cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Imaging of MR-compatible intracerebral depth electrodes.

Complex partial seizures of temporal lobe origin may be refractory to anticonvulsant therapy; in these cases surgical ablation of the seizure focus may be necessary. Such surgery requires definite identification of the seizure focus. When surface EEG cannot accurately localize the side of the seizure focus, depth electrode EEG recordings must be obtained [1 , 2]. Depth electrodes have been manufactured from stainless steel alloys. The high electron density of these materials causes extensive beam-hardening artifacts on CT scanning , which reduces the diagnostic utility of the scans. Because of the high magnetic susceptibility of these electrodes, post­ placement MR scanning has not been performed. This is because torque or other problems that cause brain injury may develop [3] . Also, the magnetic susceptibility effects can cause severe geometric and brightness artifacts. These prob­ lems have made it difficult to evaluate radiographically the status of the brain after electrode placement. Newer-genera­ tion metallic materials have recently been developed for MR procedures [4, 5]. However, to our knowledge, none of these have been placed within the brain parenchyma and subse­ quently imaged. Identification of electrode placement sites has, in the past, been inferred from preplacement studies related to postplace­ ment plain films showing electrode location, because post­ placement CT or MR scanning is not possible. We describe the first use of a new electrode system that has been safely imaged within the brain parenchyma of a patient on a 0.3-T hybrid magnet system. Materials and Methods The electrodes used in this study were constructed from a platinum alloy into a 0.8-mm-diameter cannula through which nine microwire electrodes were placed . The microwires were also primarily platinum; containing 79% platinum and 21 % alloy of rhodium and ruthenium . Phantom images were obtained by using the new platinum electrode as well as the stainless steel electrodes. The phantoms consisted of a 0.4 mmol NiCI solution and was imaged with standard spin-echo sequences, 267 f30 (TR/TE). Platinum electrodes were placed intraoperatively in the temporal lobes bilaterally in a patient with intractable partial complex seizures. The postoperative course was uneventful and 7 days after implanta­ tion the patient was brought to the MR scanner. All scans were obtained on a 0.3-T hybrid magnet (Fonar B-3000 M, Melville , NY) with a 256 x 256 matrix with 5-mm slice thickness and 1 x 1 mm pi xel size. Inversion recovery (IR) scans used 1276/300/30/2 (TRfTI/ TEfexcitations), spin-echo sequences were 131/30/1 , and field-echo (partial flip angle) sequences were 223/10/3 with a flip angle of 90°.
Coronary Bypass Surgery in the Elderly

The incidence and severity of coronary artery disease increase with age. Because the mortality and morbidity of patients over the age of 70 are higher than those for younger patients, many earlier studies comparing the effectiveness of bypass surgery to medical management deliberately excluded patients over the age of 65. Presently, however, there are many reports on the morbidity and mortality of patients having coronary bypass sugery who are over the age of 65 and 70 and even in some reports, over the age of 80. Compared with younger patients, the elderly have more severe disease, frequent comorbidity, and a slightly higher perioperative mortality and morbidity. In properly selected patients, that is patients in whom the major problem is the coronary artery disease and not multisystem failure, the benefit from coronary artery bypass surgery as far as relief of angina and improvement of physical activity is concerned is equal to the benefit that younger patients experience. Unlike younger patients, in patients over 75 years of age, the goal of surgery is not necessarily to prolong life, although in the appropriate patients this probably occurs, but to decrease or eliminate angina and return the patient to more normal activity and a better quality of life.
Laboratory Measures of Impulsivity: A Comparison of Women with or Without Childhood Aggression

This study compared laboratory models of impulsive behavior in 60 women ages 18–40. Three groups (n = 20, each) were recruited: (1) normal controls, (2) women on probation/parole without childhood aggression (Fight-), and (3) women on probation/parole with childhood aggression (Fight+). Two types of impulsivity paradigms were compared: response-disinhibition/attentional [Immediate/Delayed Memory Task (IMT/DMT)] and delayed-reward [Single Key Impulsivity Paradigm (SKIP)] models. The Fight+ group performed more impulsively, responding with more commission errors (IMT/DMT) and shorter delay choices (SKIP) compared to either the Fight- or Control groups. Compared to the SKIP, the IMT and DMT tasks had larger effect sizes and a more orderly pattern of impulsive performance differences between groups. Women classified on the basis of childhood behavior (initiating physical aggression) are behaviorally distinct on laboratory measures of impulsiveness in adulthood.
Analysis of Acoustic Emission Output from Propagating Fatigue Crack

Acoustic emission (AE) is a very useful approach in detecting and characterizing fatigue damage growth in general and crack initiation and propagation in particular. Numerous studies have been conducted dealing with correlations of AE output and fracture mechanics and fatigue damage parameters [1–9]. It has been shown that under monotonie loading AE can detect yielding and that the cumulative AE output from a notched specimen is directly related to the stress intensity factor [10]. However, such correlations between AE and damage may not be easy to establish because of the influence of loading, material, geometric and noise factors. In application of the AE method, discrimination between signal and noise is of paramount importance.
Audiographics in continuing engineering education

The University of Wisconsin pioneered the use of audiographic teleconferencing for Continuing Engineering Education. Modern audiographics systems provide a cost–effective, flexible and interactive platform for distance–education delivery. The university has capitalised on these advantages and uses audiographics to deliver a variety of courses in–house to large and small enterprises and to a network of public sites across the state. Student and faculty acceptance and student performance have been very good, and the use of the system is expanding.
Vitamin B12 deficiency from the perspective of a practicing hematologist

B12 deficiency is the leading cause of megaloblastic anemia, and although more common in the elderly, can occur at any age. Clinical disease caused by B12 deficiency usually connotes severe deficiency, resulting from a failure of the gastric or ileal phase of physiological B12 absorption, best exemplified by the autoimmune disease pernicious anemia. There are many other causes of B12 deficiency, which range from severe to mild. Mild deficiency usually results from failure to render food B12 bioavailable or from dietary inadequacy. Although rarely resulting in megaloblastic anemia, mild deficiency may be associated with neurocognitive and other consequences. B12 deficiency is best diagnosed using a combination of tests because none alone is completely reliable. The features of B12 deficiency are variable and may be atypical. Timely diagnosis is important, and treatment is gratifying. Failure to diagnose B12 deficiency can have dire consequences, usually neurological. This review is written from the perspective of a practicing hematologist.
South American leafhoppers of the tribe Hecalini (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)

Abstract The classification and taxonomic composition of the grassland leafhopper tribe Hecalini in South America are reviewed and the following new endemic taxa are described and illustrated: Otamendiella linnavuorii, gen. & sp. nov.; Spangbergiella monzonensis, sp. nov.; S. oxapampaensis, sp. nov. A key to genera and species, checklist and synonymy of South American Hecalini are also provided. The known hecaline fauna of South America now comprises seven described species belonging to three genera.
Cardano: Kubische und quartische Gleichung (1545)

Das Wort ”Algebra“ stammt aus dem Arabischen. Im arabisch-muslimischen Kulturkreis wurde im Mittelalter, besonders zwischen 700 und 1100, das Wissen aus der griechischen Antike und aus Indien gesammelt und weiterentwickelt. Die Algebra entstand dort als eigenes Gebiet neben der Geometrie, mit neuen Methoden, die den Umgang mit Gleichungen und Variablen betrafen. In diesem Rahmen wurden quadratische und auch bereits kubische Gleichungen behandelt, grosenteils aus der Geometrie motiviert; ihre Losungen wurden als Schnitte von Kreisen und Parabeln dargestellt (Omar Khayyam). Der erste bedeutsame Beitrag der europaischen Mathematik zur Algebra war im 16. Jahrhundert die Entwicklung von Losungsformeln fur Gleichungen dritten und vierten Grades, an der mehrere Mathematiker in Oberitalien beteiligt waren. Diese spannende Geschichte von Konkurrenz, Freundschaft und Verrat fand 1545 in dem Buch ”Ars Magna“ von Gerolamo Cardano ihren Hohepunkt.
Boys are victims too? Sexual dating violence and injury among high-risk youth.

Abstract Objective Prior research with youth exposed to violence suggests that, in this high-risk population, boys may be victims of sexual teen dating violence (TDV) and injury as frequently as girls. We sought to replicate these findings with a demographically similar sample and to determine whether the findings could be attributed the high-risk nature of the sample by assessing the impact of violence exposure on sex differences. Methods A cross-sectional sample of 2577 youth (ages 11–18, M = 15.4, SD = 1.9, 52% female, 25% Caucasian) collected in 2004 from a high-risk community reported on history of dating and exposure to multiple forms of violence. We conducted moderation analyses to test whether polyvictimization (PV) and age moderated the potential sex differences in perpetration and victimization of sexual TDV and injury. Results No significant sex differences in victimization were observed regardless of degree of PV. Boys reported more frequent sexual TDV and injury perpetration relative to girls, but only for youth reporting high degree of PV. There were no sex differences in perpetration among low PV youth. Conclusions These findings suggest boys from high-risk communities may disproportionately perpetrate severe acts of TDV but at this early age they are equally likely to be victimized. To interrupt the cycle of violence victimization and perpetration, comprehensive violence prevention interventions targeting high-risk youth should be implemented at schools, in homes, and in the community; and they should recognize the potential for girls and boys to be victims of even the most severe forms of TDV.
Management and outcome of clinically evident neck recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid cancer

Background The aim of this study was to report our incidence of clinically evident neck recurrence, salvage neck management and subsequent outcomes in patients with papillary thyroid cancer. This is important to know so that patients with thyroid cancer can be properly councelled about the implications of recurrent disease and subsequent outcome. Methods An institutional database of 3664 patients with thyroid cancer operated between 1986 and 2010 was reviewed. Patients with non-papillary histology, gross residual disease and those with distant metastases at presentation or distant metastases prior to nodal recurrence were excluded from the study. Of these, 99 (3.0%) patients developed clinically evident nodal recurrence. Details of recurrence and subsequent therapy were recorded for each patient. Subsequent disease specific survival (sDSS), distant recurrence free survival (sDRFS) and nodal recurrence free survival (sNRFS) were determined from the date of first nodal recurrence using the Kaplan Meier method. Results Of the 99 patients, 59% were female and 41% male. The median age was 41 years (range 5-91). The majority of patients had pT3/4 primary tumors (63%) and were pN+ (78%) at initial presentation. The median time to clinically evident nodal recurrence was 28 months (range 3-264). Nodal recurrence occurred in the central neck in 15 (15%) patients, lateral neck in 74 (75%) patients and both in 10 (10%) patients. After salvage treatment, the 5 year sDSS was 97.4% from time of nodal recurrence. The 5 year sDRFS and sNRFS were 89.2% and 93.7% respectively. Conclusion In our series, isolated clinically evident nodal recurrence occurred in 3.0% of patients. Such patients are successfully salvaged with surgery and adjuvant therapy with sDSS of 97.4% at 5 years. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia in Washington State

Objectives.-To estimate how often physicians receive requests for physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia and to describe a case series of patient requests for physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia, including physician responses to these requests. Design.-A mailed, anonymous two-part questionnaire. Participants.-A total of 828 physicians returned questionnaires sent to 1453 potential respondents, for a response rate of 57%. Questionnaires were mailed to a random sample (25%) of primary care physicians and all physicians in selected medical subspecialties in Washington State. Main Outcome Measures.-The frequency of explicit patient requests for physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia reported by physicians and individual case descriptions of patient characteristics, physician perceptions of patient concerns, and physician responses to patient requests. Results.-In the past year, 12% of responding physicians received one or more explicit requests for physician-assisted suicide, and 4% received one or more requests for euthanasia. These physicians provided 207 case descriptions. The diagnoses most often associated with requests were cancer, neurological disease, and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The patient concerns most often perceived by physicians were worries about loss of control, being a burden, being dependent on others for personal care, and loss of dignity. Physicians provided assistance more often to patients with physical symptoms. Physicians infrequently sought advice from colleagues. Of 156 patients who requested physician-assisted suicide, 38 (24%) received prescriptions, and 21 of these died as a result. Of 58 patients who requested euthanasia, 14 (24%) received parenteral medication and died. Conclusions.-Patient requests for physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia are not rare. As perceived by physicians, the most common patient concerns at the time these requests are made are nonphysical. Physicians occasionally provide these practices, even though they are currently illegal in Washington State. Physicians do not consult colleagues often about these requests. These findings raise the question of how to ensure quality in the evaluation of patient requests for physician-assisted death.
Activity During a Conditioned Aversive Stimulus in Rats Treated with Para-Chlorophenylalanine

The effect of a stimulus previously associated with shock on the spontaneous locomotor activity of rats pretreated with two intraperitoneal injections of para-chlorophenylalanine (Pcpa; 320 mg/kg) or saline was determined. The experiment was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, activity was recorded for all rats during four consecutive daily sessions in an activity drum. In the second phase, the rats received 25 signaled inescapable shock trials in each of two daily sessions in an operant chamber. In the third phase, the signal previously associated with shock was presented to the rats in the activity drum. Overall, rats treated with Pcpa were significantly less active than saline-treated rats. Moreover, presentation of the signal during the activity task resulted in significantly greater activity for saline-treated rats than for Pcpa-treated rats. However, this difference between the saline- and Pcpa-treated rats was primarily related to prior baseline activity differences rather than to differences in reactivity to an aversive conditioned stimulus. A previous study has shown that rats with septal lesions display an exaggerated increase in activity, relative to normal rats, during the presentation of an aversive conditioned stimulus. Hence, the present results suggest that a lesion-induced decrease in brain serotonin cannot solely account for the effects of septal lesions in aversive learning tasks.
Sensory Analysis as an Analytical Laboratory Tool in Food Research

The field of analytical measurement of the sensory attributes of foods and other consumer products remains in a state of prolonged adolescence. Although long recognized as an essential step in ingredient testing, product formulation, quality assessment, and consumer acceptance, many users of sensory procedures remain refractory to the scientific approach of measurement (Ellis 1963; Hirsh 1974–1975; Koster 1982; Pangborn 1964, 1967, 1980; Schutz 1971). It is not uncommon for chemists, clinicians, and other scientists who use careful, orthodox analytical experimentation to quantify chemical and physical properties of a substance to resort to unscientific phenomenology when faced with sensory measurement of the same material. The author attributes this dichotomy to several interrelated factors: 1. Analytical sensory science is young and undeveloped compared to other analytical fields. 2. Few scientists maintain a sustained commitment to the field due to other responsibilities or other sources of funding. 3. Few university curricula offer rigorous undergraduate or graduate academic training in sensory science [see Tilger (1971)]. 4. Several fallacious assumptions that persist among the inexperienced are listed below
Moving beyond scientific knowledge: leveraging participation, relevance, and interconnectedness for climate education

Climate change requires a massive global response: individuals, communities, regions, and nations all need to make substantial change to current habits and behaviours. Education is an important part of changing habit and behaviour, yet most contemporary climate change education focuses primarily on individual's knowledge about climate science, which research suggests has limited utility in supporting collective response to climate change. This article proposes a new focus on educational intervention that is sensitive to the shared need for rapid, collective impact. Drawing on socio-cultural learning theory and a review of research on climate change learning, we argue that interventions based on three core principles - participation, relevance, interconnectedness - are more likely to result in people taking steps to respond to climate change than interventions based on knowledge acquisition alone.
Obesity, Metabolic Dysfunction, and Inflammation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Obesity has grown in pandemic proportions with modern dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle as likely contributors. More recently, epigenetic phenomena have been implicated in the development of obesity. Beyond its energy-storing capacity, the adipose tissue acts as an endocrine and immunological organ. Accumulation of excess adiposity causes dysfunction of the adipose tissue compartment. This dysfunction ultimately leads to immune alterations characterized by inflammation, which then cause metabolic derangement and endocrine imbalance. Obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, and hypertension. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the presence of obesity exacerbates the signs and symptoms of the disorder by worsening preexisting chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. In many ways, the metabolic pathophysiology of obesity and PCOS runs in parallel, except that the proinflammatory effects that promote metabolic dysfunction are more pronounced in obesity compared with what is observed in PCOS alone. Nevertheless, diet-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in PCOS that are independent of excess adiposity induce molecular alterations that may be the underpinning of insulin resistance, atherogenesis, and ovarian dysfunction in this disorder.
How Important Is the Metal–Semiconductor Contact for Schottky Barrier Transistors: A Case Study on Few-Layer Black Phosphorus?

Black phosphorus (BP) is a recently rediscovered layered two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor with a direct band gap (0.35–2 eV), high hole mobility (300–5000 cm2/Vs), and transport anisotropy. In this paper, we systematically investigated the effects of metal–semiconductor interface/contacts on the performance of BP Schottky barrier transistors. First, a “clean” metal–BP contact is formed with boron nitride (BN) passivation. It is found that the contact resistance of the clean metal–BP contact is seven times less than the previously reported values. As a result, high-performance top-gate BP transistors show a record high ON-state drain current (Ion) of 940 μA/μm. Second, BN tunneling barriers are formed at the source/drain contacts to help understand the abnormally high OFF-state drain current (Ioff) in devices with clean metal–BP contacts. This high Ioff is attributed to the electron tunneling current from the drain to the channel. Finally, the Ion/Ioff of BP field-effect transistors can be significantly ...
Scheduling and control in hybrid data centers

We examine the scheduling issues in hybrid electrical/optical data center (DC) networks, considering several implementation requirements. For flexible and programmable resource provisioning, centralized software-defined network (SDN) control can be best complemented with distributed, fast, and accurate flow classification based on machine learning (ML).
An LDU factorization in elementary number theory

But this is equivalent to (1), since as d runs through the divisors of n so does n/d. Against this background, we define several matrices. Let L(n) be the n x n matrix whose ijth entry is 1 if j divides i, and is 0 otherwise. For example, . Nicol Barbaro, Giornale dell' Ass dio di Constantinopoli, 1453, ed. Enrico Com t, Libreria Tendler & omp., Vienna, 1856. . Erich Schilbach, Byzantinische Metrologie, Handbuch der Altertumswissenschaft XII.4, C. H. Beck'sche, Muich, 1970. . Erich Schilbach, Litra, Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium, Vol. 2, Oxford U. Press, London, 1991. . Ronald Edward Zupko, Italian We ghts and Measures from the Middle Ages to the Nineteenth Century, Amercan Philos phical Society, Philadelphi , 1981. 392 MATHEMATICS MAGAZINE
Differential Forms and Homology in Euclidean Space

We now study differential forms, objects of the utmost importance in many mathematical and physical problems.
Surgery for Fistulas

Fistulas from the colon may be either external or internal and are associated with a number of diseases.
Gun Barrel Democracy? Democratic Constitutionalism Following Military Occupation: Reflections on the U.S. Experience in Japan, Germany, and Afghanistan and Iraq

This paper begins by arguing that the success of the United States in assisting in the creation of constitutional democracy in the post-World War II occupations of Germany and Japan is not relevant to establishing policies for the occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq at the present time. Both Germany and Japan surrendered unconditionally, their wartime leadership was thoroughly discredited, and they had long pre-war traditions of democratic constitutionalism. None of these factors is present in the contemporary situation in the Middle East and Central Asia. The prospects for constitutional democracy in these (very different) regions depend upon a hard-to-predict set of factors, the most important of which is the dominantly Muslim character of their societies. Apart from Southeast Asia, there is little experience of Islamic democratic constitutionalism, although there is no reason in principle to assume that Islam is incompatible with democracy. The harder question may be whether Islamic religious law (shari'ah) is fully compatible with constitutionalism.
Quality of extrusion-cooked poultry meat products

Abstract A series of studies in our laboratory have examined the feasibility of extrusion cooking of hand-deboned chicken meat (HDCM) and mechanically-deboned turkey meat (MDTM) combinations in a single screw extruder with various nonmeat binders. The results are useful in the selection of binders, meat combinations and concentrations that have the potential for use in the production of acceptable products. The studies reported here evaluated the twenty most acceptable product formulations, in terms of binding and texture, for their tenderness, juiciness, flavor and overall satisfaction. The eight most acceptable formulations were then evaluated for the effect of boiling on their cooking yield, proximate composition and appearance. Products with 20–60% MDTM (80–40% HDCM), 15–22% soy protein isolate (SPI) and 0.5–1.0% kappa-carrageenan (K-C), were the most acceptable, while those with 80–100% MDTM were the least acceptable. The average fat level of the boiled products was 1.3–10.3% and their protein content 24.5–33.4%. Therefore, it is possible to produce acceptable and nutritious extruded products from low cost meat when combined with appropriate binders.
Anti-PD-1 and Anti-B7-H1/PD-L1 Monoclonal Antibodies

Tumors can evade immune recognition by usurping regulatory pathways which, under normal circumstances, down-modulate immune activation and maintain tolerance to self. A key pathway operational in cancer-induced tolerance is composed of programmed death-1 (PD-1, CD279), a receptor expressed on activated T and B cells, and its ligands B7-H1/PD-L1 (hereafter B7-H1, CD274) and B7-DC/PD-L2 (hereafter B7-DC, CD273). PD-1 bears homology to CTLA-4 but transmits distinct inhibitory signals. B7-H1, which is homologous to other B7 family members, is constitutively expressed by many human cancers and is thought to be the major inhibitory ligand for PD-1; it is also expressed on activated hematopoietic cells, vascular endothelial cells, and cells inhabiting inflammatory microenvironments. Based on animal models implicating the importance of the B7-H1/PD-1 pathway in cancer-induced immunosuppression, and human studies correlating tumor expression of B7-H1 with unfavorable clinical outcomes, interest has recently focused on exploring B7-H1/PD-1 blockade as a new approach to cancer immunotherapy. Early results from clinical trials suggest that this may be an effective strategy for treating patients with advanced metastatic melanoma as well as malignancies of epithelial origin.
Vallecular cyst in the pediatric population: Evaluation and management.

Abstract Objective To review the presentation of pediatric vallecular cysts and outline an approach for evaluation and management. Methods Medical records of patients diagnosed with vallecular cyst between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, surgical procedures, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. A comprehensive literature search for pediatric cases of vallecular cyst was conducted for comparative analysis. Results Twenty patients underwent surgery for congenital vallecular cysts during the study period. Age at diagnosis ranged from birth to 8 years (median age = 1.1 years). The most common preoperative symptom was inspiratory stridor (45%) followed by feeding difficulties (40%). Eight patients (40%) initially presented with laryngomalacia and 7 (35%) with feeding difficulties. Imaging was obtained in 16 patients and consisted of plain films, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Marsupialization of the cyst was performed in all 20 patients. Three patients (15%) presented with recurrence. Conclusion Vallecular cysts can cause feeding difficulties due to upper airway obstruction and pressure at the laryngeal inlet. Diagnostic work-up for vallecular cysts should include a detailed medical history, complete head and neck examination including endoscopic examination, and appropriate imaging, as each of these components complements the histopathologic findings. Our findings indicate that performing marsupialization is associated with low rate of recurrence or complication.
Modeling the Behavior of Organic Kerogen in the Proximity of Calcite Mineral by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Green River oil shale, a sedimentary rock, and an agglomerate of organic kerogen and minerals is the largest reserve of shale oil in the world. The production of shale oil requires the extraction of kerogen from the minerals. Our prior experiments have shown that the kerogen in the shale lies in pores of tens of nanometers and is influenced by molecular interactions with the minerals. Calcite (CaCO3) is one of the predominant minerals present in Green River oil shale, and thus finding its interaction with kerogen is important. Molecular dynamics simulation is utilized in the present study to investigate the interactions between calcite mineral and the Green River kerogen which is Type I kerogen. The CHARMm force field parameters of calcite are derived from available parameters that are based on a rigid ion model. The expanded model of calcite is merged on top of the 12-unit kerogen model to study their interactions at NTP (Normal Temperature and Pressure) conditions. All the hydrocarbon fragments of kerog...
Prognostic Significance of Echocardiographic Parameters in Predicting Early Decline in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Purpose Echocardiography is routinely used for screening and longitudinal monitoring of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While several echocardiographic parameters have been explored to predict outcomes in PAH, they may be discrepant with other clinical findings. We sought to determine if echocardiographic parameters can predict early decline in PAH. Methods We identified patients from the Houston Methodist PAH Clinic with WHO Group 1 PAH with an “Event,” defined by initiation of IV prostacyclins, referral for transplant, or death between January 2016 and September 2019. We reviewed their echocardiographic parameters six months prior to the Event when they were clinically stable. We also reviewed these parameters in Group 1 PAH patients who remained stable during the study period as controls. Differences between groups were determined by Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables. Results We included 41 patients: 12 with an Event (3 died, 3 were referred for transplant, 6 were started on IV prostacyclins) and 29 without an Event. Of the 41 patients, 34 were women and 7 were men. Of the 12 with an Event, 11 were women and one was a man. Of the 29 without an Event, 26 were women and 3 were men. The average age was 46 in the Event group and 52 in the control group, p=0.50. The echocardiogram in the Event group was obtained an average of 197 days prior to the Event. The WHO functional class (FC) and six minute walk distance (6MWD) (420m vs. 393m, p=0.46) did not differ significantly between groups. The B type natriuretic peptide was significantly higher in the Event group (142 pg/ml vs. 42 pg/ml, p=0.01). Right atrial (RA) volume index (54ml/m2 vs. 29ml/m2, p=0.01), end diastolic left ventricular eccentricity index (LVEI) (1.3 vs. 1.0, p=0.001), end systolic LVEI (1.5 vs. 1.1, p=0.001), estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) (74mmHg vs. 52mmHg, p=0.02) and right ventricular (RV) basal dimension (5.0cm vs. 4.3cm, p=0.049) were significantly higher in the Event group. Left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV) (51ml vs. 69ml, p=0.045) was significantly lower in the Event group. Conclusion RA volume index, end diastolic/systolic LVEI, PASP, RV basal dimension and LVSV predict early decline in Group 1 PAH patients even when they are deemed clinically stable based on FC and 6MWD.
Evidence for multiple removal pathways in low-temperature (200–400 °C) thermal treatment of pentachlorophenol-laden soils

Abstract Polychlorinated aromatic compounds (PCACs) pose significant remediation challenges, since their high soil affinities preclude mobile-phase partitioning and subsurface extraction. To enhance partitioning and desorption, subsurface temperatures are raised using a technique called thermal conduction heating-soil vapor extraction (TCH-SVE). While this technique improves PCAC partitioning, it can also promote several degradation reactions under temperatures typical of low-temperature TCH-SVE (200-400 °C). While these reactions are labile, the extent to which they occur in flow-through TCH-SVE is unclear. The current research used bench-scale, flow-through TCH-SVE to assess relative importance of three removal pathways: (1) target volatilization, (2) reductive dechlorination, and (3) oxidation via OH-addition. Pentachlorophenol was used as a representative PCAC, and pathway contributions, extents, and regioselectivity were examined as a function of temperature (225–375 °C) and gas-phase oxygen content (air vs. nitrogen). Across treatments, OH-addition and dechlorination occurred in parallel and accounted for significantly more removal than PCP volatilization. OH-addition byproducts had highest yields (regardless of oxygen content) and were consistent with surface-mediated OH production and ring addition. OH-addition increased with temperature while volatilization and dechlorination decreased. Notable exceptions occurred between 225 and 325 °C (where dechlorination dropped 10-fold) and 325 and 375 °C (where OH-addition fell 75%), signifying major mechanism shifts in these intervals.
Expectations and Preferences for Psychotherapy Among African American and White Young Adults

This study examined beliefs, expectations, and preferences related to mental health problems and treatment in a sample of young adults who are in a developmental period when many types of psychopathology emerge. Prior studies on this topic have primarily included samples that are older and predominately White. It is not clear whether results from that research generalize to diverse samples of young adults. Participants were 370 undergraduate students (41.3% African American; 76.5% female) who completed questionnaires about expectations and preferences for psychotherapy and therapists. Findings regarding racial differences include African Americans having less experience with mental health services and different goals for psychotherapy than did Whites. Additionally, African Americans, relative to Whites, demonstrated stronger preferences for couple, family, and group psychotherapy, a male therapist their same race, and a therapist who is assertive and structured in session. The results of this study provide information about young adults’ perceptions, expectations, and preferences related to mental health problems and psychotherapy. Findings suggest some barriers to treatment that might be addressed to improve treatment engagement and utilization of psychological services among young adults in general and among African American young adults specifically.
Autonomic Changes in Aging

The subject of my paper, reflecting as it does very different anatomic sites from the lofty location of the cortical complex, places me in an awkward position. It is hardly a case of bringing coals to Newcastle, but rather more analogous to delivering a bikini to a Bedouin tribesman. Not only is there a risk that it won’t cover much but, besides, who needs it.
External Funding for Training and Research in University Programs in Visual Impairments: 1997-98.

This article reports on a survey of the grants received by 32 programs in visual impairments from federal, state, and other sources for training personnel and conducting research. It also discusses...
Generalized contrast-to-noise ratio as a metric of photoacoustic image quality

Multiple image quality metrics are currently available to assess target detectability in photoacoustic images. Common metrics include contrast, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The generalized contrast-to-noise ratio (gCNR) is a relatively new image quality metric to assess the probability of photoacoustic target detectability. This paper demonstrates the applicability of gCNR to assess photoacoustic image quality using simulated and experimental images created with delay-and-sum (DAS), short-lag spatial coherence (SLSC), generalized coherence factor weighting combined with DAS (GCF+DAS), and minimum variance (MV) beamforming. Images were created from data acquired with a fixed light source with output energy values increasing from 2 mJ to 35 mJ. The gCNR converged to 0.93, 0.98, 0.99, and 0.85 for DAS, SLSC, GCF+DAS, and MV beamforming, respectively, at energies of approximately 20, 10, 10, and 20 mJ, respectively. These results indicate that gCNR has the potential to determine the minimum laser energy needed to maximize the detectability of a photoacoustic target for any given image formation method.
The Influence of Defendant Race/Ethnicity and Police Body-Worn Cameras on Traffic Case Processing

The current study evaluates the impact of defendant race/ethnicity and police body-worn cameras (BWCs) on dismissals and guilty pleas in traffic violations. Despite the frequency of traffic violati...
Hydrothermal carbonization of coffee silverskins

Abstract If waste biomass from food processing can be harnessed to create new bioproducts, it will not pollute the environment by its disposal. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has been found to be effective on some types of biomass to produce a solid fuel product and a sugar-rich liquid product. This research investigated the effect of HTC at various temperatures on bioproducts from coffee silverskins, the low-density waste from roasting coffee beans. HTC was performed on coffee silverskins at four different temperatures 180 °C, 200 °C, 230 °C, and 260 °C. Fiber analysis, heats of combustion, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed on the untreated and HTC pretreated solid biomass. On the HTC liquid products, pH was found and then sugar monomer concentration determined using high performance liquid chromatography. HTC processing of coffee silverskins increased the energy density of the solid product, with higher temperatures increasing energy density more. The pH of the liquid product was near 4.5 for all experiments. The concentrations of glucose, galactose, and arabinose in the liquid HTC product decreased with higher HTC temperatures. Thus, HTC can convert coffee silverskins into a higher fuel value solid product and a liquid rich in monomeric sugars. Processing temperature affects the solid bioproduct's energy densification and the liquid bioproduct's sugar content.
A SkepticAS Guide to Modern Monetary Theory

This essay discusses a new approach to macroeconomics called modern monetary theory (MMT). It identifies the key differences between MMT and the approach found in mainstream textbooks. It concludes that while MMT contains some kernels of truth, its most novel policy prescriptions do not follow cogently from its premises. Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.
A retrospective antibiotic prescribing assessment and examination of potential antibiotic stewardship targets in patients with COVID-19.

Objectives Despite low rates of bacterial coinfection in patients admitted with COVID-19, antimicrobials are frequently prescribed. Our primary objective was to evaluate antimicrobial prescribing over time in patients admitted with COVID-19. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the role of ID providers in antimicrobial utilization, describe the rate of confirmed bacterial infection and determine factors associated with empirical antimicrobial prescribing in COVID-19. Materials and methods Retrospective review was performed for adult patients admitted to a tertiary care centre with COVID-19 between 1 March 2020 and 30 November 2020. Patient demographics, disease severity, risk factors for severe disease, clinical outcomes, antimicrobial prescribing and respiratory microbiological testing were collected and analysed. Prescribing trends were evaluated by month, and factors contributing to prescribing were established using univariate and multivariable analysis. Results Antibiotics were prescribed during admission in 37.9% of the study cohort, with 85.1% of patients who received antibiotics having therapy initiated within 48 h of admission. Antibiotic prescribing incidence increased with disease. Over the study period, antimicrobial prescribing rates decreased by 8.7% per month. Multivariable analysis found ICU admission, obtainment of procalcitonin values, intubation, heart failure, haemodialysis and nursing home residence were associated with empirical antimicrobial prescribing. Conclusions Unnecessary antimicrobial prescribing in patients with viral syndromes like COVID-19 continues to represent an area of concern. Antimicrobial stewardship efforts during COVID-19 should consider patient-specific factors associated with antibiotic prescribing. Recognition of such factors, in combination with application of well-established antimicrobial stewardship tactics, may serve to impact antimicrobial prescribing trends, even as patient volumes rise.
Film Music: A History

Film Music: A History explains the development of film music by considering large-scale aesthetic trends and structural developments alongside socioeconomic, technological, cultural, and philosophical circumstances. The book’s four large parts are given over to Music and the "Silent" Film (1894--1927), Music and the Early Sound Film (1895--1933), Music in the "Classical-Style" Hollywood Film (1933--1960), and Film Music in the Post-Classic Period (1958--2008). Whereas most treatments of the subject are simply chronicles of "great film scores" and their composers, this book offers a genuine history of film music in terms of societal changes and technological and economic developments within the film industry. Instead of celebrating film-music masterpieces, it deals—logically and thoroughly—with the complex ‘machine’ whose smooth running allowed those occasional masterpieces to happen and whose periodic adjustments prompted the large-scale twists and turns in film music’s path.
The Feasibility of Using the MFL Technique to Detect and Characterize Mechanical Damage in Pipelines

Mechanical damage is the single largest cause of pipeline failures for gas transmission pipelines and a leading cause of failures for liquid pipelines today. Outside forces (usually construction equipment) can deform the natural cylindrical shape of a pipeline, scrape away metal and coating, and/or stress and cold work the steel changing its microstructure and altering its mechanical properties. Both the geometric deformation and the amount of residual stress, plastic deformation and cold working contribute to the severity of the defect. Having an NDE in-line inspection (ILI) technique for both detection and characterization of mechanical damage defects is important.
A 50 MHz Synthetic Focus System

Last year at this conference we discussed a number of difficulties which can occur in synthetic aperture and other short pulse imaging systems. In this paper, we have carried out studies in both a linear and cylindrical format to understand some of these problems more clearly and to arrive at solutions for them. We have studied the effects of a finite number of digital phase samples on the sidelobe level, the effect of apodization on grating and sidelobe levels, the effect of a finite number of transducer elements, problems of imaging specular reflectors, and the use of selective back projection methods to improve images of specular reflectors. We show here that the use of this latter technique may be of great importance because it provides an alternative approach of imaging, which does not make use of the normal phase cancellation effects employed in conventional imaging systems.
Book Review: Celebrating Liturgical Time: Days, Weeks, and Seasons

Celebrating Liturgical Time: Days, Weeks, and Seasons. By J. Neil Alexander. New York: Church Publishing, 2014. viii + 160 pp. $20.00 (paper).This third and most recent installment in Church Publishing's Celebrating series of ceremonial guides focuses on what the author refers to as the "ritualization of time" in accordance with the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Written by a well-respected liturgical scholar and experienced priest and bishop, this book includes history, theology, and practical guidance concerning the Episcopal Church's liturgical observance and celebration of the Sundays, major feasts, and seasons of the liturgical year, as well as of the Daily Offices. This book will be useful and of interest to pastorally- and practically-oriented seminarians, clergy, and lay liturgical ministers. The author's accessible and often conversational writing style, and his approach to the celebration of liturgical time as a fundamentally spiritual practice, makes this book a valuable resource for parish adult education purposes as well.In the first chapter, the author positions the church's ritualization of time as a practice of prayer, the effect of which "is not to change time, but to more clearly recognize God at work in it" (p. 4). The author's commentary and ceremonial advice throughout the remainder of the book reflect his conviction that the prayerful ritualization of time has the potential to be powerfully meaning-making and faith-shaping when thoughtfully and carefully performed.Chapter 2 provides an overview of the structure, origins, development, and predominant themes of the Sundays, principal feasts, and seasons of the liturgical calendar. The author provides enough historical information and theological commentary to satisfy readers who want to know not only when and how but why the Episcopal Church observes and celebrates liturgical time in the ways that it does. The Revised Common Lectionary serves as the template for highlighting the biblical foundations and theological meanings associated with the Sundays, feasts, and seasons that constellate around the principal moments of incarnation and resurrection within an overarching paschal narrative that is celebrated each Sunday. The authors ceremonial commentary invites the reader to consider ways in which the performance of certain ritual elements can tend either to clarify or to confuse those meanings.The author skips over the special liturgies for Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, and the Great Vigil and reserves relatively brief treatment of these liturgies to the fourth and final chapter. This way of organizing the material is unfortunate, because it interrupts the discussion of the liturgical year with an abrupt shift to a discussion of the Daily Offices in chapter 3. …