation, and evaluation which focused on artificial airway management. The evaluation of parent discharge education was quantified at multiple intervals with parent(s) acting as their own controls. This program implemented a multistep simulation-based assessment intervention over a 6-8 weeks which included a home visit after discharge. After program completion, parents showed a 22% increase in self-reported confidence in caring for their technology-dependent child after discharge using an administered pre-post family assessment survey. At the end of the program, parents showed significant improvement in clinical skills with a demonstrated increase across all four tracheostomy skill assessments.
Antagonism in Evolutionary Opportunities Results in Non-Monotonic Evolution Across an Environmental Gradient

Evolutionary outcomes are dictated by both deterministic (e.g., natural selection) and stochastic (e.g., genetic drift or environmental uncertainty) forces. The repeated finding of similar phenotypes or genotypes across multiple natural or experimental populations in analogous environments suggest that deterministic forces are strong enough for reinforcing some predictability. However, the extent to which the phenotypes discovered in two extreme environments can be interpolated to an intermediate environment remains largely unknown, as increased stochastic forces at intermediate environments cannot be ruled out. Experimental evolution can help uncover the constraints of evolutionary predictability and reveal whether there are non-monotonic patterns of deterministic or stochastic forces across environmental gradients. Here, we perform experimental evolution of Escherichia coliunder three nutritional transfer periods (TP): every day, every 10 days, and every 100 days, representing different levels of starvation. After 900 days of experimental evolution, intermediately starved cells had evolved a distinct lower growth rate and higher mutation rate, neither of which were found in the other extreme treatments. Because the intermediately starved populations exhibit significantly high molecular parallelism, their distinct phenotypes are likely due to non-monotonic deterministic forces instead of stronger stochastic forces. Our results demonstrate novel complexities associated with evolutionary predictability across environmental gradients.
Association of Sociodemographic and Health-Related Factors With Receipt of Nondefinitive Therapy Among Younger Men With High-Risk Prostate Cancer.

Importance Multiple randomized clinical trials have shown that definitive therapy improves overall survival among patients with high-risk prostate cancer. However, many patients do not receive definitive therapy because of sociodemographic and health-related factors. Objective To identify factors associated with receipt of nondefinitive therapy (NDT) among patients aged 70 years and younger with high-risk prostate cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study identified 72 036 patients aged 70 years and younger with high-risk prostate cancer and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of 2 or less who were entered in the National Cancer Database between January 2004 and December 2014. Data analysis was conducted from November 2018 to December 2019. Exposure Receipt of NDT as an initial treatment approach. Main Outcomes and Measures Survival rates were compared based on receipt of definitive therapy or NDT, and sociodemographic and health-related factors were associated with the type of therapy received. Residual life expectancy was estimated from the National Center for Health Statistics to calculate person-years of life lost. Results A total of 72 036 men with a median (range) age of 63 (30-70) years, Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of 2 or less, and high-risk prostate cancer without regional lymph node or distant metastatic disease were analyzed. Among eligible patients, 5252 (7.3%) received NDT as an initial therapeutic strategy. On univariate and multivariate analyses, NDT was associated with worse overall survival (univariate analysis hazard ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 2.40-2.69;P Conclusions and Relevance In this study, receipt of NDT was associated with insurance status and race/ethnicity. While treatment decisions should be individualized for every patient, younger men with high-risk prostate cancer and minimal comorbidities should be encouraged to receive definitive local therapy regardless of other factors. These data suggest that significant barriers to life-extending treatment options for patients with prostate cancer remain.
The differential relationship of an afterschool physical activity intervention on brain function and cognition in children with obesity and their normal weight peers.

Background Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for cognitive and brain health during preadolescence. Given that childhood obesity (OB) is a public health concern, investigating this effect in children with OB is an important societal consideration. Objectives To identify the effects of weight status and PA on neuroelectric indices of executive function in preadolescence. Methods Children were randomly assigned to a PA intervention or a wait-list control group and completed a task that manipulated inhibitory control, while task performance and neuroelectric (P3 component) outcomes were assessed. About 103 children with OB were matched to a sample of 103 normal weight (NW) children based on treatment allocation and demographic variables. Results Children with OB in the control group demonstrated reduced P3 amplitude from pre- to post-test, meanwhile those with OB in the PA intervention maintained P3 amplitude at post-test compared to pre-test. Additionally, NW children in the PA intervention group showed that decreased visceral adipose tissue corresponded with faster task performance, a relationship not observed in children with OB. Conclusions These results suggest that a 9-month PA intervention may be particularly beneficial to the cognitive and brain health of children with OB. These results are important to consider given the public health concerns associated with childhood OB.
Zooplankton influences on phytoplankton, water clarity, and nutrients in Lake Tahoe

The grazing effects of zooplankton communities are predicted to be strongest in mesotrophic lakes relative to eutrophic and oligotrophic lakes, an idea known as the Mesotrophic Maximum Hypothesis. We tested if the predictions of this hypothesis depend on the community of zooplankton present by evaluating whether the community of zooplankton, in addition to lake trophic state, interact to determine the magnitude of grazing effects. We conducted mesocosm experiments to evaluate the effects of Daphnia spp., Epischura nevadensis, and juvenile and adult Mysis diluviana on ecosystem function in oligotrophic Lake Tahoe and its more productive embayment, Emerald Bay. In the Lake Tahoe experiment, the Daphnia and the Adult Mysid treatments produced lower dissolved organic carbon concentrations, and the Epischura treatment yielded lower soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations compared to a Control treatment that lacked macrozooplankton. In the Emerald Bay experiment, the Daphnia treatment lowered chlorophyll a concentrations, the Daphnia and Juvenile Mysid treatments reduced small particle (diameter 0.5 – < 5 µm) concentrations, and each of the species treatments produced higher ammonium concentrations and DIN/SRP ratios compared to the Control. Analyses of similarities (ANOSIM) indicated that these taxa differed from one another in their overall effects on Emerald Bay water, but not on Lake Tahoe water. This finding supports the Mesotrophic Maximum Hypothesis, but also shows that grazing effects are dependent on the taxonomic makeup of the zooplankton community in addition to lake trophic state. As ongoing cultural eutrophication continues to elevate Lake Tahoe's productivity, the roles and importance of the lake’s zooplankton taxa may diverge.
A Novel Measure of Real-Time Perseverative Thought:

Perseverative thinking (PT), or repetitive negative thinking, has historically been measured using global self-report scales. New methods of assessment are needed to advance understanding of this i...
Short-range order in SiSn alloy enriched by second-nearest-neighbor repulsion

Although often conceived as random solid solutions, alloys may exhibit a local short-range order (SRO) where the distribution of atoms deviates from a perfect randomness, owing to complex interactions among alloying elements. SRO can affect various properties of alloys, but understanding their exact forms, roles, and origins remains challenging from experiment alone. Here we show, through combining statistical sampling and ab initio calculations, that a strong and special SRO dominates the structure of SiSn alloy, which is a key subset of group IV alloys for mid-infrared technology. Remarkably, the SRO in SiSn is found to be reflected primarily by a strong depletion in the second Sn-Sn coordination shell. This is distinguished from the main character of the SRO in the closely related GeSn alloy, which is reflected by the depletion within the first Sn-Sn coordination shell. The unique nature of SRO in SiSn alloy is further attributed to the competition between the two unfavorable local configurations in SiSn: A Sn-Sn first-nearest neighbor through a direct bond and a Sn-Sn second-nearest neighbor through a Sn-Si-Sn motif. The large energy penalty induced by Sn-Si-Sn local structural motif is found to be responsible for the difference between SiSn and GeSn in their forms of SRO. The SRO in SiSn alloy is further demonstrated to substantially raise the direct band gap. Our finding thus constitutes a new knowledge of the origin and form of SRO and lays the foundation for understanding the complex structure of SiGeSn ternary alloy.
Investigating Barriers to Completion of Postpartum Tubal Ligation: A Retrospective Chart Review.

Objectives To identify the completion rate for postpartum tubal ligation (PPTL) and predictors of noncompletion of PPTL in a central New Jersey population. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review at a tertiary care center in New Jersey for patients delivering during an 18-month period. We used the electronic medical record to identify all of the patients who had documented desire for a PPTL at the time of admission. We calculated the rate of PPTL completion and identified predictors of completion and risk factors for noncompletion. We recorded any documented reasons for cancellation and choice of contraception after noncompletion. Results Of 626 women who requested PPTL on admission, 508 (81.2%) procedures were performed. The most common reasons for noncompletion were patient changing her mind (38.1%) and unknown/not documented (22.9%). Cesarean delivery was the strongest predictor of completion, with 93.4% completion among cesarean deliveries compared with 65.6% among vaginal deliveries (P Conclusions Cesarean delivery is a strong predictor of PPTL completion, most likely because of easier availability of the operating room, anesthesia, and ancillary staff. Body mass index, gravidity, and parity are not associated with PPTL completion. Future research should focus on exploring whether this association is system, provider, or patient dependent.
Exact Multi-Input Pole Placement by Linear-Quadratic Synthesis

A method is developed that computes the control gain matrix, u=-C x, of a controllable multi-input, linear aystem, x = A x + B u, required to place the poles (eigenvalues) at arbitrary locations. The derivation of the method is based upon defining a quadratic performance index that is identically zero when the closed loop system has the desired eigenvalues. The numerical computations involve solving a set of n(n-m) linear algebraic equations where n is the number of states and m is the number of controls. For m ≫ 1, the C matrix is not unique and alternative gain matrices yaielding the desired n eigenvalues can be computed. The method is illustrated by both simDle analyt4cal and higher order numerical eramples. A robust computational program called POLESYS is described and applied to several examples.
A Review of “The Routledge Handbook of American Military and Diplomatic History, 1865 to the Present”

If one takes a long view of history, a century and half is not an especially lengthy period of time; after all, the Neolithic Revolution began roughly 12,000 years ago. If one takes the truly long ...