cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ocular Implications of Gaucher Disease

Gaucher disease (GD) has been reported in almost all the regions of Asia. Although ophthalmic manifestations of GD include corneal changes, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy, and lesions at the vitreoretinal interface, most published reviews of GD do not cover the eye, and ophthalmic ultrastructural reports on GD are scarce, lack complete survey of all ocular tissues, and do not capture its heterogeneity. Variability of clinical manifestations does not forecast the disease’s wider subcellular heterogeneity. We describe the ophthalmic histopathological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural changes in two autopsied patients with type 1 GD. Gaucher body inclusions (GBIs) were present in the ciliary body, retinal ganglion cells, choroid, and sclera, although absent elsewhere in the eye. GBI accumulation varied among ocular tissues in morphology, number, and volume. The morphology of GBIs in the choroid and sclera differed from those in the ganglion and ciliary body cells. While GBIs accumulated in large numbers, occupying much of the cytoplasm in cells of the choroid and sclera, there were fewer in the ganglionic cell layer and ciliary body. The choroid and sclera served as a sink, accumulating GBIs or their contents originating from other ocular tissues. The mechanism underlying this high GBI concentration in these specific regions remains unknown. We postulate that in addition to the hematogenous route, mobile retinal microglial cells may play a role in the localization of GBIs in the eye. Such an intraocular movement pathway might have pharmacokinetic ramifications for intravitreal drugs, intraocular gene therapy vectors, and possibly vitreoretinal tamponade agents (e.g., silicone oil). Furthermore, the quantity, density, size, and shape of the GBIs differed in the two patients studied, with a higher concentration of GBIs seen in the patient with the more severe Gaucher genotype (N370S/c.84insG), reflecting the heterogeneity of GD1 at the ultrastructural level.
Gender in clinical neuropsychology: practice survey trends and comparisons outside the specialty*

Objective: This paper describes gender-related trends within clinical neuropsychology, based primarily on recurrent practice surveys within the specialty and, to a lesser extent, job-related inform...
Technical Factors in Stereotaxic Hypophysectomy

In previous reports to this society 1, we have described the results of radiofrequency thermal hypophysectomy in patients with metastatic breast and prostatic cancer and diabetic retinophaphy. At the present time, we are able to document panhypopituitarism in 9l% of all patients. Using the experience gained with operations on over 400 patients, we should like to stress some of the technical factors which reduce complications.
PRIMARY PLASMABLASTIC THYROID LYMPHOMA: A CASE REPORT

Objective: Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is a rare cause of thyroid cancer. The underlying pathology and subtype of lymphoma are critical to define and prognosticate the tumor. More importantly, solidifying the pathology directs the specific treatment plan for the patient. The aim of this case report was to highlight the importance of histology for treatment and prognosis in PTL. Methods: We report a unique case of PTL in an 80-year-old female who presented to the endocrinology clinic with an enlarging goiter. Results: Initial fine-needle aspiration did not reveal malignancy. Surgical biopsy soon after revealed plasma-blastic lymphoma, which is an aggressive type of B-cell lymphoma, and the patient was promptly referred to hematology and oncology. Plasmablastic lymphoma is a rare form of lymphoma commonly presenting as a mass lesion of the head and neck region, with highest incidence in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients, for which treatment options are limited given its rarity. To our ...
Smart Grid: Constructing a System of Systems Model Using Both Qualitative and Quantitative Assessments

When constructing a model of a system or system of systems, one usually decides between utilizing a qualitative model or a quantitative model. There exists a desire to leverage both modeling approaches by finding a way to compare and contrast both types of models. In this paper the authors make attempts to leverage these modeling techniques by exploring the use of a newly formulated methodology, referred to as Relational Oriented Systems Engineering and Technology Tradeoff Analysis (ROSETTA) as a way to compare qualitative assessment and quantitative analysis. This was applied to a sample problem of constructing a model of the Smart Grid. As a proof of concept, instead of examining the entire Smart Grid, only Demand Response and day-ahead load prediction were assessed. Qualitatively, the Quality Function Deployment methodology was used as a representative means to capture Subject Matter Expert (SME) opinion. On the quantitative side, an Agent-Based Modeling approach augmented with elements of Discrete Event Simulation was employed to construct a physics-based model. The use of ROSETTA allows for communication between the SMEs and the modelers, which was used to improve the accuracy of both models. This improvement comes from the iterations of the qualitative assessments and quantitative analyses, successively building off of insights gained from previous iterations. This paper shows the first steps in leveraging the benefits of both qualitative and quantitative models.
Role of Image-Guided Percutaneous Drainage in Pancreatic Collections

Acute pancreatitis is one of the major gastrointestinal conditions that lead to around 300,000 hospital admissions per year in the United States. While mild inflammation of the pancreas is often managed conservatively, progression of the disease process to necrosis significantly increases the overall morbidity and mortality and often requires surgical or other interventional techniques for management. The purpose of this review is to describe the role of percutaneous drainage for the management of complicated pancreatitis.
The Effects of Curing and Casting Methods on the Physicochemical Properties of Polymer Films

Most film coatings in the pharmaceutical industry are prepared using organic solvents or aqueous solvents. Due to different film-formation mechanisms, their properties are significantly different from each other. Curing can alter the microstructure of films by improving the coalescence of polymer particles for aqueous dispersion-based films or accelerating macromolecule relaxation for organic solvent-based films. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preparation methods and curing on the physicochemical properties of Kollicoat® SR30D and Kollicoat® MAE100P films. The film’s properties, including water diffusion coefficient, mechanical properties, plasticizer loss, swelling behavior, and contact angle, were measured for uncured or cured aqueous dispersion-based or organic solvent-based films. The results indicated that curing decreased water diffusivities in films and increased film’s tensile strength. Curing resulted in plasticizer loss from SR30D films but not from MAE100P films due to strong interaction between plasticizer and MAE100P. The surface of organic solvent-based films was more hydrophobic than that of aqueous dispersion-based films. The contact angle of organic solvent-based films was increased after curing possibly because curing decreased roughness of the film surface. Organic solvent-based SR30D films had better mechanical properties than the corresponding aqueous dispersion-based films because of higher degree of polymer–polymer entanglement in the organic solvent-based films. However, contradictory phenomena were observed in MAE100P films possibly due to a “core-shell” structure reserved in the aqueous dispersion-based MAE100P films. In summary, casting methods and curing have significant impact on the film properties due to different film structures, coalescence, or film relaxation, and other concurrent effects including evaporation of residue solvent and plasticizers.
Vorticity and the theory of aerodynamic sound

Lighthill strongly advocated the use of vortex methods in most areas of fluid mechanics with the notable exception of the theory of aerodynamic sound. But it is straightforward to transform his famous `acoustic analogy' to make vorticity rather than Reynolds stress the ultimate `source' of sound in homentropic flows. `Vortex sound' theory becomes especially useful in applications involving acoustically compact flow-structure interactions, where it actually emerges as an extension of Kelvin's theory of `vortex impulse', a notion that Lighthill regarded as important enough to be given special treatment in undergraduate lectures on fluid mechanics. The `impulse source' can be recast in a form more suited for numerical or analytical evaluation, and is closely related to the `compact Green's function'. Convergence difficulties encountered in the casual application of the acoustic analogy to non-compact flow-structure interactions are resolved in a natural manner by the methods of vortex sound theory. New illustrations of these methods are given in this paper by consideration of the unsteady development of lift by a starting airfoil, of the production of sound by a `vortex whistle', and of the infrasound generated when a high-speed train enters the tunnel.
Iatrogenic, Transgenic, and Naturally Occurring Models of Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure

Cardiomyopathy is a general term applied to a wide variety of conditions that result in myocardial lesions not related to specific disease states. The term encompasses a wide variety of conditions initiated by numerous etiologies. The disease usually presents as either hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy (HCM or DCM). Naturally occurring cardiomyopathy seems to be caused by mutations in one or more sarcomeric proteins. Inherited DCM can result from mutations in the genes encoding cardiac troponin T, troponin C, and alpha-tropomyosin, while different mutations in the same genes cause HCM. DCM mutations depress myofibrillar function as a result of thin filament mutations while HCM has the opposite effect.1
Factors Influencing the Growth of Normal and Neoplastic Thyroid Tissue

The authors review the various factors that influence thyroid cell growth and the biochemical basis of their action. Current understanding of the adenylate cyclase system and the phosphoinositide turnover system and their activation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is presented. Studies supporting and disputing the role of TSH in the control of thyroid growth are reviewed, as is the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and the other factors that influence the growth of normal and neoplastic thyroid tissue. Knowledge of these factors is valuable for proper management of patients with goiters and thyroid neoplasms.
The Aesthetic Symbol

Popular usage has it that art is a language. For example music is a language, the language of love, or the universal language. In reply to this bit of folk wisdom some philosophers have pointed out that a language is made up of symbols. A symbol is something carrying a meaning, and as such it exists to be understood, to impart information whether conceptual or factual. If a work of art is a symbol, then its value is either cognitive or practical and its purpose is to carry information. Almost with one accord, though, aestheticians deny that art is either cognitive or practical in its proper function. Consequently most of them reject the theory that a work of art is a symbol as a visciously intellectualistic theory which misses the whole meaning of fine art.
PARENTS WORRIED ABOUT BREAST MILK CONTAMINATION: What Is Best for Baby?

Breast milk contamination may concern parents who are worried about their infant's exposure to environmental or occupational chemicals. This article examines the risks posed by chemicals in breast milk compared to the risks of formula feeding. In addition, this article provides guidance to health care professionals about how to evaluate maternal exposures that may influence breast milk quality. A guide to assessing potential exposures at home and in the workplace is provided.
Music in the Human Experience: An Introduction to Music Psychology

Music in the Human Experience: An Introduction to Music Psychology, Second Edition, is geared toward music students yet incorporates other disciplines to provide an explanation for why and how we make sense of music and respond to it—cognitively, physically, and emotionally. All human societies in every corner of the globe engage in music. Taken collectively, these musical experiences are widely varied and hugely complex affairs. How did human beings come to be musical creatures? How and why do our bodies respond to music? Why do people have emotional responses to music? Music in the Human Experience seeks to understand and explain these phenomena at the core of what it means to be a human being. New to this edition: Expanded references and examples of non-Western musical styles Updated literature on philosophical and spiritual issues Brief sections on tuning systems and the acoustics of musical instruments A section on creativity and improvisation in the discussion of musical performance New studies in musical genetics Greatly increased usage of explanatory figures
Psychological Flexibility and Depression in New Mothers of Medically Vulnerable Infants: A Mediational Analysis.

Objectives Maternal depression in the postpartum period is prevalent and associated with negative child outcomes, including behavior problems and cognitive delays. Mothers of children admitted directly after birth to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at even higher risk for depressive symptoms and infants born premature and/or at low birth weight may be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of maternal depression. Understanding mechanisms, particularly modifiable mechanisms, involved in the development or persistence of depressive symptoms is critically important for developing effective treatments. Methods The longitudinal, secondary analysis investigated the role of psychological inflexibility (rigidly avoiding or attempting to control distressing internal experiences, precluding present moment awareness of contingencies and engagement with important values) as a mediator of the relationship between early (1–2 weeks postpartum) and later (3 and 6 months postpartum) depressive symptoms among mothers with an infant in the NICU. Results Psychological inflexibility measured 2 weeks after infant discharge from the hospital fully mediated the relationship between early and later depressive symptoms at 3 months postpartum, with partial mediation at 6 months, while controlling for factors previously found predictive of postpartum depression. Conclusions for Practice Psychological inflexibility may be a mechanism by which postpartum depressive symptoms persist after hospital discharge among new mothers with a NICU infant. Acceptance and Mindfulness therapies which specifically target psychological inflexibility may be promising interventions to reduce depressive symptoms postpartum.
4H-SiC-on-Insulator Platform for Quantum Photonics

We present a 4H-Silicon-Carbide-on-Insulator platform that enables versatile integration of color centers with photonic devices.
Carotid artery atherosclerosis is not associated with hyoid proximity: Results from a cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study.

Abstract Introduction Cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) atherosclerotic plaque and stenosis is often asymmetric. We hypothesized that hyoid bone proximity to the ICA also may be asymmetric and may increase the risk of traumatic endothelial injury and accelerate atherosclerotic stenosis. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort design evaluated consecutive adult patients at 3 hospitals who underwent repeat computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the neck 2 calendar years apart (01/2000–07/2017). ICA plaque thickness, luminal stenosis, and their progression over time were compared between side with the nearer hyoid wing (proximal side) to the further side (distal side). Results Sixty-six patients were included with a median age of 64y (IQR 53–73), 37 (56.1%) female, had a median hyoid-ICA distance of 3.06 mm (IQR 1.27–6.20 mm) and median difference between sides of 2.11 mm (IQR 0.70–3.97 mm). The median plaque thickness was 3.5 mm (IQR 2–4) and median stenosis was 10% (IQR 0–33%). Comparing the proximal to distal side, there was no difference in ICA plaque thickness (median 2.5 mm [IQR 1–4] vs. 3.0 mm [IQR 2–4], p = 0.366) or stenosis (7% [IQR 0–31%] vs. 12% [IQR 0–39%], p = 0.21). After a median follow-up of 1002 days (range 392–3397 days), there was no difference in the change in plaque thickness (0.5 cm [IQR 0–1] vs. 0.0 cm [IQR −0.5–0.5], p = 0.21) or stenosis (0% [IQR −2.5–13%] vs. 0% [IQR −6–5%], p = 0.34) between proximal and distal ICAs. Conclusions The presence and progression of atherosclerotic plaque and stenosis were unrelated to hyoid-ICA distance in this cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study.
Big fishery, big data, and little crabs: Using genomic methods to examine the seasonal recruitment patterns of early life stage Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) in the California Current Ecosystem

The California Current Ecosystem (CCE) is a dynamic marine ecosystem from which many socioeconomically-important fisheries species are harvested. Here, a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach was used to examine genomic variation in an early life stage (megalopae) of the Dungeness crab (Cancer magister), which constitutes the most valuable single-species commercial fishery in the CCE. Variation in abundance and timing of megalopae recruitment has been extensively studied for over two decades in Coos Bay, Oregon, USA. Within the CCE, documented timing of Dungeness crab life history events indicates that coastal megalopae recruitment is expected to occur April through July; however, long-term studies in Coos Bay have observed late-season recruitment from August to October. Based on variation at 1,913 presumably neutral loci, evidence was found for weak, yet significant differentiation (FST estimate = 0.0011) between the 2014 expected-season recruits (n=47) and late-season recruits (n=47) collected in Coos Bay. However, two putatively adaptive loci with a high FST estimate (0.2036) between expected-season and late-season recruits were identified. These findings support the hypothesis that expected-season and late-season megalopae recruiting to Coos Bay within the same year may have originated from different locations or from different breeding groups. Understanding marine species connectivity between ecosystems is important when considering how future changes in ocean conditions may impact fishery harvests.
Gigahertz Zinc-Oxide TFT-Based Oscillators

A number of papers have been published over the past few years demonstrating metal-oxide thin-film-transistors (TFTs) with $f_{T}\ \mathrm{and}/\mathrm{or}\ f_{MAX}$ over 1GHz [1]–[4]. However, these works have focused purely on device-level characterization and have not demonstrated gigahertz circuit operation. In this work, we demonstrate a large-area-compatible metal-oxide TFT-based cross-coupled LC oscillator operating at 1.25GHz, processed at flex-compatible temperatures $( . Achieving this required co-optimization of TFT and inductor dimensions/layouts, balancing device performance with parasitics (resistances, capacitances).
Association of Cannabis Use With Intimate Partner Violence Among Couples With Substance Misuse.

Background and objectives There is a well-established causal link between substance use and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization. However, little is known about the complex emerging relationship between cannabis use and IPV. Because cannabis is the most commonly used drug in the United States and is associated with numerous IPV risk factors such as alcohol use, it is important to examine this relationship in greater detail. Method The current exploratory study examined the association between (a) self-reported cannabis use during the past 90 days and (b) Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) urine drug screens and IPV perpetration and victimization in a sample of 30 alcohol or drug-misusing community couples (N = 60 individual participants). Results The majority of participants (n = 50 individuals, 83.3%) had concordant cannabis self-reported and urine drug screen results. After accounting for demographic variables and quantity and frequency of alcohol and stimulant use, greater quantity and frequency of cannabis use as well as positive THC urine drug screen results were associated with greater physical IPV victimization, and greater quantity and frequency of cannabis were associated with greater IPV psychological victimization and perpetration, and physical IPV victimization. CONCLUSION AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Findings emphasize the unique and important role that cannabis plays in the occurrence of IPV among intact couples. Findings also underscore the feasibility and utility of integrating confirmatory biological samples into future studies on this topic in order to advance the science in this area. (Am J Addict 2020;00:00-00).
Intragastric Balloon History

The use of an intragastric balloon for weight loss commenced in the late 1970s, with experiments on dogs. The prototype was a 250 cc bottle introduced at laparotomy. The evolution of this model over the last four decades from cylindrical to pear to oval, and ultimately a smooth sphere has ‘shaped’ the minimally invasive approach to weight loss. It has been a remarkable journey with varied volumes, filling material, number, mode of introduction, and removal that has indeed revolutionized the weight loss industry.
Pulmonary manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a widespread condition with a significant impact on the quality of life and healthcare resources. In addition to its gastrointestinal problems, GERD has be...
Modeling cell turning by mechanics at the cell rear

In this study, we explore a simulation of a mechanical model of the keratocyte lamellipodium as previously tested and calibrated for straight steady-state motility [1] and for the process of polarization and motility initiation [2]. In brief, this model uses the balance of three essential forces (myosin contraction, adhesive drag and actin network viscosity) to determine the cells mechanical behavior. Cell shape is set by the balance between the actin polymerization-driven protrusion at the cell boundary and myosin-driven retraction of the actin-myosin network. In the model, myosin acts to generate contractile stress applied to a viscous actin network with viscous resistance to actin flow created by adhesion to the substrate. Previous study [3] demonstrated that similar simple model with uniform constant adhesion predicts a rotating behavior of the cell; however, this behavior is idealized, and does not mimic observed features of the keratocytes turning behavior. Our goal is to explore what are the consequences of introducing mechanosensitive adhesions to the model.
Where Chicago Meets London: James Buchanan, Virginia Political Economy, and Cost Theory

James Buchanan has argued that not only the study of public choice, but also property-rights economics as well as law and economics can be directly traced to the work of scholars associated with the Thomas Jefferson Center for Studies in Political Economy and Social Philosophy (TJC) at the University of Virginia (UVA). We draw attention to this point to raise the following question: what was the common knowledge at UVA that made it uniquely suited for the development of each these related, yet distinct subdisciplines of political economy? Fundamentally, this can be explained by the unique combination of Chicago price theory and LSE cost theory developed at UVA, where opportunity costs were regarded not as constraints to which individuals passively respond. Rather, they are the reciprocal of the act of choice itself. This subtle distinction has significant implications not only for public policy, but more importantly the scope and scale of government with respect to addressing market failures. This unique combination between the Chicago School and London School was central to the development of a neglected branch of price theory at the University of Virginia.
Effect of Head-Mounted Augmented Reality Devices on Electric Utility Manhole Workers: Neck Muscle Activity and Eye Blink Rate:

Two head-mounted augmented reality (AR) systems, Microsoft HoloLens and RealWear HMT-1, were tested to determine their effect on blink rate and muscle activity of the neck and shoulder muscles of e...
The Impact of Referral Source on Voice Therapy

Summary Introduction Adherence to voice therapy is essential in achieving successful voice outcomes. Previous studies within the field of voice therapy have suggested that shorter wait times and utilization of an interprofessional practice (IPP) model of care have a positive effect on voice therapy completion rates. While the implementation of IPP has gained popularity, especially at academic voice centers, the majority of speech-language pathologists (SLP) practice in a traditional (T) setting where they are unaffiliated with the referring otolaryngologist. Purpose This study aims to further examine how SLP practice models (interprofessional vs traditional) affect voice therapy initiation and completion rates. The secondary aim is to determine if voice therapy attendance rates have changed since the authors’ initial investigations over 10 years ago. Methods A retrospective chart review of 452 patients was conducted. Data was collected on patient demographics (sex, age), diagnosis, severity of dysphonia (CAPE-V), quality of life impact (V-RQOL raw score), practice setting (IPP vs T), date of referral, date of voice therapy initial evaluation, number of therapy sessions completed, and attendance to therapy sessions defined as completion or dropout. Results/Conclusions Initiation of voice therapy treatment was the point in the referral process that was most impacted by practice model. Over half (53%) of referrals to voice therapy in a traditional practice model did not lead to initiation of treatment, while only 23% of the referrals taking place in an IPP model failed to initiate (P
Aseptic Viral Meningitis Secondary to Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Genital Infection.

Aseptic viral meningitis is the most common cause of meningitis in the United States. Most cases of herpes simplex virus meningitis are caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), with HSV-1 primarily causing viral encephalitis. In this report, we present a case of aseptic meningitis generated by the HSV-2 in an immunosuppressed 35-year-old female with a recent diagnosis of genital herpes that was left untreated due to reported side effects of medication.
Social media and vision therapy: Perspectives of providers and patients on Instagram.

Purpose To formally assess the content, intent, and authorship of the most popular Instagram hashtags related to pediatric ophthalmology. Methods Public Instagram posts with over 20 likes, using one or more of 6 vision therapy (VT) hashtags and containing English content were identified. A categorical classification system was used to analyze each post for the target audience: post owner, primary intent of post, diagnosis addressed, whether advice was provided, and whether references to studies were provided. Results A total of 1,766 Instagram posts were analyzed. Half were made by VT clinics or therapists (50%), and only 14 posts were made by physicians (0.8%). The majority were self-promotional. Statistically significant relationships between post owner and intent, post owner and diagnosis, and the provision of advice and diagnosis were found. Conclusions Although VT Instagram posts are dominated by self-promotion and advertisements, social media provides an outlet for patients and parents to seek support and information. Ophthalmologists have yet to discuss VT on Instagram.
High flow nasal cannula for adult acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in the ED setting.

Abstract Introduction High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a noninvasive ventilation (NIV) system that has demonstrated promise in the emergency department (ED) setting. Objective This narrative review evaluates the utility of HFNC in adult patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in the ED setting. Discussion HFNC provides warm (37 °C), humidified (100% relative humidity) oxygen at high flows with a reliable fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2). HFNC can improve oxygenation, reduce airway resistance, provide humidified flow that can flush anatomical dead space, and provide a low amount of positive end expiratory pressure. Recent literature has demonstrated efficacy in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), interstitial lung disease, immunocompromised states, the peri-intubation state, and palliative care, with reduced need for intubation, length of stay, and mortality in some of these conditions. Individual patient factors play an important role in infection control risks with respect to the use of HFNC in patients with COVID-19. Appropriate personal protective equipment, adherence to hand hygiene, surgical mask placement over the HFNC device, and environmental controls promoting adequate room ventilation are the foundation for protecting healthcare personnel. Frequent reassessment of the patient placed on HFNC is necessary; those with severe end organ dysfunction, thoracoabdominal asynchrony, significantly increased respiratory rate, poor oxygenation despite HFNC, and tachycardia are at increased risk of HFNC failure and need for further intervention. Conclusions HFNC demonstrates promise in several conditions requiring respiratory support. Further randomized trials are needed in the ED setting.
Coseismic and early postseismic deformation due to the 2021 M7.4 Maduo (China) earthquake

Key Points: • We use Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to derive a finite fault model for the 2021 M7.4 Maduo (Qinghai, China) earthquake • The along-strike averaged coseismic slip has...
The Acoustic Change Complex in Response to Frequency Changes and Its Correlation to Cochlear Implant Speech Outcomes.

One of the biggest challenges that face cochlear implant (CI) users is the highly variable hearing outcomes of implantation across patients. Since speech perception requires the detection of various dynamic changes in acoustic features (e.g., frequency, intensity, timing) in speech sounds, it is critical to examine the ability to detect the within-stimulus acoustic changes in CI users. The primary objective of this study was to examine the auditory event-related potential (ERP) evoked by the within-stimulus frequency changes (F-changes), one type of the acoustic change complex (ACC), in adult CI users, and its correlation to speech outcomes. Twenty-one adult CI users (29 individual CI ears) were tested with psychoacoustic frequency change detection tasks, speech tests including the Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) word recognition, Arizona Biomedical Sentence Recognition in quiet and noise (AzBio-Q and AzBio-N), and the Digit-in-Noise (DIN) tests, and electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings. The stimuli for the psychoacoustic tests and EEG recordings were pure tones at three different base frequencies (0.25, 1, and 4 kHz) that contained a F-change at the midpoint of the tone. Results showed that the frequency change detection threshold (FCDT), ACC N1' latency, and P2' latency did not differ across frequencies (p > 0.05). ACC N1'-P2 amplitude was significantly larger for 0.25 kHz than for other base frequencies (p 0.05). Results of this study indicated that variability in CI speech outcomes assessed with the CNC, AzBio-Q, and DIN tests can be partially explained (approximately 16-21%) by the variability of cortical sensory encoding of F-changes reflected by the ACC.
Physiologic effects and tolerance of hemovolemic shock modeled primates during +G/sub x/ acceleration

Summary form only given. The effects of two CERV (crew emergency return vehicle) re-entry profiles (+3.3 G/sub x/-Appollo; +7.8 G/sub x/-Gemini) on the cardiovascular hemodynamic parameters were investigated in primates before and after 20% (class II) and 40% (class IV) hemorrhagic shock states induced by controlled blood loss. Thirty-two animals were divided into four equal groups: high G/sub x//class IV, high G/sub x//class II, low G/sub x//class IV, low G/sub x//class II. The results demonstrated consistent findings in the hemodynamic parameters as typified by cardiac output (CO) measurements. >
PRACTITIONERS CORNER: An Advantage of the Linear Probability Model over Probit or Logit

Linear probability models, logit models, and probit models have been used to estimate dichotomous choice models in the past, but recently, the linear probability model has fallen into disfavor because it can yield predicted probabilities outside the 0-1 interval. However, there are some parameters of interest that can be estimated in the linear probability model, but not in either logit or probit models. If the model contains a dummy variable for membership in some group, and every member of the group has the same value for the dependent variable, the coefficient of the group dummy variable cannot be estimated in logit or probit models, but can be estimated in the linear probability model. Copyright 1988 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Phase Reversal of Biomechanical Functions and Muscle Activity in Backward Pedaling

Phase reversal of biomechanical functions and muscle activity in backward pedaling. Computer simulations of pedaling have shown that a wide range of pedaling tasks can be performed if each limb has...
Memory Conformity for New and Old Items with Immediate and Delayed Testing

Summary Memory conformity for images was examined using a mixed factorial design. Participants were presented with 50 images then later completed an old/new recognition test on these plus 50 fillers. Some received post-event information (PEI) attributed to a co-witness that was introduced either soon after the original 50 images were presented or 2 days later. The memory test was either soon after the co-witness PEI was shown or 2 days later. When the memory test was 2 days after receiving PEI, the PEI had no effect. PEI had a large effect when presented just before testing. The memory conformity effect was largest when PEI was presented, and the when memory test was completed 2 days after the initial presentation. Memory conformity effects were larger for new items than for old when PEI immediately preceded the test. Thus, the PEI affected the false alarm rate more than the hit rate. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coronary heart disease and estrogen replacement therapy. Can compliance bias explain the results of observational studies

The overall risk/benefit of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is strongly dependent on assumptions about the effect of ERT on coronary heart disease (CHD). The belief that ERT causes a substantial reduction in the risk of CHD is widespread. The studies that provide support for this belief are all nonexperimental ones. Three analyses of data from two randomized clinical trials of drug treatments for CHD have examined the association of compliance with total mortality in persons who complied with the taking of placebo. In these analyses, compliance with the taking of a placebo was associated with a reduction in overall mortality of the same magnitude as the reduction in the risk of CHD in users of ERT. The benefit of compliance with placebo was not reduced by adjustment for a large number of variables, both medical and sociodemographic, that might affect mortality. Users of ERT are compliers, and the possibility that compliance bias may account for some of the apparent benefit of ERT for CHD must be taken seriously.
How Effective Is Honor Code Reporting Over Instructor- Implemented Measures? A Pilot Study

AbstractHonor codes have become increasingly popular at institutions of higher education as a means of reducing violations of academic integrity such as cheating and other academically dishonest acts. Previous research on honor code effectiveness has been limited to correlational research designs that preclude the examination of cause-and-effect relationships, which can be achieved through experimental designs. The purpose of the current experimentally designed study was to examine the effectiveness of honor code reporting of academic integrity violations in view of typical consequences and the institutional context. Results of the current study suggest that the reporting of academic integrity violations according to an honor code may not be effective over and above verbal reprimand and grade penalty, which may be considered as typically faculty-implemented consequences.
Effective degrees of freedom and its application to conditional AIC for linear mixed-effects models with correlated error structures

The effective degrees of freedom is a useful concept for describing model complexity. Recently the number of effective degrees of freedom has been shown to relate to the concept of conditional Akaike information (cAI) in the mixed effects models. This relationship was made explicit under linear mixed-effects models with i.i.d.?errors, and later also extended to the generalized linear and the proportional hazards mixed models. We show that under linear mixed-effects models with correlated errors, the number of effective degrees of freedom is asymptotically equal to the trace of the usual 'hat' matrix plus the number of parameters in the error covariance matrix. Using it one can define a crude version of the conditional AIC (cAIC), which is known to be inaccurate due to the estimation of unknown variance parameters. We compare this crude version to several corrected versions of cAIC for linear mixed models with correlated errors, including one that is asymptotically unbiased counting for the unknown parameters, but one which is also difficult to compute without specific programming for each case of the error correlation structure.
Temporal partitioning of circuits for advanced partially reconfigurable systems

Reconfigurable architectures are proving to be very effective in applications that involve the implementation of multiple compute-intensive algorithms, which share the same computing modules. With the advent of dynamically reconfigurable architectures, many temporal partitioning algorithms (TPA) have been proposed address the issue of area and time constraints. The main objective of TPA is to divide a large design into smaller sub-components so that they can be implemented over multiple reconfigurations. In this paper, we propose a new temporal partitioning process (TPP), which includes a modified TPA along with a port reallocation algorithm (PRA) to reduce the reconfiguration time to facilitate real-time implementation. The reduction in reconfiguration time is achieved by employing the knowledge of the function implemented in each logic block thereby effectively reusing the cells in the array in a selective manner. This avoids the need for complete reconfiguration and reduces the net reconfiguration time. The proposed approach has been tested on random graphs and on the MCNC benchmark circuits. Significant reduction in reconfiguration time has been achieved.
Photodegradation of methyl orange and 2,3-butanedione on titanium-dioxide nanotube arrays efficiently synthesized on titanium coils

Abstract This work presents the synthesis, characterization, and application of titanium dioxide nanotube arrays (T-NT) prepared on titanium coils by anodization. A comparison of the physical, photoelectrochemical, and photocatalytic properties of T-NT on coil, mesh, and foil architectures is reported. The application of T-NT on helical coils to UV–vis initiated photodegradation of pollutants in aqueous and gaseous phases is discussed. The T-NT on coil shows better photoactivity compared to T-NT on other geometries such as foil and mesh. A 30% increase in the photodegradation of methyl orange in the aqueous phase is noted with T-NT on coils compared to T-NT on mesh. T-NT on coils also demonstrate photodegradation of a model pollutant 2,3-butanedione (diacetyl) in the gaseous phase. The T-NT grown on the coil architecture offer several advantages such as significantly minimized dark spots, highly reduced recombination centers, as well as adjustable spacing and dimensions for tuning photo(electro)catalytic activity. This configuration can be useful in other non-photocatalytic applications as well.
The application of simulated annealing to an industrial scheduling problem

This paper outlines the progress made in applying simulated annealing to an industrial scheduling problem. Solutions generated by the simulated annealing process are evaluated by simulating the industrial plant.
Optimum synthesis of 3-phase reluctance motors

Usually the most significant problem encountered by a reluctance-motor designer is to obtain a motor which will satisfy a prescribed pull-out torque and at the same time pull in a specified load torque and load inertia. He also is faced with the situation that different sizes of stator laminations which he would like to use are already available. With a maximum flux density in the stator teeth and maximum current density in the stator conductors, the designer then would want to obtain systematically for each available size of stator laminations the solution for the following quantities which would constitute the optimum synthesis of the reluctance motor: 1. the ratio of minimum to maximum equivalent air gap, which is actually a measure of the geometry of the machine; 2. the equivalent length of stack; 3. the rotor resistance which, together with the desired starting torque, would make the choice of the number, size, and shape of rotor bars possible; 4. the minimum equivalent air gap; and 5. the number of stator conductors.
2D similarity kernels for biological sequence classification

String kernel-based machine learning methods have yielded great success in practical tasks of structured/sequential data analysis. They often exhibit state-of-the-art performance on tasks such as document topic elucidation, biological sequence classification, or protein superfamily and fold prediction. However, typical string kernel methods rely on analysis of discrete 1D string data (e.g., DNA or amino acid sequences). This work introduces new 2D kernel methods for sequence data in the form of sequences of feature vectors (as in biological sequence profiles, or sequences of individual amino acid physico-chemical descriptors). On three protein sequence classification tasks proposed 2D kernels show significant 15-20% improvements compared to state-of-the-art sequence classification methods.
Developing an accountability agenda with college presidents: A chancellor's view

The chancellor of a state's community college system works with the college presidents to establish accountability for a common set of goals.
A geometric determination of void production in an elastic pancake

The aim of this article is to adduce various theoretical approaches to evaluating the stress displacement field throughout a pancake sample. We shall attempt to produce an effective material property, veff, which is consistent with the measured values of γ = −u0(a)/ae (normalized volumetric contraction), the initial modulus from the triaxial tests on compression, Mcompr, and tension, Mtens. In order to obtain analytical expressions relating γ and (M/E)tens to veff, we used the simplest finite element mesh. Taking the given aspect ratio of the pancake , the shear modulus G = 60 psi, and the measured γ = 0.23, it was found that the effective Poisson's ratio is veff ≈ 0.492 and the initial modulus in tension Mtens = 2990 psi. Using Warren's equation, one obtains the volume fraction of voids from the determined effective material property veff. It was found that the volume fraction of voids α grows from 0.002 to 0.021. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Short proofs for tricky formulas

The object of this paper is to demonstrate how certain tricky mathematical arguments can be encoded as short formal proofs for the propositional tautologies representing the mathematical statements. Using resolution as a base proof system for the propositional calculus, we exhibit these short proofs under resolution augmented by one of two principles: the principle of extension, originally suggested by Tseitin, and the principle of symmetry, introduced in this paper. These short proofs illustrate the power of extension and symmetry in theorem proving. The principle of extension allows the introduction of auxiliary variables to represent intermediate formulas so that the length of a proof can be significantly reduced by manipulating these variables instead of the formulas that they stand for. Symmetry, on the other hand, allows one to recognize that a tautology remains invariant under certain permutations of variable names, and use that information to avoid repeated independent derivations of intermediate formulas that are merely permutational variants of one another. First we show that a number of inductive arguments can be encoded as short formal proofs using either extension or symmetry. We provide the details for the tautologies derived by encoding the statement, “An acyclic digraph on n vertices must have a source.” We then consider the familiar checkerboard puzzle which asserts that a checkerboard, two of whose diagonally opposite corner squares are removed, cannot be perfectly covered with dominoes. We demonstrate short proofs for the tautologies derived from the above assertion, using extension to mimic the tricky informal argument. Finally, we consider statements asserting the Ramsey property of numbers much larger than the critical Ramsey numbers. We show that the proof of Ramsey's theorem can be imitated using the principle of symmetry to yield short proofs for these tautologies. The main theme of the paper is that both extension and symmetry are very powerful augmentations to resolution. We leave open whether either extension or symmetry can polynomially simulate the other.
Skeletal cell proliferative rates: studied autoradiographically in mice with increasing doses of tritiated thymidine (H3TDR).

SummaryAn autoradiographic study of mouse skeletal cell proliferation rates using increasing doses of H3TDR were reported. The data showed that in both the osteogenic cells of the femoral periosteum and epiphyseal plate the labeling indices increased rapidly with increasing doses of H3TDR to 1.0 μc/g body weight and less rapidly with larger doses. It was concluded from this study that previously reported estimates of labeling indices based on lower doses of administered H3TDR are lower than the actual values. A dose of 1.0 μc H3TDR/g body weight is recommended for the estimates of labeling indices using the “flash labeling” technique. However, doses of 1.0 μc and above are not to be used for cell migration or cell kinetic studies.
Performance analysis of a fault-tolerant exact motif mining algorithm on the cloud

In this paper, we present the performance analysis and design challenges of implementing a fault-tolerant parallel exact motif mining algorithm leveraging the services provided by the underlying cloud storage platform (e.g., data replication, node failure detection). More specifically, first, we present the design of the intermediate data structures and data models that are needed for effective parallelization of the motif mining algorithm on the cloud. Second, we present the design and implementation of a fault-tolerant parallel motif mining algorithm that enables the data analytic system to recover from arbitrary node failures in the cloud environment by detecting node failures and redistributing remaining computational tasks in real-time. We also present a data caching scheme to improve the system performance even further. We evaluated the impact of various factors such as the replication factor and random node failures on the performance of our system using two different datasets, namely, an EOG dataset and an image dataset. In both cases, our algorithm exhibits superior performance over the existing algorithms, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of our presented system.