cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperhomocysteinemia decreases intestinal motility leading to constipation.

Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) called hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) have been implicated in inflammation and remodeling in intestinal vasculature, and HHcy is also known to aggravate the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Interestingly, colon is the pivotal site that regulates Hcy levels in the plasma. We hypothesize that HHcy decreases intestinal motility through matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)-induced intestinal remodeling leading to constipation. To verify this hypothesis, we used C57BL/6J or wild-type (WT), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS+/−), MMP-9−/−, and MMP-9−/− + Hcy mice. Intestinal motility was assessed by barium meal studies and daily feces output. Plasma Hcy levels were measured by HPLC. Expression of ICAM-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitors of MMPs was studied by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) including super oxide were measured by the Invitrogen molecular probe method. Tissue nitric oxide levels were assessed by a commercially available kit. Plasma Hcy levels in the treated MMP-9 group mice were comparable to CBS+/− mice. Barium meal studies suggest that intestinal motility is significantly decreased in CBS+/− mice compared with other groups. Fecal output-to-body weight ratio was significantly reduced in CBS+/− mice compared with other groups. There was significant upregulation of MMP-9, iNOS, and ICAM-1 expression in the colon from CBS+/− mice compared with WT mice. Levels of ROS, superoxide, and inducible nitric oxide were elevated in the CBS+/− mice compared with other groups. Results suggest that HHcy decreases intestinal motility due to MMP-9-induced intestinal remodeling leading to constipation.
Sketch Recognition User Interfaces: Guidelines for Design and Development

We present a free-sketch recognition-based tool for creating Microsoft Power Point diagrams. Unlike many previous pen-based interfaces, this tool performs aggressive and robust recognition, allowing the user to sketch freely while the system recognizes the sketched diagram and seamlessly imports it into Power Point. Although pen-based user interfaces have been developed and studied, little has been said about the user interface issues involved in developing sketch recognition user interfaces. We present initial user interface guidelines for creating sketch recognition user interfaces (SkRUIs) based on informal, iterative user studies of our Power Point tool. Finally, based on our experience, we claim that a number of iterative design techniques developed for traditional user interfaces cannot be readily applied to SkRUIs. We discuss which techniques are best suited to the design and development of SkRUIs.
Impurity-Induced Changes in Interfacial Strength and Their Role in Creep Fracture

Creep cavity nucleation at second phase particles in iron and steel is examined in the light of recent theoretical and experimental results. Theoretical considerations show it to be extremely unlikely that thermal nucleation will occur at Fe/sub 3/C, FeO or Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ particles, or that athermal nucleation will take place at Fe/sub 3/C particles. Consistent with this, it is experimentally found that carbides and oxides almost never nucleate cavities in iron and steel, as long as harmful impurities like sulfur are not present In the presence of segregated impurities like sulfur, oxides do nucleate cavities, but there is insufficient data to determine whether this is because the impurities make thermal or athermal nucleation easier. Finally, sulfides are thought to be nonwetting in iron and steel. As a result, there should be no barrier to thermal nucleation at sulfides, and experiments show that sulfides do nucleate cavities with great ease in iron and steel.
Influence of ovarian hormones on development of ingestive responding to alterations in fatty acid oxidation in female rats

Abstract Adult male rats have been demonstrated to increase food intake in response to administration of drugs that interfere with oxidation of fatty acids (e.g. methyl palmoxirate and mercaptoacetate [MA]), effects that are larger in animals maintained on a high-fat diet. In contrast, while administration of MA has been reported to stimulate food intake in pre-pubertal female rats, food intake is not stimulated by MA in adult female rats. Instead, administration of MA to adult females results in changes in reproductive behavior and physiology. The present experiments were designed to examine the effects of administration of MA on food intake in adult female rats. The results demonstrated that, as previously reported, food intake was stimulated by MA in adult male rats on low-fat and high-fat diets, but food intake was not stimulated by MA in gonadally-intact adult female rats on either low-fat or high-fat diet. Further, MA did not stimulate food intake in female rats ovariectomized as adults. However, when females were ovariectomized prior to the onset of puberty (postnatal day 25–28), food intake was stimulated by administration of MA in adulthood. Finally, cyclic injections of 17-β-estradiol benzoate given to females ovariectomized prior to the onset of puberty abolished the stimulatory effects of MA on food intake in adult females. Taken together, the data suggest that exposure to estrogens during the time of puberty in female rats can persistently alter adult ingestive responding to signals related to changes in energy utilization.
Psychosocial stress and urinary cortisol excretion in marmoset monkeys (Callithrix kuhli).

Abstract Smith, T. E. and J. A. French. Psychosocial stress and urinary cortisol excretion in marmosets (Callithrix kuhli). Physiol Behav 62(2) 225–232, 1997.—Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is one of the hallmarks of the physiological responses to psychosocial stressors. The most common method of assessing HPA function is via the measurement of plasma cortisol levels. However, venipuncture involves capture and restraint, which can modify HPA function. We validated a noninvasive procedure for monitoring HPA responses to stressors by measuring excretion of free urinary cortisol. Samples collected throughout the day displayed marked circadian variation, with low cortisol values in first-void samples, followed by a mid-morning peak in cortisol excretion. Concentrations of excreted cortisol declined throughout the day. Exposing marmosets to mild and moderate stressors (11 h isolation in a small cage and manual restraint) increased excreted cortisol concentrations in a dose-dependent fashion: isolation in a small cage led to elevated cortisol in afternoon samples, while manual restraint and isolation produced elevated cortisol in both morning and afternoon samples. The marmoset HPA is differentially sensitive to rather subtle variations in stressors, and these results show that urinary cortisol excretion is a valid and sensitive index of the HPA response to these stressors.
Spatial-mode-selective quantum frequency conversion in a χ(2) slab waveguide

We numerically investigate single-spatial-mode-selective up-conversion in a diffractionless χ(2) slab waveguide by optimizing its one-dimensional pump profile. Singular-value decomposition of the Green’s function predicts ~5-dB discrimination between the first two modes’ conversion efficiencies.
Effect of selected doses of alcohol on fatigue parameters of the forearm flexor muscles.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to enhance knowledge of the effect of alcohol on physical performance by analyzing the effect of a small and moderate dose of alcohol on several aspects of muscular strength and endurance; in addition to the standard dosages, a large dose was given to an experimental subgroup. The parameters studied included initial strength, maximal strength, steady state or final strength, total work, fatigable work and the rate of fatigue of the forearm flexors. Male university students (N = 35) served as subjects and underwent three trials of a standardized work task consisting of intermittent maximum contractions of the forearm flexors performed at the rate of 30/min. for 6 min. Prior to each trial, each subject consumed either a control, small, or moderate dose of alcohol. The statistical analysis indicated that a small or moderate dose of alcohol had no effect on five of the parameters under investigation. The mathematical analysis of the rate of fatigue indicated rathe...
Enhancement of Certain Toxic Effects of Codeine and Morphine by Sulfapyridine.

SummaryThe results reported are similar to those demonstrated for papaverine: the effect of both codeine and morphine being enhanced by sulfapyridine. The increased activity of the drugs after sulfapyridine becomes evident not only in the prolongation of their action but also in the intensity of their effects and in the increase of their toxicity.Appreciation is expressed to Merck and Co. for supplying sulfa-pyridine and to Miss Bessie Zirin for her technical assistance.
Macrophage-derived IL-6 contributes to ANG II-mediated angiotensinogen stimulation in renal proximal tubular cells

The development of ANG II-dependent hypertension involves increased infiltration of macrophages (MΦ) and T cells into the kidney and the consequent elevation of intrarenal cytokines including IL-6,...
Holographic spectrum splitter for ultra-high efficiency photovoltaics

To move beyond the efficiency limits of single-junction solar cells, junctions of different bandgaps must be used to avoid losses from lack of absorption of low energy photons and energy lost as excited carriers thermalize to the semiconductor band edge. Traditional tandem multijunction solar cells are limited, however, by lattice-matching and current-matching constraints. As an alternative we propose a lateral multijunction design in which a compound holographic optic splits the solar spectrum into four frequency bands each incident on a dual-junction, III-V tandem cell with bandgaps matched to the spectral band. The compound splitting element is composed of four stacks of three volume phase holographic diffraction gratings. Each stack of three diffracts three bands and allows a fourth to pass straight through to a cell placed beneath the stack, with each of the three gratings in the stack responsible for diffracting one frequency band. Generalized coupled wave analysis is used to model the holographic splitting. Concentration is achieved using compound parabolic trough concentrators. An iterative design process includes updating the ideal bandgaps of the four dual-junction cells to account for photon misallocation after design of the optic. Simulation predicts a two-terminal efficiency of 36.14% with 380x concentration including realistic losses.
Fibroblast growth factor-8 inhibits oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) comprise a large family of signaling molecules that involve cell patterning, mobilization, differentiation, and proliferation. Various FGFs, including FGF-1, FGF-2, and FGF-5, have been shown to play a role in cytoprotection during adverse cardiac events; however, whether FGF-8 is a cytoprotective remains unclear. The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of FGF-8 treatment on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells. Cells were divided into three groups: control, H2O2 (400 µm H2O2), and H2O2 + FGF-8 (4 ng/ml FGF-8). Our results suggest apoptosis was significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced in the H2O2 group relative to control. Moreover, a significant (p < 0.05) decline in apoptosis was observed in the H2O2 + FGF-8 group compared to H2O2-treated cells as evidenced by TUNEL staining, a cell death detection ELISA, and cell viability. Levels of downstream apoptotic mediators, caspase-3 and caspase-9, were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated following H2O2 treatment but were abrogated following FGF-8 application. Expression levels of Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO-1), MnSOD, catalase, pAKT, and p-mTOR were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the H2O2 group (p < 0.05). Notably, these levels were significantly (p < 0.05) reversed following FGF-8 treatment. Our data, for the first time, suggest FGF-8 is an anti-apoptotic mediator in oxidative-stressed H9c2 cells. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that apoptotic inhibition by FGF-8 is consequent to FoxO-1 oxidative detoxification as well as augmentation to the PI3K/AKT cell survival pathway.
Theory of the Elastica and a Selection of Its Applications

The theory of the elastica is discussed in this chapter. In addition to classical buckling problems, several applications of this theory to rod-like bodies adhering to rigid substrates are discussed.
My “F” in Life: A tribute to Jerry B. Harvey

AbstractThis article examines the legacy and impact of Jerry B. Harvey on the field of organizational behavior in general, and on the author specifically. After a cursory review of some of Harvey’s most well-known and controversial writings, or “meditations” as he called them, the author recounts a very personal episode with Harvey during his time as a doctoral student at George Washington University. A detailed account of the exchange between teacher and student is provided, and the broader implications of this experience are explored.
New Plant Growth Regulators Isolated from Higher Plants

Abstract We are searching for compounds from higher plants that regulate or modify the growth of agricultural crops for increased production efficiency and improved quality. Our main source of material is a worldwide plant collection obtained in conjunction with a search conducted by the National Cancer Institute for unique chemicals potentially useful in cancer therapy. Of 500 species evaluated, approximately 10% showed activity in two plant assays. Camptotheein, isolated from Camptotheea acuminata , and harringtonolide, a novel tropone-lactone from Cephalotaxus harringtonia , inhibit the growth of several plant species. Brassins, growth-promoting substance(s) extracted from rape pollen ( Brassica napus L.), markedly stimulate growth in the bean second internode assay and produce a strong synergistic response when applied with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in a bean first internode section assay.
The Role of Inhibition in Avoiding Distraction by Salient Stimuli.

Researchers have long debated whether salient stimuli can involuntarily ‘capture' visual attention. We review here evidence for a recently discovered inhibitory mechanism that may help to resolve this debate. This evidence suggests that salient stimuli naturally attempt to capture attention, but capture can be avoided if the salient stimulus is suppressed before it captures attention. Importantly, the suppression process can be more or less effective as a result of changing task demands or lapses in cognitive control. Converging evidence for the existence of this suppression mechanism comes from multiple sources, including psychophysics, eye-tracking, and event-related potentials (ERPs). We conclude that the evidence for suppression is strong, but future research will need to explore the nature and limits of this mechanism.
Dielectric characterization of geochemical properties of crude oils and gas condensate at 25°C

Using the dielectric/permittivity spectra from liquid hydrocarbons to characterize their composition requires knowledge of their geochemistry and the geological processes that formed them. Complex permittivity measurements of two crude oils and gas condensate at 25°C were conducted using two state of the art multipoint resonant cavities. High accuracy permittivity values were obtained for nine different frequencies between 170MHz and 8.6GHz. Geochemical analyses were performed and the main components of the hydrocarbons were identified. Results show that permittivity spectra can be related back to the asphaltene and aromatic content of the oil. The former of which is a function of the maturity of the source rock from where it originated and the latter a possible alteration due to either thermochemical sulfate reduction or evaporative fractionation. In addition, at higher frequencies, the permittivity spectra correlates with the m-xylene and toluene content of the produced fluids.
Evidence, Goals, and Outcomes in Stuttering Treatment: Applications With an Adolescent Who Stutters

Purpose The purpose of this clinical focus article is to summarize 1 possible process that a clinician might follow in designing and conducting a treatment program with John, a 14-year-old male ind...
Übergangsmetall‐katalysierte selektive Funktionalisierung von C(sp3)‐H‐Bindungen in Naturstoffen

Die direkte Funktionalisierung von Naturstoffen ist wichtig fur die Untersuchung von Struktur-Aktivitats- und Struktur-Eigenschafts-Beziehungen dieser Molekule. Jungste Fortschritte bei Ubergangsmetall-katalysierten Funktionalisierungen von C(sp3)-H-Bindungen, den zwar haufigsten, aber inerten Bindungen in Naturstoffen, haben gezeigt, dass selektiv Derivate dieser Naturstoffe hergestellt werden konnen. Strategien, um eine solche Transformation zu realisieren, werden diskutiert.
Adaptive multiscale predictive modelling

The use of computational models and simulations to predict events that take place in our physical universe, or to predict the behaviour of engineered systems, has significantly advanced the pace of scientific discovery and the creation of new technologies for the benefit of humankind over recent decades, at least up to a point. That ‘point’ in recent history occurred around the time that the scientific community began to realize that true predictive science must deal with many formidable obstacles, including the determination of the reliability of the models in the presence of many uncertainties. To develop meaningful predictions one needs relevant data, itself possessing uncertainty due to experimental noise; in addition, one must determine model parameters, and concomitantly, there is the overriding need to select and validate models given the data and the goals of the simulation.This article provides a broad overview of predictive computational science within the framework of what is often called the science of uncertainty quantification. The exposition is divided into three major parts. In Part 1, philosophical and statistical foundations of predictive science are developed within a Bayesian framework. There the case is made that the Bayesian framework provides, perhaps, a unique setting for handling all of the uncertainties encountered in scientific prediction. In Part 2, general frameworks and procedures for the calculation and validation of mathematical models of physical realities are given, all in a Bayesian setting. But beyond Bayes, an introduction to information theory, the maximum entropy principle, model sensitivity analysis and sampling methods such as MCMC are presented. In Part 3, the central problem of predictive computational science is addressed: the selection, adaptive control and validation of mathematical and computational models of complex systems. The Occam Plausibility Algorithm, OPAL, is introduced as a framework for model selection, calibration and validation. Applications to complex models of tumour growth are discussed.
Cross-Sectional Studies of Social Capital and Health

A systematic literature review of research on the association between social capital and physical health (Kim et al. 2008) and interdisciplinary reviews of research concerning the association between social capital and mental health (Almedom 2005, DeSilva et al. 2005, Almedom and Glandon 2008) have been published recently, so in this chapter I will only shortly comment the earlier comprehensive reviews. Current interest in the role of social capital in terms of population health is global, for example, Latin-American studies have quite recently been reviewed by Kripper and Sapag (2009).
The separation and cultivation of mammalian cells

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the separation and cultivation of mammalian cells. With the plasma membrane in particular, it is enormously important to consider the consequences of cell handling. Trypsin treatment alone may alter the chemical and physiological characteristics of the cell surface in profound ways. Low-temperature storage methods may have similar effects, although to all intents and purposes, the cells are unaffected as judged by viability. The chapter also discusses various enzymatic treatment and nonenzymatic treatment for cell separation and fraction. The lysis of the extracellular matrix by degradative enzymes has been used extensively for the release of cells from solid tissue. Generally, exposure to the appropriate enzymes is accompanied by restrained mechanical agitation, such as stirring or aspiration. However, careful application of a sequence of different enzymes may itself be sufficient to produce viable single-cell suspensions.
FIBRIN AGGREGATES: FRACTAL OBJECTS WITH D = 1

Publisher Summary This chapter presents light scattering data supporting the idea that during the stages leading to the gel, the aggregates show the characteristics of fractal objects with a Hausdorff–Besicovitch dimension D = 1. One of the most important steps during blood coagulation is the fibrinogen to fibrin transformation. Fibrinogen is a protein of the blood plasma with a molecular weight of 340,000 daltons, and its physiological concentration is about 2 mg per ml. The size and shape of this molecule have been amply debated in the literature. It can be described optically and hydrodynamically as an elongated macromolecule that is 75 nm long. At an injury site, a sequence of proteolytic reactions lead to the formation of the enzyme thrombin, which in turn splits off specific peptide groups, the so-called fibrinopeptides, from the parent fibrinogen molecule. The resulting fibrin monomers have only a slightly lower molecular weight of 330,000 daltons and are highly reactive. They undergo spontaneous polymerization leading to the formation of aggregates and finally of a network or gel trapping the red blood cells. The chapter shows that static light scattering at both small and intermediate q-values has proven to be a useful tool for the characterization of the geometric structure of aggregates in solution.
Morphological Trends and Phylogenetic Relationships from Middle Miocene Hominoids to Late Pliocene Hominids

It is perhaps too early to posit certain morphological continuities in the Neogene fossil record of Hominoidea since there are still so many hiatuses, both temporal and geographical. Nevertheless, the gaps are slowly closing and the datum points that can be established provide the basis for this chapter, the purpose of which is the comparison of Pliocene hominids and the late-to-middle Miocene hominoids which may have been their forebears.
The Government as Lighthouse

Since early times, certain activities have been undisputed as important functions of governments, such as conducting foreign relations and warfare and managing a monetary system. Another classic function of government has been to operate lighthouses, which can be considered one of the first and archetypical kinds of risk communication. A light or a foghorn indicates that danger is present. The lighthouse provides an interesting analogy for the various risk communication programs that the federal government has developed since the founding of the Republic.
An efficient transient temperature monitoring of fused filament fabrication process with physics-based compressive sensing

Sensors play an important role in manufacturing processes. Different types of sensors have been used in process monitoring to ensure the quality of products. As a result, the cost of quality contro...
A Single Agent Dual Specificity Targeting of FOLR1 and DR5 as an Effective Strategy for Ovarian Cancer

Summary Therapeutic antibodies targeting ovarian cancer (OvCa)-enriched receptors have largely been disappointing due to limited tumor-specific antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Here we report a symbiotic approach that is highly selective and superior compared with investigational clinical antibodies. This bispecific-anchored cytotoxicity activator antibody is rationally designed to instigate “cis” and “trans” cytotoxicity by combining specificities against folate receptor alpha-1 (FOLR1) and death receptor 5 (DR5). Whereas the in vivo agonist DR5 signaling requires FcγRIIB interaction, the FOLR1 anchor functions as a primary clustering point to retain and maintain a high level of tumor-specific apoptosis. The presented proof of concept study strategically makes use of a tumor cell-enriched anchor receptor for agonist death receptor targeting to potentially generate a clinically viable strategy for OvCa.
Propagation of UWB Electromagnetic Pulses Through Dispersive Media

An efficient method for the analysis of ultra-wideband (UWB) electromagnetic pulses propagating through dispersive media is indispensable in applications involving high-power and UWB radar systems. In such systems, it is often necessary to model propagation through plasmas (i.e., the ionosphere) and in waveguides. If a simple cold-plasma model is utilized for the ionosphere (i.e., the plasma is characterized by a plasma cutoff frequency), then the dispersion is analogous to that exhibited in a single-mode, homogeneously-filled waveguide.
Race/Ethnicity-specific Disparities in In-Hospital Mortality and Hospital Charges Among Inflammatory Bowel Disease-related Hospitalizations in the United States.

GOAL The goal of this study was to evaluate disparities in hospital outcomes among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) related hospitalizations in the United States with a focus on ethnicity-specific disparities. BACKGROUND IBD-related hospitalizations contribute to significant morbidity and health care economic burden. METHODS IBD-related hospitalizations (identified with ICD-9) among US adults were evaluated using 2007 to 2013 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. In-hospital mortality between groups was evaluated using χ and multivariate logistic regression models, stratified by Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Inflation-adjusted total hospitalization charges were evaluated using Student t test and multivariate linear regression. RESULTS Among 224,500 IBD-related hospitalizations (77.8% CD, 22.2% UC), overall in-hospital mortality was low (0.99% CD, 0.78% UC). Although Hispanic UC patients had a trend towards higher odds of in-hospital mortality compared with non-Hispanic whites (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 0.95-2.51; P=0.08), no ethnicity-specific disparities were observed in CD. From 2007 to 2013, mean inflation-adjusted hospitalization charges increased from $29,632 to $41,484, P<0.01 in CD and from $31,449 to $43,128 in UC, P<0.01. On multivariate regression, hospitalization charges in Hispanic CD patients were $9302 higher (95% CI, 7910-10,694; P<0.01) and in Asian CD patients were $7665 higher (95% CI, 4859-10,451; P<0.001) than non-Hispanic whites. Compared with non-Hispanic white UC patients, Hispanics had $6910 (95% CI, $4623-$9197) higher charges and African Americans had $3551 lower charges (95% CI, -$5002 to -$2101). CONCLUSIONS Although most IBD hospitalizations in the United States were among non-Hispanic whites, Hispanic patients with IBD had a trend towards higher in-hospital mortality and contributed to significantly higher hospitalization charges.
Ab initio calculations of p-shell nuclei up to N2LO in chiral Effective Field Theory.

Nuclear structure and reaction theory are undergoing a major renaissance with advances in many-body methods, realistic interactions with greatly improved links to Quantum Chromodynamics, the advent of high performance computing, and improved computational algorithms. State-of-the-art two- and three-nucleon interactions obtained from chiral Effective Field Theory provide a theoretical foundation for nuclear theory with controlled approximations. With highly efficient numerical codes, tuned to the current generation of supercomputers, we can perform ab-initio nuclear structure calculations for a range of nuclei to a remarkable level of numerical accuracy, with quantifiable numerical uncertainties. Here we present an overview of recent results for No-Core Configuration Interaction calculations of p-shell nuclei using these chiral interactions up to next-to-next-to-leading order, including three-body forces. We show the dependence of the ground state energies on the chiral order; we also present excitation spectra for selected nuclei and compare the results with experimental data.
Beyond patient-centred care: a conceptual framework of co-production mechanisms with vulnerable groups in health and social service settings

This conceptual paper proposes a framework theorizing various service co-production mechanisms that providers may use in health and social service fields caring vulnerable and stigmatized service u...
Validation and Benchmarking of Two Particle-in-Cell Codes for a Glow Discharge

The two particle-in-cell codes EDIPIC and LSP are bench-marked and validated for a parallel-plate glow discharge in helium, in which the axial electric field had been carefully measured, primarily to investigate and improve the fidelity of their collision models. The scattering anisotropy of electron-impact ionization, as well as the value of the secondary-electron emission yield, are not well known in this case. The experimental uncertainty for the emission yield corresponds to a factor of two variation in the cathode current. If the emission yield is tuned to make the cathode current computed by each code match the experiment, the computed electric fields are in excellent agreement with each other, and within about 10% of the experimental value. The non-monotonic variation of the width of the cathode fall with the applied voltage seen in the experiment is reproduced by both codes. The electron temperature in the negative glow is within experimental error bars for both codes, but the density of slow trapped electrons is underestimated. A more detailed code comparison done for several synthetic cases of electron-beam injection into helium gas shows that the codes are in excellent agreement for ionization rate, as well as for elastic and excitation collisions with isotropic scattering pattern. The remaining significant discrepancies between the two codes are due to differences in their electron binary-collision models, and for anisotropic scattering due to elastic and excitation collisions.
Improving lung cancer screening in the HIV population.

69Background: Lung cancer screening for high risk populations has a major impact in reducing mortality.In our population, HIV patients are younger (mean age 68.0 vs 56.8, p= 0.014) and have a highe...
The personal utility of cfDNA screening: Pregnant patients' experiences with cfDNA screening and views on expanded cfDNA panels.

Prenatal cell-free DNA screening (cfDNA) provides more genetic risk information about the fetus than has ever been possible. At the same time, the rapid expansion of new cfDNA panels raises important questions about how to structure patient-centered discussions that best support patients' decision-making about its use. To address this question, we conducted interviews with pregnant patients to identify decision-making needs and preferences with respect to cfDNA in patient-centered healthcare discussions, given its evolving capability to identify a range of fetal variants. Personal utility was a core concept guiding decision-making. Participants spoke of how their deeply personal values and beliefs about maternal responsibility, actionability, and tolerance of uncertainty framed their view of the personal utility of cfDNA screening. While discussing their notions of personal utility with their healthcare provider, participants also had concerns about potential ramifications for the provider-patient relationship and shared decision-making when disclosing values and preferences regarding disability, quality of life, and termination-particularly as it becomes possible to identify variants with different disease-associated severity and outcomes. The complexities associated with the introduction of genomics in prenatal care present unique challenges to structuring effective shared decision-making discussions between patients and their healthcare providers. While efforts are underway to determine how to best educate patients about the medical aspects of cfDNA, it is equally important to develop approaches in healthcare communication that enable patients to make informed, values-based decisions about the use of cfDNA and its impact on their pregnancy.
Zoonoses and potential zoonoses of bears

Captive and free-ranging wild bears can carry and transmit several zoonotic pathogens. A review of nearly 90 years of scientific publications concerning confirmed and potential zoonotic diseases that can be present in any of the eight species of bears in the world was conducted. The findings were organized amongst the following disease sections: bacterial, viral, protozoal, mycotic, helminth and arthropod-borne. The most commonly reported pathogens of concern were of parasitic (Trichinella, Toxoplasma) and bacterial (Francisella, Brucella) origin.
Racial Differences in Pregnancy-Related Morbidity and Mortality

Racism in the United States has deep roots that affect maternal health, particularly through pervasive inequalities among black women compared with white. Anesthesiologists are optimally positioned to maintain vigilance for these disparities in maternal care, and to intervene with their unique acute critical care skills and knowledge. As leaders in patient safety, anesthesiologists should drive hospitals and practices to develop and implement national bundles for patient safety, as well as using team-based training practices designed to improve hospitals that care for racially diverse mothers.
VESPA: A Framework for Optimizing Heterogeneous Sensor Placement and Orientation for Autonomous Vehicles

In emerging autonomous vehicles, perception of the environment around the vehicle depends not only on the quality and choice of sensor type, but more importantly also on the instrumented location and orientation of each of the sensors. This article explores the synthesis of heterogeneous sensor configurations toward achieving vehicle autonomy goals. We propose a novel optimization framework called VESPA that explores the design space of the sensor placement locations and orientations to find the optimal sensor configuration for a vehicle. We demonstrate how our framework can obtain optimal sensor configurations for heterogeneous sensors deployed across two contemporary real vehicles.
Effects of Non-Cognitive Factors on Post-Secondary Persistence of Deaf Students: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach.

Post-secondary education persistence is the likelihood of a student remaining in post-secondary education. Although statistics show that post-secondary persistence for deaf students has increased recently, there are still many obstacles obstructing students from completing their post-secondary degree goals. Therefore, increasing the persistence rate is crucial to increase education and work goals for deaf students. In this work, we present an agent-based model using NetLogo software for the persistence phenomena of deaf students. We consider four non-cognitive factors: having clear goals, social integration, social skills, and academic experience, which influence the departure decision of deaf students. Progress and results of this work suggest that agent-based modeling approaches promise to give better understanding of what will increase persistence.
Global Convergence of Second-order Dynamics in Two-layer Neural Networks

Recent results have shown that for two-layer fully connected neural networks, gradient flow converges to a global optimum in the infinite width limit, by making a connection between the mean field dynamics and the Wasserstein gradient flow. These results were derived for first-order gradient flow, and a natural question is whether second-order dynamics, i.e., dynamics with momentum, exhibit a similar guarantee. We show that the answer is positive for the heavy ball method. In this case, the resulting integro-PDE is a nonlinear kinetic Fokker Planck equation, and unlike the first-order case, it has no apparent connection with the Wasserstein gradient flow. Instead, we study the variations of a Lyapunov functional along the solution trajectories to characterize the stationary points and to prove convergence. While our results are asymptotic in the mean field limit, numerical simulations indicate that global convergence may already occur for reasonably small networks.
E-212 Pulserider in the treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms: interim results of the NAPA trial

Introduction The NAPA study was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm IDE trial of the PulseRider device as an adjunctive treatment in conjunction with coil embolization of unruptured wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms which was electively discontinued for reasons not related to the safety or performance of the device. We report on the available enrollments in NAPA and their available follow up. Methods The PulseRider device was implanted in 18/21 enrollments. Available core-lab adjudicated data from the first 18 implants is presented. Of those, 5 have one year follow up data available. Of the 3 device implantation failures, the locations included basilar (1), carotid terminus (1), and ACOMM (1). Results For the 18 patients with PulseRider implanted as a coil-adjunct device, the mean age was 60.7± 8.9 yrs and 16 were female. The mean aneurysm diameter was 6.6± 2.2 mm, height 5.3±1.7 mm and neck 4.8 ±1.5 mm. Locations included the basilar apex (11), MCA bifurcation (4) and ACOMM (3). Thirteen of 18 were de novo aneurysms while the remainder (5) were treated in the setting of aneurysmal recurrence. The most common PulseRider placement was extra-aneurysmal (12/18), followed by intra-aneurysmal (4/18) and hybrid (2/18). Immediate angiographic occlusions were 66.6% RR-I, 16.7% RR-II, 16.7% RR-III. There were no device related adverse events. There were 3 (16.7%) procedure-related adverse events which did not result in neurological changes. Seven enrollments have 6 month follow up and all are RRI-II. Only 1 has one year angiographic follow up (RRI) adjudicated by the core lab, and 4 have clinical follow up (4/4 mRS 0–2). None of the target aneurysms have required retreatment. Conclusions The results of the discontinued NAPA provide high quality data on the occlusion rates and safety profile for the PulseRider device. Further one year angiographic and clinical follow up will be reported when available. Disclosures A. Spiotta: 1; C; Microvention. 2; C; Minnetronix, Penumbra, Cerenovus. 6; C; Cerenovus, Penumbra, Pulsar Vascular, Stryker, Microvention. K. Ebersole: None. J. Lena: None. R. Starke: 2; C; Medtronic Neurovascular, Penumbra, Cerenovus, Abbott. R. De Leacy: 6; C; Penumbra, Cerenovus, Siemens. A. Puri: 1; C; Stryker Neurovascular, Medtronic Neurovascular. 2; C; Stryker Neurovascular, Medtronic Neurovascular. D. Yavagal: 2; C; Medtronic Neurovascular, Rapid Medical, Steering Committee, Neuralanalytics. 6; C; Medtronic, Cerenovus/Johnson & Johnson, Rapid Medical, Neuralanalytics. B. Bohnstedt: 2; C; Penumbra, Stryker, Medtronic. L. Rangel-Castilla: None. A. Cheema: None. J. Davies: 1; C; National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number KL2TR001413 to the University of Buffalo. 2; C; Medtronic, Neurotrauma Science, LLC. 4; C; RIST Neurovascular. K. de Macedo Rodrigues: None. J. Grossberg: None. B. Howard: None. C. Kellner: 1; C; Penumbra, Siemens Corp. G. Lanzino: None. S. Tateshima: 2; C; Cerenovus, Medtronic, Neurovasc, Stryker. 4; C; Neurovasc.
Which Voluntary Organizations Function as Schools of Democracy? Civic Engagement in Voluntary Organizations and Political Participation

Voluntary organizations have been praised as “schools of democracy” that promote citizens’ political participation. The neo-Tocquevillian approach argues that civic engagement in voluntary organizations facilitates higher levels of political participation. However, empirical studies on the theory have been inconclusive. One possible reason for this is the heterogeneity of voluntary organizations and of political participation. This paper explores the relationship between the civic engagement and political participation of U.S. respondents to the World Values Survey. The results show that only certain types of voluntary organizations facilitate certain types of political participation. Voluntary organizations that pursue social missions are more likely to facilitate political participation. Active civic engagement is more strongly associated with political participation, but passive civic engagement can also promote political participation in some organizations.
Reorienting the tibial baseplate improves the registration accuracy of model-based radiostereometric analysis.

Abstract Accuracy of model-based radiostereometric analysis (MBRSA) in calculating tibial baseplate migration depends on baseplate shape and orientation relative to the imaging planes. The primary objectives were to introduce a new method for determining the optimal baseplate orientation to minimize bias error during MBRSA and to demonstrate the clinical usefulness of the method using a knee positioning guide to repeatably orient the baseplate. A tibia phantom was rotated to achieve 24 different orientations with three pairs of radiographs acquired at each orientation. Radiographs were processed in MBRSA software and the mean maximum total point motion (MTPM), an indicator of bias error during model registration, was plotted as a function of the rotation angles to determine the optimal orientation and a range of acceptable orientations. The bias error decreased 85% between the reference orientation and the optimal orientation. An acceptable range of orientations was defined by a decrease in bias error more than 50%. Future researchers can use this method to determine the optimal orientation and a range of acceptable orientations for their specific baseplate to minimize bias error. Clinical usefulness was demonstrated by repeatedly imaging a knee model placed in a knee positioning guide (simulated clinical positioning) and demonstrating that the mean orientation ± one standard deviation fell within the acceptable range of orientations. Thus, use of a knee positioning guide was an effective tool for repeatable patient positioning and should be considered for future RSA studies to maintain consistent positioning during a longitudinal study.
Towards FRET-based studies using high throughput time-resolved acoustofluidic flow cytometry

Fluorescence lifetime microscopy (FLIM) and time-resolved cytometry (TRFC) are robust platforms that can resolve complex protein and cellular interactions. Flow cytometry has been a prominent staple in clinical and research for decades. In conventional form, flow cytometers can count cells and evaluate biophysical and biochemical attributes using fluorescence and inelastic scatter light. Cytometry has evolved beyond conventional paradigms are becoming polychromatic and mulitparametric apparatuses that can evaluate complex cellular interactions in real-time. A distancedependent technique known as Forster Resonance Energy Transfer, or FRET is a powerful quantitative tool that enables the ability to monitor binding interaction and morphological changes in the macro and microenvironment of cells. FRET measurements require sensitive instrumentation to capture and resolve subtle changes in biophysical and biochemical characteristics. TRFC captures a unique parameter known as fluorescence lifetime which is sensitive to microenvironmental changes. Past studies have demonstrated TRFC’s ability to resolve complex FRET interactions. Herein, we present the evolution of the TRFC modular platform that incorporates a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device in this contribution acoustically linearly focuses cells down the middle of the microcapillary, allowing for maximum optical excitation and optimizing optical geometries to maximize the capture of fluorescence.
Genetic Influence underlying Brain Connectivity Phenotype: A Study on Two Age-Specific Cohorts

Abstract Background Human brain structural connectivity is an important imaging quantitative trait for brain development and aging. Mapping the network connectivity to the phenotypic variation provides fundamental insights in understanding the relationship between detailed brain topological architecture, function, and dysfunction. However, the underlying neurobiological mechanism from gene to brain connectome, and to phenotypic outcomes, and whether this mechanism changes over time, remain unclear. Methods This study analyzes diffusion weighted imaging data from two age-specific neuroimaging cohorts, extracts structural connectome topological network measures, performs genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the measures, and examines the causality of genetic influences on phenotypic outcomes mediated via connectivity measures. Results Our empirical study has yielded several significant findings: 1) It identified genetic makeup underlying structural connectivity changes in the human brain connectome for both age groups. Specifically, it revealed a novel association between the minor allele (G) of rs7937515 and the decreased network segregation measures of the left middle temporal gyrus across young and elderly adults, indicating a consistent genetic effect on brain connectivity across the lifespan. 2) It revealed rs7937515 as a genetic marker for body mass index (BMI) in young adults but not in elderly adults. 3) It discovered brain network segregation alterations as a potential neuroimaging biomarker for obesity. 4) It demonstrated the hemispheric asymmetry of structural network organization in genetic association analyses and outcome-relevant studies. Discussion These imaging genetic findings underlying brain connectome warrant further investigation for exploring their potential influences on brain-related diseases, given the significant involvement of altered connectivity in neurological, psychiatric and physical disorders. Impact Statement The genetic architecture underlying brain connectivity, and whether this mechanism changes over time, remain largely unknown. To understand the inter-individual variability at different life stages, this study performed genome-wide association studies of brain network connectivity measures from two age-specific neuroimaging cohorts, and identified a common association between the minor allele (G) of rs7937515 and decreased network segregation measures of the left middle temporal gyrus. The mediation analysis further elucidated neurobiological pathway of brain connectivity mediators linking the genes FAM86C1/FOLR3 with body mass index. This study provided new insights into the genetic mechanism of inter-regional connectivity alteration in the brain.
Bilingual teachers’ application of cooperative, collaborative, and peer-tutoring strategies in teaching cognitive content in a randomized control study

Via a multi-domain, multi-response classroom observation instrument, we observed and analyzed treatment and control teachers’ pedagogical differences when applying cooperative, collaborative, and p...
Racial and Ethnic Diversity at Medical Schools - Why Aren't We There Yet?

Racial and Ethnic Diversity at Medical Schools In medicine, diversity at all levels is an essential component of efforts to achieve equity. But there has been little or no progress in recent years ...