cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Personalized Assistive Web for Improving Mobile Web Browsing and Accessibility for Visually Impaired Users

Mobile web browsing has become a daily routine for many people, including those with visual impairments. However, usability and accessibility challenges of mobile handheld devices may compromise the benefits of mobile web access, particularly for users with visual impairments. To improve mobile web accessibility, we propose a Personalized Assistive Web (PAW) that aims to improve skimming in mobile web browsing for users with visual impairments through hierarchical outline view and personalization adaptations in this research. We empirically evaluated PAW via a controlled lab experiment with 21 blind participants and 34 sighted participants. The empirical results provide strong evidence for the positive impacts of the hierarchical outline view adaptation on user performance of information search (i.e., search time) and perceptions (i.e., perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness) across the two groups of participants and demonstrate that the positive effects of adaptation personalization vary with participants. The findings not only demonstrate the effectiveness of the hierarchical outline view adaptation for blind and sighted participants but also reveal some important similarities and interesting differences in the effect of personalized adaptation between the two groups of participants. This research provides design and technical insights that are instrumental for improving mobile web accessibility.
Heat transfer fluids for parabolic trough solar collectors - a comparative study

In this work we compared three heat transfer fluids (HTFs) for parabolic trough solar collectors (PTCs), namely, Syltherm 800, Therminol VP-1, and Dowtherm Q. For the assessment, we adopted and simplified a previously developed mathematical model of a parabolic trough solar receiver comprising an outer cover, annular space, abosrber, and heat transfer fluid, and discretized the governing equations using the finite difference method. Subsequently, we validated the model with the experimental data available in the literature and employed it to study the following: (1) the effects of annular pressure on the collector performance for the three HTFs and (2) collector performance subject to different concentration ratios (i.e., aperture area) and inlet HTF temperatures. Simulation results demonstrate the meager thermal performance of Syltherm 800 compared to Therminol VP-1 and Dowtherm Q that achieve similar performance. In addition, we show that there is an optimal aperture area and inlet fluid temperature for Syltherm 800 that yield maximum collector efficiency. Henceforth, we anticipate this work to provide a rough guideline on the selection of an appropriate HTF for future PTCs from the thermal standpoint.
Abstract TP394: Stroke Education- Are you REaDy?

Introduction/Background: Patients stay healthier when informed, making communication the key to better outcomes. An informed and educated patient actively participates in their own treatment, impro...
Optimizing the dynamics of spiking networks for decoding and control

In this paper, an optimization-based approach to construct spiking networks for the purposes of decoding and control is presented. Specifically, we postulate a simple objective function wherein a network of interacting, primitive spiking units is decoded in order to drive a linear system along a prescribed trajectory. The units are assumed to spike only if doing so will decrease a specified objective function. The optimization gives rise to an emergent network of neurons with diffusive dynamics and a threshold-based spiking rule that bears resemblance to the Integrate and Fire neural model.
Towards Data-Driven Simulation Modeling for Mobile Agent-Based Systems

Simulation models are widely used to study complex systems. Current simulation models are generally handcrafted using expert knowledge (knowledge-driven); however, this process is slow and introduces modeler bias. This article presents an approach towards data-driven simulation modeling by developing a framework that discovers simulation models in an automated way for mobile agent-based applications. The framework is comprised of three components: (1) a model space specification, (2) a search method (genetic algorithm), and (3) framework measurement metrics. The model space specification provides a formal specification for the general model structure from which various models can be generated. The search method is used to efficiently search the model space for candidate models that exhibit desired behavior patterns. The five framework measurement metrics: flexibility, comprehensibility, controllability, composability, and robustness, are developed to evaluate the overall framework. The results demonstrate that it is possible to discover a variety of interesting models using the framework.
What Can Big Data on Academic Interest Reveal about a Drug? Reflections in Three Major US Databases.

The different stages of the life cycle of a drug – ‘prenatal' stage, birth of a drug, rapid growth, maturity and stability, decline, and status before ‘death' – are reflected in the three following databases: journal articles (PubMed—www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed); patents (US Patent Office—http://partfl1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-adv.htlm); and approved drugs (FDA – www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index/cfm). These databases are huge, from authoritative sources, correctly classified, and they properly link different datasets. Analysis of such data can uncover hidden patterns important for the assessment of drug status and may also yield some predictions regarding its future prospects. Drug-related, publication-based academic bibliographic records are especially numerous and support the development of various scientometric indices. In combination with information from other types of databases, they can outline various trends in pharmacology. Scientometric indices can be classified into those indicating a change in the status of a drug, and those assessing the chances for success, or even drug discontinuation. Here, we present big data analytics on publication-based academic interest in two segments: (i) description of scientometric indices and (ii) their applications for the assessment of the status of a drug.
Landscape-Scale Factors Affecting the Prevalence of Escherichia coli in Surface Soil Include Land Cover Type, Edge Interactions, and Soil pH

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli is deposited into soil with feces and exhibits subsequent population decline with concomitant environmental selection. Environmentally persistent strains exhibit longer survival times during this selection process, and some strains have adapted to soil and sediments. A georeferenced collection of E. coli isolates was developed comprising 3,329 isolates from 1,428 soil samples that were collected from a landscape spanning the transition from the grasslands to the eastern deciduous forest biomes. The isolate collection and sample database were analyzed together to discover how land cover, site characteristics, and soil chemistry influence the prevalence of cultivable E. coli in surface soil. Soils from forests and pasture lands had equally high prevalences of E. coli. Edge interactions were also observed among land cover types, with proximity to forests and pastures affecting the likelihood of E. coli isolation from surrounding soils. E. coli is thought to be more prevalent in sediments with high moisture, but this was observed only in grass- or crop-dominated lands in this study. Because differing E. coli phylogroups are thought to have differing ecology profiles, isolates were also typed using a novel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assay. Phylogroup B1 was the dominant group isolated from soil, as has been reported in all other surveys of environmental E. coli. Although differences were small, isolates belonging to phylogroups B2 and D were associated with wooded areas, slightly more acidic soils, and soil sampling after rainfall events. In contrast, isolates from phylogroups B1 and E were associated with pasture lands. IMPORTANCE The consensus is that complex niches or life cycles should select for complex genomes in organisms. There is much unexplained biodiversity in E. coli, and its cycling through complex extrahost environments may be a cause. In order to understand the evolutionary processes that lead to adaptation for survival and growth in soil, an isolate collection that associates soil conditions and isolate genome sequences is required. An equally important question is whether traits selected in soil or other extrahost habitats can be transmitted to E. coli residing in hosts via gene flow. The new findings about the distribution of E. coli in soil at the landscape scale (i) enhance our capability to study how extrahost environments influence the evolution of E. coli and other bacteria, (ii) advance our knowledge of the environmental biology of this microbe, and (iii) further affirm the emerging scientific consensus that E. coli in waterways originates from nonpoint sources not associated with human activity or livestock farming.
Transcriptional networks of progressive diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes: An inflammatory story.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes and a source of considerable morbidity. Numerous molecular pathways are linked to neuropathic progression, but it is unclear whether these pathways are altered throughout the course of disease. Moreover, the methods by which these molecular pathways are analyzed can produce significantly different results; as such it is often unclear whether previously published pathways are viable targets for novel therapeutic approaches. In the current study we examine changes in gene expression patterns in the sciatic nerve (SCN) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of db/db diabetic mice at 8, 16, and 24 weeks of age using microarray analysis. Following the collection and verification of gene expression data, we utilized both self-organizing map (SOM) analysis and differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis to detect pathways that were altered at all time points. Though there was some variability between SOM and DEG analyses, we consistently detected altered immune pathways in both the SCN and DRG over the course of disease. To support these results, we further used multiplex analysis to assess protein changes in the SCN of diabetic mice; we found that multiple immune molecules were upregulated at both early and later stages of disease. In particular, we found that matrix metalloproteinase-12 was highly upregulated in microarray and multiplex data sets suggesting it may play a role in disease progression.
Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes, Myeloid Neoplasms with Germline Predisposition and Myeloid Proliferations Associated with Down Syndrome

The inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) are a group of genetic disorders associated with inadequate production of one or more blood cell lineages (Table 3.1). These disorders are rare and heterogeneous, but are clinically important due to cytopenias and propensity to progress to severe aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute leukemia, and other malignancies. Broadly, IBMF syndromes can be divided into multilineage cytopenias (Fanconi anemia, dyskeratosis congenita, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia), unilineage cytopenia (Diamond-Blackfan anemia, severe congenital neutropenia, thrombocytopenia with absent radii), and congenital dyserythropoietic anemia. The incidence of IBMFS may be difficult to assess due to the absence of large-scale epidemiologic studies. However, the current literature and large-center studies suggest an annual incidence of 65 per million live births [1].
Research Programs of the U.S. Salinity Laboratory

The Bankhead-Jones Act adopted by Congress in 1935 made funds available for research on region-wide problems for agriculture. The directors of the Agricultural Experiment Stations of the 11 Western states, meeting with representatives of the USDA, identified salinity and sodicity as major problems in the West. On their recommendation, the U.S. Regional Salinity Laboratory was established in Riverside in 1937. Its mission was to acquire the knowledge and develop the agricultural skills and practices necessary for the continuation of irrigation agriculture in areas threatened by salinity and sodicity.
Developments in accounting regulation: A synthesis and annotated bibliography of evidence and commentary in the 2017 academic literature

ABSTRACT In this paper, recent regulation-related findings and commentaries in the academic literature are synthesized in annotated bibliography form. This annotated bibliography is one in a series of bibliographies that summarizes regulation-related academic research. Papers in top accounting outlets such as The Accounting Review, Journal of Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting and Economics, Contemporary Accounting Research, Accounting Horizons, The Journal of Accounting, Auditing & Finance, Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, Journal of Business, Finance & Accounting, The Journal of Financial Reporting, Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory, Research in Accounting Regulation and Review of Accounting Studies are included. Threads in the 2017 literature included general regulatory accounting issues, general financial reporting issues, examinations of the impact of specific guidance, and examination of issues surrounding the independent audit.
The use of point of care ultrasound in the evaluation of pediatric soft tissue neck masses.

Abstract Objective Most soft tissue neck masses represent benign inflammatory or infectious processes; however, in some cases the diagnosis is not clear and a broader differential must be considered. The aim of this study was to compare point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to radiology department imaging (RDI) in the diagnosis of soft tissue neck masses. Methods This prospective pilot study involved a convenience sample of patients ranging in age from 1 month to 18 years of age presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) with a soft tissue neck mass. All children who presented to the PED with soft tissue neck mass at times when an investigator was in the department, and who were candidates for enrollment, underwent a POCUS. The managing pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) provider determined whether RDI was indicated. The results of the POCUS sonologist and radiologist were compared. The kappa statistic was used to analyze agreement with p Results Twenty-seven patients were enrolled into the study. Twenty-two received radiology ultrasound (RUS), 3 patients received CT, and 2 patients received both RUS and CT. There was agreement between POCUS and RDI diagnoses in 21/27 cases (78%). Accordingly, overall concordance between POCUS and RDI diagnoses was good: the kappa statistic comparing diagnoses obtained by POCUS versus RDI was 0.69 (p Conclusion This prospective pilot study describes the reliability of POCUS as an imaging modality in the management of patients with undifferentiated soft tissue neck masses. POCUS demonstrated good agreement with RDI as a bedside imaging tool in the evaluation of pediatric soft tissue neck masses.
Health Effects Reported by Adolescent Water Pipe and/or Cigarette Smokers Compared to Nonsmokers.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory and/or physical fitness health problems in adolescent (ages 18–21) water pipe (WP) smokers (with or without cigarette smoking), cigarette-only smokers, and nonsmokers. Methods A comparative four-group study design was used to recruit a non–probability sample of 153 WP smokers only, 103 cigarette smokers only, and 102 cigarette+WP smokers along with 296 nonsmokers. Our hypothesis was that youth who smoked WPs and/or cigarettes would report more respiratory problems and/or poorer physical fitness than those who did not smoke. Results The results showed that coughs were significantly associated with smoking in all three of the smoking groups (p Conclusions Even during the adolescent years, WP and/or cigarette smoking youth experienced reportable negative health effects.
Propagation of input uncertainty in manufacturing process flow simulations

We consider a discrete-event stochastic simulation that represents a generic manufacturing process flow and assume the availability of limited knowledge about part inter-arrival times and machine processing times. We investigate how the state-of-the-art simulation methodologies can be utilized to propagate input inter-arrival-time and service-time uncertainty through such a manufacturing simulation. We quantify the impact of limited knowledge on steady-state manufacturing-line performance measures such as utilization, lead time, inventory, and throughput. First, we conduct experiments for single-stage manufacturing systems where we additionally study the impact of yield loss uncertainty on annual throughput predictions. Then, we switch our focus to multi-stage manufacturing systems and investigate whether there may be situations in which it becomes difficult to correctly identify the system bottleneck. We conclude with the identification of the manufacturing system stages that contribute most to the variability in lead time and inventory predictions.
Increased serum CD8 antigen level in childhood Hodgkin's disease relates to advanced stage and poor treatment outcome.

Measurement of the soluble form of CD8 antigen, a surface membrane component of suppressor/cytotoxic T cells, has yielded useful information relevant to prognosis in the lymphoid malignancies of childhood. We therefore determined pretreatment levels of serum CD8 antigen in 90 children with newly diagnosed Hodgkin's disease. The findings ranged widely, from 220 to 2,585 U/mL (median, 556 U/mL). In patients with advanced disease (stage III or IV), the median serum CD8 level was significantly higher than in those with less disease extension (stage I or II): 675 v 477 U/mL, P = .003. It was also higher in children with B symptoms compared with all others: 622 v 494 U/mL, P = .005. Cases with a histologic classification of mixed cellularity had a significantly higher median level of the antigen than did those classified as nodular sclerosis: 847 v 509 U/mL, P = .005. Finally, higher serum CD8 levels (greater than 430 U/mL) were significantly associated with an increased probability of treatment failure (P = .02). In a multivariate analysis, serum CD8 level retained its impact on treatment outcome after adjustment for other potentially useful prognostic factors, including disease stage, presence of B symptoms, histology, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, sex, age, and race. The prognostic strength shown by soluble CD8 in this analysis suggests that the antigen has clinical value. We postulate that increased CD8 levels in serum indicate enhanced suppressor T-cell activity, which may compromise the host's antitumor immunity, leading to unusually aggressive disease.
Does the presence of certain bacterial family in the microbiome indicate specific indoor environment characteristics? A factorial design approach for identifying bio-fingerprints:

The study applies the current knowledge on microbiome in built environments towards identifying microbes, specifically bacteria as bio-fingerprints which can reflect indoor space and occupant chara...
The association of metabolic syndrome and QRS|T angle in US adults (NHANES III)

Background Spatial QRS|T angle is a predictor of cardiovascular events. Those with metabolic syndrome have an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the association between metabolic syndrome and spatial QRS|T angle. Methods We obtained data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey III on 6,249 adults. We calculated spatial QRS|T angle from the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram and classified it as abnormal, borderline, or normal. We identified metabolic syndrome if at least three of the following were present: abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and impaired fasting glucose. We used weighted logistic regression to estimate the effect of metabolic syndrome and its components on QRS|T angle while stratifying by gender and adjusting for age, race, smoking status, heart rate, PR, QT, and QRS interval, and QRS amplitude. Results Among men and women, metabolic syndrome, the number of components present, elevated blood pressure, and impaired fasting glucose were positively associated with QRS|T angle. Among women, decreased HDL and abdominal obesity were also positively associated with QRS|T angle. Conclusions This study suggests that persons with metabolic syndrome may be at increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias. The use of spatial QRS|T angle to assess this cardiovascular risk is warranted.
Fast qualitative two-dimensional mapping of ultrasound fields with acoustic cavitation-enhanced ultrasound imaging

Characterization of ultrasound fields is a routine procedure for both diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound. Quantitative field mapping with a calibrated hydrophone and multi-axis positioning system can be difficult and time consuming. In this study, the use of acoustic cavitation field mapping as a qualitative surrogate to acoustic pressure field mapping, albeit without acoustic pressure values is demonstrated. This technique allows for fast qualitative mapping of ultrasound fields and thereby functionality of the corresponding transducers, in a matter of seconds. In addition, this technique could be used to rapidly image in vivo acoustic cavitation fields during therapeutic ultrasound applications.
The Value of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) in Addressing the Therapeutic Needs of Trafficked Youth: A Case Study

Abstract Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is currently the leading intervention for childhood trauma as it has accumulated the most empirical support in treating sexual abuse in youth. However, this treatment, widely recognized as the gold-standard for the treatment of childhood trauma, has been applied only in recent years to address the unique needs of children and adolescents with histories of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. This paper strives to expand this limited literature base by examining the clinical value in individualizing TF-CBT to effectively treat an adolescent experiencing posttraumatic stress related to the experience of familial sex trafficking while also maintaining treatment fidelity. This case study emphasizes the value of the TF-CBT components in addressing a variety of factors that impact this population, including psychological coercion, psychological manipulation, the threat of legal action (in this case deportation), lack of community involvement, running away behaviors, and pregnancy by sexual assault. Multisource measures completed at the beginning and end of treatment document a significant decrease in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and a depressive disorder after 20 treatment sessions that comprised individual sessions for the youth, individual sessions for the nonoffending caregiver, and conjoint caregiver-youth sessions.
CHAPTER 4 – Gene Regulatory Networks for Development: What They Are, How They Work, and What They Mean

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on general structural properties of developmental gene regulatory networks. The inputs at each cis-regulatory module in the network can be authenticated, like any cis-regulatory predictions, by isolation of the module from the genome and causal analysis of their function by mutation. Developmental gene regulatory networks are composed fundamentally of genomic components, that is, the genes and their relevant cis-regulatory modules at its nodes; and of regulatory state components, that is, the transcription factors that provide regulatory inputs into these modules. The terminal components of any given developmental gene regulatory network are genes, the outputs of which do not affect other genes in the network. The causal importance of the inputs within a network is usually established initially by some form of knockout or loss of function experiments in which given factors are removed from the regulatory state either by genetic means, or by intervention in the molecular biology of expression of particular genes.
Inducing Cognition of Secure Grasp and Agency to Accelerate Motor Rehabilitation from an Instrumented Glove

Improving grasp performance for activities of daily living is an essential objective following neuromuscular trauma such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke or amputations. Traditional rehabilitation methods involve intensive or repetitive physical training to relearn motor skills. Few of them consider or leverage cognitive factors to better motivate and engage individuals during training. Novel cognitive-based approaches could better motivate individuals to engage in training paradigms and facilitate rehabilitation procedure. Sense of agency (agency) is the neural perception of the true authorship of a neuromuscular action and its related consequence. Possessing greater agency as a basis for improved functional performance appears as an intuitive concept since the higher agency one has, the better movement control one perceives. In this project, we developed an instrumented glove that aimed to predict secure grasping and to improve grasp performance with onboard sensory feedback by inducing agency. Participants received visual and audio feedback during a training session across three distinct conditions: 'Decay feedback', 'Instant feedback' and 'No feedback'. Overall, grasp performance including completion time and pathlength significantly improved (p
Controversies on Certification of ECMO Practitioners Using Simulation

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) practitioners are providers who are expected to have expertise in the management of the ECMO patient and circuit. This group is comprised of perfusionists, nurses, or respiratory therapists who have completed specialized training. Currently, there is no standardized certification process for ECMO practitioners, with institutions implementing local curricula and standards. This chapter will focus on the role of simulation in certification and potential challenges associated with the certification process of ECMO practitioners.
Complications and failure modes of covered coronary stents: Insights from the MAUDE database

Abstract Background Data on the mechanisms of failure of covered coronary stents [Graftmaster, PK Papyrus] are limited. Methods We queried the “Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience” (MAUDE) database between August 2018 (when the PK Papyrus stent was FDA approved) and December 2020 for reports on covered coronary stents. Results We identified 299 reports in the MAUDE database (after excluding duplicates, peripheral vascular reports, and incomplete records) (Graftmaster n = 225, PK Papyrus n = 74). The most common mechanism of failure of covered stents was failure to deliver the stent (46.2%), followed by stent dislodgement (22.4%) and failure to seal the perforation (19.7%). Failure to deliver the stent was more often reported with Graftmaster compared with PK Papyrus (59.1% vs. 6.8%, p Conclusions The most common failure mechanisms of covered stents are failure of delivery, stent dislodgement, and failure to seal the perforation. Failure of delivery was more common with Graftmaster, while stent dislodgement was more common with PK Papyrus. Further improvements in covered stent design are needed to optimize deliverability and minimize the risk of complications.
Screening for Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.

Importance An estimated 13% of all US adults (18 years or older) have diabetes, and 34.5% meet criteria for prediabetes. The prevalences of prediabetes and diabetes are higher in older adults. Estimates of the risk of progression from prediabetes to diabetes vary widely, perhaps because of differences in the definition of prediabetes or the heterogeneity of prediabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure and new cases of blindness among adults in the US. It is also associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and was estimated to be the seventh leading cause of death in the US in 2017. Screening asymptomatic adults for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes may allow earlier detection, diagnosis, and treatment, with the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes. Objective To update its 2015 recommendation, the USPSTF commissioned a systematic review to evaluate screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in asymptomatic, nonpregnant adults and preventive interventions for those with prediabetes. Population Nonpregnant adults aged 35 to 70 years seen in primary care settings who have overweight or obesity (defined as a body mass index ≥25 and ≥30, respectively) and no symptoms of diabetes. Evidence Assessment The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and offering or referring patients with prediabetes to effective preventive interventions has a moderate net benefit. Conclusions and Recommendation The USPSTF recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults aged 35 to 70 years who have overweight or obesity. Clinicians should offer or refer patients with prediabetes to effective preventive interventions. (B recommendation)
Clinical and Dosimetric Implications of Calculating Lung Shunt Fraction for Hepatic Yttrium-90 Radioembolization Using SPECT/CT Versus Planar Scintigraphy.

Background: Accurate assessment of hepatopulmonary shunting, typically performed by planar scintigraphy, is critical in planning yttrium-90 radioembolization. High lung shunt fractions (LSFs) may alter treatment. Objective: To compare LSFs calculated from planar scintigraphy versus SPECT/CT in patients with high planar LSFs (>15%) and to describe potential clinical and dosimetric implications of SPECT/CT LSF calculations. Methods: This retrospective study included 36 patients (29 male, 7 female; mean age 62.4±9.8 years) who underwent technetium-99m labeled macroaggregated albumin planar scintigraphy for planning hepatic radioembolization, with planar LSF >15% and concurrent SPECT/CT. Clinically reported planar LSFs were recorded. SPECT/CT LSFs were retrospectively calculated using automatically generated volumetric ROIs around the lungs and liver with subsequent manual adjustments. Total lung and perfused liver doses were calculated using a medical internal radiation dose model. Values derived from planar and SPECT/CT data were compared with Mann-Whitney U tests. Multivariable regression analysis was performed of factors associated with LSF discrepancy between techniques. Results: Mean planar LSF was 25.1%±11.6%; mean SPECT/CT LSF was 16.0%±9.3% (p 20%, instead undergoing shunt-reducing embolization with subsequent radioembolization (n=7), transarterial chemoembolization (n=5), or no treatment (n=2). Five of these 14 patients had SPECT/CT LSF <20% and would have been eligible for upfront radioembolization based on SPECT/CT LSF. Seven of 29 patients treated with radioembolization underwent prescribed dose reductions based on planar LSF; six of these patients would have qualified for standard radioembolization without dose reduction using SPECT/CT LSF. Conclusion: Planar scintigraphy yields greater LSFs compared to SPECT/CT, possibly leading to unnecessary shunt-reducing procedures and prescribed dose reductions. Clinical Impact: SPECT/CT should be considered for clinical LSF calculations before radioembolization in patients with high LSFs.
Marquis on Abortion

This is a two part chapter, both elements devoted to a libertarian commentary on the views of Marquis on abortion. The first will deal with Marquis (1989) and the second with Marquis (2007).
Quantum cellular automata without particles

Quantum cellular automata (QCA) constitute space and time homogeneous discrete models for quantum field theories (QFTs). Although QFTs are defined without reference to particles, computations are done in terms of Feynman diagrams, which are explicitly interpreted in terms of interacting particles. Similarly, the easiest QCA to construct are quantum lattice gas automata (QLGA). A natural question then is, which QCA are not QLGA? Here we construct a nontrivial example of such a QCA; it provides a simple model in $1+1$ dimensions with no particle interpretation at the scale where the QCA dynamics are homogeneous.
SU-E-T-734: The Feasibility of Using Polymer Gel Dosimetry to Measure the Dose Around Thin High Z Materials Irradiated with High Energy Photon Beams

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of 3D dose measurements near thin high z materials using high energy photon beams. Methods: A MAGAT-type polymer gel was manufactured in-house. Lead foils of dimensions 1cm x 1cm x 0.5mm were encapsulated in 0.06mm thick tape and placed in two foil supports with 4cm depth and 0.7cm separation. The foils and supports were placed in a 500ml polystyrene container and the gel was poured into the phantom. The phantom was irradiated with a 18MV photon beam of 5cm x 5cm field size perpendicular to the foil at 100cm SSD. The gel was imaged with a Siemens 3T MRI scanner using the CPMG pulse sequence. DOSXYZnrc was used to calculate the expected dose and the Monte Carlo dose was compared with the gel. Enough histories were simulated so that the average error was less than 1%. The percentage difference of the dose between the heterogeneous gel and the homogeneous water was computed along and perpendicular to the beam axis. Results: Depth dose measurements made on the central axis showed increased dose upstream and between the foils, but had a decreased dose downstream. The range of increased dose was 1.8cm above and 0.7cm below the foils. The minimum dose point between the foils had an enhancement of 7.4%. The dose reduction downstream averaged around 5%. There was very good agreement between the Monte Carlo measurements and the gel doses. The gel and Monte Carlo results were within 2% at the minimum point. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that the MAGAT polymer-gel can be used to measure the fine structures around small metallic objects. The results suggest that the dose of a 18MV photon beam can be increased in between thin high Z foils while reducing the dose downstream.
An exploratory study of computer assisted language learning (CALL) glosses and traditional glosses on incidental vocabulary learning and Spanish literature reading comprehension

The following is an exploratory study investigating the difference in the incidental vocabulary learning (or recall) of Spanish vocabulary while reading for comprehension. A secondary area of investigation is the influence of learner characteristics on gloss access. High-intermediate/low-advanced Spanish students from two sections of the same Spanish course at an American university participated in this study. One group of participants was provided traditional English marginal glosses to the left of the reading while the second group of students was provided with computer-assisted language learning (CALL) glosses. The participants took three constructed response vocabulary post-tests in the following three weeks and a constructed response reading comprehension test upon completion of the reading task. The results were ultimately inconclusive, but indicated that there was no significant difference between word recall and gloss presentation, and that gloss access is to some extent positively related to language proficiency.
Order‐Disorder Theory and Applications

First page of article Keywords: order-disorder theory and applications; Ising model
Detection of N-myc Oncogene Expression in Human Neuroblastoma by in Situ Hybridization and Blot Analysis: Relationship to Clinical Outcome

We studied N-myc oncogene expression in 13 human neuroectodermal tumors and one teratoma by in situ hybridization. In four of six neuroblastomas, there was increased N-myc expression (15 to 49% of the cells). Many of the primitive neuroblastic cells had an increase of N-myc RNA not observed in the larger, more differentiated cells. Two neuroblastomas matured to ganglioneuromas; no biopsies performed during this progression expressed increased N-myc RNA. Three ganglioneuroblastomas, two tumors presenting as ganglioneuromas, a cerebral neuroectodermal tumor, a neurofibrosarcoma, and the teratoma did not have increased N-myc expression. The data obtained by in situ hybridization correlated well with data obtained by blot analysis. Neuroblastomas/ganglioneuroblastomas with a favorable course did not have appreciable elevation of N-myc expression over 10 to 77 mo of follow-up; thus N-myc may not be involved in the maintenance of the neoplastic state. However, such tumors with a fatal outcome 2 to 14 mo after diagnosis usually had elevated N-myc expression. These findings suggest a relationship between elevated levels of N-myc RNA and poor prognosis.
Perioperative management of a paediatric patient on the ketogenic diet

The ketogenic diet has become commonplace for the treatment of paediatric patients with refractory epilepsy. I describe the perioperative management of a patient on the ketogenic diet. The basis, complications and anaesthetic implications of the diet are discussed.
Clinical molecular scanner: the MELANIE project

The MELANIE expert system recognized and blindly separated normal and cirrhotic liver or different cancer biopsy protein patterns. The discovery of a new lipoprotein associated protein highlighted the need for linkages between protein map databases and the human genome databases. The results described in this manuscript clearly demonstrate that some diseases associated with toxic compounds or modifications of the human genome are adequately diagnosed by expert systems which automatically analyze protein maps. The potential of this combination of biotechnology (protein mapping) and computer analysis is the development of a 'molecular scanner' in medicine. The massive amount of information analyzed and stored requires new strategies including centralized protein map databases and image transmission over networks. The increasing knowledge in protein expression and regulation will amplify the impact of the human genome project in medicine and biology. >
Adventures in the Bone Trade: The Race to Discover Human Ancestors in Ethiopia's Afar Depression

Adventures in the Bone Trade: The Race to Discover Human Ancestors in Ethiopia's Afar Depression. Jon Kalb. New York: Copernicus Books, 2001. 389 pp.
State regulations for suicide prevention in jails and the jail suicide rate.

The jail suicide rates for 1985–1986 were not related to the existence of state standards for jail suicide prevention which had been established in 13 of 35 states responding to a 1989 survey, but were related to the states' jail population.
Traveling-Wave Phonon Emission at the Nanoscale

We show that the nature of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) radically changes at nanoscales due to tremendous internal radiation pressures. Coherent interplay between radiation pressure and electrostriction yields giant enhancement of SBS and tailorable photon-phonon coupling.
The Human Side of Managing for Results

This article establishes and tests a scheme for studying as well as implementing managing-for-results (MFR) reforms. Previous research on MFR and “reinvention” divides between survey-based research, which has a potential to overstate the level of success in implementing best practices such as strategic planning and outcome measurement, and case-based research, much of which identifies difficulties with the implementation of these reform techniques. This article assesses the extent to which variation in MFR implementation occurs in 24 “reputation leader” municipalities and the likely human dimensions that affect MFR implementation across the study jurisdictions. These include the extent to which employee participation is a part of the reform and employee buy-in is pursued, the presence of sustained and persistent leadership on behalf of the reform, and the establishment and nurturing of a supportive organizational culture underlying reform efforts. This analysis produces a more robust classification and fr...
The SSR system: An open format event recording system with computerized transcription

The SSR system is an event recording system that encodes the incidence, duration, coincidence, and sequence of entries in real time onto magnetic tape for subsequent high-speed transcription by computer. The keyboard is light weight and battery powered for field as well as for laboratory applications. A conservative encoding scheme employs phase encoding and multiplexing circuitry to sample the set of 48 alphanumeric and other characters 20 times per second. The sampling rate provides a time base that is independent of tape speed. The encoding signal is recorded on an audio tape recorder at 1–7/8 ips (inches per second). A supplementary voice record can be made on a parallel track. At transcription, a small computer decodes the data tape at 15 ips; 1 h of data is transcribed into a string of characters in 7 1/2 min and stored in binary form. A second program organizes the character string into a timed manuscript of lines. The character set and all character functions, e.g., the subset of characters that start lines, are entirely software defined. A completely open format and the flexibility of user-defined software grammars facilitate the entry of subjects, actions (both momentary and continuous), objects, and other contextual information in whatever form the user requires. The SSR system is described both as a system of ideas about the problems of encoding observations for computerized transcription and as it is currently embodied in a specific set of software and field-tested hardware. The rationale for each major aspect of the system is presented in detail from a user’s point of view.
High-and low-intensity photosystems in Phycomyces phototropism: Effects of mutations in genes madA, madB, and madC.

Sporangiophores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus Burgeff that have been grown in darkness and are then suddenly exposed to unilateral light show a two-step bending response rather than a smooth, monotonic response found in light-adapted specimens (Galland and Lipson, 1987, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84, 104–108). The stepwise bending is controlled by two photosystems optimized for the low-and high-intensity ranges. These two photosystems have now been studied in phototropism mutants with defects in genes madA, madB, and madC. All three mutations raise the threshold of the low-intensity (low-fluence) photosystem by about 106-fold and that of the high-intensity (high-fluence) system by about 103-fold. Estimates for the light-adaptation time constants of the low-and high-intensity photosystems show that the mutants are affected in adaptation. In the mutants, the light-adaptation kinetics are only slightly affected in the low-intensity photosystem but, for the high-intensity photosystem, the kinetics are considerably slower than in the wild type.
CORTICOSTEROID (METHYLPREDNISOLONE) MODULATION OF PHOTOPEROXIDATION BY ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT IN LIPOSOMES

— UV irradiation of ovolecithin liposomes produced a dose dependent wave of peroxidation which reached a peak and then fell again coincident with substrate exhaustion. This correlated well with subsequent increases in membrane permeability. There was a progressive loss of unsaturated fatty acids, and when cholesterol was incorporated into liposomes, the UV produced a progressive loss of this steroid. Methylprednisolone sodium succinate, a synthetic corticosteroid, was found to inhibit this peroxidation in a dose dependent manner, also ameliorating membrane permeability increases when present during irradiation, but not able to compensate for pre-existing damage. When cholesterol was present in the liposomes, methylprednisolone sodium succinate was also able to protect this steroid from UV peroxidative damage. The rates of reaction in this system suggested that polyunsaturated fatty acids, even when present in extremely small concentrations, underwent an initial rapid wave of peroxidation, which served to initiate the slower rate of lipoperoxidation within the bulk of mono- and di-“unsaturates”. At low concentrations, the corticosteroid preferentially blocked damage to mono- and di-unsaturated fatty acids, affecting the polyunsaturated fatty acids as well, at higher concentrations. This study suggests that the corticosteroid, methylprednisolone sodium succinate, possesses antioxidant properties in lipid systems subjected to free radical peroxidation.
Hydrophobic interaction chromatography of the rabbit uterine progesterone receptor

The chromatographic behavior of the rabbit uterine progesterone receptor interaction on several different hydrophobic matrices was characterized. Receptor, prepared in 0.6 M NaCl, exhibited a progressive retardation of elution, followed by retention, on a series of alkyl agarose columns as the length of the alkyl chain [(CH2)nH-] increased (n = 0-10), reflecting the presence of hydrophobic regions on the protein. Adsorption did not occur directly at the steroid binding site of the molecule and did not require activation to the DNA-binding form. Elution could be achieved by a decrease in the ionic strength of the buffer or the addition of glycerol, resulting in partial purification of receptor. Receptor bound tightly to phenyl agarose, although elution of the receptor under mild conditions (decreasing salt gradient, increasing glycerol gradient) resulted in poor yield and only modest purification. Passage of the non-activated progesterone receptor over Reactive Blue Sepharose effectively removed albumin, presumably by a hydrophobic interaction, although receptor was not retained. In the activated form, approximately 25% of receptor was bound to Reactive Blue Sepharose, reflecting an interaction of the Cibacron Blue dye with the polynucleotide binding site of the receptor. Hydrophobic chromatography may be an important adjunct to methods for purification of the progesterone receptor.
A modern approach to nasal osteotomies

A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the nose is paramount in rhinoplasty. Correction of deformities of the nasal vault presents a challenge to the facial plastic surgeon. Suboptimal aesthetic results may occur when either inadequate or excessive mobilization of the nasal bony-cartilaginous framework is performed. Furthermore, postoperative complications such as collapse of the nasal airway may occur. A number of techniques are available to appropriately mobilize and reposition the bony nasal vault. In this article, we will review pertinent anatomy, technical considerations and clinical perspectives on mobilization of the nasal bones.
Reducing null messages using grouping and status retrieval for a conservative discrete-event simulation system

In this paper we investigate Chandy-Misra-Bryant Null message algorithm and propose a grouping technique to improve the performance. This technique along with status retrieval which will be explained in detail can improve the performance when compared to the traditional conservative algorithm by Chandy-Misra-Bryant. Null message algorithm is an efficient conservative algorithm that uses null messages to provide synchronization between logical processes in a parallel discrete event simulation (PDES) system. The performance can be decreased if a large number of null messages are generated by LPs to avoid deadlock. The main objective of this research work is to propose a new grouping technique that can be used to reduce the Null messages between the logical processes. Since the performance of Null Message algorithm mainly depends on the Lookahead (L) values, our proposed technique can be used to determine an optimum value of the Lookahead.