cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
VLSI implementation of a non-linear feedback shift register for high-speed cryptography applications

For secure high data-rate communications, fast key generation algorithms are crucial. In this paper, we present a VLSI implementation of a Non-Linear Feedback Shift Register (NLFSR) for cryptography applications. Unlike existing cryptographic key generation techniques, our NLFSR generates multiple (64 in our implementation) key bits in each clock cycle. This enables its use in secure, high speed communications. Our NLFSR is implemented using a plurality (3 in our implementation) of LFSRs. The outputs of 64 bits from each LFSR are combined using 64 encoded majority functions, where the majority function used for any bit is changed at every clock cycle. We demonstrate that our NLFSR can generate keys which may be used for OC-768 optical fiber communication, which operates at 40 Gbps. The keys from our NLFSR pass all the tests in the NIST suite, which is a defacto benchmark used in industry to evaluate the quality of ciphers.
Using the world development indicators database for statistical analysis in Stata

The World Bank's world development indicators (WDI) compilation is a rich and widely used database about the development of most economies in the world. However, after insheeting a WDI dataset, som...
Nerve Impulse Code

In order to explain the signal transmission and coding and decoding demonstrated experimentally in this chapter, the following model has been proposed (see Fig. 38) [35, 37, 57]. Messages sent from point A to point B are first coded, then transmitted over two parallel channels to a decoder, and finally decoded. The coded message is transmitted along the parallel channels at the rate of five letters per minute, but only one letter of the five per minute is correlated between channels. The dynamic characteristics of the input-output function are satisfied by this correlation of one letter per minute. Either channel alone is adequate for behavioral input-output, and the effect of either channel alone is indistinguishable from the other.
Fast 3D pose estimation with out-of-sequence measurements

We present an algorithm for pose estimation using fixed-lag smoothing. We show that fixed-lag smoothing enables inclusion of measurements from multiple asynchronous measurement sources in an optimal manner. Since robots usually have a plurality of uncoordinated sensors, our algorithm has an advantage over filtering-based estimation algorithms, which cannot incorporate delayed measurements optimally. We provide an implementation of the general fixed-lag smoothing algorithm using square root smoothing, a technique that has become prominent. Square root smoothing uses fast sparse matrix factorization and enables our fixed-lag pose estimation algorithm to run at upwards of 20 Hz. Our algorithm has been extensively tested over hundreds of hours of operation on a robot operating in outdoor environments. We present results based on these tests that verify our claims using wheel encoders, visual odometry, and GPS as sensors.
Preservation of Samples for Dissolved Mercury

Water samples for dissolved mercury require special treatment because of the high chemical mobility and volatility of this element. Widespread use of mercury and its compounds has provided many avenues for contamination of water. Two laboratory tests were done to determine the relative permeabilities of glass and plastic sample bottles to mercury vapor. Plastic containers were confirmed to be quite permeable to airborne mercury, glass containers were virtually impermeable. Methods of preservation include the use of various combinations of acids, oxidants, and complexing agents. The combination of nitric acid and potassium dichromate successfully preserved mercury in a large variety of concentrations and dissolved forms. Because this acid-oxidant preservative acts as a sink for airborne mercury and plastic containers are permeable to mercury vapor, glass bottles are preferred for sample collection. To maintain a healthy work environment and minimize the potential for contamination of water samples, mercury and its compounds are isolated from the atmosphere while in storage. Concurrently, a program to monitor environmental levels of mercury vapor in areas of potential contamination is needed to define the extent of mercury contamination and to assess the effectiveness of mercury clean-up procedures.
Single nucleotide polymorphism libraries: why and how are we building them?

Abstract A great deal of time and money is currently being invested in the production of large libraries of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) – variations of one nucleotide between the DNA sequence of individuals. This review compares and contrasts the available sources of SNP data, and describes the rationale behind the SNP mapping efforts, from the study of common diseases to unraveling an individual's response to medication.
Mood disorders in individuals with distal 18q deletions.

We examined 36 participants at least 4 years old with hemizygous distal deletions of the long arm of Chromosome 18 (18q-) for histories of mood disorders and to characterize these disorders clinically. Since each participant had a different region of 18q hemizygosity, our goal was also to identify their common region of hemizygosity associated with mood disorders; thereby identifying candidate causal genes in that region. Lifetime mood and other psychiatric disorders were determined by semi-structured interviews of patients and parents, supplemented by reviews of medical and psychiatric records, and norm-referenced psychological assessment instruments, for psychiatric symptoms, cognitive problems, and adaptive functioning. Sixteen participants were identified with lifetime mood disorders (ages 12–42 years, 71% female, 14 having had unipolar depression and 2 with bipolar disorders). From the group of 20 who did not meet criteria for a mood disorder; a comparison group of 6 participants were identified who were matched for age range and deletion size. Mood-disordered patients had high rates of anxiety (75%) and externalizing behavior disorders (44%), and significant mean differences from comparison patients (P < 0.05), including higher overall and verbal IQs and lower autistic symptoms. A critical region was defined in the mood-disordered group that included a hypothetical gene, C18orf62, and two known genes, ZADH2 and TSHZ1. We conclude that patients having terminal deletions of this critical region of the long arm of Chromosome 18 are highly likely to have mood disorders, which are often comorbid with anxiety and to a lesser extent with externalizing disorders. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assembly of the tail of bacteriophage T4.

The protein products of at least 21 phage genes are needed for the formation of the tail of bacteriophage T4. Cells infected with amber mutants defective in these genes are blocked in the assembly process. By characterizing the intermediate structures and unassembled proteins accumulating in mutant-infected cells, we have been able to delineate most of the gene-controlled steps in tail assembly. Both the organized structures and unassembled proteins serve as precursors for in vitro tail assembly. We review here studies on the initiation, polymerization, and termination of the tail tube and contractile sheath and the genetic control of these processes. These studies make clear the importance of the baseplate; if baseplate formation is blocked (by mutation) the tube and sheath subunits remain essentially unaggregated, in the form of soluble subunits. Seventeen of the 21 tail genes specify proteins involved in baseplate assembly. The genes map contiguously in two separate clusters, one of nine genes and the other of eight genes. Recent studies show that the hexagonal baseplate is the end-product of two independent subassembly pathways. The proteins of the first gene cluster interact to form a structure which probably represents one-sixth of the outer radius. The products of the other gene cluster interact to form the central part of the baseplate. Most of the phage tail precursor proteins appear to be synthesized in a non-aggregating form; they are converted to a reactive form upon incorporation into preformed substrate complexes, without proteolytic cleavage. Thus reactive sites are limited to growing structures.
Characterization of the marine fish assemblage associated with the nearshore hardbottom of Broward County, Florida, USA

Abstract Some shallow ( The assemblage structure, in terms of percentage of juvenile fish ( 2 of substrate, greater abundance and greater species richness values were recorded with the transect-counts than with the point-counts. Newly settled and early juveniles were the dominant component (>84%) of the inshore fish community, consisting primarily (>90%) of grunts (Haemulidae). After the grunts, the wrasses (Labridae) at about 5%, and damselfish (Pomacentridae) at roughly 2% were the predominant families. It is clear from this study and others that the nearshore hardbottom of Broward County is an important juvenile fish habitat, especially for grunts. However, the nearshore hardbottom does not appear to be obligate habitat for these fishes as fishes associated with this area are, apparently, not unique to the nearshore hardbottom either in species or ontogenic stage.
Learning Simple Wikipedia: A Cogitation in Ascertaining Abecedarian Language

Text simplification is the process of changing vocabulary and grammatical structure to create a more accessible version of the text while maintaining the underlying information and content. Automated tools for text simplification are a practical way to make large corpora of text accessible to a wider audience lacking high levels of fluency in the corpus language. In this work, we investigate the potential of Simple Wikipedia to assist automatic text simplification by building a statistical classification system that discriminates simple English from ordinary English. Most text simplification systems are based on hand-written rules (e.g., PEST (Carroll et al., 1999) and its module SYSTAR (Canning et al., 2000)), and therefore face limitations scaling and transferring across domains. The potential for using Simple Wikipedia for text simplification is significant; it contains nearly 60,000 articles with revision histories and aligned articles to ordinary English Wikipedia. Using articles from Simple Wikipedia and ordinary Wikipedia, we evaluated different classifiers and feature sets to identify the most discriminative features of simple English for use across domains. These findings help further understanding of what makes text simple and can be applied as a tool to help writers craft simple text.
Sudden death syndrome--a case report.

Abstract An apparently healthy six-foot, two-inch, 220-pound football player at the University of South Carolina collapsed and died prior to practice in the training room at Williams-Brice Stadium. There was no previous history of cardiovascular or other major medical abnormality. A discussion of the final autopsy diagnoses, the click-murmur syndrome or mitral valve prolapse, and its apparent association with this case will be discussed.
Modeling Values for Anti‐Terrorism Analysis

Decisions are made to achieve objectives. A qualitative list of the objectives for a decision is the foundation for a value model that unambiguously represents objectives in a quantitative manner. The objectives guide thinking and the value model provides a basis for analyzing alternatives to best meet the desired objectives. This article illustrates the usefulness of clearly identifying objectives and developing value models to support anti-terrorism analysis. It outlines procedures to develop value models for the Department of Homeland Security and for terrorist organizations. The later is useful to both design anti-terrorism alternatives and suggest possible terrorist priorities and actions. An example that develops a terrorist value model for the theft and misuse of plutonium is presented. Several uses of value models for anti-terrorist activities are discussed and suggestions for developing such value models are outlined.
Performance and satisfaction as a function of individual-environment fit.

Research is reviewed which treats performance and satisfaction as a function of the interaction between the characteristics of the individual and those of the interpersonal and noninterpersonal environments. Relevant theoretical positions are reviewed. Alternative models for the analysis of interactions or transactions between individuals and environments are discussed. The conclusion points to and discusses 3 questions: Should one consider the perceived or "actual" environment? What units shall we employ and should they be the same units of analysis for individuals and environments? What is the nature of the processes involved in individual-en vironment relationships? This paper is concerned with the question of individual-en vironment fit. It assumes that for each individual there are environments (interpersonal and noninterpersonal) which more or less match the characteristics of his personality. A "match" or "best-fit" (Jahoda, 1961) of individual to environment is viewed as expressing itself in high performance, satisfaction, and little stress in the system whereas a "lack of fit" is viewed as resulting in decreased performance, dissatisfaction, and stress in the system. This paper presents selected studies in the experimental literature which exemplify and support the individual-environment fit approach, and discusses the theoretical models that have been suggested in relation to this view and the issues remaining to be considered. It is beyond the scope of this paper to deal with the concept of the stimulus in psychology (Gibson, 1960) or with related theories of perception (Allport, 1955). For the purposes of this paper, environmental (situational) variables are defined as representing those stimuli external to the organism which affect its behavior. Within the framework of this paper, it is assumed that individuals vary in their sensitivity to different stimuli and in the nature of their responses to these stimuli. Behavior is represented as a function of the interaction or transaction between the individ1 This review was conducted in conjunction with research supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (MH-08321) and the United States Office of Education. I am grateful to Stephen Klineberg, Bertram Koslin, and David Rosenhan for their critical readings of the manuscript. ual and his environment. The issue of whether to define the environment independently of the individual or in relation to the individual is relevant to the research reviewed and is discussed later. PERFORMANCE The research reviewed in this section treats performance as a function of the interaction between the characteristics of the individual and those of the environment. While it is often difficult to make a distinction between the interpersonal environment and the noninterpersonal environment, the studies are defined and discussed in relation to these two categories.
Decremental Ramp Atrial Extrastimuli Pacing Protocol for the Induction of Atrioventricular Nodal Re-entrant Tachycardia and Other Supraventricular Tachycardias

Aim: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of decremental ramp atrial extrastimuli pacing protocol (PRTCL) for induction of atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT), and other supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs), compared to standard (STD) methods. Methods: The study cohort of 121 patients (age 57.51 ± 14.02 years) who presented with documented SVTs and/or symptoms of palpitations and dizziness, and underwent invasive electrophysiological evaluation was divided into Group I (AVNRT, n = 42) and Group II (Control, n = 79). The PRTCL involved a train of six atrial extrastimuli, delivered in a decremental ramp fashion. The STD methods included continuous burst and rapid incremental pacing up to atrioventricular (AV) block cycle length, and single and occasionally double atrial extrastimuli. Prolongation in the Atrio-Hisian (Δ-AH) intervals achieved by both methods were compared, as were induction frequencies. Results: In Group I, three categories of responses—(1) induction of AVNRT, (2) induction of echo beats only, and (3) none—were observed in 29 (69%), 11 (26%), and 2 (5%) patients with the PRTCL, when compared with 14 (33%), 16 (38%), and 12 (29%) patients with STD methods in the baseline state without the use of pharmacological agents. The Δ-AH intervals for each of these three categories were larger using PRTCL versus STD methods; 293.3 ± 95.2 ms versus 192.9 ± 61.4 ms (P < 0.005), 308.6 ± 68.5 ms versus 189. 9 ± 64.9 ms (P < 0.0005), and 203.0 ± 86.3 ms versus 145.8 ± 58.9 ms (P = NS), respectively. In Group II, in one patient with dual AV nodal physiology but no clinical tachycardia, the PRTCL induced nonsustained (12 beats) AVNRT. Additionally, in this group, both PRTCL and STD methods induced atrial tachycardia in two patients and orthodromic AV re-entrant tachycardia in one patient. Conclusion: Decremental ramp atrial extrastimuli pacing PRTCL demonstrates a superior response for induction of typical AVNRT as compared to STD techniques. Because of easy and reliable induction of AVNRT and echo beats by the PRTCL, we recommend it as a method to increase the likelihood of induction of AVNRT. For induction of other SVTs, the PRTCL and the STD methods are comparable.
Understanding the Gender Gap in Small Business Success Urban and Rural Comparisons

The authors explore how urban versus rural community location shapes the extent to which various individual, relational, and structural factors affect the gender gap in small business success. Building on previous research on gender and small business success, gender queuing theories, and gendered organization/institution theories, they develop a place-specific theory of the gender gap in small business success. The findings, based on small business data collected in urban and rural Iowa (1995 and 1997), support queuing arguments and raise questions about the effectiveness of crowded-sector explanations. They indicate that the gender gap in small business success operates such that men-owned businesses are more successful in both urban and rural settings but that men-owned businesses are even more successful than women-owned businesses in urban than rural communities. The authors discuss the causes and consequences of the gender gap in small business success in rural and urban places and identify key issu...
A First Approach to Classical Mechanics

We begin by considering the motion of a single particle in \({\mathbb{R}}^{1},\) which may be thought of as a particle sliding along a wire, or a particle with motion that just happens to lie in a line. We let x(t) denote the particle’s position as a function of time. The particle’s velocity is then $$\displaystyle{v(t) :=\dot{ x}(t),}$$ where we use a dot over a symbol to denote the derivative of that quantity with respect to the time t.
Cosmic ray showers

Cosmic ray showers are cascades initiated by cosmic rays interacting in the atmosphere. Cascades had already been observed in the 1920s when a single track belonging to a charged particle was observed to split into two tracks. The observations of showers led to the development of the electromagnetic cascade theory in the 1930s with the participation of many of the famous physicists of the time. Towards the end of that decade Pierre Auger and collaborators discovered the extensive air showers [236]. These are huge cascades initiated by particles of energy 106 GeV as estimated in that reference.
Effects of Lymphoid Cells and Serum on Target Cells in Xenogeneic Cell-Culture Systems

SummarySpleen lymphocytes of rabbits immunized with KB cells brought about destruction of these cells in tissue culture. No such effect was seen with normal lymphocytes. Immune sera from these rabbits reacted with KB cells in CF, CT, and SGI tests. The reaction was found to be specific as these sera did not react with cells of human amnion or of hamster tumors induced by adenovirus type 12. Anti-KB serum did react, however, with cells derived from fetal human skin.
Accounting for some similarities and differences among the Indo-Portuguese creoles

The present study appeals to the notions of social organization and Portuguese presence to account for some of the key difference among the creoles spoken in Diu, Daman, and Korlai (India). The concepts of frequency and perceptual salience are tapped to account for some of the similarities among these creoles.
Predictable evolution toward flightlessness in volant island birds.

Birds are prolific colonists of islands, where they readily evolve distinct forms. Identifying predictable, directional patterns of evolutionary change in island birds, however, has proved challenging. The “island rule” predicts that island species evolve toward intermediate sizes, but its general applicability to birds is questionable. However, convergent evolution has clearly occurred in the island bird lineages that have undergone transitions to secondary flightlessness, a process involving drastic reduction of the flight muscles and enlargement of the hindlimbs. Here, we investigated whether volant island bird populations tend to change shape in a way that converges subtly on the flightless form. We found that island bird species have evolved smaller flight muscles than their continental relatives. Furthermore, in 366 populations of Caribbean and Pacific birds, smaller flight muscles and longer legs evolved in response to increasing insularity and, strikingly, the scarcity of avian and mammalian predators. On smaller islands with fewer predators, birds exhibited shifts in investment from forelimbs to hindlimbs that were qualitatively similar to anatomical rearrangements observed in flightless birds. These findings suggest that island bird populations tend to evolve on a trajectory toward flightlessness, even if most remain volant. This pattern was consistent across nine families and four orders that vary in lifestyle, foraging behavior, flight style, and body size. These predictable shifts in avian morphology may reduce the physical capacity for escape via flight and diminish the potential for small-island taxa to diversify via dispersal.
Automaticity of phasic alertness: Evidence for a three-component model of visual cueing

The automaticity of phasic alertness is investigated using the attention network test. Results show that the cueing effect from the alerting cue-double cue-is strongly enhanced by the task relevance of visual cues, as determined by the informativeness of the orienting cue-single cue-that is being mixed (80 % vs. 50 % valid in predicting where the target will appear). Counterintuitively, the cueing effect from the alerting cue can be negatively affected by its visibility, such that masking the cue from awareness can reveal a cueing effect that is otherwise absent when the cue is visible. Evidently, then, top-down influences-in the form of contextual relevance and cue awareness-can have opposite influences on the cueing effect from the alerting cue. These findings lead us to the view that a visual cue can engage three components of attention-orienting, alerting, and inhibition-to determine the behavioral cueing effect. We propose that phasic alertness, particularly in the form of specific response readiness, is regulated by both internal, top-down expectation and external, bottom-up stimulus properties. In contrast to some existing views, we advance the perspective that phasic alertness is strongly tied to temporal orienting, attentional capture, and spatial orienting. Finally, we discuss how translating attention research to clinical applications would benefit from an improved ability to measure attention. To this end, controlling the degree of intraindividual variability in the attentional components and improving the precision of the measurement tools may prove vital.
Self-Report in Supervision

Abstract Supervisors in academic clinical training settings may espouse various approaches to the transfer of information between therapist-trainee and supervisor, depending partly on orientation to psychotherapy and research. Self-report, in which the trainee narrates what occurred in the therapy session, may carry the risk of conscious or unconscious distortion of therapy material but may also offer certain advantages. These pros and cons are discussed, through personal experience, case material, and review of the literature on supervisory relationships. It is argued that the risks involved with self-report are warranted and accurately reflect the complexity of human interaction that is the therapy process.
Eicosanoid regulation of angiogenesis: Role of endothelial arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase

Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillaries from preexisting blood vessels, is a multistep, highly orchestrated process involving vessel sprouting, endothelial cell migration, proliferation, tube differentiation, and survival. Eicosanoids, arachidonic acid (AA)-derived metabolites, have potent biologic activities on vascular endothelial cells. Endothelial cells can synthesize various eicosanoids, including the 12-lipoxygenase (LOX) product 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE). Here we demonstrate that endogenous 12-LOX is involved in endothelial cell angiogenic responses. First, the 12-LOX inhibitor, N-benzyl-N-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanamide (BHPP), reduced endothelial cell proliferation stimulated either by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Second, 12-LOX inhibitors blocked VEGF-induced endothelial cell migration, and this blockage could be partially reversed by the addition of 12(S)-HETE. Third, pretreatment of an angiogenic endothelial cell line, RV-ECT, with BHPP significantly inhibited the formation of tubelike/cordlike structures within Matrigel. Fourth, overexpression of 12-LOX in the CD4 endothelial cell line significantly stimulated cell migration and tube differentiation. In agreement with the critical role of 12-LOX in endothelial cell angiogenic responses in vitro, the 12-LOX inhibitor BHPP significantly reduced bFGF-induced angiogenesis in vivo using a Matrigel implantation bioassay. These findings demonstrate that AA metabolism in endothelial cells, especially the 12-LOX pathway, plays a critical role in angiogenesis.
What do you get when you cross a first cousin and a customer

Creating excellence in patient service begins with a keen understanding of what constitutes patient service and the level of service provided by your practice. Building a culture of service involves implementing and practicing a set of policies designed around patient expectations. This article gives an overview of ideal patient service and how to implement it your practice.
Continuous-Time Markov Models

In the previous chapter we studied stochastic models of randomly evolving systems that are observed at discrete-times n = 0, 1, 2,..., etc., with X n being the state of the system at time n. In this chapter we shall consider randomly evolving systems that are observed continuously at all times t ≥ 0, with X(t) being the state of the system at time t. The set of states that the system can be in at any given time is called the state space of the system and is denoted by S.
Abstract 4548: High throughput siRNA screens uncover a high rate of USP8 and ESCRT pathway dependency in squamous carcinoma cell lines

USP8 and the ESCRT pathway (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) are required for cellular homeostasis through key functions in shuttling ubiquitinated proteins towards lysosomal degradation, and through regulating the maturation of autophagosomal structures. In large-scale siRNA screens, the vast majority of cancer cell lines do not demonstrate dependency on USP8 or ESCRT pathway components for viability. However, we identified three cell lines (HCC70, HCC1954 and PFSK1) that are acutely dependent on USP8 and other ESCRT components (HGS, TSG101) for viability. Using a transcriptome-wide association approach, we found that these three USP8-dependent cell lines also had in common the expression of SerpinB3, also known as SCCA1 (Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen 1). After selecting additional Squamous Cell Carcinoma cell lines for further validation of USP8-dependency by siRNA screening, we found that Squamous Carcinoma cell lines, irrespective of their SerpinB3 expression status, were far more likely to be dependent on USP8 for viability (23%; N = 22) than cancer cell lines of non-Squamous epithelial origin (4.5%; N = 67). To unravel possible molecular mechanisms underpinning the requirement of USP8 for the viability of USP8-dependent Squamous Carcinoma cell lines (including SCABER, BICR22, CALU1 and EBC1), we conducted additional transcriptome association studies and genetic interaction screens to uncover genes that are synthetic lethal with USP8 knock-down. Citation Format: Wendy Zhong, Elissa Cosgrove, Elissa Swearingen, Mike Ollmann, Jayee Banerjee, Vivienne Watson, Peter Jaeckel, Mariana Pfreimer, Silvia Materna-Reichelt, Holger Beckmann, Paul Kassner, Astrid Ruefli-Brasse, Olivier Nolan-Stevaux. High throughput siRNA screens uncover a high rate of USP8 and ESCRT pathway dependency in squamous carcinoma cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4548.
A Russian Lake (1735–1781)

The return of the southern Caspian littoral to Persian sovereignty under Nader did not mean necessarily that Persia had gained in a significant measure any authority over the areas beyond the water’s edge. Any Persian pretension to such dominion would have been resisted by the Russians.
A new architecture for high-frequency variable-load inverters

Efficient generation and delivery of high-frequency (HF, 3–30 MHz) power into variable load impedances is difficult, resulting in HF inverter (or power amplifier) systems that are bulky, expensive and inefficient. This paper introduces a new inverter architecture and control approach that directly addresses this challenge, enabling radio-frequency power delivery into widely variable loads while maintaining efficient zero-voltage switching operation. We model the proposed architecture, develop design and control guidelines for it and analyze the range of load admittances over which it can efficiently operate and deliver a specified output power. The opportunities posed by the proposed approach are illustrated through time-domain simulations of an example HF inverter system.
EFFECTS OF DIFFRACTION ON ULTRASONIC COMPUTER-ASSISTED TOMOGRAPHY.

Ultrasonic computer-assisted tomography has been developed as a analog to the x-ray computer-assisted tomography techniques1 and has been used for measuring acoustic speed and attenuation in tissues2,3,4,5. The advantages of computer-assisted tomography are that quantitative images representing parameters such as attenuation or acoustic speed, can be obtained relating values represented by an image to fundamental properties of the tissue. The disadvantage of computer-assisted tomography is that a large pleurality of angles of view are required to obtain the necessary data6. This results in the technique being applied primarily to imaging accessible organs such as the breast around which 360° of views can be obtained using specially designed ultrasound scanners7. The most commonly used form of ultrasonic transmission tomography algorithm is that in which the ultrasonic energy is assumed to travel in a straight line8, although more advanced techniques have been proposed by ourselves and others such as Mueller, et al.9,Stenger and Johnson10 and Dines and Kaki11 and Schomberg12.
Reading Alejandro Vallega Toward a Decolonial Aesthetics

This article is an interpretation of Alejandro Vallega’s “decolonial aesthetics,” focusing on his book Latin American Philosophy: From Identity to Radical Exteriority. This interpretation situates ...
Accessory Brachial Artery Feeding Arteriovenous Graft

This chapter discusses a patient who had been on hemodialysis for slightly more than a year. The patient had a forearm loop arteriovenous graft (AVG) in her left arm. Her dialysis treatments were complicated by persistently marginal access blood flow and recurrent thrombosis, all of which had been treated surgically and had no imaging studies performed. Although the patient had never had vascular mapping performed, she had been told by the surgeon who placed the graft that she had poor veins and would probably need to have a central venous catheter for her dialysis treatments.
The detection of He in tungsten following ion implantation by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) results are presented that provide depth-resolved identification of He implanted in polycrystalline tungsten (PC-W) targets by a 200 keV He+ ion beam, with a surface temperature of approximately 900 °C and a peak fluence of 10 23 m −2 . He retention, and the influence of He on deuterium and tritium recycling, permeation, and retention in PC-W plasma facing components are important questions for the divertor and plasma facing components in a fusion reactor, yet are difficult to quantify. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the ability of LIBS to identify helium in tungsten; to investigate the sensitivity of laser parameters including, laser energy and gate delay, that directly influence the sensitivity and depth resolution of LIBS; and to perform a proof-of-principle experiment using LIBS to measure relative He intensities as a function of depth. The results presented demonstrate the potential not only to identify helium but also to develop a methodology to quantify gaseous impurity concentration in PC-W as a function of depth.
Impact of Spacing of Practice on Learning Brand Name and Generic Drugs

Objective. To test the impact of schedules of retrieval practice on learning brand and generic name drug information in a self-paced course.Methods. Students completed weekly quizzes on brand and g...
Construction of a very high-density extracellular electrode array

Cellular activation mapping (specifying in time and space the electrical activation sequence of cells) is a well-established basic research tool in cardiac, neural, and gastric physiology. Much rec...
Numerical Experiments with Reflecting Water Waves

A computational model for the vertically integrated momentum and continuity equations is implemented in this study to simulate the reflection of water waves from a submerged half cylinder in a laboratory wave channel. The computational model is based on a generalized variational formulation and a linear space and time discretization. This type of discretization is the simplest form of the finite element method and it is derived directly from the generalized variational formulation. An outflow boundary condition is employed in the model to correctly account for wave propagation at the boundaries of the computational domain.
The Effect of Simulated Acid Rain on Seedling Emergence and Growth of Eleven Woody Species

Seeds of eleven woody species were exposed to 2.3 cm/wk of simulated sulfuric acid rain at pH values of 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0, or to a simulated control rain at approximately pH 5.6. All treatments also contained a neutral mixture of cations and anions based on concentrations reported for Hubbard Brook, N.H. Seeds or seedlings were subject to ambient conditions, except deposition. Seeds were planted in winter, 1977; seedlings were harvested the following summer. The dry weights of the top and roots of each seedling were recorded. Although eight species were affected by simulated acid rain, the direction and magnitude of effects varied with species and with treatment. Seedling emergence was stimulated by at least one acid treatment for four species, while root growth was inhibited for one species. Except for one species, whose emergence rate and top growth were both affected, effects were confined to one measured parameter.
A Primer on Photoelectron Angular Distributions

We consider here the angular distribution of electrons ejected by electric dipole interaction from randomly oriented atomic or molecular targets. This corresponds to the usual gas phase photo-ionization experiment. The angular distribution is restricted by Yang’s theorem [1] to the form $$ \frac{{d\sigma }}{{d\Omega }} = \frac{\sigma }{{4\pi }}\left\{ {1 + \beta {P_{2}}\left( {\cos \Theta } \right)} \right\} $$ (1) .
Critical behavior and magnetocaloric effect in Mn 3 Si 2 Te 6

The critical properties and magnetocaloric effect of semiconducting ferrimagnet ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{3}{\mathrm{Si}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{6}$ single crystals have been investigated by bulk magnetization and heat capacity around ${T}_{c}$. Critical exponents $\ensuremath{\beta}=0.41\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01$ with a critical temperature ${T}_{c}=74.18\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.08\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}=1.21\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02$ with ${T}_{c}=74.35\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ are deduced by the Kouvel-Fisher plot, whereas $\ensuremath{\delta}=4.29\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05(3.40\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02)$ is obtained by a critical isotherm analysis at $T=74(75)\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. The magnetic exchange distance is found to decay as $J(r)\ensuremath{\approx}{r}^{\ensuremath{-}4.79}$, which lies between the mean-field and 3D Heisenberg models. Moreover, the magnetic entropy change $\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{S}_{M}$ features a maximum at ${T}_{c}$, i.e., $\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{S}_{M}^{\mathrm{max}}\ensuremath{\sim}2.53(1.67)\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{J}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{kg}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{K}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ with in-plane (out-of-plane) field change of 5 T, confirming large magnetic anisotropy. The heat capacity measurement further gives $\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{S}_{M}^{\mathrm{max}}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\sim}2.94\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{J}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{kg}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{K}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and the corresponding adiabatic temperature change $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{T}_{ad}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\sim}1.14\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ with out-of-plane field change of 9 T.
Anomalous Aortic Origin of the Coronary Arteries: A Novel Unroofing Technique in an Adult Cohort

Background Anomalous aortic origin of the coronary arteries (AAOCA) is associated with sudden cardiac death and frequently treated with unroofing of an intramural segment. Most reports on AAOCA are of patients less than 30 years of age. We have reviewed our "older" patients who have undergone surgical repair and report a novel unroofing technique. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of 40 adult patients who underwent surgery for AAOCA from June 2005 to June 2016. Our surgical approach changed from traditional sharp excision to electrical fulguration of the shared intramural wall segment. We assessed our population for symptom relief, resolution of ischemia, and reintervention. More than 6 months of follow-up was available for 34 patients. Results Mean age was 47.1 ± 11.6 years (range, 19 to 67); 17 patients were female. The coronary anomaly was right from left in 35 patients, left from right 4, and left coronary from noncoronary sinus in 1 patient. Thirty-nine of 40 patients were symptomatic, with two prior sudden cardiac arrests. Preoperatively, 22 of 31 patients tested positive for ischemia, including the asymptomatic. The operation was unroofing in 37 of 40 patients, 17 by sharp excision and 20 by electrical fulguration. There were no 30-day deaths or complications and no reinterventions. Isolated unroofing by fulguration required shorter cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times than excision: 39 versus 62 minutes (p = 0.02) and 28 versus 42 minutes (p = 0.02), respectively. At an average follow-up of 5.0 years, 28 of 34 patients reported symptomatic improvement. There were two unrelated late deaths. Conclusions Unroofing by sharp excision and by electrical fulguration were equally safe in the short term. Fulguration is technically easier and faster while still equally effective.
Propagations: Thirty Years of Influence From the Mental Research Institute

Here is a work of profound clinical scope from some of the foremost leaders in psychology. Propagations: Thirty Years of Influence From the Mental Research Institute, written by alumni and disciples of the Institute (MRI), is not just a compliment to the MRI influence, but also a way for readers to discover and savor the important contributions of those influenced by the MRI. The book contains the cutting edge thinking of some of the most respected clinicians from across the globe. The authors describe their application of ideas pioneered at the MRI, demonstrating its broad influence on present day leaders of family and brief therapy. Chapters range from the theoretical to the case study, tied together by the theme of how this amazing institute has widely impacted therapeutic thought. The book clarifies the depth and power of the MRI influence, which extends to theory, all aspects of psychotherapy practice, other professions, and other lands. Propagations offers outstanding conceptualizations, teaching, writing, and clinical and non-clinical therapy ideas that are immediately useful to clinicians, academic researchers, students, and other individuals interested in how people change.The book’s introduction provides background information on MRI and includes a condensed transcript of a “trialog” which took place between Jules Riskin, Paul Watzlawick, and John Weakland conveying MRI’s origins, traditions, and ethos. Propagations then breaks into four sections. Influencing Fields of Interest and Viewpoints examines MRI influence beyond the specific field of psychotherapy. Influences on Clinical Work looks at MRI’s influence on professional groups and contains clinicians’reflections on how contact with MRI theory and practice has influenced their work. Changes in Venue shows utilization of MRI approaches across cultural and professional borders, while The Outer Reaches looks beyond the specifics of psychotherapy. This inviting book reflects a wide variety of approaches, styles, and subjects, and ranges from preliminary musings to formal reports. This diversity offers a useful example of how new ideas and related practices develop and diversify from a broad common core. Readers can discover how interactional principles are being implemented in different nations, practice settings, and theoretical applications. Family and brief therapists, counselors and counselor educators, and professionals in related fields will find Propagations a source of useful information, thoughtful recollection, and stimulation for future activities.
Extracellular vesicle-mediated reversal of taxane resistance and the malignant phenotype in prostate cancer.

e16028 Background: Castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men in the developed world. Several new therapies, including taxane-based chemoth...
Impacts on Trust of Healthcare AI

Artificial Intelligence and robotics are rapidly moving into healthcare, playing key roles in specific medical functions, including diagnosis and clinical treatment. Much of the focus in the technology development has been on human-machine interactions, leading to a host of related technology-centric questions. In this paper, we focus instead on the impact of these technologies on human-human interactions and relationships within the healthcare domain. In particular, we argue that trust plays a central role for relationships in the healthcare domain, and the introduction of healthcare AI can potentially have significant impacts on those relations of trust. We contend that healthcare AI systems ought to be treated as assistive technologies that go beyond the usual functions of medical devices. As a result, we need to rethink regulation of healthcare AI systems to ensure they advance relevant values. We propose three distinct guidelines that can be universalized across federal regulatory boards to ensure that patient-doctor trust is not detrimentally affected by the deployment and widespread adoption of healthcare AI technologies.
Clinical Outcomes of Sentinel Cerebral Protection System Use During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract Objective To compare the clinical outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with and without the use of the Sentinel Cerebral Protection System (Sentinel CPS). Background Stroke occurs in 2–5% of patients at 30 days after TAVR and increases mortality >3 fold. The Sentinel CPS is the only FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved cerebral embolic protection device. Methods The Cochrane Library , PubMed and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Two authors independently screened and included studies comparing the clinical outcomes after TAVR with and without the Sentinel CPS. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tools (RoB2.0 and ROBINS-I). Results Four studies comparing 606 patients undergoing TAVR with Sentinel CPS to 724 without any embolic protection device were included. Sentinel CPS use was associated with lower rates of 30-day mortality [0.8% vs 2.7%; RR 0.34 (95% CI 0.12, 0.92) I2 = 0%], 30-day symptomatic stroke [3.5% vs 6.1%; RR 0.51 (95% CI 0.29, 0.90) I2 = 0] and major or life-threatening bleeding [3.3% vs 6.6%; RR 0.50 (0.26, 0.98) I2 = 16%]. There was no significant difference between the two arms in the incidence of acute kidney injury [0.8% vs 1%; RR 0.85 (95% CI 0.22, 3.24) I 2 = 0%] and major vascular complications [5.1% vs 6%; RR 0.74 (0.33, 1.67) I2 = 45%]. Conclusion The results suggest that Sentinel CPS use in TAVR is associated with a lower risk of stroke, mortality and major or life-threatening bleeding at 30 days.
Bipolar Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Tibiotalar Joint: A Concise Mid-Term Follow-up of a Previous Report★.

Abstract:Despite advances in managing degenerative arthritis of the ankle joint, there are few optimal treatment options for young patients with symptomatic, end-stage degenerative disease. Popular surgical options consist of traditional arthrodesis and, more recently, arthroplasty. Additional techn
Optical fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer based embeddable strain sensor with 30 nano-strain resolution

An embeddable, robust and cost-effective optical interferometric strain sensor with nano-scale strain resolution is reported in this paper. The principal structure of the sensor consists of an optical fiber, a quartz rod coated with a thin gold layer, and two metal shells employed to transfer the strain, orient and protect the optical fiber and quartz rod. The optical fiber endface, combining with the gold-coated surface forms an extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer. When the sensor is subjected to an external compressive/tensile stress, slide between the two metal shells will occur, resulting in a cavity length variation of the interferometer. A temperature compensation design is employed in the structure to minimize the temperature crosstalk of the sensor. The sensor was firstly calibrated, and the result showed that our prototype sensor can realize a measurement resolution of 30 nanostrain (ne) and a sensitivity of 10.01 μe/μm over a range of 1000 μe. After calibration of the sensor, monitoring the shrinkage strain of a cubic brick of mortar in real time during the drying process was conducted. The strain sensor was compared with a commercial linear variable displacement transducer, and the comparison results in four weeks demonstrated that our sensor had much higher measurement resolution and gained more detailed and useful information. Due to the advantages of the extremely simple, robust and cost-effective configuration, it is believed that the sensor is significantly beneficial to practical applications, especially in structural health monitoring.