cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pretreatment With Angiotensin Receptor Blockade Prevents Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Blunts Left Ventricular Remodeling Associated With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background— This study was designed to determine the effects of pretreatment with an angiotensin receptor blocker on left ventricular (LV) function and remodeling during acute myocardial infarction (MI). Methods and Results— Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with candesartan (10 mg · kg−1 · d−1) for 2 weeks and studied at 1, 3, and 6 minutes after MI. Compared with untreated rats, pretreatment with candesartan lowered (P<0.05) LV systolic pressure and the first derivative of LV pressure with respect to time but did not change LV end-diastolic pressure or improve LV regional function. With candesartan pretreatment, LV fractional shortening and ejection fraction increased (P<0.05) by 37% and 28%, and LV chamber dilation was attenuated (P<0.05). At 6 minutes after MI, LV endothelial nitric oxide synthase decreased in the infarcted and noninfarcted wall 47% (P=0.04) and 70% (P=0.002), and constitutive microtubulin increased 260% (P=0.0005) and 111% (P=0.003). Candesartan had no effect on LV tissue endotheli...
Aggregating Expert Ratings Using Preference-Neutral Weights: The Case of the College Football Polls

I use two principal college football polls to illustrate a preference-neutral linear programming procedure for determining optimal weights for aggregating expert ratings. I compute the weights for 84 weekly polls released during the 1999 through 2003 college football seasons. The weights vary from week to week (sometimes considerably over a year), the range of weights over which the aggregate ranking holds also tends to vary and to be quite small (with a range of zero almost half the time), and nothing is systematic about the week-to-week changes in either the weights or their ranges. The results suggest that predisposition to a particular set of weights is a bad idea, not just for the purpose of aggregating the football polls, but in any situation in which one wants to aggregate ratings provided by multiple sources of complementary expertise.
Comparing the predictive powers of survival models using Harrell's C or Somers' D

Medical researchers frequently make statements that one model pre- dicts survival better than another, and they are frequently challenged to provide rigorous statistical justification for those statements. Stata provides the estat concordance command to calculate the rank parameters Harrell's C and Somers' D as measures of the ordinal predictive power of a model. However, no confidence limits or p-values are provided to compare the predictive power of distinct models. The somersd package, downloadable from Statistical Software Components, can provide such confidence intervals, but they should not be taken seriously if they are calculated in the dataset in which the model was fit. Methods are demonstrated for fitting alternative models to a training set of data, and then measuring and comparing their predictive powers by using out-of-sample prediction and somersd in a test set to produce statistically sensible confidence intervals and p-values for the differences between the predictive powers of different models.
An Approach for Recognizing Text Labels in Raster Maps

Text labels in raster maps provide valuable geospatial information by associating geographical names with geospatial locations. Although present commercial optical character recognition (OCR) products can achieve a high recognition rate on documents containing text lines of the same orientation, text recognition on raster maps is challenging due to the varying text orientations and the overlap of text labels. This paper presents a text recognition approach that focuses on locating individual text labels in the map and detecting their orientations to then leverage the horizontal text recognition capability of commercial OCR software. We show that our approach detects accurate string orientations and achieves 96.2% precision and 94.7% recall on character recognition and 80.6% precision and 84.1% recall on word recognition.
Trichuris suis seems to be safe and possibly effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Trichuris suis seems to be safe and possibly effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Dilemma of a Cretaceous Time Scale and Rates of Sea-Floor Spreading

A recent proposal for a surge in Cretaceous sea-floor spreading rates caused us to examine the basis for a Cretaceous absolute time scale, because spreading-rate calculations depend on the absolute ages assigned to stratigraphic (fossil) ages of submarine magnetic anomalies. Published estimates of Cretaceous spreading rates are based on Harland and others9 (1964) Phanerozoic Time-Scale (PTS), which, because of poor absolute-age control, arbitrarily divides the Cretaceous into stages of equal duration. If another apparently permissible Cretaceous time scale is used, the proposed spreading surge can be nearly erased. We conclude that Cretaceous spreading rates will not be finally established until the Cretaceous time scale is more precisely calibrated to absolute time.
Decomposition of fairness and performance aspects for high assurance continuous process-control systems

There are many applications that can be modeled as evolutions of continuous state spaces, such as real-time embedded systems, etc. For such applications, the divide-and-conquer method is usually used to achieve high quality software development. Instead of decomposing the state space based on phases, objects, etc., we decompose the state space based on aspects. Typically, there are four kinds of aspects, namely, constraint aspects, goal aspects, fairness aspects, and performance aspects. In our previous work (Bastini et al., 2001), we have investigated the decomposition of a system into constraint and goal aspects. In this paper, we further discuss the separation of fairness and performance aspects from constraint aspects and goal aspects, and the decomposition of fairness and performance aspects. All the decomposed aspects are guaranteed to be independently developable end-user assessable logical (IDEAL) aspects, meaning that each aspect can be designed and implemented independently, and can be tested or verified by the end user independently. Also, the system level properties (safety, stability, and reliability) can be inferred from the decomposed aspects mathematically to a high degree of confidence. A vehicle control system is used to illustrate the handling of the fairness and performance aspects in continuous process-control systems.
Long-term outcome and toxicity in a Phase I/II trial using high-dose-rate multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy for T1/T2 breast cancer

Abstract Purpose To present an updated analysis of survival, recurrence rate, and toxicity for a cohort of women with early-stage breast cancer treated with high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for accelerated partial breast irradiation. Methods and materials From August 1997 to July 2001, a total of 32 women with 33 breast cancers were treated with interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy after breast-conserving surgery as part of a Phase I/II protocol. All patients had T1–2 tumors with ≤3 axillary nodes positive, nonlobular histology, negative surgical margins, and no evidence of extracapsular lymph node extension. Multiple brachytherapy catheters were used and radiation was delivered with a high activity (3–10 Ci) 192Ir source placed via remote after loader. Dose was prescribed to the tumor bed plus a 2 cm margin. A total of 3400 cGy was delivered in 10 fractions of 340 cGy each given twice daily over 5 days. Toxicities (skin, subcutaneous tissue, pain, fat necrosis) were evaluated by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria; cosmesis was assessed using a previously published scale. Toxicity scores were separated into four followup intervals: ≤6 months, >6 months and ≤2 years, >2 and ≤5 years, and >5 years. Results The actuarial local recurrence rate was 6.1% at 5 years with the last measured event at 70.5 months. A total of three treatment failures were observed at 25.8, 39.9, and 70.5 months of followup. All three were elsewhere failures within the treated breast. One patient died after 90.0 months of followup secondary to a subsequently diagnosed small-cell lung cancer. For the purpose of analysis, toxicity scores were assigned to each of four followup intervals: ≤6 months, >6 but ≤24 months, >24 but ≤60 months, and >60 months. Fat necrosis was not seen in the first 6 months after treatment, then appeared in 27.3% of patients from 6 to 24 months, 28.1% from 24 to 60 months, and 17.9% beyond 60 months. Skin toxicity appeared to stabilize with longer followup: the percentage of patients showing any degree of skin toxicity was 69.7%, 33.3%, 40.6%, and 28.6% at each successive time interval. Subcutaneous toxicity increased beyond 60 months: moderate to severe subcutaneous toxicity was seen in 15.2%, 18.2%, 18.8%, and 35.7% of patients successively. The percentage of patients with less than excellent cosmetic outcome improved beyond 60 months (21.2%, 21.2%, 21.9%, and 11.1% successively). Only 1 patient experienced more than mild pain at any time. The percentage of patients experiencing any degree of pain improved over time (30.3%, 33.3%, 18.8%, 17.9%). Conclusions Our series showed a local recurrence rate of 6.1% at 5 years, which is comparable to that seen in conventional whole breast series. Fat necrosis was found in more than half the cohort. Fat necrosis, pain, and cosmesis appeared to improve with longer followup, whereas subcutaneous toxicity worsened and skin toxicity stabilized.
Correlations between GPS and USNO Master Clock time

The U.S. Naval Observatory Master Clock is used to steer the Global Positioning System (GPS) time. Time transfer data consisting of the difference between the Master Clock and GPS time has been acquired from all satellites in the GPS constellation covering a time period from 10 October 1995 to 12 December 1995. A Fourier analysis of the data shows a distinct peak in the Fourier spectrum corresponding to approximately a one day period. In order to determine this period more accurately, correlations are computed between successive days of the data, and an average of twenty five correlation functions shows that there exists a correlation equal to 0.52 at delay time 23 h 56 min, which corresponds to twice the average GPS satellite period. This correlation indicates that GPS time, as measured by the U.S. Naval Observatory, is periodic with respect to the Master Clock, with a period of 23 h and 56 min. An autocorrelation of a five day segment of data indicates that these correlations persist for four successive days.
1,3‐Dibutoxy‐1‐lithio‐1‐propene

[–] C11H21LiO2 (MW 192.23) InChI = 1S/C11H21O2.Li/c1-10(2,3)12-8-7-9-13-11(4,5)6;/h7H,8H2,1-6H3; InChIKey = XNWJYWBFYOKOGL-UHFFFAOYSA-N (nucleophilic reagent equivalent to an umpoled enone formed from 1,3-dibutoxypropene and tert-butyllithium) Solubility: sol THF/HMPA. Preparative Method: metalation of 1,3-dibutoxypropene with tert-BuLi in THF/HMPA.1 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: sensitive to air, water, and temperature.
Supergridded cone-beam reconstruction and its application to point-spread function calculation

In cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), the volumetric reconstruction may in principle assume an arbitrarily fine grid. The supergridded cone-beam reconstruction refers to reconstructing the object domain or a subvolume thereof with a grid that is finer than the proper computed tomography sampling grid (as determined by gantry geometry and detector discreteness). This technique can naturally reduce the voxelization effect, thereby retaining more details for object reproduction. The grid refinement is usually limited to two or three refinement levels because the detail pursuit is eventually limited by the detector discreteness. The volume reconstruction is usually targeted to a local volume of interest due to the cubic growth in a three-dimensional (3D) array size. As an application, we used this technique for 3D point-spread function (PSF) measurement of a CBCT system by reconstructing edge spread profiles in a refined grid. Through an experiment with a Teflon ball on a CBCT system, we demonstrated the supergridded volume reconstruction (based on a Feldcamp algorithm) and the CBCT PSF measurement (based on an edge-blurring technique). In comparison with a postreconstruction image refinement technique (upsampling and interpolation), the supergridded reconstruction could produce better PSFs (in terms of a smaller FWHM and PSF fitting error).
Comparison of causal and non-causal linear prediction models for multidimensional spectrum estimation

The authors classify and compare many of the linear prediction models that have appeared recently in the literature. The models considered are classified as quarter-plane causal, half-plane causal, three-quadrant causal, and noncausal. Comparisons are made of the corresponding notions of innovations, regularity, and singularity, and the possibility of Wold-like decompositions for each is discussed. The present work is motivated by the use of these linear prediction schemes as models for rational, multidimensional spectrum estimation. >
Accounting for quiescent cells in tumour growth and cancer treatment.

A four-state cell-cycle model with explicit G1-phase representation, termed the quiescent-cell model (QCM), has been proposed to represent biologically the G1-phase specific effect of the chemotherapeutic tamoxifen. The QCM was used to model untreated and tamoxifen-treated tumour xenograft data from the literature with equivalent accuracy to previously developed tumour growth models. Open-loop analysis demonstrated that perturbations to the two newly introduced parameters, kG01 and kG10, significantly altered untreated tumour growth predictions. However, the sensitivity did not carry over to closed-loop simulations, where alterations to kD and kGS proved most significant in determining overall controller performance. Additional mismatch studies comparing controllers designed using the QCM to controllers designed with the Gompertz model and saturating-rate, cell-cycle model returned similar performance for a stepwise tumour reduction case study, but the quiescent-cell controller delivered a more aggressive treatment regimen. More importantly, the Gompertz and saturating-rate, cell-cycle controllers were unable to follow a reference trajectory when measurement updates were made biweekly, with both controllers returning tamoxifen dose schedules alternating between the maximum and minimum allowable dose.
A curriculum renovation revisited

At the 1999 FIE Conference, a paper was presented that described in detail the process that the College of Engineering at the University of Notre Dame had just undergone in developing a template for change in the Undergraduate Curriculum. In the current paper, the responses to those recommendations and the influence of the changes are reported on, showing the development of the implementation timeline and the details of the steps taken along the way. Moving forward with continuous assessment and improvement in every degree program, the various activities in the College and the Departments continue to be fine tuned. At the same time, the pulse of engineering practice and education is observed as it is nuanced to achieve specific institutional objectives. This paper highlights where the College has been, where it is and where it hopes to be in the next decade. Furthermore, it focuses on the continuing process of implementation and points out how curricular innovation and improvement have become imbedded in the practices of the College
Lagrangian of superfluid 3He.

This paper presents a phenomenological Lagrangian that fully describes the dynamics of any homogeneous phase of superfluid /sup 3/He, unitary or not, omitting relaxation. This Lagrangian is built by using the concept of a local SO(3) x SO(3) x U(1) symmetry. The spin and angular momentum play the role of gauge fields. We derive the Leggett equations for spin and orbital dynamics from the equations of motion, for both the A and the B phase. This Lagrangian not only enables us to describe both the spin and orbital dynamics of superfluid /sup 3/He in a unified fashion, but can also be used for finding the dynamics in any experimental situation. Furthermore, it can describe the dynamics of the magnitude, as well as of the orientation of the order parameter, and thus it can be used to describe the dynamics of the A-B phase transition
Integrating Problem Solving Exercises into Federal Criminal Law

Since the landmark Best Practices for Legal Education Reports was published in 2007, law schools have struggled with the issue of integrating problem-solving exercises, real-world lawyering, ethics lessons, and clinical opportunities into their curricula to supplement traditional lectures and Socratic dialogue. In this short essay, I describe how I have utilized mock exercises and projects in my upper-level Federal Criminal Law class, creating new projects every year to cover the greatest number of skills using the most current legal problems and issues.
Evolutionary radiation of shallow-water Lucinidae (Bivalvia with endosymbionts) as a result of the rise of seagrasses and mangroves

The Lucinidae (Bivalvia) originated in the Silurian Period with adaptations and life habits like those of modern members of this family. Nonetheless, the family remained at very low diversity until beginning a remarkable evolutionary radiation near the end of the Cretaceous Period, when seagrasses and mangroves arose. These marine angiosperms provided protective habitats in which the lucinids suddenly began to flourish, taking advantage of the dysaerobic sediments below roots and rhizomes to acquire sulfides for the endosymbiotic bacteria that they harbor in their gills and employ as food. Lucinids entered a symbiotic relationship with seagrasses, which benefit from the endosymbionts’ uptake of toxic sulfide, and it is in seagrass meadows that they have by far their highest diversity in shallow seas today. The terminal Cretaceous mass extinction had little impact on the taxonomic diversity of lucinids. Presumably they relied heavily on endosymbionts for nutrition at a time when marine pelagic productivity collapsed and many suspension-feeding taxa died out. The lucinids continued their radiation into the Cenozoic Era without interruption.
New thoughts on the correct dosing of prophylactic platelet transfusions to prevent bleeding.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent studies have evaluated the effects of platelet dose on hemostasis. RECENT FINDINGS: As long as a critical level of 5000 platelets/μl is maintained, platelet counts do not affect bleeding. The risk of WHO grade 2 or greater bleeding was 25% on days with morning platelet counts of less than 5000/μl and was 17% at platelet counts between 6000 and 80 000/μl (P < 0.001). Therefore, it is not surprising that platelet doses of half to twice the usual dose of 2.2 × 10(11) platelets/transfusion/body surface area (BSA) do not affect any bleeding grade. However, the risk of grade 2 or greater bleeding is higher in patients receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT, 79%) versus those receiving chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies (73%) or those receiving an autologous HSCT (57%) (P < 0.001 for the latter versus the first two groups). In contrast, in children under 18, the risk of bleeding was higher in all treatment groups than in adults, particularly for children receiving autologous HSCT (93 to 83% based on increasing patient age). However, for none of these treatment categories did platelet dose affect bleeding risk. SUMMARY: Platelet doses in ranges between half to twice the usual dose of 2.2 × 10(11) platelets/transfusion/BSA have no affect on WHO bleeding grades.
One Phase of Reading: Controlled Reading: A Correlation of Diagnostic, Teaching and Corrective Techniques

(1937). One Phase of Reading: Controlled Reading: A Correlation of Diagnostic, Teaching and Corrective Techniques. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 8, No. 7, pp. 397-397.
The Neural Control of Joint Torques in Tendon-Driven Limbs Is Underdetermined

This chapter introduces the mathematical foundations of the classical notion of muscle redundancy. As presented in Chap. 4, a sub-maximal net torque at a joint actuated by tendons can be produced by a variety of combinations of individual forces at each tendon. We see this already in the simplest case of a planar joint with 2 tendons—one on each side of the joint. Of course, each combination of tendon forces will produce different loading at the tendons and joint, and will incur different metabolic or energetic costs, etc. But in principle there are multiple solutions to the problem of achieving a given mechanical output. This underdetermined problem is called the problem of muscle redundancy , and it begs the question of how the nervous system (or a robotic controller) should select a particular solution from among many. This has been called the central problem of motor control and has occupied much of the literature in this field. The main goal of this chapter, however, is to introduce and cast this problem for high-dimensional multi-joint, multi-muscle limbs (it is often only presented in simplified joints). This will serve as the foundation of subsequent chapters where we critically assess this classical notion of muscle redundancy—and challenge its assumptions and conclusions. As mentioned in Chap. 1, however valuable and informative the concept of muscle redundancy has been, it is also paradoxical with respect to the evolutionary process and clinical reality, and should be revised.
A Coordination Control System of Hybrid Wind/PV Power Generating for Outlying Communication Base Stations

Taking the characteristics of power supply at outlying communication base stations and the hybrid wind/ PV power generating technique into account, this paper proposes a hybrid wind/PV power generating coordination control solution applicable to outlying communication base stations. The paper describes its structure and components of the hybrid wind/PV power generating coordination control system and coordination control policies for effective charging, discharging and normal operation of storage batteries. The system can not only efficiently use hybrid wind/PV to generate power in order to ensure outlying communication base stations safety, but also provide a good reference for power users who live in outlying areas and fail to use general electric supply to use hybrid wind/ PV power generation reasonably.
Measles Eradication: The Role of the Anthropologist

been given to preventive medicine and particularly to immunizations. The number of available vaccines is multiplying rapidly, and research directed at developing an even wider range of prophylactic agents is accelerating. Infectious disease continues to be the most important public health problem in the developing world, and vaccine— preventable disease is a cause of significant mortality and morbidity in these areas. Because the World Health Organization has called for the provision of immunizations to all of the world's children by 1990, it is likely that more anthropologists will be called upon to facilitate community acceptance of such programs. In addition to functioning as community mediators, anthropologists have other responsibilities with respect to immunization theory and practice. These include evaluating cost analyses, considering the legal and ethical aspects of immunizations, and examing the consequences of changes in epidemiological patterns in an evolutionary framework. It is also important to study the development of Western disease theory and associated practices in cultural and historical contexts.
The Effect of Sodium Diethanolamine Dithiocarbamate on Distribution and Excretion of CD in Rats Drinking Cd-Containing Water

The effect of sodium diethanolamine dithiocarbamate (DEDTC) on the distribution and excretion of cadmium was studied in three sets of rats whose drinking water contained cadmium at three different concentrations (5, 10 and 50 mg Cd.l-1) for a period of three months. DEDTC administration (500 mg.kg-1, ip) in all exposed groups significantly increased the biliary excretion of cadmium. With the exception of animals drinking water containing the lowest concentration of CD (5 mg.l-1) the urinary excretion was also increased.
Current methods for the management of endometriosis in adolescent patients.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Endometriosis is increasingly recognized as a challenging problem of both diagnosis and management in adolescent gynecology.Areas covered: This special report summarizes the current practices in the evaluation and management of endometriosis in adolescent patients.Expert commentary: We recommend prompt recognition and treatment of endometriosis whenever possible. Management should begin with empiric treatment with NSAIDS and hormonal therapy if complaints of pain interfering with daily activities are elicited. If a patient fails medical therapy after three to six months, surgical intervention is warranted by a clinician experienced in operating in this age range and familiar with the appearance of endometriosis in this age range.
Post-Quantum Cryptography: What Advancements in Quantum Computing Mean for IT Professionals

Advances in quantum computing and particularly their impact on security and privacy is a topic of increasing importance to IT practitioners. The authors provide a readily understandable introduction to quantum computing, as well as post-quantum cryptography. They also explain post-quantum cryptographic solutions such as quantum-resistant algorithms and quantum key distribution. Lastly, the suitability of these solutions is addressed with a focus on their impact on the modern cryptographic infrastructure and applicability to the IT profession.
Abstract B18: Breast health promotion among African immigrant women: Intervention recommendations

Breast cancer is now the most common cancer both in developed and developing countries. It is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among females in economically developing countries. Additionally, breast cancer among African women is quite aggressive and progressive in nature, and often occurs earlier in life. This, coupled with the fact that African women make up one of the fastest growing immigrant population in the United States and immigrants have been shown to have lower rates of mammogram uptake, warrants scientific inquiry about how to effectively promote awareness and support breast cancer early detection and prevention practices in this population. Using Intervention Mapping (IM), a systematic approach to intervention development, recommendations for a program to promote breast health among African immigrant women in the United States will be presented. Final program recommendations are grounded in current scientific literature on breast health promotion strategies, qualitative formative research through semi-structured interviews with women, and theoretical considerations. The resultant program is a comprehensive, multilevel, evidence-based, culturally-appropriate and theory-driven educational curriculum for African immigrant women. Performance objectives (e.g., “obtain an annual mammogram”) will be specified, and behavioral determinants (e.g. knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy) will be discussed as part of a detailed matrix of change objectives for African immigrant women and community leaders. Innovative approaches, theoretical methods and practical strategies, in addition to program materials and activities, will also be described. Citation Format: Ebun O. Odeneye. Breast health promotion among African immigrant women: Intervention recommendations. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr B18.
Optimal dispatch of reactive power for voltage regulation and balancing in unbalanced distribution systems

Optimization of distributed power assets is a powerful tool that has the potential to assist utility efforts to ensure customer voltages are within pre-defined tolerances and to improve distribution system operations. While convex relaxations of Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problems have been proposed for both balanced and unbalanced networks, these approaches do not provide universal convexity guarantees and scale inefficiently as network size and the number of constraints increase. In balanced networks, a linearized model of power flow, the LinDistFlow model, has been successfully employed to solve approximate OPF problems quickly and with high degrees of accuracy. In this work, an extension of the LinDistFlow model is proposed for unbalanced distribution systems, and is subsequently used to formulate an approximate unbalanced OPF problem that uses VAR assets for voltage balancing and regulation. Simulation results on the IEEE 13 node test feeder demonstrate the ability of the unbalanced LinDistFlow model to perform voltage regulation and balance system voltages.
Are cultural heritage and resources threatened by climate change? A systematic literature review

Climate change poses serious threats to the protection and preservation of cultural heritage and resources. Despite a high level of scholarly interest in climate change impacts on natural and socio-economic systems, a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of climate change on cultural heritage and resources across various continents and disciplines is noticeably absent from the literature. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review methodology to identify and characterize the state of knowledge and how the cultural heritage and resources at risk from climate change are being explored globally. Results from 124 reviewed publications show that scholarly interest in the topic is increasing, employs a wide range of research methods, and represents diverse natural and social science disciplines. Despite such increasing and diverse interest in climate change and cultural heritage and resources, the geographic scope of research is limited (predominantly European focused). Additionally, we identified the need for future studies that not only focuses on efficient, sustainable adaptation planning options but also documents if, and how, the implementation of cultural heritage and resources adaptation or preservation is taking place. This systematic literature review can help direct scholarly research in climate change and cultural heritage and resource area. Ultimately, we hope these new directions can influence policy-making for preservation and adaptation of cultural heritage and cultural resources globally.
The Development of Lexical–Semantic Networks in Infants and Toddlers

Researchers have focused for decades on how young children learn individual words. However, they have paid less attention to how children organize their word knowledge into the network of representations that underlies our ability to retrieve the right words efficiently and flexibly when we need them. Although methodological limits have made it difficult to study the development of lexical–semantic networks, in recent work with new paradigms, infants and toddlers have shown that they organize their vocabulary systematically via both categorical and associative relations from around age 2. Combined with work demonstrating that lexical–semantic relations affect early comprehension, production, and learning, this emerging area of research suggests that scientists and practitioners would benefit from more comprehensive theories of language learning that include not only vocabulary development, but also the development of lexical–semantic networks.
Three Previously Undescribed Species of Quercus (Fagaceae) from Mesoamerica and the Designation of a Lectotype for Q. acutifolia

Three previously unrecognized species of Quercus L. from Mexico and Central America are named and described here: Q. breedloveana Nixon & Barrie, Q. sarahmariae Nixon & Barrie, and Q. melissae Nixon & Barrie. Additionally, a lectotype is designated for the name Q. acutifolia Nee, thereby stabilizing its application.
3D PRINTED MODELING OF RIGHT VENTRICLE AND TRICUSPID VALVE FROM CT IMAGES FOR STRUCTURAL HEART INTERVENTIONS

Percutaneous treatment of tricuspid regurgitation using devices such as the MitraClip (Abbott) remains technically challenging. We sought to 3D print patient-specific right ventricle (RV) and tricuspid valve (TV) geometry, reconstructed from CT images, to assess the potential utility of such models
Predictive Value of Collagen Biomarkers for Heart Failure With and Without Preserved Ejection Fraction: MESA (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis)

Background Collagen biomarkers may correlate with incident heart failure (HF) and its subtypes. We hypothesized that circulating procollagen type III N‐terminal propeptide (PIIINP) and collagen type I carboxy‐terminal telopeptide (ICTP) predict incident HF. Methods and Results We used a stratified sampling design in a multiethnic sample of 3187 subjects, initially aged 45 to 84 years and free of cardiovascular disease. We assayed baseline serum PIIINP and ICTP concentrations using radioimmunoassay. Incident HF was adjudicated, distinguishing reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; EF P =0.002) in model 1 and correspondingly 1.45 versus 2.59 ( P =0.003) in model 2. For low ICTP (lower 7 octiles) versus higher ICTP (octile 8), incidence densities were 1.79 versus 3.64 ( P =0.002) in model 1 and 1.58 versus 3.12 ( P =0.002) in model 2. Conclusions High levels of circulating ICTP and PIIINP as collagen biomarkers appear to be associated with incident HFpEF, but not HFrEF.
Cheese | Membrane Processing in Cheese Manufacture

Membrane processing encompasses reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and microfiltration. These processes offer the possibility to separate milk into various fractions that have the ability to enhance the cheesemaking process. The net outcome can include a modification of the quality of cheese, an increase in cheese yield, modified cheese functionality and development of new cheese varieties. Ultrafiltration enables the selective concentration of milk by removal of lactose and soluble minerals. The resulting concentrates have an increased buffer capacity and modified rennet coagulation characteristics. They can be used at a low concentration, equivalent to a concentration factor of less than 2 for manufacture of cheeses utilizing existing cheesemaking equipment. At higher concentrations (3.5× and above), the concentrates can be used for increasing cheese yields and for developing new cheese varieties. Microfiltration enables the removal of bacteria from milk, and with specific pore size membranes, the separation of casein and whey proteins. The latter promotes the standardization of casein in cheese milk prior to cheesemaking for improvements in cheese yield and in the development of whey products with unmodified whey proteins. The technology also enables, with appropriate formulations, the use of liquid concentrates in the manufacture of processed cheeses.
Meaning and Validity of Physical Theories

We have sketched the most important theories of physics. All we said in the introductory chapter about the nature of theory and of physical laws in general can now be explored in more detail and more broadly. The group of problems which we are going to investigate more exhaustively in the present chapter deals with the meaning and validity of physical theories.
A Web-based Intelligent Collaborative System for Engineering Design

Design of a modern product is often a very complicated process, which involves groups of designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and customer representatives. Conflicts are unavoidable during collaboration among multiple stakeholders, who have different objectives, requirements, and priorities. Current Web-based collaborative engineering design systems do not support collaborative conflict resolution. In this chapter, we present a Web-based intelligent system that we have developed for collaborative engineering design. It extends a collaborative solid modeling software system by adding an argumentation-based conflict resolution tool, a whiteboard, and a chat utility. We have developed an intelligent computational argumentation model to enable the management of a large scale argumentation network and resolution of conflicts based on argumentation from many participants. A Web-based collaborative engineering design system has been developed based on the above model to resolve conflicts over the Internet by enabling collaborators to select the most favored design alternative in the design argumentation from multiple perspectives. An example of collaborative design of latch mechanism for a solar car using the developed system is presented to show its effectiveness.
Counseling Young Cancer Patients About Reproductive Issues

Counseling our young female cancer patients and survivors faced with fertility and pregnancy issues requires specific knowledge and expertise, as well as respect, humility, and compassion. Reproductive choices are extremely personal, and they are especially difficult for a cancer patient and her family at times of great distress and vulnerability. Young women may be weighing their natural desire to maintain their childbearing potential against the need to start cancer treatments; they may wonder about the best timing for conceiving after chemotherapy; they may be troubled by uncertainties of their children’s future if they should experience a recurrence; or they may be exploring alternatives such as adoption.
Hormonal Considerations in the Evaluation and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

The concept that hormonal imbalances can account for sexual dysfunction has both rational and irrational bases. The association of absence of the testes with marked diminution of male copulatory behavior was made in antiquity. In this century, the isolation and actual synthesis of the active testicular factors that could restore phenotypic virilization in castrated men should have paved the way for more refined investigations of the effects of testicular steroids and their analogues on sexual behavior. Furthermore, the rather recently acquired ability to accurately measure blood and tissue levels of most of the hormones known to regulate reproduction should have allowed us to discover any and all causal links between documented sexual dysfunction and hormonal deficits and/or excesses. It is not widely acknowledged that these have been established, and I wish to devote space to understanding why wishful thinking still persists in both patients and practitioners before I outline what I consider to be the proper, modest hormonal evaluation of a man with a chief complaint of erectile dysfunction.
EONS: A Multi-Level Modeling System and Its Applications

Publisher Summary Elementary objects of nervous system (EONS) are used to provide a framework for representing structural relationships and functional interactions among different levels of neural organization. In EONS, object-oriented design methodology is adopted to form a hierarchy of neural models from molecules, synapses, and neurons to networks. This chapter discusses the EONS object library, as well as two example models to illustrate the principles and functionalities of EONS. It also describes a protocol-based simulation scheme and the future development of EONS. Using object-oriented design methodology, projects have been developed for different neural components, from networks, neurons, dendrites, and synapses right down to molecules. Synapse, the contact between neurons, is a complex system composed of a multitude of molecular machinery. A model of partitioned synapses is developed to study the impact of structural modifications on neurotransmitter release and synaptic dynamics. The process of neurotransmitter release is dynamically mediated by complex molecular and cellular mechanisms. Speech recognition from unprocessed, noisy raw waveforms of words spoken by multiple speakers with a simple neural network, consisting of a small number of neurons connected by dynamic synapse, is discussed in this chapter.
Assigning and Framing Argument Writing to Foreground Significance: Comparing Three Approaches in Secondary English.

How can secondary English teachers assign and teach argumentative writing to foreground its significance for students and their life trajectories? This article compares three approaches – formalist...
Demographics, A1C Testing, and Medication Use of Mexican Americans and Mexicans With Diabetes

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate diabetes rates among Mexicans 20 years and older living in the United States and Mexico in 2012 and 2016.MethodsThe national sample was the Nation...
Redefining vaccination coverage and timeliness measures using electronic immunization registry data in low- and middle-income countries

Vaccine coverage is routinely used as a performance indicator for immunization programs both at local and global levels. For many national immunization programs, there are challenges with accurately estimating vaccination coverage based on available data sources, however an increasing number of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have begun implementing electronic immunization registries to replace health facilities' paper-based tools and aggregate reporting systems. These systems allow for more efficient capture and use of routinely reported individual-level data that can be used to calculate dose-specific and cohort vaccination coverage, replacing the commonly used aggregate routine health information system data. With these individual-level data immunization programs have the opportunity to redefine performance measures to enhance programmatic decision-making at all levels of the health system. In this commentary, we discuss how measures for assessing vaccination status and program performance can be redefined and recalculated using these data when generated at the health facility level and the implications of the use and availability of electronic individual-level data.
Geriatric co-management leads to safely performed cytoreductive surgery in older women with advanced stage ovarian cancer treated at a tertiary care cancer center

Abstract Objective To assess fitness and outcomes in older women undergoing cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer (OC). Methods A prospective study of OC patients referred to Geriatrics Clinic for preoperative evaluation. All completed the electronic Rapid Fitness Assessment (eRFA) and were followed by Geriatrics Service during inpatient postoperative course, co-managed by Surgical Service. Outcomes were 30-day Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, emergency room (ER) visit, readmission, mortality, adverse surgical events. Descriptive statistics were used. Results Forty-two women (median age 79, range 74–88), 38 with newly diagnosed advanced OC, 4 with recurrent OC, underwent cytoreductive surgery between 5/2015 and 1/2018. Preoperative age-related impairments per eRFA: high level of distress (71%), functional dependency (59%), limited social activity (59%), depression (57%), slow Time Up and Go (54%), Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) ≤ 80 (41%), poor social support (43%), polypharmacy (35%), weight loss>10 lbs. (25%), fall history (244%), cognitive impairment (13%). Median number of comorbid conditions = 3. Among 38 newly diagnosed women, 26 (68%) had stage IIIC, 11 (29%) stage IV. Sixteen (42%) underwent primary debulking surgery, 22 (58%) neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery. Median duration of surgery = 245.5 min (range 95–621); median hospital length of stay = 6 days (range 0–22). Optimal debulking rate = 97%, complete gross resection rate = 63%. One patient was admitted to ICU, 26% had 30-day ER visit, 10% were readmitted. Any complication, minor complication, major complication occurred in 58%, 55%, 8%, respectively. Median time from surgery to postoperative chemotherapy = 34.5 days (range 19–66). Median follow-up = 15.7 months (range 3.7–38.0), 12-month survival = 93.3%. There was no 180-day mortality. Conclusion Cytoreductive surgery among older women with advanced OC and frailty can be performed safely in a tertiary care center with preoperative/postoperative geriatric and surgical co-management.
Radiative corrections to sin 2 θ W to leading logarithm in the W -boson mass

The renormalization group is used to sum radiative corrections to weak neutral-current and charged-current processes to leading logarithm in the $W$-boson mass. Strong and electromagnetic corrections to ${{sin}^{2}\ensuremath{\theta}}_{W}({M}_{W})$ determined from deep-inelastic neutrino-nucleon scattering and polarized $e\mathrm{D}$ experiments are computed. The leading-logarithm corrections produce a decrease in ${{sin}^{2}\ensuremath{\theta}}_{W}({M}_{W})$ from its uncorrected value by 0.015 in our analysis of deep-inelastic scattering and 0.009 in the polarized $e\mathrm{D}$ analysis. The $W$- and $Z$-boson masses are predicted to be 82.6 and 93.4 GeV. The results we quote are suitable for a direct comparison with predictions from grand unified theories.
Identifying high-risk commercial vehicle drivers using sociodemographic characteristics

Abstract Crash data, from the state of Kentucky, for the 2015-2016 period, show that per capita crash rates and increases in crash-related fatalities were higher than the national average. In an effort to explain why the U.S. Southeast experiences higher crash rates than other regions of the country, previous research has argued the regions unique socioeconomic conditions provide a compelling explanation. Taking this observation as a starting point, this study examines the relationship between highway safety and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, using an extensive crash dataset from Kentucky. Its focus is single- and two-unit crashes that involve commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and automobiles. Using binary logistic regression and the quasi-induced exposure technique to analyze data on the socioeconomic and demographic attributes of the zip codes in which drivers reside, factors are identified which can serve as indicators of crash occurrence. Variables such as income, education level, poverty level, employment, age, gender, and rurality of the driver’s zip code influence the likelihood of a driver being at fault in a crash. Socioeconomic factors exert a similar influence on CMV and automobile crashes, irrespective of the number of vehicles involved. Research findings can be used to identify groups of drivers most likely to be involved in crashes and develop targeted and efficient safety programs.
Acute Management of Severe Soft-Tissue Damage Accompanying Open Fractures of the Lower Extremity: Editor’s Discussion

The difference in “timing” of the soft-tissue reconstruction between the Ljubljana group and the Baltimore group is discussed. In both series excellent results are achieved when practical immediate reconstruction is feasible because of the wide debridement made possible by free flaps. If in doubt, a staged debridement and “early” reconstruction can also achieve similar results.
Severe rapidly progressive Guillain-Barre syndrome in the setting of acute COVID-19 disease

There is concern that the global burden of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection might yield an increased occurrence of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). It is currently unknown whether concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection and GBS are pathophysiologically related, what biomarkers are useful for diagnosis, and what is the optimal treatment given the medical comorbidities, complications, and simultaneous infection. We report a patient who developed severe GBS following SARS-CoV-2 infection at the peak of the initial COVID-19 surge (April 2020) in New York City and discuss diagnostic and management issues and complications that may warrant special consideration in similar patients.