cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Constructing and implementing an agent-based model of residential segregation through vector GIS

In this article, we present a geographically explicit agent-based model (ABM), loosely coupled with vector geographical information systems (GISs), which explicitly captures and uses geometric data and socioeconomic attributes in the simulation process. The ability to represent the urban environment as a series of points, lines, and polygons not only allows one to represent a range of different-sized features such as buildings or larger areas portrayed as the urban environment but is a move away from many ABMs utilizing GIS that are rooted in grid-based structures. We apply this model to the study of residential segregation, specifically creating a Schelling (1971) type of model within a hypothetical cityscape, thus demonstrating how this approach can be used for linking vector-based GIS and agent-based modeling. A selection of simulation experiments are presented, highlighting the inner workings of the model and how aggregate patterns of segregation can emerge from the mild tastes and preferences of individual agents interacting locally over time. Furthermore, the article suggests how this model could be extended and demonstrates the importance of explicit geographical space in the modeling process.
A magnetometer for the rapid and nondestructive measurement of magnetic properties on rigid disk media

A magnetometer that allows for rapid and nondestructive measurement of magnetic properties on rigid-disk media is described. A rotating wheel containing erase, record, and read heads generates a remanence transfer curve from which the remanence thickness product, the remanent coercivity, and the coercive squareness can be calculated. The measurement takes about 70 s and serves as an especially important tool for process engineers controlling the magnetic properties of the disk-sputtering process. The essence of the measurement is the readback analysis at different write currents of a 25- mu m-long recorded transition with width equal to the width of the record head (in this case 19 mm). By moving the disk to different positions, magnetic properties of rigid disks can be mapped. >
Characteristics of low-temperature silicon nitride (SiNx:H) using electron cyclotron resonance plasma

Abstract Silicon nitride (SiNx:H) thin film deposited at 50°C using an electron cyclotron resonance plasma-enhanced chemical deposition (ECR PECVD) system has been explored. This 50°C silicon nitride deposited on a 150 mm diameter Si wafer shows an acceptable uniformity; ±0.9% of average index of refraction and ±6.5% of average thickness are maintained across 150 mm diameter of the Si wafer. As-deposited 50°C silicon nitrides have a leakage current density value of 2–3×10−9 A/cm2 at electric fields of 2 MV/cm and a breakdown electric field (i.e., field at a current density of 1×10−6 A/cm2) greater than 6 MV/cm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis displays that chemical bonding structure of this low-temperature ECR silicon nitride is very comparable to that of 250°C PECVD nitride. However, IR absorption data indicate that the low-temperature ECR nitride has more Si–H bonds and fewer N–H bonds than the high-temperature PECVD nitride. These ECR films manifest resistance to buffered oxide etchant (BOE) attack with the etch rates that are slower than 50% of a 250°C PECVD nitride. The lower concentration of N–H bonds may enable these low-temperature nitrides to resist BOE attack.
Theoretical investigations of the electronic states of porphyrins. II: Normal and hyper phosphorus porphyrins

Ab initio methods have been used to calculate the ground and excited states of “normal” and “hyper” porphyrins. Perturbation theory and CI methods were used to determine differential ground and excited-state correlation effects for [Pv(P)F2]+ and [PIII(P)]+. A comparison is made to the INDO/S/CI predicted wavefunctions and spectra and to the experimental spectra of closely related molecules. The “hyper” [PIII(P)]+ calculations show some very low energy electronic transitions which provide an explanation for an anomalous “red” band in the spectrum and for the lack of fluorescence. Ab initio calculations also predict that (1) the lowest energy 1A1 state is a two-configuration wavefunction which can be described as a diradical, (2) the two lowest-energy singlet excited states are double excitations from the closed shell SCF configuration, and (3) a 3B2 state is very close in energy to the lowest 1A1 state.
Real-time dense nucleus selection from confocal data

Selecting structures from volume data using direct over-the-visualization interactions, such as a paint brush, is perhaps the most intuitive method in a variety of application scenarios. Unfortunately, it seems difficult to design a universal tool that is effective for all different structures in biology research. In [WOCH12b], an interactive technique was proposed for extracting neural structures from confocal microscopy data. It uses a dual-stroke paint brush to select desired structures directly from volume visualizations. However, the technique breaks down when it was applied to selecting densely packed structures with condensed shapes, such as nuclei from zebrafish eye development research. We collaborated with biologists studying zebrafish eye development and adapted the paint brush tool for real-time nucleus selection from volume data. The morphological diffusion algorithm used in the previous paint brush is restricted to gradient descending directions for improved nucleus boundary definition. Occluded seeds are removed using backward ray-casting. The adapted paint brush is then used in tracking cell movements in a time sequence dataset of a developing zebrafish eye.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia with Atypical Cytochemical Features

In a series of 78 cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia, seven were found to demonstrate blast cells staining strongly for both the periodic acid-Schiff reaction and alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase. It is suggested that these features may represent a subclassification of acute lymphocytic leukemia or may be a marker for the leukemic phase of lymphoma.
Host Relationships of the Sugar-Beet Root Aphid in California

In connection with a comprehensive study of aphids of the genus Pemphigus it was determined that the root aphid commonly found on sugar beets in California and called Pemphigus betae Doane, 1900, was the same species as P. populivenae Fitch, 1859, which forms pouch like galls on the leaves of Populus trichcarpa. Pemphigus populiferae Fitch is closely related 10 if not the same as P. balsamiferae Williams, 1910, a Great Basin species reportedly selecting sugar beets as one of its secondary hosts and also forming pouch like gulls on poplar trees. The economic importance of the sugar-beet aphid in California was reported by Clarke as early as 1903. Lack of information concerning its biological relationships provided the motive for this preliminary study of its primary and secondary host relationships.
Visualization of Seismicity along Subduction Zones: Toward a Physical Basis

It has been a common practice to plot epicenters and hypocenters of earthquakes as symbols of equal size on geologic maps and cross-sections. Such plots can be highly effective. For instance, in regions dominated by high-angle faults, one can readily identify traces of seismically active faults by visually connecting dots that represent epicenters in map view. However, the practice lacks a clear physical basis and opens the door to arbitrary decisions regarding symbol sizes that could obscure important features in seismicity or even create misleading visual effects. Figure 1. ▴ Cross-sections normal to the Tonga Trench (marked by an inverted triangle), comparing visual effects of four different representations of the same data set. Each hypocenter is plotted as a solid circle whose radius is (A)that of a circular earthquake rupture estimated according to Equation 1, (B) set to a uniform value of 15 km, (C) set to a uniform value of 2 km, and (D) scaled to moment magnitude ( e.g., Mw 6 = 9 km). Only case A has a physical basis. In B and C, different choices of symbol sizes result in vastly different, biased visual impressions. For instance, even though outboard earthquakes (OE) release a significant amount of seismic moment (A), they appear to be negligible in conventional plots (C). In principle, D could preserve the relative size of earthquakes but is not effective in practice because of the highly compressed magnitude scale and arbitrary choices of scale. See Figure 2 for location of the crosssection. Throughout this article, we used the database of large to moderate-sized ( mb ≥ 5) earthquakes relocated by Engdahl et al. (1998) (for years 1964-2001, including the latest updates) and those from the Preliminary Determination of Epicenters (for year 2002). These catalogs are supplemented by precisely determined focal depths of more than …
A Computational Modeling of Macromolecular Ensemble Conformation and Blurring in Cryo EM

It is well known that Cryo EM results in 3D construction in which subnuits of a macromolecular complex may appear to be blurred and bloated. This issue affects the accuracy of positional and orientational information about the subnits extracted from such reconstructions. The blurring can be due to classification or averaging steps in the analysis or due to mobility of the quaternary macromolecular structure. Such effects cannot be captured by traditional models of EM. In this paper we propose a mathematical framework and algorithm to model this phenomenon. We use clustering methods such as the K-means algorithm to roughly resolve the different rigid subunits in the 3D density obtained from a macromolecular complex. Then we model the blurring effect in each (resolved) submit as an ensemble of rigid body motions (i.e., orientations and translations), specifically we use the Gaussian probability density (with unknown covariance and mean) on the group of rigid body motions in 3D. We relate the shape of each resolved (blurred) subunit to the unknown parameters of the Gaussian using the known structure of the subnit (from PDB). This gives a system of equations with unknowns being the parameters of the Gaussian. The system, in general, is underdetermined, however, we impose physically meaningful regularization constraints to obtain unique solutions. Thereby we are able to obtain more accurate orientation and positional information. We show the performance of the algorithm on simulated data. We also discuss prospect of this method in combination (or fusion) with SAXS data in order to reinforce information from both modalities.
Gas Chromatographic Analysis of the Insect Attractant Cue-lure and Related Compounds

A gas chromatographic method has been devised to analyze cue-lure, 4-( p -hydroxyphenyl)-2-betanone acetate, a potent attractant for the male melon fly, Dacus cucurbilae Coquilltett. Intermediates and impurities are readily detected. The accuracy of the analysis, which is about 2%, may be improved by using an internal standard. The analysis will help insure procurement of the high-quality attractant needed for detection and eradication programs involving this serious pest.
The American Board of Emergency Medicine ConCert™ Examination: Emergency physicians’ perceptions of learning and career benefits

OBJECTIVE As part of the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program, ABEM-certified physicians are required to pass the Continuous Certification (ConCert) examination at least every 10 years. With the 2015 ConCert examination, ABEM sought to better understand emergency physicians' perceptions of the benefits of preparing for and taking the examination and the career benefits of staying ABEM-certified. METHODS This was a prospective survey study. A voluntary postexamination survey was administered at the end of the 2015 ABEM ConCert examination (September 21-26, 2015). Physicians were asked about the benefits of preparing for the examination and maintaining ABEM certification. Examination performance was compared to perceptions of learning and career benefits. RESULTS Of the 2,601 on-time test takers, 2,511 respondents participated (96.5% participation rate). The majority of participants (92.0%) identified a benefit to preparing for the ConCert examination, which included reinforced medical knowledge (73.9%), increased knowledge (66.8%), and making them a better clinician (39.4%). The majority of respondents (90.8%) identified a career benefit of maintaining ABEM certification, which included more employment options (73.8%), more positively viewed by other physicians (56.8%), and better financial outcomes (29.8%). There was a statistically significant association between the perception of knowledge reinforcement and examination performance (p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant association between the perception that staying certified created more career opportunities and examination performance (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Most emergency physicians identified benefits of preparing for and taking the ABEM ConCert examination, which included reinforcing or adding medical knowledge and making them better clinicians. Most physicians also found career benefits to remaining ABEM-certified, which included greater employment choices, higher financial compensation, and higher esteem from other physicians. The belief that preparing for and taking the examination reinforced medical knowledge was associated with better examination performance.
Site-directed mutants of human RECQ1 reveal functional importance of the zinc binding domain.

Abstract RecQ helicases are a highly conserved family of ATP-dependent DNA-unwinding enzymes with key roles in DNA replication and repair in all kingdoms of life. The RECQ1 gene encodes the most abundant RecQ homolog in humans. We engineered full-length RECQ1 harboring point mutations in the zinc-binding motif (amino acids 419–480) within the conserved RecQ-specific-C-terminal (RQC) domain known to be critical for diverse biochemical and cellular functions of RecQ helicases. Wild-type RECQ1 contains a zinc ion. Substitution of three of the four conserved cysteine residues that coordinate zinc severely impaired the ATPase and DNA unwinding activities but retained DNA binding and single strand DNA annealing activities. Furthermore, alteration of these residues attenuated zinc binding and significantly changed the overall conformation of full-length RECQ1 protein. In contrast, substitution of cysteine residue at position 471 resulted in a wild-type like RECQ1 protein. Differential contribution of the conserved cysteine residues to the structure and functions of the RECQ1 protein is also inferred by homology modeling. Overall, our results indicate that the zinc binding motif in the RQC domain of RECQ1 is a key structural element that is essential for the structure-functions of RECQ1. Given the recent association of RECQ1 mutations with breast cancer, these results will contribute to understanding the molecular basis of RECQ1 functions in cancer etiology.
Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of respiratory specimens.

Although significant reservations have been raised about the value of sputum cultures in the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonias, the microscopic examination of the specimen can ameliorate many difficulties. The value of macroscopic and microscopic examination in assessing the quality of respiratory specimens, in making a rapid identification of the etiologic agent, and in guiding laboratory processing of the specimen is explored.
Membrane Peeling-Induced Retinal Alterations on Intraoperative OCT in Vitreomacular Interface Disorders From the PIONEER Study.

PURPOSE To assess retinal architectural alterations that occur following membrane peeling procedures and the impact of peel technique on these alterations utilizing intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT). METHODS This is a subanalysis of the prospective PIONEER iOCT study of eyes undergoing a membrane peeling for a vitreomacular interface (VMI) disorder. Intraoperative scanning was performed with a microscope-mounted OCT system. Macroarchitectural alterations (e.g., full-thickness retinal elevations) and microarchitectural alterations (e.g., relative layer thickness alterations) were analyzed. Video/iOCT correlation was performed to identify instrument-tissue manipulations resulting in macroarchitectural alterations. RESULTS One hundred sixty-three eyes were included in the macroarchitectural analysis. Instrumentation utilized for membrane peeling included forceps alone for 73 eyes (45%), combined diamond-dusted membrane scraper (DDMS) and forceps for 87 eyes (53%), and other techniques in three eyes (2%). Focal retinal elevations were identified in 45 of 163 eyes (28%). Video/iOCT correlation identified 69% of alterations involved forceps compared to 26% due to DDMS. Sixteen percent of retinal alterations persisted 1 month following surgery. The microarchitectural analysis included 134 eyes. Immediately following membrane peeling, there was a significant increase in the ellipsoid zone to retinal pigment epithelium height (+20%, P < 0.00001) and the cone outer segment tips to retinal pigment epithelium height (+18%, P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS Significant subclinical retinal architectural changes occur during membrane peeling for VMI conditions. Differences in surgical instruments may impact these architectural alterations.
Diminished Foot and Ankle Muscle Volumes in Young Adults With Chronic Ankle Instability

Background:Patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have demonstrated altered neuromuscular function and decreased muscle strength when compared with healthy counterparts without a history of ankle sprain. Up to this point, muscle volumes have not been analyzed in patients with CAI to determine whether deficits in muscle size are present following recurrent sprain.Purpose:To analyze intrinsic and extrinsic foot and ankle muscle volumes and 4-way ankle strength in young adults with and without CAI.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Five patients with CAI (mean age, 23.0 ± 4 years; 1 male, 4 females) and 5 healthy controls (mean age, 23.8 ± 4.5 years; 1 male, 4 females) volunteered for this study. Novel fast-acquisition magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to scan from above the femoral condyles through the foot and ankle. The perimeter of each muscle was outlined on each axial slice and then the 2-dimensional area was multiplied by the slice thickness (5 mm) to calcu...
Practical precision bound for indoor location determination

This paper proposes a practical precision bound (PPB) to estimate the achievable localization precision for an indoor location determination system in a given environment. We evaluate the PPB using both database-based and range-based indoor systems in an office building. We further compare PPB with Cramer-Rao bound (CRB), a classic lower bound estimator based on the variance of a deterministic parameter. Experimental results indicate that PPB provides a very close bound to the CRB when CRB uses a normal distribution model for range measurement errors in the considered building. This prior knowledge of a probability distribution could be unknown or inaccurate when deployment environment changes, and therefore PPB, which is independent of this prior knowledge, could serve as a general lower bound estimator for location determination research.
Epilepsy; Experimental Models

Experimental models of epilepsy have been instrumental in developing our current understanding of mechanisms and treatments for the various epilepsy syndromes. We currently have in our armamentarium in vitro and in vivo models of epileptogenesis and epilepsy, generated in a wide range of species and strains, although rodents are the most commonly used. Progress has also been made in generating computational models of epilepsy. The available models address the needs of focal or generalized types of epilepsies, and whether these are due to acquired or genetic etiologies, and they have been used to model the epilepsy syndromes across ages.
Potentially Fatal Neutropenia Associated with the Use of Cocaine Adulterated with Levamisole.

Abstract 3790 Background: Cases of neutropenia associated with the use of cocaine adulterated with levamisole are being increasingly reported and have become a serious public health hazard. As reported by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) up to 69% of total cocaine seized in the US is adulterated with this veterinary antihelminthic known to cause agranulocytosis in certain susceptible populations. The rationale for selecting levamisole as an adulterant is unclear, but is likely related to the fact that it shares some physico-chemical properties with cocaine and potentiates the activity of dopaminergic (D2) and NMDA receptors in brain thus enhancing its effects. Methods: A case review was performed of adult patients who presented with neutropenia after the use of levamisole adulterated cocaine. Their laboratory results and treatment outcomes were studied to establish an expected course of the illness. Results: Over a one year period, 5 patients (4 female, 1 male) with age range of 45–60 years, presented with neutropenia in the setting of cocaine use. 4 were positive for levimasole in urine (detected by the use of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis within 4–6 hours of presentation). Bone marrow biopsies were performed in 4 cases showed granulocytic hypoplasia with myeloid maturation arrest, lymphocytic hyperplasia and polytypic plasma cells. Antigranulocyte antibodies (AGA) were positive in 3 of the 4 patients tested. One each had positive serology for serum fluorescent antinuclear antibody (FANA), rheumatoid factor (RF) and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA). Four of the five patients had hepatitis C infection. One patient had marginal zone B cell lymphoma and another was diagnosed with HIV at her first presentation. The median duration of neutropenia was 5–7 days. 2 patients died as a result of their various co-morbidities. Discussion: Use of cocaine adulterated with levamisole can result in profound neutropenia which could be fatal despite aggressive medical therapy. In patients presenting with neutropenia and a history of substance abuse, a high index of suspicion for cocaine adulterated with levamisole is needed and can be confirmed with rapid testing for both substances in patients9 urine. Further diagnostic studies including a bone marrow biopsy with characteristic findings as described above and serologic testing for AGA can aid in confirming the diagnosis and ruling out other common causes of neutropenia. The treatment is usually supportive and based on the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines for managing neutropenic patients. The role of public health advisories in providing awareness among patients and care givers cannot be overstated, which can lead to early detection and reduced mortality. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
In the shadow of Hitler: Alabama's Jews, the Second World War, and the Holocaust

Dan Puckett, in In the Shadow of Hitler: Alabama's Jews, the Second World War, and the Holocaust, examines an aspect of American history that has largely been ignored in the historiography of World...
Discovery of a new quasar: SDSS J022155.26-064916.6

We report the discovery of a new quasar: SDSS J022155.26-064916.6. This object was discovered while reducing the spectra of a sample of stars being considered as spectrophotometric standards for the Dark Energy Survey. The flux- and wavelength-calibrated spectrum is presented with four spectral lines identified. From these lines, the redshift is determined to be z≈0.806. In addition, the rest-frame u-, g-, and r-band luminosity, determined using a k-correction obtained with synthetic photometry of a proxy quasi stellar object (QSO), are reported as 7.496×1013L⊙, 2.049×1013L⊙, and 1.896×1013L⊙, respectively.
Community recovery and assistance following large wildfires: The case of the Carlton Complex Fire

Abstract Existing hazards literature highlights a growing need to understand long-term community recovery following impactful wildfire events. More specifically, little research explores how local perspectives about agency suppression efforts or the allocation of disaster aid following a wildfire influence recovery processes or adaptive actions to prepare for future hazards. We conducted interviews with 87 professionals and local residents one year after the Carlton Complex Fire in north-central Washington, including 53 who had experienced some form of property damage. Evidence of both social conflict and cohesion were apparent during and after the fire. Some local residents and professionals were disappointed with fire management approaches that they felt were not aggressive enough. They also expressed frustration with a lack of Individual Assistance aid from FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency), which they attributed to the challenging nature of the application process and lack of understanding about rural impacts from wildfires. Unmet expectations about recovery aid and skepticism about future firefighting efforts influenced recovery efforts focused on building local autonomy during future hazard events. Results from our work suggest that Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs) can help rural communities navigate aid and recovery processes. They also indicate a need for additional research on and documentation about the decision processes or criteria that residents used to assess social impact or recovery needs among rural communities that will be affected by future wildfires.
Search of raphe nuclei in brainstem area by 18F-FDG imaging using PET-MRI fusion system

1187 Objectives Raphe nuclei are known to mediate numerous functions such as sleep, appetite, and mood, but their metabolic activities have not been clearly identified in human. Aim of this study was to image and quantitate glucose metabolism of the raphe nuclei in the brainstem using high-resolution PET-MRI fusion imaging. Methods PET-MR imaging of the brainstem was performed in 10 normal subjects. It consisted of two scans, such as 7.0T MR scanning for accurate anatomic information and HRRT-PET scanning for metabolic information. They were mechanically integrated by the shuttle bed which transports subject between both sub-scanners. For the quantitative analysis, the relative levels of glucose metabolism were measured for 8 ROIs. Results In the brainstem area, we measured glucose metabolism in the raphe nuclei and the surrounding areas, and each raphe nuclei were clearly identified in 18F-FDG. Base on the metabolic and anatomic information, they could be divided into four groups, such as dorsal raphe, central superior raphe, pontine raphe, and raphe magnus group. Quantitatively, they showed much lower metabolism than most of the cerebral cortex but similar to cerebellar cortex. The central superior raphe nucleus showed the highest metabolism among them but the difference was not much. Thalamus, inferior colliculus, red nucleus, and mammillary body showed relatively higher levels of metabolism than raphe nuclei in the brainstem. The typical pattern of metabolism in the brainstem was also obtained and characterized through 10 subjects. Conclusions The high resolution of the HRRT-PET reduced partial-volume effect and assisted to distinguish the raphe nuclei, and they were further identified by fine anatomical 7.0T-MR images. 18F-FDG imaging of the midline nuclei raphe could provide new tools for investigation of brain diseases, especially sleep disorder, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases. Research Support The research was supported by the Converging Research Center Program through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology(2010K001096)
Abstract 19914: Female Sex Hormones Do not Protect Against Cardiomyocyte Dysfunction in Aortic-Banded Miniature-Swine

Introduction: Population studies have shown the prevalence of HFpEF sharply increases in women after menopause. Sex differences in cardiomyocyte function may play a role in the development of HFpEF. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the impact of ovariectomy (OVX) on cardiomyocyte function in a female mini-swine model of pressure-overload HF induced by aortic-banding (AB). We hypothesized female sex hormones would protect against AB-induced cardiomyocyte calcium handling abnormalities and contractile dysfunction. Methods: Female mini-swine were divided into 4 groups; CON (n=6; 47 cells), OVX (n=6; 53 cells), AB (n=6; 51 cells) and AB-OVX (n=7; 51 cells). OVX and AB procedures occurred at 7 and 8 mo. of age, respectively. Six months post-AB, calcium handling and contractile function were measured outside the estrus phase in isolated left ventricular (LV) cardiomyocytes loaded with Fura-2 and stimulated at 0.5Hz. Protein levels (western blot) of the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase (SERCA), phospholamban (PLB), and phosphorylated PLB at the threonine-17 (Thr17) site were assessed. Significance was set at P Results: Pressure-overload increased LV diastolic wall thickness (ME of AB) without altering internal diastolic dimension (i.e. concentric hypertrophy). Both cardiomyocyte shortening amplitude (ME of AB; CON vs. AB, OVX vs. AB-OVX) and calcium transient amplitude (ME of AB; CON vs. AB) were decreased following pressure-overload. Aortic banding also impaired calcium reuptake (increased Tau - ME of AB; CON vs. AB). SERCA and PLB protein levels were increased in all groups vs. CON (INT). Pressure-overload decreased phosphorylation of PLB at Thr17 (ME of AB; CON vs. AB). Conclusions: Contrary to our hypothesis, female sex hormones do not protect against pressure-overload induced cardiomyocyte dysfunction. Impaired cardiomyocyte shortening and calcium transients may be due to decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium sequestration resulting from reduced phosphorylation of PLB at Thr17. Our results show impaired cardiomyocyte function contributes to pressure-overload HF in a translational model with potential relevance to human HFpEF.
The Potential of Minimally Invasive Surgery to Treat Metastatic Spinal Disease versus Open Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Objective Metastasis to the spinal column is a common feature of primary tumors of the breast, prostate, lung, and other organs. Surgical intervention can be performed via the traditional open surgery (OS) approach or the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approach. This study aims to assess the available evidence of perioperative outcomes of MIS versus OS for patients with metastatic spinal disease. Methods We followed recommended PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Six electronic databases were searched to identify all potentially relevant studies published from inception to October 2017. Data were extracted and analyzed using meta-analysis of proportions. Results Six studies satisfied the criteria for inclusion into this study. There were 292 patients with metastatic spinal disease described in the cohort, treated with either MIS (n = 155, 53%) or OS (n = 137, 47%). Compared with OS, MIS resulted in statistically significant reduction in blood loss (mean difference, −601.48 mL; P Conclusions Surgical intervention by an MIS approach in patients with metastatic spinal disease seems to provide equivalent outcomes compared with OS and reduces morbidity and length of stay. Future studies that are larger, prospective, and longer-term will validate the findings of this study and elucidate the optimal role for MIS in the surgical management of metastatic spinal disease.
Extreme drought alters frequency and reproductive success of floaters in Willow Flycatchers

ABSTRACT Changes in habitat quality, including those caused by extreme events like droughts and floods, could alter costs and benefits of territoriality and thereby the prevalence and reproductive consequences for individuals capable of breeding that do not do so (floaters). We studied floating behavior in a population of Southwestern Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii extimus) in central Arizona during one year of extreme drought, one year of lake inundation, and three years of near average precipitation. In all years, most floaters were second year (SY) males, and most subsequently settled outside of the patch where they were detected in the floating year, suggesting that floaters did not “queue” at high-quality territories in order to achieve higher reproductive success in subsequent years. Instead, cohorts that floated in non-drought years had lower apparent survival and lower reproductive success compared to territorial birds. In the extreme drought year, however, the number of floaters was 1.5 t...
Enabling Institutional Messaging: TV Journalists’ Work with Interviewee Responses

In public broadcasting, the primary goal of interviewing an expert is to inform and educate the audience for the benefit of societal interests (Clayman, 2013). Previous work on news interviews has noted that this type of public discourse not only involves the host and the expert, but also an overhearing audience (Clayman & Heritage, 2002; Hutchby, 1995); moreover, the host is positioned as the “tribune” of the people (Clayman, 2002), tasked with the responsibility to maximize the public’s understanding of and knowledge about what may concern them. While the audience as the third party in the question-answer sequence in news interviews has received considerable attention in the literature, less is known about how the interviewer works with the health expert’s responses to questions in order to facilitate the audience’s understanding of health initiatives. In this paper, we examine how the interviewer designs a follow-up turn to (1) provide background or supplemental information which contextualizes the interviewee's prior response and to (2) reformulate the expert’s explanation from the perspective of the general public, thereby facilitating the audience’s understanding of initiatives pertaining to public health.
Improving Bag-Of-Words: Capturing Local Information for Motion-Based Activity Recognition

Bag-of-Words (BoW) is one of the important techniques for activity recognition. Instead of dividing a continuous sensor streams into sliding windows with fixed time duration, it builds activity recognition models using histograms of primitive motion symbols. However, this BoW method losses the sequential information in the symbol sequences and limits the performance of activity recognition. In this paper, we propose an activity recognition approach to get rid of this limitation and consider longer time dependency by capturing local features from the symbol sequences. We use a set of small sliding windows inside the symbol sequences to capture local features. Our algorithm utilizes the physical knowledge where the sequence of the selected window size of symbols reflects the context and order of an activity. We evaluate the activity recognition approaches on two public datasets. The results show that our approach achieved stable improvement on all the datasets, compared with traditional statistical and BoW approaches.
First attempt recanalization with ADAPT: rate, predictors, and outcome.

Introduction The rate of first-attempt recanalization (FAR) with the newer-generation thrombectomy devices, and more specifically with aspiration devices, is not well known. Moreover, the effect of FAR on outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy is not properly understood. Objective To report the rate of FAR using a direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT), investigate the association between FAR and outcomes, and identify the predictors of FAR. Methods The ADAPT database was used to identify a subgroup of patients in whom FAR was achieved. Baseline characteristics, procedural, and postprocedural variables were collected. Outcome measures included 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, mortality, and hemorrhagic complications. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify FAR predictors. Results A total of 524 patients was included of whom 178 (34.0%) achieved FAR. More patients in the FAR group than in the non-FAR group received IV tPA (46.6% vs 37.6%; p Conclusion FAR was associated with better functional outcome and lower mortality rate. When ADAPT is used, a larger aspiration catheter and pretreatment IV tPA should be employed when indicated.
Dynamics of ML Approaching Randomized Decoders on Graphs with Cycles

Randomized channel decoders are promising candidates for approaching maximum-likelihood (ML) decoding using low-complexity decoders when decoding latency is not a concern. This paper is focused on the dynamics of randomized decoders and divides these decoders into statically and dynamically randomized decoders. It is shown that some statically randomized decoders are ML achieving. For dynamically randomized channel decoders that are defined on graphs with cycles, it is shown that randomness can alleviate the impact of cycles.
International Validation of the Corruption Perceptions Index: Implications for Business Ethics and Entrepreneurship Education

International government and corporate corruption is increasingly under siege. Although various groups of researchers have quantified and documented world-wide corruption, apparently no one has validated the measures. This study finds a very strong significant correlation of three measures of corruption with each other, thereby indicating validity. One measure was of Black Market activity, another was of overabundance of regulation or unnecessary restriction of business activity. The third measure was an index based on interview perceptions of corruption (Corruption Perceptions Index or CPI) in that nation. Validity of the three measures was further established by finding a highly significant correlation with real gross domestic product per capita (RGDP/Cap). The CPI had by far the strongest correlation with RGDP/Cap, explaining over three fourths of the variance.Corruption is increasingly argued to be a barrier to development and economic growth. Business students often do not see ethics courses as being as relevant as other value-free disciplines or core courses. The data in this study suggests otherwise. Sustainable economic development appears very dependent on a constant, virtuous cycle that includes corruption fighting, and the maintenance of trust and innovation, all reinforcing each other.
The Adaptor Protein Nck1, but not Nck2, Mediates Shear Stress-Induced Endothelial Permeability

Abstract Alteration in hemodynamic shear stress at atheroprone sites promotes endothelial paracellular pore formation and permeability. Previously, we have reported that a peptide inhibitor to Nck prevented shear stress-induced p21 activated kinase (PAK) activation and endothelial permeability. However, the specificity of this peptide is unclear, and the role of individual Nck isoforms remain unknown. Here, we show that genetic deletion of Nck1/2 adaptor proteins significantly ameliorates shear stress induced permeability, and selective isoform depletion suggests distinct signaling mechanisms. Only Nck1 deletion significantly reduces flow-induced paracellular pore formation and permeability, whereas Nck2 depletion has no significant effects. Additionally, Nck1 reexpression, but not Nck2, restores shear stress-induced permeability in Nck1/2 knockout cells, confirming the non-compensating roles. In vivo, using the partial carotid ligation model of disturbed flow, Nck1 knockout prevented the increase in vascular permeability, as assessed by both Evans blue extravasation and leakage of plasma fibrinogen into the vessel wall. Domain swap experiments mixing SH2 (phosphotyrosine binding) and SH3 (proline rich binding) domains between Nck1 and Nck2 showed a dispensable role for SH2 domains but a critical role for the Nck1 SH3 domains in rescuing shear stress-induced endothelial permeability. Consistent with this, both Nck1 and Nck2 bind to PECAM-1 (SH2 dependent) in response to shear stress, but only Nck1 ablation interferes with shear stress-induced PAK2 activation (SH3 dependent). This work provides the first evidence that Nck1 and Nck2 play distinct roles in flow-induced vascular permeability. New and Noteworthy The present study shows a specific role for Nck1 in endothelial permeability in response to shear stress. Using in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrate improvement in endothelial barrier integrity in cells subjected to disturbed flow only following Nck1 but not Nck2 deletion. Selective Nck1 inhibition may limit endothelial permeability at sites of disturbed flow to reduce atherosclerosis without affecting angiogenesis, which requires both Nck1 and Nck2 inhibition.
Long-term stability of an asymptomatic optic pit with foveolar retinoschisis.

Temporally located optic nerve head pits pose a risk for the development of peripapillary retinoschisis and central serous detachment with subsequent vision loss. The prognosis of these cases is us...
Be star surveys with CCD photometry. II. NGC 1818 and its neighbouring cluster in the LMC

As part of an ongoing photometric survey of young Magellanic Cloud clusters we identified Be stars in NGC 1818 and a nearby smaller cluster in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The neighbouring cluster does not contain evolved stars, and its sparsely populated main sequence does not extend to stars as massive as in NGC 1818. Both clusters are younger than the surrounding field population and contain a much higher Be star fraction. We present a table with photometry, astrometric positions, and IAU-conform identifiers of the Be stars. We compare Be star fractions in Magellanic Cloud clusters and Galactic open clusters and discuss possible constraints on Be star theories.
Macroscopic entanglement in optomechanical system induced by non-Markovian environment.

In this paper, the non-Markovian dynamics of an optomechanical system is analyzed by using the non-Markovian quantum state diffusion (NMQSD) method. An exact solution is obtained for the system composed of a Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavity with two movable mirrors without the linearization of the Hamiltonian. Based on the solution, we find that the memory effect of the non-Markovian environment can be used to generate macroscopic entanglement between two mirrors. In order to achieve the maximum entanglement generation, the non-Markovian properties of the environment have to be chosen carefully depending on the properties of the system. Then, we also show that the coherence (superposition) in the initial state may produce entanglement in the evolution. At last, we show the entanglement sudden death and revival significantly depend on the strength of the memory effect, and the entanglement revival can be only observed in non-Markovian case. Our treatment, as an example, paves a way to exactly solve a large category of optomechanical systems without the linearization of the Hamiltonian.
Assessment in Counseling: Practice and Applications, by Richard S. Balkin and Gerald A. Juhnke

The first edition of Assessment in Counseling: Practice and Applications provides a comprehensive review of assessment for professional counselors and students. This book provides a novel framework...
Medication Use Among Sexual-Minority Populations for Self-Reported Feelings of Depression and Anxiety.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to compare, by sexual-minority status, the prevalence of feelings of depression and anxiety as well as use of medication for these feelings.Methods:Data on a...
Non-local U-Nets for biomedical image segmentation

Deep learning has shown its great promise in various biomedical image segmentation tasks. Existing models are typically based on U-Net and rely on an encoder-decoder architecture with stacked local operators to aggregate long-range information gradually. However, only using the local operators limits the efficiency and effectiveness. In this work, we propose the non-local U-Nets, which are equipped with flexible global aggregation blocks, for biomedical image segmentation. These blocks can be inserted into U-Net as size-preserving processes, as well as down-sampling and up-sampling layers. We perform thorough experiments on the 3D multimodality isointense infant brain MR image segmentation task to evaluate the non-local U-Nets. Results show that our proposed models achieve top performances with fewer parameters and faster computation.
Evaluating Edge Processing Requirements in Next Generation IoT Network Architectures

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a massively growing field with billions of devices in the field serving a multitude of purposes. Traditionally, IoT architectures consist of “edge” sensor nodes which are used purely for data collection, actuators for intermediary connectivity, gateways for transmitting data, and cloud servers for processing. However, as application requirements change, IoT architectures must evolve. In the next generation of IoT, traditional architectures may not hold due to power limitations, privacy concerns, or network reliability in certain environments. In particular, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications – especially image/video processing – have become increasingly widespread, and are famously data and compute intensive applications. In this paper, we give an overview and describe the shortcomings of traditional IoT architectures, and outline key scenarios where local processing may be preferred over transferring data to the cloud. We then describe and evaluate metrics which designers can use to assess the needs of their IoT platform. This framework will be beneficial to IoT device manufacturers and network architects for improving usability and reliability, while protecting privacy in the next generation of IoT.
Virtual Waiting Time in Single-Server Queueing Model M|G|1 with Unreliable Server and Catastrophes

In the present paper, the single-server queue model M|G|1|∞ with unreliable server subject to catastrophes is considered. The transient and stationary distributions of virtual waiting time, busy period and idle state probability for two basic models with reliable and unreliable server are obtained. Different generalizations of basic models are considered: model with batch arrival of customers, model with non-homogeneous streams of customers and catastrophes, model with k types of customers, model with k types of priority customers. For those models, the virtual waiting time distribution and idle state probability are found.
Associations among response inhibition, motivational beliefs, and task persistence in early elementary school.

Abstract Task persistence is an important learning-related behavior associated with academic success. Although persistence has been related to motivational beliefs and cognitive skills, these constructs are typically studied independently, limiting our understanding of relations among them. The current investigation was designed to understand how these concepts are related in early elementary school, a developmental period characterized by high motivational beliefs, growth in cognitive control, and the transition to school. Interest, perceived competence, and response inhibition were evaluated as predictors of children’s (N = 73, Mage = 6.91 years) likelihood to demonstrate high persistence on a challenging puzzle task. Results provided evidence that motivational constructs are not sufficient for understanding differences in persistent behavior during this developmental period. Specifically, relations between interest and perceived competence and task persistence were present only for children with moderate to high response inhibition skills. Moreover, gender differences in task persistence emerged, indicating that although interest and perceived competence motivated all students to exhibit persistence, girls were still more likely to demonstrate task persistence than boys. Overall, findings suggest that task persistence in elementary school is a complex behavior that requires both cognitive control skills to support engagement and the motivation to continue engaging as task difficulty increases.
The School Psychologist in Business and Industry

Roles and functions of the school psychologist in business and industry are considered. It is proposed that the practitioner can be most valuable to companies, their managers, and employees in the ...