cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and optimization of compensation methods for myocardial SPECT using a set of realistic phantoms that include patient variability

The goal of this study was to evaluate and optimize different compensation methods used during reconstruction process with respect to defect detection in myocardial SPECT images. Various combinations of attenuation, detector response and scatter compensation were used in this study. A major difference between this and previous studies was that the level of realism was significantly increased by inclusion of variability in heart and organ uptakes in the heart size and orientation, and in the defect size and contrast. In this study we used a population of 24 3D NCAT phantoms (half male, half female) recently developed with models for organ uptake and organ size based on clinical data. Almost noise-free projection data of the torso, heart, liver, lungs, and other organs were simulated for each phantom using the SIMSET MC simulation code. They were then combined to form 72 sets of projections for each phantom using randomly sampled activity ratios from a clinically realistic distribution. Poisson noise was then added. We applied the Channelized Hotelling Observer (CHO) and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis to optimize iteration number for OSEM and cutoff frequency of a 3-D post-reconstruction Butterworth filter. We found that the Area Under Curves (AUC) values were reduced compared to a previous study that included significantly less phantom variability, even though the defect contrast was higher and noise level was lower. The resulting AUC values were similar to those obtained using patient data. We found, in agreement with the previous study, that including compensation for more effects resulted in improved defect detectability. However, the optimal filter cutoff was increased compared to the previous study. These studies demonstrate the importance of including realistic levels of phantom variability in evaluation of myocardial perfusion studies.
Effect of Host Genotype on Symbiont Titer in the Aphid-Buchnera Symbiosis.

Obligate nutritional symbioses require balance between the energetic needs of the host and the symbiont. The resident symbiont population size within a host may have major impacts on host fitness, as both host and symbiont consume and supply metabolites in a shared metabolite pool. Given the massive genome degradation that is a hallmark of bacterial endosymbionts of insects, it is unclear at what level these populations are regulated, and how regulation varies among hosts within natural populations. We measured the titer of the endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola from different clones of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and found significant variation in titer, measured as Buchnera genomes per aphid genome, among aphid clones. Additionally, we found that titer can change with the age of the host, and that the number of bacteriocytes within an aphid is one factor likely controlling Buchnera titer. Buchnera titer measurements in clones from a sexual cross indicate that the symbiont genotype is not responsible for variation in titer and that this phenotype is likely non-heritable across sexual reproduction. Symbiont titer is more variable among lab-produced F1 aphid clones than among field-collected ones, suggesting that intermediate titer is favored in natural populations. Potentially, a low heritability of titer during the sexual phase may generate clones with extreme and maladaptive titers each season.
Cardiac Metabolism as a Target for the Treatment of Heart Failure

Few things in life are more irritating than failing to recognize the obvious. A case in point is energy substrate metabolism as a potential target of pharmacological agents for improving function of the failing heart. The complexities of hemodynamics, coronary flow, and cardiac structure obscure the simple fact that the heart is an efficient converter of energy. The reasoning is straightforward: In a series of highly regulated, enzyme-catalyzed reactions, heart muscle converts chemical energy into mechanical energy.1 Although metabolism and function in the heart are inextricably linked (Figure), few investigators have considered energy substrate metabolism and the first law of thermodynamics (which states that all energy is conserved) as paradigms for the treatment of heart failure. However, interest in this area is growing. Hypothesis of inextricable link between metabolism and function of heart. See text for further discussion. See p 955 A report in this issue of Circulation 2 joins a canon of papers from Richard Shannon’s laboratory in Pittsburgh describing metabolic derangements3,4 and interventions5 in heart failure. In the present study, the authors show that recombinant glucagon-like peptide 1 (rGLP-1) dramatically improves left ventricular, systemic, and coronary flow hemodynamics in dogs with advanced dilated cardiomyopathy. The basis for this functional improvement appears to be related to the restoration of insulin sensitivity in the failing heart, but these are difficult studies to perform and the mechanism is unclear. The authors were unable to prove that direct metabolic effects on the heart were the cause for the improvement in myocardial contractile performance, because such proof can only be provided by an isolated, perfused-heart preparation. However, the effects of GLP-1 on contractile performance, myocardial oxygen consumption, and myocardial uptake of glucose and fatty acids strongly suggest a direct metabolic action of GLP-1, …
Antiaromaticity in Relation to 1,3,5,7=Cyclooctatetraene Structures

An isodesmic energy analysis has been carried out at the MP2/6-31G*//W/3-21G level for the nonplanar ground state (1) of 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene and for two planar forms, one having complete ?r delocalization (2) and the other having alternating single and double bonds (3). 1 is found to have a considerable degree of stabilization, which is attributed to limited ?r delocalization. The polyene 3 is the more stable of the two planar forms; it is a transition state in the inversion between two possible nonplanar structures. 2 is found to be a triplet at the Ha-Fock level and is a critical point on an alternate pathway between the two possible arrangements of alternating single and double bonds in 3. Both 2 and 3 have negative isodesmic energies, indicating the presence of stabilizing factors. Our results for 3 show that an “antiaromatic” system need not necessarily show a net destabilization. 0 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dysregulation of myelopoiesis by chronic alcohol administration during early SIV infection of rhesus macaques.

Background Chronic alcohol intoxication suppresses immune function and increases osteoporosis risk suggesting bone-tissue cytotoxicity. Human immunodeficiency virus infection leads to similar impairments. This study investigated the effects of chronic alcohol administration during the early stage of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and their differentiated progeny in the bone marrow and peripheral blood of rhesus macaques. Methods Rhesus macaques were administered alcohol or sucrose daily for a period of 3 months prior to intrarectal inoculation with 250 TCID50 of SIVmac251. Bone marrow aspirates and blood samples were taken prior to and 2 weeks after SIV infection. Bone marrow cells (BMCs) were assessed using flow cytometric phenotyping for upstream HSPCs and for differentiated cells of the monocyte-granulocyte lineages. Likewise, cells were quantitated in peripheral blood. Results Of the bone marrow HSPCs, only the common lymphoid progenitor (CLP) was altered by alcohol administration pre-SIV (38 ± 9.4/106 BMCs vs. 226 ± 64.1/106 BMCs, sucrose vs. alcohol). Post-SIV, the frequency of CLPs in the bone marrow of alcohol-administered macaques decreased compared with the sucrose-administered macaques (107 ± 47.6/106 BMCs vs. 43 ± 16.3/106 BMCs). However, marrow mature cells of the monocyte lineage, specifically macrophages and osteoclast progenitors, were increased by both chronic alcohol administration and SIV infection (287% and 662%, respectively). As expected, mature cells such as granulocytes (polymorphonuclear cells), B cells, and CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood were decreased by SIV infection (37 to 62% decline from preinfection), but not affected after 3 months of chronic alcohol administration. Conclusions Chronic alcohol administration disrupts myelomonocytic development in the bone marrow during the early period of SIV infection promoting macrophage and osteoclast lineages. We predict this shift in CLP:macrophage/osteoclast balance creates an environment that favors bone resorption and immunosuppression.
Complex nonlinear adaptive predistortion

To improve the performance of nonlinear RF power amplifiers, either in terms of spectrum control or constellation quality, digital predistortion has become an attractive alternative to the simple approach of ‘backing off’ the amplifier into a quasi-linear region of operation. This allows more efficient use of the amplifier in both RF output and DC power consumption. In this paper, we formulate a sequentially-adaptive algorithm for training a complex baseband predistorter that minimizes mean-square-error between the complex input signal and the eventual amplifier output. The algorithm fits within the direct learning category of adaptive filters, and extends other adaptive filter formulations to the complex signal and nonlinear system domain. We study performance of the algorithm on several test models for amplifiers, in terms of normalized mean square error, output power spectrum and constellation quality.
Morphology of alcoholic liver disease

The major pathologic manifestations of alcoholic liver injury have been well described, and include three major lesions: steatosis (fatty liver), steatohepatitis (formerly alcoholic hepatitis), and cirrhosis. Recent attention to the problem of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in individuals with obesity, diabetes, and other risk factors has shed light on the mechanisms of cellular injury associated with hepatic steatosis and on the potential pathways to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Pathologists need to be familiar with the spectrum of changes seen in steatohepatitis, including hepatocyte ballooning, Mallory bodies, mixed inflammatory cell infiltrates, and a distinctive perivenular and pericellular "chicken-wire" fibrosis. These features and other less common histopathologic lesions in the liver are reviewed and illustrated.
Value associated with mindfulness meditation and moderate exercise intervention in acute respiratory infection: the MEPARI Study.

Results. The total cost per subject for the control group was $214 (95% CI: $105–$358), exercise $136 (95% CI: $64–$232) and meditation $65 (95% CI: $34–$104). The majority of cost savings was through a reduction in missed days of work. Exercise had the highest medication costs at $16.60 compared with $5.90 for meditation (P = 0.004) and $7.20 for control (P = 0.046). Combining these cost benefits with the improved outcomes in incidence, duration and severity seen with the Meditation or Exercise for Preventing Acute Respiratory Infection study, meditation and exercise add value for ARI. Compared with control, meditation had the greatest cost benefit. This savings is offset by the cost of the intervention ($450/subject) that would negate the short-term but perhaps not long-term savings. Conclusions. Meditation and exercise add value to ARI-associated health-related costs with improved outcomes. Further research is needed to confirm results and inform policies on adding value to medical spending.
Community-based cloud for emergency management

Natural and man-made emergencies pose an ever-present threat to the society. In response to the growing number of recent disasters, such as the Indonesian volcanic eruption, Gulf of Mexico oil spill, Haitian earthquake, Pakistani floods, and in particular, the Red River crest that causes flood almost every year here in Fargo, North Dakota, we propose a community-based scalable cloud computing infrastructure for large-scale emergency management. This infrastructure will coordinate various organizations and integrate massive amounts of heterogeneous data sources to effectively deploy personnel and logistics to aid in search and rescue. The infrastructure also will aid in damage assessment, enumeration, and coordination to support sustainable livelihood by protecting lives, properties and the environment.
Net community production in the deep euphotic zone of the subtropical North Pacific gyre from glider surveys

Seagliders, deployed through most of 2005 in the subtropical North Pacific gyre, made measurements of temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen to quantify net community production (NCP) at Station A Long- Term Oligotrophic Habitat Assessment (ALOHA) of the Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT) using an oxygen mass balance approach. A ‘bowtie’-shaped pattern, 50 km by 50 km in size was repeatedly traversed at two week intervals with the goal of observing the influence of Rossby waves and eddies on the productivity of the study region. Rossby waves and eddies in the region cause a vertical displacement of isopycnal depth of ~±50 m at the base of the euphotic zone. Shoaling of isopycnals is demonstrated to drive productivity in the deep euphotic zone. Four mesoscale shoaling events were observed between February and November in 2005. During each event when isopycnals shoaled, oxygen concentrations on isopycnals increased, fluorescence in the deep euphotic zone was higher, and net community production was elevated. Productivity in the deep euphotic zone was strongly influenced by Rossby waves and eddies, but this influence was not observed to extend into the mixed layer.
Bridging cultural diversity through e-mail

The implementation of global virtual teams presents modern organizations with significant challenges, such as a multicultural workforce and the use of information and communication technology. Cultural diversity increases teamwork complexity and may weaken a team's effectiveness and jeopardize its viability. Selection and implementation of appropriate information technology may facilitate group processes and overcome potential barriers created by team heterogeneity. This study illustrates how e-mail mitigates intercultural miscommunication. Interviews with 41 global virtual team members in nine countries, who were employed by a multinational corporation, were transcribed and analyzed. The use of e-mail improves language accuracy, mitigates intercultural miscommunication resulting from verbal differences among team members, and eliminates nonverbal differences. Only future studies can determine the extent of this mitigation.
Meiosis genes in Daphnia pulex and the role of parthenogenesis in genome evolution

Thousands of parthenogenetic animal species have been described and cytogenetic manifestations of this reproductive mode are well known. However, little is understood about the molecular determinants of parthenogenesis. The Daphnia pulex genome must contain the molecular machinery for different reproductive modes: sexual (both male and female meiosis) and parthenogenetic (which is either cyclical or obligate). This feature makes D. pulex an ideal model to investigate the genetic basis of parthenogenesis and its consequences for gene and genome evolution. Here we describe the inventory of meiotic genes and their expression patterns during meiotic and parthenogenetic reproduction to help address whether parthenogenesis uses existing meiotic and mitotic machinery, or whether novel processes may be involved.
Yersinia pestis with Regulated Delayed Attenuation as a Vaccine Candidate To Induce Protective Immunity against Plague

Two mutant strains of Yersinia pestis KIM5+, a Δcrp mutant and a mutant with arabinose-dependent regulated delayed-shutoff crp expression (araC PBAD crp), were constructed, characterized in vitro, and evaluated for virulence, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy in mice. Both strains were highly attenuated by the subcutaneous (s.c.) route. The 50% lethal doses (LD50s) of the Δcrp and araC PBAD crp mutants were approximately 1,000,000-fold and 10,000-fold higher than those of Y. pestis KIM5+, respectively, indicating that both strains were highly attenuated. Mice vaccinated s.c. with 3.8 × 107 CFU of the Δcrp mutant developed high anti-Y. pestis and anti-LcrV serum IgG titers, both with a strong Th2 bias, and induced protective immunity against subcutaneous challenge with virulent Y. pestis (80% survival) but no protection against pulmonary challenge. Mice vaccinated with 3.0 × 104 CFU of the araC PBAD crp mutant also developed high anti-Y. pestis and anti-LcrV serum IgG titers but with a more balanced Th1/Th2 response. This strain induced complete protection against s.c. challenge and partial protection (70% survival) against pulmonary challenge. Our results demonstrate that arabinose-dependent regulated crp expression is an effective strategy to attenuate Y. pestis while retaining strong immunogenicity, leading to protection against the pneumonic and bubonic forms of plague.
Empirical contributions: Predictions of belief homogeneity and similarity following social categorization

In two experiments subjects were categorized into groups and made predictions about the beliefs of other in-group or out-group members. It was hypothesized that subjects would predict (a) greater homogeneity among out-group members than among in-group members, (b) greater similarity between themselves and in-group members than out-group members, and (c) greater similarity among in-group members in the presence of an out-group. In addition, assumptions of homogeneity and similarity were expected (d) to be strongest on items relevant to the categorization criterion and (e) to be accentuated over time. Results from the first study supported all but the final hypothesis. In a second study subjects were given base-rate information about the beliefs of either in-group or out-group members and were asked to predict the responses of another in-group or out-group member. Subjects systematically biased their predictions so as to reduce differences between their own opinions and in-group members' positions and to increase differences between their opinions and out-group members' positions. In addition, in-group members were expected to be more similar to the subjects when an out-group was present than when no explicit out-group existed. Finally, as in the first experiment, these biases of prediction were strongest for items relevant to the categorization criterion.
Prediction intervals for regression models

This paper presents simple large sample prediction intervals for a future response Y"f given a vector x"f of predictors when the regression model has the form Y"i=m(x"i)+e"i where m is a function of x"i and the errors e"i are iid. Intervals with correct asymptotic coverage and shortest asymptotic length can be made by applying the shorth estimator to the residuals. Since residuals underestimate the errors, finite sample correction factors are needed. As an application, three prediction intervals are given for the least squares multiple linear regression model. The asymptotic coverage and length of these intervals and the classical estimator are derived. The new intervals are useful since the distribution of the errors does not need to be known, and simulations suggest that the large sample theory often provides good approximations for moderate sample sizes.
Measurements of Oxygen Dissociation Using Laser Absorption

The dissociation rate coefficient for oxygen in argon, O2+Ar⇌O+O+Ar, was measured using laser absorption near 216 nm in the Schumann–Runge system in a shock tube. A mixture of 2% oxygen in argon was studied behind reflected shocks at initial equilibrium temperatures from 4400 to 7900 K and pressures from 0.2 to 1 atm. The dissociation was modeled decoupled from vibrational relaxation because dissociation was evident only after the test gas mixture was near vibrational equilibrium. The dissociation rate coefficient was determined by fitting the measured oxygen absorbance time history for each experiment using temperatures based on the incident shock speed and the shock relations and adjusting the A-factor of the dissociation rate coefficient. Good agreement was found with the prior experimental work and model of Camac and Vaughan. Consistent results were also obtained for measurements with constant pressure as well as increasing pressure, validating our method to account for pressure changes by including t...
REVISITING PLATFORM MOUNDS AND TOWNHOUSES IN THE CHEROKEE HEARTLAND: A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

AbstractThis article describes the development and initial results of the Western North Carolina Mounds and Towns Project, a collaborative endeavor initiated by the Tribal Historic Preservation Office of the Eastern Band of Cherokee and the Coweeta Long Term Ecological Research Program at the University of Georgia. The goal of this project is to generate new information about the distribution of late prehistoric mounds and historic period townhouses in western North Carolina. This ongoing research has produced updated location and chronological data for 15 Mississippian period mounds and historic Cherokee townhouses, and led to the discovery of a possible location for the Jasper Allen mound. Using these new data, I suggest that David Hally's model for the territorial size of Mississippian polities provides a useful framework for generating new research questions about social and political change in western North Carolina. I also posit that the cultural practice of rebuilding townhouses in place and on top...
Hydrogen shifts and benzene ring contractions in phenylenes

Mechanisms of benzene ring contractions in phenylenes were studied using density functional and coupled cluster methods. Rearrangement of biphenylene to benzopentalene can proceed via a carbene route, by initial 1,2-carbon shift followed by a 1,2-hydrogen shift, with a CCSD(T)/cc-pVDZ//B3LYP/6-31G* barrier of ~77 kcal/mol. An alternative carbene pathway consisting of an initial 1,2-hydrogen shift followed by a 1,2-carbon shift has a slightly higher computed barrier of 79 kcal/mol. The preferred carbene mechanism is computed to have a barrier at least 25 kcal/mol lower than competing diradical mechanisms at the BD(T)/cc-pVDZ level. The various possible benzene ring contractions in angular [3]phenylene are predicted to have barriers of 79–82 kcal/mol, with little preference for one pathway over the others. Thus, mechanistic proposals to explain pyrolysis products of angular [3]phenylene can reasonably invoke any of the four possible initial reaction modes via carbene intermediates. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal Patterns of Potato Tuberworm Moth Abundance as Determined by Pheromone Trapping

Potato tuberworm moth population was monitored using water pan traps with rubber septa, impregnated with trans-4, cis-7-tridecadienyl acetate, in a 12-ha field in which 4 successive potato plantings were made over a 2 yr period. Tuberworm moth populations were directly related to the presence of potato foliage in successive crops and were annually highest in the spring plantings. Spring populations increased as the crop matured and decreased when vines were killed and potatoes were harvested. Following harvest, moth activity remained low until the late-summer planting emerged and, even with available host material, the late-summer planting did not support a high tuberworm population. After harvest of the late summer crop, the tuberworm population remained low until the next spring crop emerged.
Role Of Monocyte Fcγ Receptors In The Prothrombotic State Of Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)

Abstract HIT is an antibody-mediated disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. Activation of platelet via FcγRIIA by HIT antibodies complexed to surface-bound platelet factor 4 (PF4) contributes to the prothrombotic state. However, using an in vitro microfluidic whole human blood model of HIT, we have found through depletion and repletion studies that activation of monocytes through Syk-kinase is a key step in generating a prothrombotic milieu. Here we define the Fcγ receptor(s) upstream of Syk that mediate the thrombotic signal in monocytes. Monocytes isolated from normal healthy volunteers were incubated with 50 µg/ml of blocking antibodies against FcγRIIA (CD32, clone IV.3) and/or against FcγRI (CD64, clone 10.1) or against FcγRIII (CD16, clone 3G8), washed to remove unbound antibody and added to monocyte depleted-whole blood. These monocyte-repleted samples were then stimulated with PF4 (10 µg/ml) and the HIT like monoclonal antibody KKO (50 µg/ml) for 30 min. After recalcification (5 mmol CaCl2), samples were perfused over a von Willebrand factor-coated BioFlux microfluidic channel at a shear stress of 20 dyne/cm2 at 37°C for 15 min. Platelet adhesion was quantified by fluorescence microscopy after adding Calcein-AM (3 µM), and fibrin was visualized by adding Alexa 561-labeled fibrinogen (1.5 μg/ml) to the whole blood prior to the perfusion. Selective inhibition of FcγRIIA on monocytes led to an ∼40% inhibition of fibrin deposition and comparable reduction in the formation of “coated” platelets relative to samples repleted with non-inhibited monocytes. Flow cytometry studies showed that these observations were not due to leaching of IV.3 antibody off the monocytes with subsequent blocking of platelet FcγRIIA. In contrast, selective blockade of FcγRI or FcγRIII in depletion/repletion studies or in whole blood did not significantly reduce platelet adhesion, formation of coated platelets, or fibrin accumulation. However, blocking FcγRI did decrease tissue factor (TF) activity on monocytes stimulated with PF4 and KKO and this effect was additive to FcγRIIA inhibition. In summary, our data show that monocyte-bound HIT IgG antibodies contribute to the prothrombotic state by activating FcγRIIA directly and indirectly by generating TF though FcγRI. We speculate that this activation of monocytes contributes to platelet activation and monocyte microparticle formation demonstrated previously. Drugs that target FcγRI and FcγRIIA on monocytes may help prevent thrombosis in HIT without causing platelet dysfunction or increasing the risk of bleeding. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Management of Rectal Tears

Rectal tears have important medicolegal implications, and severe tears have a poor prognosis. Prompt diagnosis, immediate application of first aid measures, early referral, use of appropriate definitive treatments, and aggressive aftercare will improve the prognosis. The grade of rectal injury will determine the definitive treatment, but there are few guidelines to determine which treatment is best in each case. Bypass procedures, such as colostomy and indwelling rectal liner, have their own advantages and disadvantages, but can facilitate healing and prevent life-threatening complications if they are used with minimum delay. Suture of the tear can be difficult, but should be attempted to hasten healing and to prevent progression of the tear to a more severe injury.
Voltage spread in an identified interneuron of the barnacle's visual system

1. The interneuron that is postsynaptic to barnacle photoreceptors (the inverting, or I-cell) receives similar synaptic input from the receptors onto its two distinct and separate arbors. We compar...
Bioactive Phytochemicals in Wheat Bran for Colon Cancer Prevention

Abstract Many studies have found that dietary cereal fibers protect against colon cancer; however, not all cereal fibers are equally effective. Wheat bran is the only cereal bran that shows consistent protection against colon cancer in laboratory animal models, and corn and oat bran may enhance colon tumorigenesis. It is still unclear whether the active components are phytochemicals or fibers. The major phytochemicals reported in wheat bran include alkylresorcinols, sphingolipids, phytosterols and their conjugates, lignans, and phenolic acids. This chapter covers the current understanding on the colon cancer-preventive effects of fiber and individual phytochemicals in wheat bran.
Therapeutic Patterns and Barriers to the Treatment of Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Survey of Academic and Community Urologists in the United States

Abstract Introduction In this study we assess urologists' decisions about the treatment of patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, the perceived therapeutic barriers and urologists' educational gaps. Methods A clinical case based online survey was distributed to a random sample of practicing urologists in the United States. Questions addressed treatment options and physician confidence in treating cases, and included open-ended questions regarding key educational gaps, attitudes and barriers to patient treatment. Results Respondents included 96 community urologists and 29 academic urologists. Academic urologists were significantly more likely to withhold therapy and continue observation than community urologists when treating patients with increasing prostate specific antigen after prostatectomy and radiotherapy (41% vs 24%, respectively, p=0.039). The majority of community and academic urologists referred patients with asymptomatic metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer before chemotherapy to an oncologist (64% and 55%, respectively, p=0.500) as well as those who were symptomatic (62%, p=0.678). More community urologists than academic urologists rated patient comorbidities as a barrier to treatment (mean ± SD 3.74 ± 0.92 and 3.14 ± 0.83, respectively, p=0.003). Appropriate therapy sequencing was highly rated by community and academic urologists as a subject for continuing medical education (67% and 66%, respectively, p=0.91). Conclusions Similarities and differences were observed between community and academic urologists regarding the treatment of patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer and barriers to treatment. Understanding these comparisons may assist in developing educational activities to improve urologist knowledge and, ultimately, patient care in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer.
Application of PGAS programming to power grid simulation

This paper will describe the application of the PGAS Global Arrays (GA) library to power grid simulations. The GridPACK™ framework has been designed to enable power grid engineers to develop parallel simulations of the power grid by providing a set of templates and libraries that encapsulate most of the details of parallel programming in higher level abstractions. The communication portions of the framework are implemented using a combination of message-passing (MPI) and one-sided communication (GA). This paper will provide a brief overview of GA and describe in detail the implementation of collective hash tables, which are used in many power grid applications to match data with a previously distributed network.
Group Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Children and Adolescents With Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders

In response to the high rates of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) individual and group cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) treatment programs have been developed. Group treatments may be appealing as they can address long wait lists, create supportive communities, decrease isolation, and provide opportunity for appropriate peer modeling. To date, at least five randomized controlled trials have been conducted using group CBT to address anxiety in youth with ASD with the results demonstrating significant reductions in parent-reported anxiety symptoms relative to control conditions. Although there are no known head-to-head comparisons of individual CBT versus group CBT for youth with ASD, research comparing individual to group modalities in general pediatric samples indicates comparable outcomes (Manassis et al., 2002). Challenges and recommendations for conducting group therapy with youth with ASD and anxiety are considered.
Hybrid-cascaded modeling strategy for 28Gbps high-speed transceivers in high-density FPGA packages

In recent times, more customers are showing interest in high-speed serial link simulation as data rates are approaching 15–30Gbps. It is crucial for them to assess system performance since increasing data rates lowers system margin. Per pin package models accuracy considering package channel length variations and vias location is now critical as the effect in system performance variation can be relatively large. Hence, this paper proposes a highly efficient and accurate hybrid-cascaded modeling strategy to generate a substantial amount of per pin package high-speed transceiver S-parameter models for IBIS AMI model development and device link simulation. The proposed hybrid modeling technique splits the full package model structure into re-usable vertical via models with 3-D full-wave EM modeling and parameterized 2-D uniform horizontal trace modeling. The proposed methodology achieved good correlation with less than 7% discrepancy up to 70GHz model bandwidth. The accuracy is verified in both frequency and time domains comparing to the conventional full 3-D package channel modeling approach. Besides, package trace length grouping strategy is presented to maximize engineering efficiency improvement. Without impacting the system performance accuracy through system validation, similar trace length package channels are grouped and represented by a single package model. Overall, this modeling strategy is able to achieve 96% total lead time reduction comparing to the traditional modeling approach for a specific FPGA product family. Hence, the proposed modeling strategy provides great efficiency improvement without impacting system performance accuracy to provide quality per pin package transceiver S-parameter models for system link assessment. This is vital to ensure first design success rates for a FPGA solutions provider and its customers.
QTL Underlying Reniform Nematode Resistance in Soybean Cultivar Hartwig

Nematodes are one of the most destructive plant-parasitic pests in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. Among the nematodes, soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines Ichinohe), southern root-knot nematode [RKN, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood], and reniform nematode (RN, Rotylenchlus reniformis Linford and Oliveria) are often the most problematic in soybean yield production. The plant introduction PI437654 has been used previously to map RN quantitative trait loci (QTL). However, â€˜PI437654â€™ is non-domesticated. â€˜Hartwigâ€™ was the first domesticated cultivar to introgress some of the resistances from PI437654. The aims here were to map QTL underlying RN resistance in Hartwig. A cross between Flyer and Hartwig (n=92) was created to map QTL that underlie both SCN and RN resistance. The F A— H population was phenotyped at the nematology lab at the University of Arkansas in 2014 and 2015 The F A— H was genotyped with 140 polymorphic microsatellite markers (simple sequence repeats, SSR). In this study, 4 SSRs were highly significant (P< 0.001) associated by ANOVA and composite interval mapping and each were determined to identify a QTL. There were QTL on Chr. 12 (LG H, Satt353), and 3 on Chr. 18 (LG G, Satt275, Satt163, and Satt309). The beneficial alleles all derived from Hartwig. Satt353 has previously been reported to link to sudden death syndrome (SDS) QTL, and all three Satt markers on LG G have been reported to link to rhg1.Therefore, Hartwig and cultivars derived from it (â€˜Anandâ€™, â€˜Inaâ€™) may be used to address the growing RN problems.
Capture of Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Traps Baited with Torula Yeast Solution Versus Cucumber Volatile Plugs

Several species of invasive fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are among the most damaging pests of agricultural crops in the world. Detection of these pests relies primarily on traps baited with male-specific lures. Traps with protein food baits are also employed to attract females, but these baits are fairly weak, and there is considerable interest in developing more powerful lures for female tephritids. Recently, a plug that emits cucumber volatiles was developed as a lure for cucurbit-infesting species, and a recent field study showed that traps baited with these plugs attracted more females of the Australian cucurbit pest Bactrocera cucumis (French) than traps containing a protein bait. The objective of the present study was to gather additional data regarding captures of a closely related species, the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), in traps baited with a torula yeast and borax (TYB) solution (a standard food lure) compared with traps baited with the cucumber volatile (CV) plug. Data collected from 5 locations on Oahu, Hawaii, showed that traps baited with the TYB solution captured significantly more melon flies than traps baited with the CV plugs. At 4 sites, where hosts were scattered, melon fly captures were relatively low, and males were trapped in significantly greater numbers than females in both TYB- and CV-baited traps. At the remaining site, hosts were very abundant, melon fly captures were high, and females were trapped in significantly greater numbers than males in both TYB- and CV-baited traps. Possible explanations for the superior performance of TYB-baited traps are discussed.
Using Genetically Informed Prevention Trials to Test Gene × Environment Hypotheses

In this chapter, I describe research in which prevention science principles are combined with genomic science to produce gene × intervention (G × I) research. I note the roles of molecular genetics in risk mechanisms for drug use and describe the results of first-generation genetically informed prevention trials that my colleagues and I have undertaken. I next describe second-generation research that focused on G × I effects on mediators or intermediate processes. This research can be used to further understanding of etiological processes, to identify individuals’ responses to risk, and to increase the precision of prevention programs. The chapter ends with a discussion of caveats about using genetic data to select intervention participants.
Schur-Weyl Duality and the Relationship Between Representations of S d and GL n (ℂ)

In this chapter, we discuss the representation theory of GL n (ℂ). Schur modules are introduced and are shown to be irreducible GL n (ℂ)-modules, using Schur-Weyl duality. We then discuss the representation theory of SL n (ℂ), and deduce the representation theory of GL n (ℂ). For further details, refer to [17].
Social Capital and Analyst Forecasts

This study examines the effect of social capital on analyst forecast accuracy. Using a county-level measure of social capital, I find that firms headquartered in counties with high social capital have greater forecast accuracy than firms headquartered in low social capital counties. In addition, I conduct two cross-sectional tests under conditions where social capital faciliates analyst forecast information collection and where social capital provides more assurance of information reliability. I find that the effect of social capital is more pronounced when firms’ headquarters are close to analyst brokerage firms. This is because geographically proximate analysts may have more channels to collect information. I also show that since high social capital can reduce analysts’ time and effort to verify the reported earnings when a firm has complicated operation, effect of social capital is more pronounced when a firm’s operation is complex. I also find that investors react more strongly to analyst forecast for firms headquartered in counties with low social capital, suggesting that the analyst’s role as an information intermediary is more valuable in this setting. Additionally, I employ the relocation of firms headquarters to better establish causality. The results are robust to regional fixed effect, accounting quality, management guidance, analyst fixed effect, and alternative measure of social capital. In sum, these findings suggest that social capital is an important factor that affects analysts forecast accuracy and informativenesss.
Assessment of Surveillance Test Performance and Cost

Surveillance test performance and costs are important considerations for a book summarizing the state of the art in patient management after implantation of prosthetic devices for several reasons. First is the growing concern about more efficient use of limited resources, made ever more apparent by the ongoing health care reform debate. Second is the expanding role of “gatekeepers” wielding increasing control over the total cost of health care. Third is the push for clinicians to develop guidelines, driven by the idea that reimbursement could subsequently be tied to adherence to these guidelines.
A Note on Endomorphism Rings of Abelian p-Groups

In [1] B. Charles proved that the center of the endomorphism ring of an unbounded abelian p-group consists of the ring of p-adic integers acting by multiplication. The purpose of this note is to prove a generalization of this theorem of Charles.
An Introduction to Collective and Cooperative Systems

Cooperative systems are introduced to the reader as a part of a broader class of collective systems. A taxonomy of collective systems is defined such that each class within the taxonomy is rigorously defined based upon the mathematical constructs of team theory. It is shown that this taxonomy leads to a precise definition of cooperation and clearly separates intentional cooperation from serendipitous complementary behavior. Concepts of precedence, hierarchy, and supervision are made clear in the presence of information such that team theory and decentralized control theory are generalized into the single framework of collective systems. It is anticipated that this framework will lead to a consistent representation of cooperation in future research and new methods for solving the hard problem of non nested information structures in team theory.
Isolation of RNA Binding Proteins Involved in Insertion/Deletion Editing

Abstract RNA editing is a collective term referring to a plethora of reactions that ultimately lead to changes in RNA nucleotide sequences apart from splicing, 5′ capping, or 3′ end processing. In the mitochondria of trypanosomatids, insertion and deletion of uridines must occur, often on a massive scale, in order to generate functional messenger RNAs. The current state of knowledge perceives the editing machinery as a dynamic system, in which heterogeneous protein complexes undergo multiple transient RNA–protein interactions in the course of gRNA processing, gRNA–mRNA recognition, and the cascade of nucleolytic and phosphoryl transfer reactions that ultimately change the mRNA sequence. Identification of RNA binding proteins that interact with the mitochondrial RNAs, core editing complex, or contribute to mRNA stability is of critical importance to our understanding of the editing process. This chapter describes purification and characterization of three RNA binding proteins from kinetoplastid mitochondria that have been genetically demonstrated to affect RNA editing.
Alternatives in Learning: Video-Based Individualized Systems.

MANY students entering community colleges today have weaknesses in arith metic and algebraic skills. These weak nesses may be in addition of fractions, solving an equation for an unknown, or graphing a function. Whatever the prob lem might be, it should be corrected be fore the student attempts college-level mathematics courses. Some time ago these students were placed directly into a col lege-level mathematics course, forcing them to correct their weaknesses as they learned the material of the course. More recently separate courses were provided to help eliminate the weaknesses of stu dents. These courses were relatively suc cessful but were often taught in the lec ture mode, a mode in which most of these students were unsuccessful in the past. Most often, too, these courses were taught by instructors who would have preferred to teach other "higher-level" courses and "better" students.
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF SERIOUS GAMES: PLAY AND PRAGMATISM IN VICTORIAN-ERA DINING

This study expands on Ortner's practice-based theory of “serious games” by interpreting artifacts through a continuum of intention: pragmatism and play. Decisions and actions are defined as pragmatic according to their desired outcome, while play, in contrast, is an attitude or disposition toward the action itself. Both pragmatism and play are examined in this study of dining-related material culture (ceramic tablewares) from a nineteenth-century Chinatown. The research reveals that Chinatown residents varied considerably in their approach to dining, some using the full complement of British- and American-produced earthenwares associated with Victorian-era genteel dining, whereas others primarily used porcelain vessels congruent with dining conventions in southern China. Other households blended the two types of ceramics, typically using Chinese porcelain vessels for individual table settings and British- and American-produced earthenwares for serving vessels. Chinese porcelains were typically purchased in matched sets; in contrast, British and American earthenwares were acquired piece by piece, contributing aesthetic variety to Chinatown table settings. Together, these findings indicate that most Chinatown households were establishing their own “house rules” that redefined dining through new practices. The continuum of intention represented by pragmatism and play affords an integrated methodology for bridging functional/economic and cultural/symbolic interpretive frameworks in archaeology.
Surgical education research: How to move beyond the survey

Abstract Background Surgical education serves as the foundation for high-quality, efficient patient care. Because clinical knowledge is gained and newer surgical techniques developed, this material is incorporated into the curricula of surgical trainees. Methods for studying this integration vary widely, however, providing data that, at times, is challenging to interpret in the context of patient care and outcomes. Methods A review of the literature was conducted to evaluate current practices in surgical education research, as well as topics areas of focus. Results Several techniques in surgical education research currently exist, including surveys, knowledge assessments, tests of skill, and single-arm educational interventions, which may or may not include a prepost design with assessments administered both before and immediately following the intervention. The applicability of these measures to patient outcomes is variable. Conclusion Research in surgical education represents a field of great interest, with opportunity for novel investigations among a broad collection of topic areas. Educational research should be approached in a methodologically rigorous fashion with high investigational standards in order to advance the education of surgical trainees and the care of surgical patients.
Understanding the Hemodynamics Involved in Ischemic Steal Syndrome of Arteriovenous Access

Highlights This paper elucidates the significant role retrograde steal plays in the pathogenesis of ischemia by reviewing the successful outcomes achieved by widely employed surgical procedures. Th...
Precária existência, implacável destino: Machado de Assis, Borges e Poe, em Luis Fernando Verissimo

Precarious Existence, Implacable Fate: Machado de Assis, Borges and Poe, in Luis Fernando Verissimo Focusing on short stories and novels by Luis Fernando Verissimo, this essay discusses the robust similarities between stylistic and thematic aspects of the Gaucho author’s writing and those of three masters of the narrative who come from different literary traditions: the United States writer Edgar Allan Poe, the Argentinean Jorge Luis Borges, and the Brazilian Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis. The study explores facets that afford cohesion and critical vitality in Verissimo’s strange and disconcerting writing. His narrative as such employs narrators extremely creative. They not only question human language itself and negotiate symbolic connections and intertwined coincidences between life and art, but also mingle facts and fictions, classic myths mundane deeds, which, quite often, fuse themselves in the midst of the bizarre and the imponderable in daily life.