cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory responses of rat basolateral amygdaloid neurons recorded in vitro.

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the ionic and pharmacological basis of the actions of synaptically released and exogenously applied GABA in basolateral amygdaloid pyramidal cells in vitro. Stimulation of forebrain afferents to pyramidal neurons in the basolateral amygdala evoked an excitatory postsynaptic potential followed by early and late inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. The early inhibitory postsynaptic potential had a reversal potential near -70 mV, was sensitive to changes in the chloride gradient across the membrane and was blocked by the GABA A antagonists picrotoxin and bicuculline methiodide but not by the GABA B antagonists phaclofen or 2-hydroxysaclofen. In contrast, the late inhibitory postsynaptic potential had a reversal potential of approximately -95 mV and was markedly reduced or abolished by GABA B antagonists. Pressure application of GABA to the surface of the slice typically elicited a triphasic response in basolateral amygdaloid pyramidal neurons consisting of a short-latency hyperpolarization that preceded or was superimposed on a membrane depolarization followed by a longer latency hyperpolarization. Each of the responses was associated with an increase in membrane conductance. Determinations of the reversal potential, ionic dependency and sensitivity to pharmacological blockade of each component of the GABA-induced response revealed that the initial hyperpolarizing (Ere ~ approximately -70 mV) and depolarizing (Ere V approximately -55 mV) responses were mediated by a GABAA-mediated increase in chloride conductance, whereas the late hyperpolarizing response (Errapproximately - 82 mV) to GABA arose from a GABAa-mediated increase in potassium conductance. Experiments in which GABA was applied at various locations on the cell suggested that the short-latency hyperpolarization resulted from activation of somatic GABA receptors, whereas the depolarizing and late hyperpolarizing responses were generated primarily in the dendrites. In contrast to tile complex membrane response profile elicited by GABA, pressure ejection of the GABA B agonist baclofen produced only membrane hyperpolarizations. Taken together, these results suggest that inhibitory responses that are recorded in basolateral amygdaloid pyramidal cells are mediated by activation of both GABA A and GABA B receptors. Consistent with findings elsewhere in the CNS, the early inhibitory postsynaptic potential and initial hyperpolariz- ation and depolarizing response to local GABA application appear to involve a GABAA-mediated increase in chloride conductance, whereas the late inhibitory postsynaptic potential and the late hyperpolarizing response to GABA arise from a GABAB-mediated increase in potassium conductance. The inhibitory transmitter GABA has been shown to play a crucial role in the modulation of neuronal activity throughout many regions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The finding that exogen- ous application of GABA mimicked synaptically mediated inhibition of neurons in many brain areas provided strong initial support for its role as a major
A 2.3 nJ/Frame Voice Activity Detector-Based Audio Front-End for Context-Aware System-On-Chip Applications in 32-nm CMOS

Advanced human-machine interfaces require improved embedded sensors that can seamlessly interact with the user. Voice-based communication has emerged as a promising interface for next generation mobile, automotive and hands-free devices. Presented here is such an audio front-end with Voice Activity Detection (VAD) hardware targeted for low-power embedded SoCs, featuring a 512 pt FFT, programmable filters, noise floor estimator and a decision engine which has been fabricated in 32 nm CMOS. The dual-VCC, dual-frequency design allows the core datapath to scale to near-threshold voltage (NTV), where power consumption is less than 50 uW. At peak energy efficiency, the core can process audio data at 2.3 nJ/frame - a 9.4X improvement over nominal voltage conditions.
Social network survey paper

This research investigates recent studies of the concept of social networks. The research in this paper includes the recent studies being conducted on developing an understanding of social networks. The social network theories are being studied through several different areas of interests, including the World Wide Web (WWW), as well as human and biological sciences in the economic arena. The survey paper will begin with the definition of terms used to identify social networks. The terms are not new, but the definitions will include a correlation to the relevance within the social network survey paper. The terms will then be used to identify the concepts of social network in relation to the economics of business. The survey paper will discuss the findings of several research analysts seeking to understand the networks of different cells within the universe.
Use of Barley in High-Efficiency Broiler Rations 5. Further Studies on the use of Enzymes, Soaking and Pelleting Barley for Chicks

Abstract SEVERAL groups have previously reported improved chick performance from barley rations fed in pelleted form, containing water treated barley or supplemented with crude amylolytic enzymes (Allred et al., 1957; Arscott et al., 1957, 1958; Fry et al., 1957 a, b; Jensen et al., 1957; Thomas et al., 1960; and Willingham et al., 1959, 1960). From these studies it is evident that barley rations supplemented with amylolytic enzymes or containing water treated barley improve chick growth, feed conversion and the “sticky droppings” condition normally associated with untreated barley rations. Water consumption is often decreased. Pelleting, on the other hand, improves growth but not the adverse droppings condition and appears to produce an increase in water consumption. Recently, Arscott and Rose (1960) have reported that for results comparable to corn mash type rations, barley rations required supplementation with animal fat and an amylolytic enzyme in addition to being fed in pelleted form…
Online privacy and security practices of the 100 largest US nonprofit organizations

Although online consumer privacy has been an important issue in the commercial realm for more than a decade, nonprofit organizations (NPOs, or nonprofits, for short) have just begun to address the topic recently. No published scholarly research has examined the online information practices of the largest NPOs with regard to privacy and security issues. The absence of data leaves one unable to empirically gauge the extent of NPO compliance with the Federal Trade Commissions (FTCs) suggested information practices. Such an investigation would be useful not only to US nonprofits but also non-US nonprofits that are reaching US donors via their web sites. This study examines the online information practices of The Nonprofit Times 100 web sites and compares their practices to that of their commercial counterparts. The NPO web sites were found to collect just as much, and in some cases even more, personally identifying information as the commercial sites. The NPO web sites were more likely to display a privacy disclosure and privacy seal. Of critical concern, and not assessed in the commercial samples, is that nearly all of the NPO sites post personally identifying information (of individuals who are not employees). The current study provides benchmarks useful for assessing security issues pertaining to the collection, use, and even posting of personal information for NPO web sites. It also proposes actions for improving online security and privacy with the hope of encouraging more discussion of these important issues within the NPO community. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Status of the NF1 Tumor Suppressor Locus in Uveal Melanoma

Background A clinical association has been observed between uveal melanoma and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). This study aims to determine whether the NF1 tumor suppressor gene is mutated in uveal melanoma. Methods Thirty-eight uveal melanomas, as well as normal uveal melanocytes, were examined for NF1 deletions by dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization, and for expression of the NF1 protein (neurofibromin) by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Results Normal uveal melanocytes strongly express neurofibromin. Eighteen (47%) of uveal melanomas demonstrated weak expression of neurofibromin. One large tumor contained a deletion of the NF1 locus and lacked neurofibromin expression. Two other tumors contained additional copies of the NF1 chromosomal region. Conclusion Mutations of the NF1 gene may occasionally play a role in the pathogenesis of uveal melanoma. Clinical Relevance A search for biallelic NF1 mutations in uveal melanomas from patients with neurofibromatosis will be of interest to determine whether germline NF1 mutations may predispose to uveal melanoma.
Variance in Epistasis Links Gene Regulation and Evolutionary Rate in the Yeast Genetic Interaction Network

Organisms face a constantly shifting landscape of environmental conditions and internal physiological states. How gene regulation and cellular functions are maintained across genetic and environmental variation is therefore a fundamental question in biology. Here, we analyze the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genetic interaction network to understand how the yeast cell maintains regulatory capacity across genetic backgrounds and environmental conditions. We used the recently characterized synthetic sick/lethal network in yeast, which measures the fitness effects of knocking out pairs of genes, to analyze interactions among 4,364 genes. Genes with large variance in epistatic effects on fitness are highly and ubiquitously expressed (with open chromatin conformations in their promoter regions) and evolve more slowly than genes with weak effects on fitness. Thus, rather than being the elements responsible for the regulation and responsiveness of the genetic network, genes with large epistatic effects tend to be more mundane “housekeeping” genes whose consistent expression is critical to fitness under all environments and that are thereby deeply embedded within the regulatory structure of the network. Our analysis shows that the yeast cell has evolved a system whereby a physical mechanism of regulation (nucleosome occupancy) buffers key genes from the variability experienced by the cell as a whole.
A 1.1-Mb Segmental Deletion on the X Chromosome Causes Meiotic Failure in Male Mice

The mammalian X chromosome contains a large number of multicopy genes that are expressed during spermatogenesis. The roles of these genes during germ cell development and the functional significance of gene multiplication remain mostly unexplored, as the presence of multicopy gene families poses a challenge for genetic studies. Here we report the deletion of a 1.1-Mb segment of the mouse X chromosome that is syntenic with the human Xq22.1 region and contains 20 genes that are expressed predominantly in testis and brain, including three members of the nuclear export factor gene family (Nxf2, Nxf3, and Nxf7) and five copies of preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma-like 3 (Pramel3). We have shown that germline-specific Cre/loxP-mediated deletion of this 1.1-Mb segment is efficient and causes defective chromosomal synapsis, meiotic arrest, and sterility in male mice. Our results demonstrate that this 1.1-Mb region contains one or more novel X-linked factors that are essential for male meiosis.
Relationships between Modes of Social Interaction

The increased emphasis on improved middle range theories in social science represents a response to the theoretical and practical limitations of broad, general theories (see for example, Weick, 1974). In the spirit of this movement toward middle range theories, we argue that three distinctive modes of social interaction can be identified. Moreover, it is further argued that behavior within a given mode is best explained by application of a unique middle range theory. However, the central focus is on a different, but closely connected issue. This issue concerns how movements occur between interaction modes. In effect, we are asking how linkages can be built between middle range theories of social interaction. For convenience, the analysis is limited to the simplest form of interaction — the dyad. However, either one or both parties to the dyad can be conceptualized as an individual, group, or organizational entity. Since our current concerns are speculative and exploratory, social interaction is examined abstractly without specifying a certain type. Later, the adequacy of this abstract approach can be tested by reference to more specific cases.
Supply Chain Metrics that Matter, by Lora M. Cecere. Wiley, 2014

The author, head of a supply chain research firm, Supply Chain Insights, has over 35 years’ experience in the practice of supply chain management. The book, based on research done by her firm, prov...
Neurotologic evaluation of facial nerve paralysis caused by gunshot wounds

Facial nerve injury is one of the most common neurotologic sequelae of a gunshot wound (GSW) to the head or neck. However, few neurotologic studies have been performed on the nature and time course...
Modulation and Detection Techniques for Optical Communication Systems

Performance and implementation complexity of various binary and nonbinary modulation methods with coherent, differentially coherent and noncoherent detection are compared. Nonbinary modulation with coherent detection maximizes spectral efficiency and improves tolerance to transmission impairments, while enabling effective, low-complexity electrical compensation of these impairments.
Psychosocial Interventions for Patients With Advanced Cancer and Their Families

Few randomized controlled trials of family-based psychosocial interventions involving patients and at least one other family member have been conducted in the context of advanced cancer. Moreover, existing interventions have largely been stand-alone programs that have not been well integrated into routine palliative and clinical care. Programs that address this gap may not only improve patient and caregiver quality of life (QOL) but also the quality of palliative and supportive care services. The aim of this narrative review is to describe published interventions that have attempted to improve the QOL of advanced cancer patients and their family caregivers (eg, spouses, partners, and other family members) and to describe some of the challenges that make it difficult to implement such programs in clinical settings. Toward that end, the added value that family-based psychosocial interventions can bring to advanced cancer care is first described. Next, the literature on family-based interventions in advanced cancer is reviewed, and different theoretical approaches and outcomes are highlighted. This is followed by a description of some of the health system barriers to supportive family care in advanced cancer care. The article concludes with a synthesis of research findings and proposes directions for future research.
Improved Power Coefficient of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines Using Optimized Lift Control

A research program aimed at developing validated aerodynamic simulations and flow control approaches to improve power generation characteristics of wind turbines is presented. This utilizes the University of Notre Dame’s new Laboratory for Enhanced Wind Energy Research (eWiND). This initiative includes a fully instrumented meteorological tower and two pitch-controlled wind turbines. The wind turbines are representative in their design and operation to larger multi-megawatt turbines, but of a scale that allows rotors to be easily instrumented and replaced to explore new design concepts. Analysis of a general set of wind turbines indicates that rotor lift control applied in Region II of the turbine power curve would produce a notable increase in annual power generated. The lift control system is designed and evaluated in CFD simulations using a “quantitative design optimization” approach that seeks to maximize flow control impact. This was based on trailing edge shaping aimed at reaching lift and lift-to-drag goals predicted to improve power generation characteristics and annual energy production (AEP) for the wind turbine. Designs like this are validated in wind tunnel experiments on 2-D rotor sections in preparation for testing in the full atmospheric environment of the eWiND Laboratory.
Physiological responses of guinea-pig myenteric neurons secondary to the release of endogenous serotonin by tryptamine

Abstract Intracellular recordings showed that administration of pulses of tryptamine mimicked one of the actions of serotonin (a slow depolarization associated with an increased input resistance) on type II/AH neurons of the myenteric plexus. After superfusion at high concentration tryptamine initially acted like serotonin, but then blocked the action of serotonin on these cells. Measurements of the release of preloaded [3H]serotonin or [3H]norepinephrine revealed that tryptamine is a potent releaser of these labeled amines; this release is Ca2+ independent but temperature dependent. Moreover, incubation with tryptamine depleted the myenteric plexus of endogenous serotonin. Since tryptamine has previously been demonstrated not to inhibit the binding of [3H]serotonin to its enteric neural receptor we framed the hypothesis that the serotonin-releasing action of tryptamine is responsible for its ability to mimic serotonin when given in pulses or to desensitize serotonin receptors through the prolonged release of serotonin when it is superfused. This hypothesis was tested by examining the action of tryptamine on the serotonin-mediated slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked in type II/AH neurons by fiber tract stimulation. Tryptamine superfusion antagonized these slow potentials as predicted. Moreover, after a long time when endogenous serotonin was depleted, the response of type II/AH neurons to exogenous serotonin recovered but the slow synaptic potential did not. The action of tryptamine on this neuron was relatively specific. When the slow synaptic potential and serotonin responses were blocked by tryptamine the type II/AH neurons still responded to acetylcholine. Fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials were not affected by tryptamine. Furthermore, other types of neurons (I/S) and other neuronal responses to serotonin (such as a fast depolarization with decreased input resistance or presynaptic inhibition of acetylcholine release) were not blocked by tryptamine. Finally, radioautographic studies revealed a neural uptake of tryptamine in the chemically sympathectomized myenteric plexus; however, the distribution of tryptamine in the plexus was different from that of serotonin and was not blocked by excess non-radioactive serotonin. Therefore tryptamine does not enter myenteric neurons via the specific serotonin uptake mechanism; however, zimelidine, found to be a selective inhibitor of the enteric uptake of serotonin, antagonized the release of serotonin by tryptamine and attenuated the effect of tryptamine on responses to serotonin. It was hypothesized that zimelidine might inhibit the outward transport of serotonin, displaced by tryptamine from synaptic vesicles. It is concluded that tryptamine releases physiologically active serotonin. Tryptamine should therefore prove to be a useful tool for studying actions of serotonin. Moreover, interactions with serotonergic (and noradrenergic) neurons will have to be considered in the future in interpreting experiments on the action of tryptamine.
Distinguishing Age, Period, and Cohort Effects

Assessing the effects of growing older has always been a central task of scholars and researchers in the academic specialties that focus on age-related phenomena. Although effects have rarely been attributed to chronological aging or the mere passage of time after birth, such age-related changes as the accumulation of experience, role changes, and biological maturation and decline have been thought to bring about changes in attitudes, values, behavior, affective states, cognitive ability, and relations with other people. A fairly typical hypothesis about attitudinal change and aging, for instance, is that accommodation and adaptation to existing social arrangements tend to make aging persons more conservative in the sense of being resistant to change (Glenn, 1974). An example of a hypothesis concerning aging and behavior is that declines in energy and risk-taking propensities associated with biological aging tend to diminish participation in conventional crime (Hirschi & Gottfredson, 1983).
A Social History of Disease: Contextualizing the Rise and Fall of Social Inequalities in Cause-Specific Mortality

Fundamental cause theory posits that social inequalities in health arise because of unequal access to flexible resources, including knowledge, money, power, prestige, and beneficial social connections, which allow people to avoid risk factors and adopt protective factors relevant in a particular place. In this study, we posit that diseases should also be put into temporal context. We characterize diseases as transitioning through four stages at a given time: (1) natural mortality, characterized by no knowledge about risk factors, preventions, or treatments for a disease in a population; (2) producing inequalities, characterized by unequal diffusion of innovations; (3) reducing inequalities, characterized by increased access to health knowledge; and (4) reduced mortality/disease elimination, characterized by widely available prevention and effective treatment. For illustration, we pair an ideal-types analysis with mortality data to explore hypothesized incidence rates of diseases. Although social inequalities exist in incidence rates of many diseases, the cause, extent, and direction of inequalities change systematically in relation to human intervention. This article highlights opportunities for further development, specifically highlighting the role of stage duration in maintaining social inequalities in cause-specific mortality.
BEN domain protein Elba2 can functionally substitute for linker histone H1 in Drosophila in vivo

Metazoan linker histones are essential for development and play crucial roles in organization of chromatin, modification of epigenetic states and regulation of genetic activity. Vertebrates express multiple linker histone H1 isoforms, which may function redundantly. In contrast, H1 isoforms are not present in Dipterans, including D. melanogaster, except for an embryo-specific, distantly related dBigH1. Here we show that Drosophila BEN domain protein Elba2, which is expressed in early embryos and was hypothesized to have insulator-specific functions, can compensate for the loss of H1 in vivo. Although the Elba2 gene is not essential, its mutation causes a disruption of normal internucleosomal spacing of chromatin and reduced nuclear compaction in syncytial embryos. Elba2 protein is distributed ubiquitously in polytene chromosomes and strongly colocalizes with H1. In H1-depleted animals, ectopic expression of Elba2 rescues the increased lethality and ameliorates abnormalities of chromosome architecture and heterochromatin functions. We also demonstrate that ectopic expression of BigH1 similarly complements the deficiency of H1 protein. Thus, in organisms that do not express redundant H1 isoforms, the structural and biological functions performed by canonical linker histones in later development, may be shared in early embryos by weakly homologous proteins, such as BigH1, or even unrelated, non-homologous proteins, such as Elba2.
Squaring the (Magic) Circle: A Brief Definition and History of Pervasive Games

Pervasive games defy Johan Huizinga’s classic definition of play as being something “outside ‘ordinary life’” with their “own proper boundaries of time and space according to fixed rules and an orderly manner”. Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman develop Huizinga’s concept of the magic circle and discuss its function as a boundary between the real world and the game world. However, pervasive games seem to form a distinct category of games or types of play that breach both the spatial and the temporal confines of the magic circle. Pervasive games are of particular interest for the way in which they make use of the natural or the built environment as a playspace in a distinct and sometimes alarming overlap with the real world. This chapter offers some definitions and examples of some popular pervasive games, briefly tracing the evolution of treasure hunts, assassination games, live action role-play and alternate reality games, all of which more-or-less confound the notion of the magic circle.
Philosophical Foundations of Systems Research

This chapter serves as introduction to the evolution of systems theory and practice in order to articulate a framework for systems research. It begins with a discussion of the meaning and significance of systems research, articulating both a distinction and a relationship between research into the nature of systems and a systemic approach to research. The chapter then outlines a cyclical framework based on relational theory, as initially conceived by Robert Rosen and further elaborated by John Kineman, which will provide a meta-theoretical orientation and organizational framework for the remainder of the book. In order to establish a historical and theoretical context for the book, the chapter explores the evolution of the systems concept, and briefly summarizes developments in the broad ranging systems field, beginning with an overview of applied systems approaches, including both systems technology and systems design, and continuing with an exploration into the various theoretical orientations in the systems sciences. Building on this background, the chapter outlines the ontological, epistemological, and ethical considerations that inform research into systems, as well as a systemic approach to research, suggesting a potential, and perhaps critical, role for the proposed conceptual framework in facilitating a greater integration between these two approaches. Finally, it highlights the qualities of inclusivity, collaboration, and holistic thinking inherent in systems research.
Targeted Delivery of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics via Nonviral Vectors

Nucleic acid therapeutics were initially considered for treating hereditary diseases, but their potential role in the treatment of acquired diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases etc., is now widely recognized. The main objective in gene therapy via a systemic pathway is the development of a stable and nontoxic targeted nonviral gene vector that can encapsulate and deliver foreign genetic materials into cells with the transfection efficiency of viral vectors. Targeting of such gene delivery systems to the diseased site can further improve efficacy, minimize toxicity, and also lower the cost of therapy. This chapter discusses various nucleic acid therapeutics, nonviral gene delivery vectors as well as targeting approaches to achieve safe and efficient nucleic acid delivery.
Self-Injurious Behavior in Children With Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review of Behavioral Intervention Literature:

We reviewed single-case research studies examining the effects of behavioral interventions for self-injurious behavior (SIB) in young children with autism and developmental disabilities. Systematic searches of electronic databases, journals, and reference lists identified 46 studies (66 participants younger than the age of 12) meeting inclusion criteria. Studies were examined based on (a) participant demographics, (b) topography and function of SIB, (c) type of functional behavior assessment (FBA), (d) intervention procedures and outcomes, and (e) experimental design and measurement. Intervention strategies were categorized as antecedent manipulations, teaching behavior, consequence-based procedures, and/or extinction procedures. Positive outcomes were reported for 78% of participants in the reviewed studies and 88% of the participants were diagnosed with autism. Results suggest the effectiveness of behavioral interventions to decrease SIB for young children with disabilities; however, the frequent use of packaged interventions without component analysis limits the conclusiveness of any treatment recommendation. Suggestions for future research are discussed.
Hierarchical Location Identification of Destabilizing Faults and Attacks in Power Systems: A Frequency-Domain Approach

An optimization-based data-driven approach is proposed to identify the unknown location(s) of destabilizing faults and attacks in power systems. The analysis in this paper kicks in at the critical moment where the presence of destabilizing fault or attack is detected within the power system; therefore, there is an immediate need to identify the location(s) of the affected generators or loads in order to enable proper and effective post-detection measures. The proposed method works in frequency-domain. It does not require prior knowledge about the number of affected location(s). It is accurate in identifying the correct locations and also in preventing false alarms. It is computationally more efficient than its time-domain counterparts. Importantly, it is well-suited to be implemented in a hierarchical fashion, with applications such as in wide area monitoring systems. Various case studies on IEEE 9 and IEEE 39 bus test systems verified the performance of the proposed algorithms.
Empirical Status of One-Session Treatment

One-session treatment (OST) is a massed, intensive exposure treatment that is maximized to a single 3-hour session. OST uniquely incorporates a variety of efficacious methods such as participant modeling, reinforcement, psychoeducation, and cognitive challenges during graduated exposure (Davis and Ollendick, Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice 12:144–160, 2005; Davis et al., Cognitive and Behavioral Practice 16:294–303, 2009; Ost, Phobias: A handbook of theory, research, and treatment, pp. 227–247, 1997; Zlomke and Davis, Behavior Therapy 39:207–223, 2008). To address these points, various other chapters have covered the implementation of OST (see Chaps. 4–7 and 9) using the extant literature to describe the principles and administration of OST with a variety of different individuals. This chapter, however, will examine the literature to determine the evidence base behind the use of OST, and its current evidentiary standing will be evaluated and updated (see Davis et al., Clinical Psychology Review 31:592–602, 2011; Davis and Ollendick, Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice 12:144–160, 2005; and Zlomke and Davis, Behavior Therapy 39:207–223, 2008 for previous reviews). The most detailed review of OST to date, by Zlomke and Davis (Behavior Therapy 39:207–223, 2008), summarized the literature and concluded that approximately 85–90% of individuals receiving OST benefited significantly from the treatment and that it met empirically supported treatment criteria for a probably efficacious intervention at that time. In the years since Zlomke and Davis, however, a number of other studies have added to the evidence base for OST making a new, updated review timely.
A Seabed Classification Approach Based on Multiple Acoustic Sensors in the Hudson River Estuary

Due to the increasing demand for clean water, recreation areas, and healthy ecosystems the management of watersheds has become an issue of increasing importance. This demand has increased the need for detailed inventories of the present state of watersheds and the understanding of related processes. In 1996, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) initiated an effort to map the benthic habitat of the Hudson River Estuary as part of a larger Hudson River Action Plan. This project includes extensive mapping using sidescan sonar, subbottom profiling, single and multi-beam bathymetry, as well as collecting ground truth data with sediment cores, grab samples, and sediment profiling imagery (SPI). The goal of the project is the creation of a comprehensive data set that includes detailed interpretive maps of sediment distribution, grain size, bed forms, and benthic habitats (Ladd et al., 2002).
Bill Rashkind’s contribution to pediatric cardiology

I would like to thank Professor Buhlmeyer and his colleagues in Munich for having this meeting dedicated to Dr. William Rashkind. As his longtime friend and colleague, I am greatly honored to share with you a few memories about Bill Rashkind. He was a special friend to many of us around the world, especially here in Europe, where he was a great admirer of the history, culture, and the arts of the Old World.
Intraoperative tissue expansion in the surgical correction of craniosynostosis

Calvarial vault expansion is a frequently performed surgical procedure for craniosynostosis, and its safety is well-supported in the literature (1–3). However, a known possible sequela of this procedure is postoperative wound complication, which may be related to tension on the closure of the coronal incision (3–5). Because the volume of the calvarial vault is purposefully expanded during this surgery, there is also an inherent increase in the surface area, albeit to a lesser degree. Because the soft tissue cover remains the same size, there is often a relative paucity of soft tissue coverage compared with the newly enlarged cranial vault and, thus, the wound closures in these cases are typically under a significant degree of tension. Use of towel clips and other instruments to approximate wound edges for closure can cause scalp trauma. Alternatively, intraoperative tissue expansion of the scalp using a tissue expander recruits additional tissue into the expanded field via mechanical creep for acute wound closure (6,7). The use of tissue expansion is a well-established reconstructive modality in pediatric patients and can potentially provide a means to reduce tension on the closure of the coronal incisions performed for calvarial vault remodelling (8). However, performing an additional surgery to expand the scalp skin before calvarial vault expansion could both delay the definitive surgery and expose the patient to the risks associated with an additional surgical procedure with concomitant anesthetic risks. Placement and subsequent removal of a tissue expander during calvarial vault expansion (ie, intraoperative tissue expansion) could diminish tension on the closure and potentially lead to a reduced rate of wound healing complications after surgery, without subjecting the patient to an additional surgery or several sequential clinic visits for expansion. Onishi et al (9,10) have published case reports of such a method. The present article represents the first reported cohort study. We sought to determine whether intraoperative tissue expansion using a subgaleal tissue expander during calvarial vault remodelling for craniosynostosis results in a greater incidence of well-healed surgical incisions compared with standard incision closure.
The Application and Utilization of an Ambulatory Recording System for the Screening of Sleep Disorders

ABSTRACT.It has become apparent in the last few years that many sleep complaints expressed by patients may involve cessation of breathing during sleep (apnea) or severe leg jerks (periodic movements in sleep-PMS), causing brief arousals throughout the night. The most commonly used practice for screening of these two disorders has been an all-night laboratory polysomnogram, which records sleep/wake, respiration, and leg movements. This technique involves, for the patient, a high cost, restriction of movement, and an unfamiliar and sometimes frightening setting. During the last few years our laboratory has used a portable ambulatory recording method to screen for sleep apnea and PMS, establishing a reliable and comfortable screening procedure in the patient's own home. The overall cost of an initial screening is thus reduced, as is the time spent by the technician who, in the laboratory, would monitor the patient all night. This method allows more patients to be screened by one technician and allows easy ap...
Overcoming organizational barriers to web accessibility in higher education: a case study

The number of students with disabilities who attend college is rising, which may be one of the many positive outcomes of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. While issues of adequate access to assistive technologies in computer labs, classrooms and libraries continue to be of importance for students with disabilities, it is apparent that consideration of the accessibility of academic cyberspace is also important for this growing population of students. This chapter is a case study of a successful Web accessibility initiative at the University of Arizona. Recommendations for both policy and implementation are included, with a discussion of how organizational culture and structure affects such efforts.
Characterization of Carbonate Minerals in Oil Shales and Coals by Infrared Spectroscopy

The Bureau of Mines, US Department of the Interior, is conducting basic research on the minerals that are associated with oil shales and coals, our most abundant fossil fuel reserves. A knowledge of associated minerals will not only aid in developing methods for maximum recovery and utilization of these fuel resources, but may contribute toward profitable utilization of the minerals themselves. The carbonate minerals are of particular interest in these studies. Some that occur in oil shale beds are not only abundant, but potentially valuable. The carbonate minerals occurring in coal play a significant role in many of its uses. For example, carbonate minerals have been shown to increase the retention of sulfur during coal combustion,(1,2) and hence are of interest in air pollution research.
In model-based fMRI significant is less than specific

By comparing computational model output to BOLD signal changes model-based fMRI has the potential to offer profound insight into what neural computations occur when. If this potential is to be fully realized, statistically significant outcomes must imply specific outcomes. That is, we must have a clear idea of how often a model not present in the BOLD signal but present in the predictor set will reach significance. We ran Monte Carlo simulations of reinforcement learning to examine this kind of specificity, focusing in on two aspects. One, to what degree can we tell related but theoretically distinct predictors apart. About 40% of the time the studied predictors were indistinguishable. Two, how well can we separate out different parameterizations of the same reinforcement learning terms. Nearly all parameter settings were indistinguishable. The lack of specificity between models and between parameters suggests a uncertain relation between significance and specificity. Follow up analyses suggest the temporally slow and prototyped nature of the haemodynamic response (HRF) can substantially increase correlations, ranging from -0.16 to 0.73 with an average of 0.27. Though we focused on a single case study, i.e., reinforcement learning, specificity concerns are potentially present in any design which does not account for the slow prototyped nature of the HRF. We suggest more specific conclusions can be reached by moving from null hypothesis testing approach to a model selection or model comparison framework.
Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: Can MRI Differentiate Leiomyosarcoma From Benign Leiomyoma Before Treatment?

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to provide background on the epidemiologic, clinical, and economic impact of uterine leiomyomas, summarize the concerns associated with treating women with...
Development and evaluation of an arterial spin-labeling digital reference object for quality control and comparison of data analysis applications.

Longitudinal assessment of quantitative imaging biomarkers (QIBs) requires a comprehensive quality control (QC) program to minimize bias and variance in measurement results. In addition, the availability of data analysis software from multiple vendors emphasizes the need for a means of quantitatively comparing the computed QIB measures produced by the applications. The purpose of this work is to describe a digital reference object (DRO) that has been developed for the evaluation of arterial spin-labeling (ASL) measurement results. The ASL DRO is a synthetic data set consisting of 10 × 10 voxel square blocks with a range of ASL control image signal-to-noise ratio (SNRControl), blood flow (BF), and proton density (PD) image SNR values (SNRControl:1-100, BF:10-210 ml/100 g min-1, SNRPD:10-100). A pseudo-continuous ASL sequence was simulated with acquisition parameters and modeled signal intensities defined according to those typically associated with clinically-acquired ASL images. ASL parameters were estimated using the commercially-available nordicICE software package (NordicNeuroLab, Inc, Milwaukee, WI). Percent bias measures and Bland-Altman analyses demonstrated decreased bias and variance with increasing SNRControl and BF values. Excellent agreement with reference values was seen for all BF values above an SNRControl of 5 (concordance correlation coefficient greater than 0.92 for all SNRPD values). The ASL DRO developed in this work allows for the evaluation of software bias and variance across physiologically-meaningful BF and SNRControl values. Such studies are essential to the transition of quantitative ASL-based BF measurements into widespread clinical research applications, and ultimately, routine clinical care.
Novel displays of patient information in critical care settings: a systematic review.

Objective Clinician information overload is prevalent in critical care settings. Improved visualization of patient information may help clinicians cope with information overload, increase efficiency, and improve quality. We compared the effect of information display interventions with usual care on patient care outcomes. Materials and methods We conducted a systematic review including experimental and quasi-experimental studies of information display interventions conducted in critical care and anesthesiology settings. Citations from January 1990 to June 2018 were searched in PubMed and IEEE Xplore. Reviewers worked independently to screen articles, evaluate quality, and abstract primary outcomes and display features. Results Of 6742 studies identified, 22 studies evaluating 17 information displays met the study inclusion criteria. Information display categories included comprehensive integrated displays (3 displays), multipatient dashboards (7 displays), physiologic and laboratory monitoring (5 displays), and expert systems (2 displays). Significant improvement on primary outcomes over usual care was reported in 12 studies for 9 unique displays. Improvement was found mostly with comprehensive integrated displays (4 of 6 studies) and multipatient dashboards (5 of 7 studies). Only 1 of 5 randomized controlled trials had a positive effect in the primary outcome. Conclusion We found weak evidence suggesting comprehensive integrated displays improve provider efficiency and process outcomes, and multipatient dashboards improve compliance with care protocols and patient outcomes. Randomized controlled trials of physiologic and laboratory monitoring displays did not show improvement in primary outcomes, despite positive results in simulated settings. Important research translation gaps from laboratory to actual critical care settings exist.
Justice Anthony Kennedy Retires (1988–2018)

More than any single ruling, the retirement of Justice Kennedy may be the most influential event of the last term. Kennedy offers dual legacies: often described as a swing vote, but on the whole more conservative than not; defender of free speech and of gay rights, which came into conflict in one of his last major decisions in Masterpiece Cakeshop; loved and hated by many as author of both Obergefell and Citizens United; Justice Kennedy emerged in the tumultuous conflict over the nomination of arch-conservative Robert Bork, and his departure spurred the public conflict over the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh. Kennedy’s legacies are a reflection of the divided political and constitutional culture of contemporary politics.
An Ultrasound Prediction Equation to Estimate DXA-Derived Body Fatness for Middle-Aged and Older Caucasian Adults.

Currently, only one study has used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived percent body fat (BF%) as the criterion measure to develop ultrasound prediction equations to estimate BF% in adults between the ages of 50 and 80 years. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between BF% estimated from subcutaneous fat thickness using a previously published Japanese-based prediction equation and DXA-derived BF% in Caucasian middle-aged and older adults. A secondary aim was to develop a new prediction equation for Caucasian adults if the previously published equation did not predict BF% well in Caucasians. Cross-sectional study. One-hundred and two Caucasian adults aged 50–76 years (59 men and 43 women) had ultrasound fat thickness and DXA values measured. A new BF% prediction model was developed using ordinary least squares multiple linear regression. There was a strong correlation between ultrasound predicted and DXA-derived BF% (r = 0.882, p 0.05). However, the predicted BF% was significantly higher compared to DXA-derived BF% (approximately 4%). A newly developed nonlinear prediction model used to estimate BF% was significant [F(17,84) = 33.44, p<0.001] with an R2 of 0.871 and an adjusted R2 of 0.845. When examining the stability of the model, bootstrapping (n=1000) resulted in an optimism value of 0.1135 so that the corrected R2 was 0.758. After removing an outlier, the model was significant [F(17,83) = 34.82, p<0.001] and it’s R2 was 0.877 and adjusted R2 was 0.852. The developed equation was stable with a high degree of variance compared to results from previous studies. The results of this study also suggest that ethnicity should be considered when choosing which prediction equations should be used to estimate BF%.
Owning Bad: Leverage and Spite in Property Law

Can the exercise of property rights be a civil wrong? People may undertake acts that otherwise fall within their envelopes of ownership in order to exploit bargaining leverage or to spite others: erecting a hideous high fence just to block a neighbor’s light and air, discharging a gun near the property line to disrupt a neighbor’s trade, or demanding an exorbitant price for the trivial entry of a construction crane into one’s airspace. The civil law notion of abuse of right posits implicit carve-outs from property rights for badly motivated acts, while equity steps in to deny relief or adjust remedies when owners behave badly. Yet examining owners’ reasons—at least outside of special contexts like antidiscrimination law—seems at odds with the categorical in rem rights that characterize property. This essay aims to untangle this puzzle. The core insight is that there are multiple possible mechanisms through which putatively absolute property rights can be made less so, some of which involve weighing the motives and interests of nonowners instead of, or in addition to, those of owners. Owners’ distasteful reasons for action are often diagnostic of situations in which property rights should be made less absolute. But it does not follow that unsavory motives must therefore form an all-purpose exception to property rights. Whether the goodness or badness of an owner’s reasons for action should be decisive in a particular class of cases depends on the availability and relative efficacy of other mechanisms for addressing individual and societal vulnerability to ownership’s prerogatives.