cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MedEdPORTAL: educational scholarship for teaching.

MedEdPORTAL is an online publication service provided at no charge by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The intent is to promote collaboration and educational scholarship by helping educators publish and share educational resources. With MedEdPORTAL, users can quickly locate high-quality, peer-reviewed teaching materials in both the basic and clinical sciences. The existing MedEdPORTAL collection includes instructional and assessment materials to support the continuum of medical education (ie, undergraduate, graduate, and continuing medical education). The collection features resources designed to improve or enhance teaching and learning. During the past 2 years utilization of published resources and submissions to MedEdPORTAL have grown substantially. MedEdPORTAL currently averages 2 new submissions per day, with 1,000 individual submissions having been received for consideration for publication from educators representing countries around the globe. As of December 31, 2007, 45% of total submissions were accepted and published in MedEdPORTAL, 29% were accepted with revisions, and the remaining 26% were rejected and never published. More than 30 different countries access and utilize resources published and disseminated through MedEdPORTAL. The rapid growth of MedEdPORTAL suggests that it is meeting an important need for those in medical education. It is intended that MedEdPORTAL should continue to grow and eventually become the “one-stop shop” for publishing and locating high-quality, peer-reviewed educational resources that cover the continuum of medical education.
Stimulus-response tests: An applied demonstration: Demonstration paper

Stimulus-Response (S-R) tests capture automatic reactions to stimuli, providing a unique way to acquire information about unconscious perception. S-R tests are applicable in multiple disciplines, including experimental biology, neuro-informatics, and social and behavioral sciences. In many computer-based S-R tests, users sort stimuli (e.g., images or text) into different categories using designated keys on the keyboard. Response times can be recorded in different intervals (e.g., milliseconds). The error rate and speed in completing tasks provide a foundation for measuring underlying variables. The current research will demonstrate a prototype of a S-R research tool applied to the field of social and behavioral sciences, including the demonstration of: a computer-based S-R test and code; scripting for automatically generating and assigning user identifications, tracking and assigning users to different conditional groups, and automatically forwarding users to external websites; and procedures for collecting and exporting data.
Views of college administrators concerning college reading improvement programs: Report of a study in West Virginia

(1978). Views of college administrators concerning college reading improvement programs: Report of a study in West Virginia. Reading World: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 81-84.
RNAi-dependent and -independent antiviral phenotypes of chromosomally integrated shRNA clones: Role of VASP in respiratory syncytial virus growth

Stable RNA interference (RNAi) is commonly achieved by recombinant expression of short hairpin RNA (shRNA). To generate virus-resistant cell lines, we cloned a shRNA cassette against the phosphoprotein gene of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) into a polIII-driven plasmid vector. Analysis of individual stable transfectants showed a spectrum of RSV resistance correlating with the levels of shRNA expressed from different chromosomal locations. Interestingly, resistance in a minority of clones was due to mono-allelic disruption of the cellular gene for vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP). Thus, pure clones of chromosomally integrated DNA-directed RNAi can exhibit gene disruption phenotypes resembling but unrelated to RNAi.
Evaluation of Innovative Bike-Box Application in Eugene, Oregon:

An innovative "bike box"—a right-angle extension to a bike lane (BL) at the head of the intersection—was installed with accompanying traffic signs but no extra traffic signals at a busy downtown intersection featuring two one-way streets in Eugene, Oregon, in summer 1998. The box allows bicyclists traveling to the intersection in a left side BL to get to the head of the traffic queue on a red traffic signal indication and then proceed ahead of motor vehicle traffic toward a right side BL when the traffic signal changes to green. Cyclists traveling through the intersection were videotaped before and after placement of the box. The videotapes were coded to evaluate operational behaviors and conflicts with motorists, other bicyclists, and pedestrians. Twenty-two percent of the bicyclists who approached in the left side BL and then crossed to the BL on the right side of the street (the bicyclists for whom the box was most intended) used the box. Many more bicyclists in this target group could have used the bo...
Step Frequency Automatic Vector Spectrum Analyzer Using Three Fixed Probes

Describes the special features and applicaitons that are supported by a step frequency automatic vector spectrum analyzer using three fixed probes.
DETAILED CLINICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL REPORT ON TWO BROTHERS SUFFERING FROM LIGNAC-FANCONI DISEASE: (Cases 10 and 11 in this series)

Summary The case records of two brothers suffering from Lignac-Fanconi disease are given in detail. Two further siblings probably suffered from the disease. The results of certain special investigations are discussed. In a mineral balance we have not been able to prove that the hypophosphataemia in one of the cases was due to an excessive excretion of phosphorus. In both brothers the glutamic acid level in the serum was found to be raised. This supports the view that a disorder of aminoacid metabolism is the underlying cause of the disease. It is suggested that the large quantity of aminoacids passed by the kidneys has a nephrotoxic action. The pathogenesis of other features of the disease can be explained by dysfunction of tubular reabsorption caused by this action, and the ultimate onset of renal failure can be explained by the same action involving the glomeruli. With alkali therapy the general condition of both boys has improved, although a normal plasma CO2 combining power could not be reached in either case. High vitamin D dosage has produced some healing of the skeletal changes, but attention is drawn to the possibly dangerous effects of this treatment. One case died from heart failure secondary to renal failure after three months treatment. The genetics of the disease are discussed. The evidence presented from our cases seems to confirm the theory of a recessive inheritance.
Exogamy and Change in the Biosocial Structure of a Modern Urban Population

Change is traced in the biosocial structure of the Japanese American population of Seattle-King County, Washington, from that of a deme to a state approaching panmixis with surrounding American populations. Data from 2,767 marriage license applications of Japanese Americans between 1930 and 1975 were used to calculate rates of racial exogamy. Rates rose from prewar levels of less than 1% to over 50% in 1975. The total Japanese American county population was subdivided into a nuclear group, tracing its origins back to the original founding immigrants, and a nonnuclear group which has migrated into the area since World War II. Until 1965, the nonnuclear group consistently led the nuclear group in exogamous marriages. In both groups, females consistently out-married more frequently than did the males. Further analysis of community exogamy, i.e., nuclear member marriage to a nonnuclear Japanese American, showed that this type of exogamy within the second generation preceded the high rates of racial exogamy characterizing the marriage patterns of the third generation. Familial analysis suggested that the maternal kin ties of nuclear population females continue to influence marriage choice of their offspring. The patterns of increasing racial exogamy for Japanese Americans are examined against their rise in socioeconomic status, [biosocial structure, exogamy, population]
Controls on the channel width of rivers: Implications for modeling fluvial incision of bedrock

On the basis of the Manning equation and basic mass conser- vation principles, we derive an expression for scaling the steady- state width (W) of river channels as a function of discharge (Q), channel slope (S), roughness (n), and width-to-depth ratio (a): W 5 (a( a1 2) 2/3 ) 3/8 Q 3/8 S 23/16 n 3/8 . We propose that channel width-to- depth ratio, in addition to roughness, is a function of the material in which the channel is developed, and that where a river is con- fined to a given material, width-to-depth ratio and roughness can be assumed constant. Given these simplifications, the expression emulates traditional width-discharge relationships for rivers incis- ing bedrock with uniformly concave fluvial long profiles. More sig- nificantly, this relationship describes river width trends in terrain with spatially nonuniform rock uplift rates, where conventional discharge-based width scaling laws are inadequate. We suggest that much of observed channel width variability in river channels confined by bedrock is a simple consequence of the tendency for water to flow faster in steeper reaches and therefore occupy smaller channel cross sections. We demonstrate that using conventional scaling relationships for channel width can result in underestima- tion of stream-power variability in channels incising bedrock and that our model improves estimates of spatial patterns of bedrock incision rates.
Dietary measures of physical activity

The relationships between cardiovascular fitness, body fatness, and the number of calories required to maintain stable body weight over a baseline period of three weeks were studied in 21 healthy obese males aged 20-44 years who participated in a controlled feeding experiment at the Division of Epidemiology (formerly the Laboratory of Physiological Hygiene) of the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, in August 1980-June 1981. statistically significant relationships were found between the number of calories actually consumed per kg of body weight (kcal/kg) and body fatness (r = -0.79, p = 0.001), and number of calories consumer per kg of body weight and physical work capacity (VO2 max) (r = 0.76, p = 0.001). Using body fatness quartiles, the caloric intake per kg of body weight and VO2 max decreased progressively as body fatness increased through its four quartiles. These relationships were also seen when reported caloric intake from a three-day food record was used; however, the magnitude was attenuated. On the other hand, caloric intake unadjusted for body weight, whether actual or reported, was unrelated to both body fatness and VO2 max. To determine whether these relationships hold true for less obese subjects, the authors have also analyzed and compared their results with the data from previously reported feeding experiments done at the University of Minnesota. Correlations between body fat indices and actual caloric intake were similar for both studies. Therefore, the authors conclude that in these relatively young, healthy, and sedentary males with a wide range of body fatness and body weight, the observed relationships between caloric intake adjusted for body weight, body fatness and VO2 max reflect habitual physical activity. These data confirm epidemiologic observations of an inverse relationship between caloric intake per kg of body weight and body fatness, and provide a rationale for using caloric intake adjusted for body weight as a measure of long-term habitual physical activity. Thus, these data bolster the interpretation that an inverse relationship between caloric intake per kg of body weight and mortality reflects a positive health effect of long-term physical activity. This index may be particularly useful in large population studies.
NAWMS: nonintrusive autonomous water monitoring system

Water is nature's most precious resource and growing demand is pushing fresh water supplies to the brink of non-renewability. New technological and social initiatives that enhance conservation and reduce waste are needed. Providing consumers with fine-grained real-time information has yielded benefits in conservation of power and gasoline. Extending this philosophy to water conservation, we introduce a novel water monitoring system, NAWMS, that similarly empowers users.The goal of our work is to furnish users with an easy-to-install self-calibrating system that provides information on when, where, and how much water they are using. The system uses wireless vibration sensors attached to pipes and, thus, neither plumbing nor special expertise is necessary for its installation. By implementing a non-intrusive, autonomous, and adaptive system using commodity hardware, we believe it is cost-effective and widely deployable.NAWMS makes use of the existing household water flow meter, which is considered accurate, but lacks spatial granularity, and adds vibration sensors on individual water pipes to estimate the water flow to each individual outlet. Compensating for manufacturing, installation, and material variabilities requires calibration of these low cost sensors to achieve a reasonable level of accuracy. We have devised an adaptive auto-calibration procedure, which attempts to solve a two phase linear programming and mixed linear geometric programming problem.We show through experiments on a three pipe testbed that such a system is indeed feasible and adapts well to minimize error in the water usage estimate. We report an accuracy, over likely domestic flow-rate scenarios, with long-term stability and a mean absolute error of 7%.
Assessing the Impact of Benchmarking Antecedents on Quality Improvement and its Financial Consequences

The objective of this study is to assess whether firms involved in quality benchmarking projects achieve greater actual quality improvements if they have in place the benchmarking antecedents identified by Elnathan et al. (1996). To show the financial impact of these results, we further assess the effect of quality improvement on profitability, both through relative cost improvement and through other means. To this end, we collected data from 457 manufacturing business units with qualitybenchmarking projects and analyzed the variable relationships using structural equation modeling. The results indicate a strong positive relationship between benchmarking antecedents and quality improvement and a significant impact of quality improvement on relative costs improvement, which in turn is significantly associated with profitability. However, the direct relationship between benchmarking antecedents and relative costs improvement or profitability is not significant, nor is the direct relationship between quality...
Background in X-ray astronomy proportional counters

The authors report the results of an investigation into the nature of background events in proportional counters sensitive to X-ray photons having energy >
An Ecological Approach to Exploring Rural Food Access and Active Living for Families With Preschoolers

Abstract Objective To identify factors using the Ecological Model of Childhood Overweight related to accessing nutritious foods and physical activity opportunities from the perspectives of rural parents of preschoolers. Methods A mixed-methods study using a quantitative survey (Active Where?) and qualitative interviews. Analyzed interview themes provided context to the survey results. The setting was Head Start centers, county human service offices, and Women, Infants, and Children Program sites in rural counties in the Midwest. Rural parents (n = 377) of preschoolers took part in the survey in 7 Midwestern states; 15 similar participants were interviewed from 1 of the states. Transcribed interviews were coded. Frequencies and chi-square tests were computed; significance was set at P Results The Active Where? survey and interviews revealed that close proximity to recreation spaces and traffic safety issues influenced physical activity. For food access, close proximity to full service grocery stores did not influence access to healthy foods because respondents traveled to urban communities to purchase healthy foods. Conclusions and Implications Public transportation solutions and enhanced neighborhood safety are potential community-wide obesity prevention strategies in rural communities. However, interventions should be tailored to the community's stage of readiness. Strong social networks should be considered an asset for community change in these regions.
On Element-Specific Magnetometry with Linear Dichroism in Photoemission

In this paper, we investigate the magnetic linear dichroism in the core-level photoemission spectra of the binary alloys CoxNi1−x and FexNi1-x /Cu(100).These epitaxial films have fcc structures, but very different magnetic behaviors. We show that the x-ray magnetic linear dichroism in photoemission (XMLD) signal tracks the magnetization in these alloys. Comparison with recent SQUID data provides a quantitative check and endorses the view that XMLD monitors the element-specific magnetometry.
Beyond Polarization, Public Preferences Suggest Policy Opportunities to Address Aging, Dying, and Family Caregiving

Despite well-documented deficiencies and widespread suffering experienced by millions of elderly or ill Americans and their families, politicians rarely address end-of-life issues. Citizen Forums in New Hampshire surveyed 463 people regarding aging, serious illness, and caregiving. More than 80% indicated it was very or extremely important to have their dignity respected, preferences honored, pain controlled, and to not leave family with debt. Less than half strongly endorsed being kept alive as long as possible, prayed with or for, or having assisted-suicide available. Over 80% strongly endorsed palliative care requirements clinical licensure and reimbursement, expansion of family caregiver leave, respite care, and bereavement support. By avoiding actions which elicit strong divergence of opinion and focusing on actions on which consensus exists, public officials and candidates can respond to problems and improve care and experience for frail elders, dying Americans, and their families.
Geographic variation in breast cancer incidence rates in a cohort of U.S. women.

Background: Breast cancer mortality and incidence rates vary by geographic region in the United States. Previous analytic studies have measured mortality, not incidence, and have used regional prevalences to control for geographic variation in risk factors rather than adjusting for risk factors measured at the level of the individual. We prospectively evaluated regional variation in breast cancer incidence rates in the Nurses' Health Study and assessed the influence of breast cancer risk factors measured at the individual level. Methods: The Nurses' Health Study cohort was established in 1976 when 121700 female nurses aged 30-55 years living in 11 U.S. states were enrolled. These states represent all four regions of the continental United States. We identified 3603 incident cases of invasive breast cancer through 1992 (1794565 person-years of follow-up). We calculated relative risks (RRs) adjusted for age and for age and established risk factors (i.e., multivariate-adjusted analysis), comparing California, the Northeast, and the Midwest with the South. Results: For premenopausal women, there was little evidence of regional variation in breast cancer incidence rates, either in age-adjusted or in multivariate-adjusted analyses. For postmenopausal women in California, age-adjusted risk was modestly elevated (RR = 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.47); after adjusting for age and for established risk factors, the excess rate in California was attenuated by 25% (RR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.00-1.40). No excess of breast cancer incidence was observed for postmenopausal women in either the Northeast or the Midwest. Conclusions: Little regional variation in age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rates was observed, with the exception of a modest excess for postmenopausal women in California. Adjustment for differences in the distribution of established risk factors explained some of the excess risk in California.
Update on Alcoholic Hepatitis

Alcoholic liver disease is one of the most prevalent liver diseases worldwide, and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Alcoholic hepatitis is a severe form of liver injury in patients with alcohol abuse, can present as an acute on chronic liver failure associated with a rapid decline in liver synthetic function, and consequent increase in mortality. Despite therapy, about 30%-50% of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis eventually die. The pathogenic pathways that lead to the development of alcoholic hepatitis are complex and involve oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, and dysregulation of the innate and adaptive immune system with injury to the parenchymal cells and activation of hepatic stellate cells. As accepted treatment approaches are currently limited, a better understanding of the pathophysiology would be required to generate new approaches that improve outcomes. This review focuses on recent advances in the diagnosis, pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis and novel treatment strategies.
Genetics of Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disorder that may be hereditary (HPAH), idiopathic (IPAH), or associated with either drug-toxin exposures or other medical conditions. Familial cases have long been recognized and are usually due to mutations in the Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor type 2 gene (BMPR2). Less commonly mutations in Activin-like Kinase-Type I (ALK1), Endoglin (ENG), Mothers against decapentaplegic 8 (SMAD8), Mothers against decapentaplegic 4 (SMAD4), Caveolin 1 (CAV1), and the two pore domain potassium channel subfamily K, member 3 (KCNK3) can cause hereditary pulmonary hypertension. Approximately 20 % of patients with IPAH carry mutations in BMPR2 and rarely mutations in other genes are associated with familial PAH. With advances in genomic technology and with international collaborative efforts, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified polymorphisms in Cerebellin 2 (CBLN2) to increase the risk of PAH by twofold. Clinical testing for BMPR2 and other genes associated with PAH is available and may be offered to HPAH and IPAH patients and should be preceded by genetic counseling, since lifetime penetrance for BMPR2 is only 20 %. Identification of a familial mutation can be valuable in reproductive planning and identifying family members who are not mutation carriers, and, thus, will not require lifelong surveillance.
The union within the union: Filipinos, Mexicans, and the racial integration of the farm worker movement

AbstractThroughout the twentieth century, California farm workers endeavored to build viable farm labor unionism. In 1966, Filipino and Mexican farm workers merged their respective farm labor unions, the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee and the National Farm workers Association, which laid the foundational base for the United Farm Workers of America (UFW). The merger constituted a moment of interracial unity, which Filipinos and Mexicans had previously lacked; by 1970 the UFW would negotiate landmark collective bargaining agreements. This article demonstrates how Filipinos and Mexicans resolved deeply rooted racial division and that doing so built a path to successful farm labor mobilization. The study complements previous farm worker scholarship that concentrates on exogenous causal factors of success by drawing focus to endogenous causal factors, particularly racial identity within the movement.
Epileptogenesis up-regulates metabotropic glutamate receptor activation of sodium-calcium exchange current in the amygdala.

Postsynaptic metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor-activated inward current mediated by Na+-Ca2+ exchange was compared in basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons from brain slices of control (naive an...
Hypoglycemic effect of ouabain in dogs.

SummaryOuabain (1.0 μg/kg per min) administered iv for 60 min in dogs caused a significant decrease in glucose and glycerol plasma concentration. The same dose of ouabain significantly inhibited the lipolytic and glycogenolytic effect of epinephrine. These metabolic changes caused by ouabain in intact animals might be explained either by a direct inhibitory effect on the adenyl cyclase system or by an indirect effect mediated through insulin.
Post-transurethral resection of the prostate ejaculatory duct obstruction: a case report.

AbstractA case is reported in which ejaculatory duct obstruction causing perineal pain following transurethral resection of the prostate was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound and treated successfully by transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts.
Effects of Potassium Magnesium Citrate Supplementation on 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Oxidative Stress Marker in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Subjects

Diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, is known to reduce blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. More recently, the DASH diet was shown to reduce oxidative stress in hypertensive and nonhypertensive humans. However, the main nutritional components responsible for these beneficial effects of the DASH diet remain unknown. Because the DASH diet is rich in potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and alkali, we performed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study to compare effects of potassium magnesium citrate (KMgCit), potassium chloride (KCl), and potassium citrate (KCit) to allow dissociation of the three components of K, Mg, and citrate on 24-hour ambulatory BP and urinary 8-isoprostane in hypertensive and prehypertensive subjects, using a randomized crossover design. We found that KCl supplementation for 4 weeks induced a significant reduction in nighttime SBP compared with placebo (116 ± 12 vs 121 ± 15 mm Hg, respectively, p 0.1 vs placebo). In contrast, urinary 8-isoprostane was significantly reduced with KMgCit powder compared with placebo (13.5 ± 5.7 vs 21.1 ± 10.5 ng/mgCr, respectively, p 0.1 vs placebo). In conclusion, our study demonstrated differential effects of KCl and KMgCit supplementation on BP and the oxidative stress marker in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. Clinical significance of the antioxidative effect of KMgCit remains to be determined in future studies.
Grapes and the Brain

Since deficits in brain function can have a tremendous impact on overall physiology and greatly reduce the quality of life, much effort has gone into identifying treatments that can prevent the loss of brain function and/or restore normal brain function following disease or injury. Given that losses in brain function can involve multiple targets, perhaps the best therapeutic approach is to identify treatments that inherently contain multiple biological activities that can impact the different targets that are associated with the loss of brain function. Grapes provide one such treatment. Freeze-dried grape powder, grape seed extract and grape juice have all been shown to positively impact brain function in a variety of different in vivo models including stress, aging, ischemia, and Alzheimer’s disease. In the brain, consumption of grape products has been shown to reduce oxidative stress, enhance trophic factor signaling, increase neurotransmitter release, reduce inflammation, improve vascular function, and reduce protein aggregation. These beneficial activities combined with the positive effects on cognitive function seen in many studies strongly suggest that further studies on the impact of grape products on brain function are highly worthwhile.
Byproduct metal requirements for U.S. wind and solar photovoltaic electricity generation up to the year 2040 under various Clean Power Plan scenarios

Abstract The United States has and will likely continue to obtain an increasing share of its electricity from solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power, especially under the Clean Power Plan (CPP). The need for additional solar PV modules and wind turbines will, among other things, result in greater demand for a number of minor metals that are produced mainly or only as byproducts. In this analysis, the quantities of 11 byproduct metals (Ag, Cd, Te, In, Ga, Se, Ge, Nd, Pr, Dy, and Tb) required for wind turbines with rare-earth permanent magnets and four solar PV technologies are assessed through the year 2040. Three key uncertainties (electricity generation capacities, technology market shares, and material intensities) are varied to develop 42 scenarios for each byproduct metal. The results indicate that byproduct metal requirements vary significantly across technologies, scenarios, and over time. In certain scenarios, the requirements are projected to become a significant portion of current primary production. This is especially the case for Te, Ge, Dy, In, and Tb under the more aggressive scenarios of increasing market share and conservative material intensities. Te and Dy are, perhaps, of most concern given their substitution limitations. In certain years, the differences in byproduct metal requirements between the technology market share and material intensity scenarios are greater than those between the various CPP and No CPP scenarios. Cumulatively across years 2016–2040, the various CPP scenarios are estimated to require 15–43% more byproduct metals than the No CPP scenario depending on the specific byproduct metal and scenario. Increasing primary production via enhanced recovery rates of the byproduct metals during the beneficiation and enrichment operations, improving end-of-life recycling rates, and developing substitutes are important strategies that may help meet the increased demand for these byproduct metals.
Low-Dimensional Synergistic Representation of Bilateral Reaching Movements.

Kinematic and neuromuscular synergies have been found in numerous aspects of human motion. This study aims to determine how effectively kinematic synergies of the bilateral upper arm movements can be used to replicate complex activities of daily living (ADL) tasks using a sparse optimization algorithm. Ten right-handed subjects executed 18 rapid and 11 natural-paced ADL tasks requiring bimanual coordination while sitting at a table. A position tracking system was used to track the subjects’ arms in space, and angular velocities over time for shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion, shoulder internal rotation, and elbow flexion for each arm were computed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to generate kinematic synergies from the rapid-paced task set for each subject. The first three synergies accounted for 80.3 ± 3.8% of variance while the first eight accounted for 94.8 ± 0.85%. The first and second synergies appeared to encode symmetric reaching motions which were highly correlated across subjects. The first three synergies were correlated between left and right arms within subjects whereas synergies four through eight were not, indicating asymmetries between left and right arms in only the higher order synergies. The synergies were then used to reconstruct each natural paced task using the l1-norm minimization algorithm. Temporal dilations of the synergies were introduced in order to model the temporal scaling of movement patterns achieved by the cerebellum and basal ganglia as reported previously in the literature. Reconstruction error was reduced by introducing synergy dilations, and cumulative recruitment of several synergies was significantly reduced in the first 10% of training task time by introducing temporal dilations. The current work attempts to apply postural synergies to the control of robotic systems, with potential applications in rehabilitation. These synergies not only help in providing near natural control but also provide simplified strategies for design and control of artificial limbs. Potential applications of these bilateral synergies were discussed and future directions were proposed.
Realism and Democracy: American Foreign Policy after the Arab Spring

America is turning away from support for democrats in Arab countries in favor of 'pragmatic' deals with tyrants to defeat violent Islamist extremism. For too many policymakers, Arab democracy is seen as a dangerous luxury. In Realism and Democracy, Elliott Abrams marshals four decades of experience as an American official and leading Middle East expert and shows that deals with tyrants will not work. Islamism is an idea that can only be defeated by a better idea: democracy. Through a careful analysis of America's record of democracy promotion in the region and beyond, from the Cold War to the Obama years, Abrams proves that repression helps Islamists beat democrats, while political openings offer moderates and liberals a chance. This book makes a powerful argument for an American foreign policy that combines practical politics and idealism and refuses to abandon those struggling for democracy and human rights in the Arab world.
Evaluation of the effect of the magnitude of errors in the sorting of pigs for market on the optimal market weight.

The objective was to estimate the effect that sorting accuracy at marketing has on the optimal market carcass weight (CW) and economic returns. Two types of errors were evaluated: BW estimation error (BWEE) and percentage of pigs not visually evaluated (PNVE). Four levels of BWEE with SD of 0, 4, 6, and 8% of BW and 4 levels of PNVE (0, 8, 16, and 24%) were simulated. Initially, pigs were marketed in 3 marketing cuts: 25% at 169, 25% at 179, and the remaining 50% at 193 d of age. The timing of marketing was shifted in 7-d intervals. Sort loss was calculated using a market system for a United States pork processor. Sort loss ($/pig) values were fitted to a polynomial function of mean CW for each combination of BWEE and PNVE. The increase in mean sort loss for each unit increase in CW above 93 kg increased as BWEE and PNVE increased (P < 0.001). With accurate sorting (BWEE = 0%, PNVE = 0%), the optimal mean age for the 3-marketing-cut strategy was 190.5 d at a mean CW of 97.0 kg and profit of $3.35/pig. With less accurate sorting (BWEE = 8%, PNVE = 24%), the mean age decreased to 184.5 d with mean CW of 93.4 kg and profit of $2.00/pig. The optimal market ages and CW decreased as BWEE and PNVE increased (P < 0.001). Current marketing systems direct pork producers with less accurate sorting of pigs to market their pigs at lighter CW.
A Global Meta-Analysis of Grazing Impacts on Soil Health Indicators

Grazing lands support the livelihoods of millions of people across nearly one-half of the globe. Soils are the backbone of stability and resilience in these systems. To determine livestock grazing impacts on soil health, we conducted a global meta-analysis of soil organic carbon (SOC), total N, C/N ratio, and bulk density responses to grazing strategies (continuous, rotational, and no grazing) and intensities (heavy, moderate, and light grazing) from 64 studies around the world. Across all studies and grazing intensities, continuous grazing significantly reduced SOC, C/N, and total N compared with no grazing. Soil compaction (i.e., increased bulk density) was greater under both continuous and rotational grazing compared with no grazing; however, rotational grazing had lower bulk density than continuous grazing. Rotational grazing had greater SOC than continuous grazing and was not different from no grazing. The positive responses of SOC to rotational grazing could create climate change mitigation opportunities. Grazing strategy comparisons were minimally conditioned by aridity class (i.e., arid, subhumid, and humid); however, complete observations were notably limited or missing for many rotational grazing comparisons. For continuous and no grazing strategy comparisons, we found that grazing management can significantly influence soil function and health outcomes; however, site-specific environmental factors play important moderating roles. Greater coordination across regional, national, and global efforts, as well as consistent guidelines for soil health evaluation, would help overcome these knowledge gaps and vastly improve our collective understanding of grazing impacts on soil health, providing greater management and policy impacts.
Empirical ground motion prediction

New methods of site-specific ground motion prediction in the time and frequency domains are presented. A large earthquake is simulated as a composite (linear combination) of observed small earthquakes (subevents) assuming Aki-Brune functional models of the source time functions (spectra). Source models incorporate basic scaling relations between source and spectral parameters. Ground motion predictions are consistent with the entire observed seismic spectrum from the lowest to the highest frequencies. These methods are designed to use all the available empirical Greens functions (or any subset of observations) at a site. Thus a prediction is not biased by a single record, and different possible source-receiver paths are taken into account. Directivity is accounted for by adjusting the apparent source duration at each site. Our time-series prediction algorithm is based on determination of a non-uniform distribution of rupture times of subevents. By introducing a specific rupture velocity we avoid the major problem of deficiency of predictions around the main event's corner frequency. A novel notion of partial coherence allows us to sum subevents' amplitude spectra directly without using any information on their rupture times and phase histories. Predictions by this spectral method are not Jependent on details of rupture nucleation and propagation, location of asperities and other predominantly phase-affecting factors, responsible for uncertainties in time-domain simulations.
Real-Time Analysis of Oxidative Barrier Properties of Encapsulation Systems

The ability to limit oxidation of encapsulated bioactive compounds is a highly desirable attribute of encapsulation systems. Conventional stability analysis is typically performed by quantification of degradation or loss in activity of encapsulated bioactive compounds upon extended storage. This conventional approach is both time and resource intensive. Furthermore, this approach does not provide fundamental understanding of barrier properties of the encapsulation matrix and thus the results from these conventional measurements cannot be extended to diverse compounds that may be encapsulated using the same encapsulation matrix. Thus, there is a critical need to develop rapid and high-throughput methods to measure barrier properties of the encapsulation matrix. This chapter discusses novel approaches for rapid assessment of oxidation barrier properties of encapsulation systems by real-time measurement of permeation of oxidative species such as oxygen and free radicals across an encapsulation interface. Applications of these techniques to develop fundamental understanding of physical and chemical factors that influence oxidation in encapsulation systems are also demonstrated. These novel approaches complement conventional methodology for evaluating oxidation in encapsulation systems and enables high-throughput and rapid analysis of encapsulation systems.
Sympathetic responses induced by radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

The effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation performed in the left atrium on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) have not been assessed. The results of this study show that radiofrequency c...
Implications of culture collection after the first antimicrobial dose in septic emergency department patients.

Abstract Background Previous research has illustrated the importance of collection of microbiologic cultures prior to first antimicrobial dose (FAD) in septic patients to avoid sterilization of pathogens and thus allowing confirmation of infection, identification of pathogen(s), and de-escalation of antimicrobial therapy. There is currently a lack of literature characterizing the implications and clinical courses of patients who have cultures collected after FAD. Methods In this single-center, retrospective chart review of 163 sepsis cases in the emergency department, the primary outcome was positive-cultures from appropriate sources. Secondary outcomes included time to FAD (TFAD); ICU and hospital lengths of stay (LOS); rate of antibiotic restart; secondary infection rate; readmission; and mortality. Cases were divided based on culture timing relative to FAD: culture-first (CF) or antimicrobial-first (AF) cohorts. Results Cultures were more frequently positive in the CF cohort vs. AF cohort overall (80.4% vs. 46.7%, p Conclusions Sepsis patients who have cultures obtained after FAD (represented in the AF cohort) had less positive-cultures, shorter TFAD, a trend toward longer ICU and hospital LOS, and perhaps higher risk of C. difficile infection, and mortality.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: Key Principles When Educating Patients.

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is a fast-developing field within the spectrum of cancer care. ICIs are associated with distinctive immune-related adverse events (irAEs), reflecting their unique mechanisms of action. Objectives Effective management of irAEs requires early recognition and prompt reporting of their signs and symptoms; appropriate patient education is critical to maximizing this opportunity. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the public domain concerning awareness, assessment, and management of irAEs associated with ICIs. Findings Educational resources should provide timely, consistent, and personalized information, using a variety of teaching strategies that consider individual patient needs. Patient education should be developed with interprofessional team input and regularly reviewed in response to emerging guidance. Key messages include timing of therapeutic response and corresponding irAEs, early identification of irAEs, and the unique ability of ICIs to influence immune responses after treatment discontinuation.
Histogram analysis of en face scattering coefficient map predicts malignancy in human ovarian tissue

Ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous disease at the molecular and histologic level. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is able to map ovarian tissue optical properties and heterogeneity, which has been proposed as a feature to aid in diagnosis of ovarian cancer. In this manuscript, depth-resolved en face scattering maps of malignant ovaries, benign ovaries, and benign fallopian tubes obtained from 20 patients are provided to visualize the heterogeneity of ovarian tissues. Six features are extracted from histograms of scattering maps. All features are able to statistically distinguish benign from malignant ovaries. Two prediction models were constructed based on these features: a logistic regression model (LR) and a support vector machine (SVM). The optimal set of features is mean scattering coefficient and scattering map entropy. The LR achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 97.0% and 97.8%, and SVM demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 99.6% and 96.4%. Our initial results demonstrate the feasibility of using OCT as an "optical biopsy tool" for detecting the microscopic scattering changes associated with neoplasia in human ovarian tissue.
From Piggie Park v. Newman to Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission: Application of the Outward Facing Actions Test to LGBTQ Nondiscrimination Provisions

For over a century courts have embraced a framework distinguishing the behavior of religious organizations on the basis of whether the actions are inward or outward facing. This standard safeguards the rights of organizations to develop and enforce their religious tenets among their members and engage in self government without unconstitutional government intrusion. However, courts have also been clear that the rights of religious organizations to engage in actions that impact members of the general public and non members are not unlimited. As a federal court held in Newman v. Piggie Park Enterprises, the right to believe is not “absolute” and can not be practiced in “utter disregard of the clear constitutional rights of other citizens.” As the legal rights of LGBTQ people become more cemented, it is imperative that courts remain faithful to this well established standard and recognize the rights of LGBTQ people in a way that is consistent with this nation’s civil rights jurisprudence.
Towards Tractable Stochastic Unit Commitment for Preventive Operation during Hurricanes

Hurricanes cause power outages in the coastal areas of the United States every year. Previous studies show that the integration of weather forecast data within power system operation can substantially reduce such outages. However, preventive power system operation, modeled as a stochastic unit commitment, is extremely computationally burdensome, and, thus not applicable to real systems. The present paper aims to address this challenge by developing a computationally-efficient stochastic unit commitment model. The proposed algorithm proactively schedules generation units during hurricanes, taking the hurricane-induced damages into consideration. The proposed model was able to solve a large-scale 2000-bus Texas system in 7 hours, achieving an acceptable level of computational tractability. In the simulated hurricane, the proposed model was also able to avoid 80% of the power outages by only adding 5% to the dispatch cost. The results confirm the viability of stochastic unit commitment as a preventive operation tool to reduce the power outages during hurricanes.
Significance of clamping distance in bovine and normal aortic arch patients

Abstract Bovine aortic arch is an anatomical variant in which the innominate and left common carotid arteries share a common origin. Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect characterized by narrowing of the aortic arch. Resection with extended end-to-end anastomosis through left thoracotomy, the usual preferred approach for coarctation repair, requires the placement of a proximal clamp just distal to the innominate artery and a distal clamp on the descending aorta. The clamping distance between the proximal clamp and the coarctation represents the length of vessel available for reconstructing the aorta. The goal of this study is to determine if bovine aortic arch anatomy affects clamping distance. Five hundred and fifty-four computed tomography scans performed on infants at our institution between 2012 and 2017 were analyzed. One hundred and sixty-nine scans met inclusion criteria. Fifty-eight exhibited bovine arch anatomy. Clamping distances were measured using multiplanar reconstruction. Clamping distances were indexed to body surface area to yield clamping index. The mean clamping distance was significantly shorter in bovine arch patients than in normal arch patients (p = 1.57 × 10−10). The mean clamping index was also significantly shorter in bovine arch patients (p = 0.0000014). This study demonstrates significantly shorter clamping indices in patients with bovine arch. Adequate clamping distance is required for a successful repair. Therefore, repair via lateral thoracotomy may not be ideal in bovine arch patients and adverse outcomes may be more likely. These patients may benefit from repair through median sternotomy.