cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Black holes in AGN: recent results on IC 4329a and NGC 4945

This paper briefly reviews the observations which provide the best evidence for the presence of black holes in active galaxies: kinematic studies using optical emission lines as well as the distribution of megamaser spots; X–ray variability; and the profile of the Fe Kα X–ray emission line. It summarizes the current popular models for the radiative processes operating in radio-quiet AGN. Finally, it presents two recent X–ray observations of AGN, where (1) the shape of the Fe K line indicates a diversity of locations where such lines originate (based on the ASCA & RXTE data for IC 4329a and NGC 5548), and (2) the rapid hard X–ray variability measured with the RXTE in the heavily absorbed Seyfert NGC 4945 implies that the Thomson-thick absorber surrounding the nucleus (with τ ≅ 2.4) is unlikely to subtend a large solid angle to the nucleus, meaning that it is not geometrically thick, but is confined to a rather thin, disk-like structure.
Attitudes of Students, Educators, and Practitioners of Medicine Towards Gerontologic/Geriatric Training

Self-administered questionnaires were collected from senior medical students, members of medical and psychiatric faculties, and general medical practitioners associated with two schools of medicine. Questionnaires were designed to assess attitudes towards the inclusion of gerontologic/geriatric material in curriculae at three levels of medical education. A consensus was noted for the elective, but not required, addition of this material into each level of education. Greater effort will be required of educational and governmental leaders before mandatory training in gerontology/geriatrics becomes a reality.
Principles for Development of a 21st Century Distance Learning Program on the College and University Level

The Occupational Education program at Southwest Texas State University was established in 1973 to serve military personnel at four bases in San Antonio, Texas. During the 1980s, the program moved toward a broader clientele and has currently evolved into serving a 90 percent civilian population. In addition to shifts of population served, the program has evolved due to private college competition, employers' demands, and changes in the program focus. The program's success has rested on seven principles: 1) understand the organization's structure; 2) think “outside the box” as challenges occur; 3) select and motivate staff and faculty in change models; 4) examine underserved populations; 5) report program successes often; 6) provide alternative student support services, which complement distance learning; and 7) assure quality indicators as courses are designed. In retrospect, the principles of sound program development point toward faculty preparation and establishing obtainable goals related to distance e...
Nucleolar Organizer Regions in Cardiac Lesions Induced by Doxorubicin

The use of the argyrophilic (Ag) staining technique for nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) revealed nuclear changes in myocytes of the left atrium of 10 rats treated twice a week for 6 weeks with doxorubicin (1 mg/kg body weight) iv and sacrificed after 6 weeks without treatment. The changes were easily detected qualitatively and further assessed by quantification. Cardiac myocytes of doxorubicin-treated rats had larger nuclei and/or a larger quantity of AgNORs that were either dispersed in a number of small dots or clustered in rounded, rod-shaped, or tortuous large structures. AgNOR alterations may reflect a defect of nucleolar association leading to an impairment of protein synthesis that could be involved in doxorubicin cardiotoxicity.
The Pseudoearthquakes of 21 and 23 February, 1954, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

A mine collapse in the city of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, that began on 21 February, 1954, was mistaken for an intensity VII earthquake and an intensity VI aftershock. Although the non-tectonic character of these events has been recognized before now, they continue to show up on lists of significant eastern U.S. earthquakes. The reports of the federal mine inspectors and consulting engineers, made at the time, provide convincing evidence of the true nature of these events. Their misidentification as earthquakes appears to have been due to a number of factors, including inaccurate media reports, an ambiguous statement by a seismologist, the false impression of uplift in the affected area, and a newspaper strike.
Parental nativity and the decision to substantiate: Findings from a study of Latino children in the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being (NSCAW II)

Abstract Understanding the extent to which disparities exist at specific decision points within the child welfare system is essential to addressing disproportionality if and where it exists. Over the past decade, several studies have examined substantiation rates of alleged child maltreatment reports among the major racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. However, Latinos have typically been treated as a monolithic group with comparisons limited to children of other races due to limitations inherent to child welfare administrative data. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of Latino children who come to the attention of the child welfare system by parental nativity subgroup, and to examine the relationship of parental nativity to substantiation in the U.S. Latino child welfare population. The sample included children of Hispanic background who participated the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being (NSCAW II) for whom information regarding parental nativity was available for at least one biological parent (n = 713). In the final logistic regression model, mixed nativity families had significantly lower odds of substantiation (OR .44) when compared to U.S. born families. Odds of substantiation were significantly higher in families without a supportive secondary caregiver (OR 2.66). Allegations made by professionals (OR 6.15) and “other” report sources (OR 4.52) had significantly higher odds of substantiation when compared to reports made by caregivers, relatives, or neighbors. Each unit increase in caseworker-assessed risk to the child (OR 1.95) and sufficiency of evidence to substantiate the case (OR 3.17) increased the odds of substantiation. The lower odds of substantiation among maltreatment reports made regarding children in mixed nativity families when compared to those of U.S. born families may partly relate to the strengths observed among mixed nativity families, including a lower prevalence of material hardship and active alcohol and drug abuse. Immigrant families demonstrated some of these same strengths; however, a higher prevalence of discipline considered inappropriate or excessive was also observed within this subgroup. Implications for culturally relevant child welfare practice with diverse Latino families are discussed.
Childhood Traits and Conditions of Eminent Women Scientists

The childhood traits and conditions of 21 eminent American women scientists were compared with those of 235 eminent women in other fields. As girls, those who became eminent scientists were much mo...
Scholars Before Researchers: On the Centrality of the Dissertation Literature Review in Research Preparation

A thorough, sophisticated literature review is the foundation and inspiration for substantial, useful research. The complex nature of education research demands such thorough, sophisticated reviews. Although doctoral education is a key means for improving education research, the literature has given short shrift to the dissertation literature review. This article suggests criteria to evaluate the quality of dissertation literature reviews and reports a study that examined dissertations at three universities. Acquiring the skills and knowledge required to be education scholars, able to analyze and synthesize the research in a field of specialization, should be the focal, integrative activity of predissertation doctoral education. Such scholarship is a prerequisite for increased methodological sophistication and for improving the usefulness of education research.
AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF ACUTE HERNIATED LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS

In an epidemiological study of acute herniated lumbar intervertebral discs in the New Haven, Connecticut (U.S.A.), area, it was found that this condition was most likely to be diagnosed among persons in the age group 30-39 years, and that the most important risk factors among the variable considered in this study were driving of motor vehicles at or away from work, sedentary occupations, suburban residence, and previous full-term pregnancies. Variables for which there was some suggestion of an association but for which the evidence was inconclusive were the male sex, high social class among females, chronic cough and chronic bronchitis, participation in baseball, golf and bowling, the spring and fall seasons, and possibly lack of physical activity other than at work. No increase in risk for this condition was related to race, social class in males, smoking habits, participation in sports other than baseball, golf and bowling, weight or body bulk, recent episodes of emotional stress, pregnancies which were not full-term, and jobs involving lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
Reducing stress burden and objective burden in spousal caregivers through implementation of Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Commentary on: MY Savundranayagam, RJ Montgomery, K Kosloski, et al.. Impact of a psychoeducational program on three types of caregiver burden among spouses.Int J Geriatr Psychiatry2011;26:388–96.
On the capacity of 2-user 1-hop relay erasure networks — The union of feedback, scheduling, opportunistic routing, and network coding

This work studies the capacity of 2-user 1-hop relay networks, for which the sources, destinations, and the common relay are interconnected by broadcast packet erasure channels. In contrast with the existing results, this paper allows (i) transmission from a source being heard directly by its 2-hop-away destination, the so-called opportunistic routing scenario, (ii) instant channel status feedback among all network nodes, and (iii) per-slot scheduling decisions that are functions of the traffic loads and the past channel status. A new pair of inner and outer bounds is provided, and a condition is identified for the scenario in which the bounds coincide. Numerical experiments show that for commonly encountered scenarios, the gap between the inner and the outer bounds is less than 0.2%, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed bounding techniques.
Implementation and evaluation of a mobile tetherless VoIP/PSTN gateway

A voice-over-IP (VoIP) gateway bridges IP-based packet-switched networks (i.e. Internet) with public circuit-switched telephone networks (i.e. PSTN). The key building block of a VoIP gateway is a telephony card that interfaces with the PSTN and converts signals from the PSTN to bits that can be manipulated by a computer and vice versa. Because commercially available telephony cards only work with wired PSTN lines, almost all existing VoIP gateways are tethered and therefore do not support the kind of mobility enabled by modern wireless communications technology. This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of a mobile VoIP gateway called WGate that is designed specifically to bridge wireless VoIP clients and cellular phones, and can thus be easily deployed on demand in particular geographical locations. The key innovation of WGate is the ability to use a Bluetooth link as a wireless backplane by exploiting the Hands-Free profile of the Bluetooth protocol stack and eventually turning a set of commodity bluetooth-capable cell phones into a multi-port telephony card. Empirical measurements on a working prototype show that this approach can scale a VoIP gateway up to 8 cell phones because state-of-the-art Bluetooth adapters can only support up to 8 simultaneous Synchronous Connection-Oriented (SCO) connections when they operate in physically close proximity.
The prevalence of and specific risk factors for venous thromboembolic disease following elective spine surgery.

Background: Venous thromboembolic disease, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication following orthopaedic surgical procedures. We sought to investigate the prevalence of thromboembolism as well as the efficacy and complications of various prophylactic measures in a population of patients who had undergone elective spine surgery. Methods: A meta-analysis and univariate logistic regression were performed on selected studies to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism following elective spine surgery. Studies were included on the basis of the selection criteria (specifically, the inclusion of only patients undergoing spine surgery, or the treatment of patients undergoing spine surgery as an independent cohort; the use of an objective diagnostic modality for the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis, including Doppler ultrasonography or venography; the use of an objective diagnostic modality for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, including computed tomography of the chest or a ventilation-perfusion scan; and a study population of more than thirty patients). Patients with a known spinal cord injury were excluded. Results: Fourteen studies (including a total of 4383 patients) met our selection criteria. On the basis of the meta-analysis, the prevalence of deep venous thrombosis was 1.09% (95% confidence interval, 0.54% to 1.64%) and the prevalence of pulmonary embolism was 0.06% (95% confidence interval, 0.01% to 0.12%) following elective spine surgery. The use of pharmacologic prophylaxis significantly reduced the prevalence of deep venous thrombosis relative to either mechanical prophylaxis (p = 0.047) or no prophylaxis (p < 0.01). One fatal pulmonary embolism was reported. An epidural hematoma requiring surgical evacuation was reported in eight of 2071 patients receiving pharmacologic prophylaxis; three of these patients had a permanent neurologic deficit. Conclusions: The risk of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is relatively low following elective spine surgery, particularly for patients who receive pharmacologic prophylaxis. Unfortunately, pharmacologic prophylaxis exposes patients to a greater risk of epidural hematoma. More evidence is needed prior to establishing a protocol for prophylaxis against venous thromboembolic disease in patients undergoing elective spine surgery. Future prospective studies should seek to define the safety of various prophylactic modalities and to identify specific subpopulations of patients who are at greater risk for venous thromboembolism. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Multiple trains of same-color surface plasmon-polaritons guided by the planar interface of a metal and a sculptured nematic thin film. Part II: Arbitrary incidence

The absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance of a linearly polarized, obliquely incident plane wave were calculated for the planar interface of a metal and a sculptured nematic thin film (SNTF) in the Kretschmann configuration, the wave vector of that plane wave being arbitrarily oriented with respect to the morphologically significant plane of the SNTF. The permittivity profile of the chosen SNTF was supposed to have been sculptured during physical vapor deposition by varying the vapor incidence angle sinusoidally about a mean value. Regardless of the orientation of the wave vector, multiple surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP) trains or waves of the same color but different phase speeds and guided by the metal/SNTF interface can be excited.
The New National Core Music Standards in Practice Your Classroom, Your Voice

Halfway through our first year of teaching with the New National Core Music Standards, it is time to reflect on our work and share our experiences with general music colleagues across the country.
Differential control of the synthesis of two hemoglobin β chains in normal mice

Abstract A fetal-to-adult switch in the proportion of the mouse minor hemoglobin is described. Although mice have no fetal hemoglobin per se, the timing of this switch in the mouse suggests that the mechanism of its control may directly parallel that of the human switch from fetal to adult hemoglobin expression. The mouse minor hemoglobin is expressed only in strains with the "diffuse" allele for the β chain complex locus. Fetal liver cells of these mice synthesize a much greater proportion of the β minor globin chain than do adult hematopoietic cells. Consequently, circulating fetal erythrocytes carry a high level of the minor hemoglobin containing it. By the time of birth, a lowered proportion of β minor is synthesized in the liver. This low proportion continues to be expressed during early erythroid maturation in the adult. The fetal-to-adult switch is the first indication that in normal mice, the two β chain loci can be expressed noncoordinately. The similarity between the patterns of the decline of the minor hemoglobin in mice and of the disappearance of fetal hemoglobin in humans suggests that the minor hemoglobin in the "diffuse" mouse may function to some degree as a fetal hemoglobin in the period between the disappearance of the embryonic hemoglobins and the time of birth.
On adaptive minimum probability of error linear filter receivers for DS-CDMA channels

Receiver architectures in the form of a linear filter front-end followed by a hard-limiting decision maker are considered for DS-CDMA communication systems. Based on stochastic approximation concepts a recursive algorithm is developed for the adaptive optimization of the linear filter front-end in the minimum BER sense. The recursive form is decision driven and distribution free. For additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels, theoretical analysis of the BER surface of linear filter receivers identifies the subset of the linear filter space where the optimal receiver lies and offers a formal proof of guaranteed global optimization with probability one for the two-user case. To the extent that the output of a linear DS-CDMA filter can be approximated by a Gaussian random variable, a minimum-mean-square-error optimized linear filter approximates the minimum BER solution. Numerical and simulation results indicate that for realistic AWGN DS-CDMA systems with reasonably low signature cross-correlations the linear minimum BER filter and the MMSE filter exhibit approximately the same performance. The linear minimum BER receiver is superior, however, when either the signature cross-correlation is high or the background noise is non-Gaussian.
N‐Propenoyl Camphor‐10,2‐sultam

[94594-91-9] C13H19NO3S (MW 269.36) InChI = 1S/C13H19NO3S/c1-4-11(15)14-10-7-9-5-6-13(10,12(9,2)3)8-18(14,16)17/h4,9-10H,1,5-8H2,2-3H3/t9-,10?,13?/m1/s1 InChIKey = QYWKUFBZHFLMBU-TTXORMCVSA-N (reagent used as a chiral acrylate derivative for various asymmetric organic reactions) Physical Data: crystalline solid, mp 196–197 °C; [α]26D −100.9 (c 0.98, CHCl3). Solubility: soluble in most organic solvents. Form Supplied in: available through synthesis.2 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: toxicity unknown; as with all organic chemicals, use of a well-ventilated fume hood is recommended.
Polymer Ultra-violet Light Filter for MEMS Fabrication

The development of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) is based on the fabrication of microscale structures and features in a photo-sensitive polymer or photoresist, by selectively exposing it to ultra-violet (UV) light. The standard UV sources used in MEMS fabrication have broadband UV light output in the range of 305 nm to 436 nm. The use of such sources causes problems in some situations due to unequal absorption of different components of UV light in photoresist material, causing improper UV dose distribution in the different regions of the photoresist. This paper reports the development of a novel polymer filter that can attenuate the different UV wavelength components, allowing for a more uniform UV dose to be delivered to all regions of the photoresist.
Pregnancy complicated by von Hippel-Lindau disease

Background: Von Hippel-Lindau disease is an autosomal-dominant genetic disorder with variable penetrance characterized by multiorgan hemangioblastomas and a predisposition to carcinoma. Case: A 23-year-old pregnant woman at 35 weeks' gestation, with a family history of von Hippel-Lindau disease, presented with paraplegia caused by an acute intramedullary hemorrhage from a spinal hemangioma at the thoracic (T) 4–5 level. An unruptured hemangioblastoma was noted at the T7–8 level. A T3–6 laminectomy resulted in the improvement of symptoms. The postoperative period was complicated by autonomic dysreflexia and preterm labor. The woman was delivered by cesarean under epidural anesthesia. Conclusion: Pregnant patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease present problems related to hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system. Imaging studies of the central nervous system are mandatory for prompt recognition and treatment of complications related to intramedullary hemorrhage. If spinal hemangioblastomas are identified, cesarean delivery may be the most sensible choice.
Some experiment on the transporation of suspended load

The purpose of this paper is to present briefly the results of experiments on the transportation of a suspended load of sediment by water. In the experiments, measurements were made of the total load carried by such flows and of the distribution of the load in the flow. This work was done by the Cooperative Laboratory of the Soil Conservation Service and the California Institute of Technology, as a part of the research program of the laboratory having to do with the mechanics of entrainment, transportation, and deposition of sediments. The objective of these studies is to clarify the mechanism of erosion and to establish physical laws governing erosion-phenomena that will be of assistance in the work, of the Soil Conservation Service. The present paper is submitted as a contribution to this objective.
Transmission Policy Selection for Multi-View Content Delivery Over Bandwidth Constrained Channels

I formulate an optimization framework for computing the transmission actions of streaming multi-view video content over bandwidth constrained channels. The optimization finds the schedule for sending the packetized data that maximizes the reconstruction quality of the content, for the given network bandwidth. Two prospective multi-view content representation formats are considered: 1) MVC and 2) video plus depth. In the case of each, I formulate directed graph models that characterize the interdependencies between the data units that comprise the content. For the video plus depth format, I develop a novel space-time error concealment strategy that reconstructs the missing content based on received data units from multiple views. I design multiple techniques to solve the optimization problem of interest, at varying degrees of complexity and accuracy. In conjunction, I derive spatiotemporal models of the reconstruction error for the multi-view content that I employ to reduce the computational requirements of the optimization. I study the performance of my framework via simulation experiments. Significant gains in terms of rate-distortion efficiency are demonstrated over various reference methods.
Creating a Next-Generation System of K–12 English Learner Language Proficiency Assessments

This paper is the first in a series from Educational Testing Service (ETS) concerning English language proficiency (ELP) assessments for K–12 English learners (ELs). The goal of this paper, and the series, is to present research-based ideas, principles, and recommendations for consideration by those who are conceptualizing, developing, and implementing ELP assessments for K–12 ELs and by all stakeholders in their education and assessment. We also hope to contribute to the active current discussion in the field on improving the instruction and assessment of EL students as well as contribute to bringing these ideas into practice. This paper articulates a high-level vision for a next-generation assessment system serving K–12 English learners with a brief overview of the current state of the art for K–12 ELP assessments and the context of current reforms. In addition, the paper discusses the role of digital technology in next-generation K-12 ELP assessment systems, noting the distinct conceptual and practical advantages that digital technology offers in assessing ELP as well as principles for evaluating the potential challenges of implementing a digitally based assessment system against these benefits. A proposed theory of action for K–12 ELP assessment systems is also discussed in this paper. The second paper in the series addressed accessibility issues in the context of ELP assessments for ELs and ELs with disabilities (Guzman-Orth, Laitusis, Thurlow, & Christensen, 2016), the third paper addressed issues related to summative ELP assessments that emerged from the presentations and discussions at the English Language Proficiency Assessment Research working meeting (Wolf, Guzman-Orth, & Hauck, 2016), and the fourth paper focused on a key concern within such systems—the initial identification and classification of ELs (Lopez, Pooler, & Linquanti, 2016).
When Targeting Becomes Secondary: A Framework for Regulating Predictive Surveillance in Antiterrorism Investigations

The National Security Agency’s bulk data collection programs disclosed in 2013 suggest a new model of surveillance. This “predictive surveillance” model will apply the emerging field of predictive analytics to the vast datasets in the hands of third parties. Unlike traditional surveillance, predictive surveillance will not begin by targeting individuals based on particularized suspicion. Instead, predictive surveillance will first collect and analyze all available data to find patterns that could predict future events. In light of the NSA’s emphasis on data analysis and its existing stores of telephone and Internet communications metadata, it seems inevitable that the government will eventually advocate for predictive surveillance in antiterrorism investigations. This Article contends that the existing framework of surveillance regulation cannot adapt to predictive surveillance because the existing framework presumes that surveillance begins with targeting. The Article next assesses whether predictive surveillance could comply with the Fourth Amendment. After rejecting arguments that the Fourth Amendment should not apply to information gathered from third parties or in public spaces, the Article proposes a narrow basis for authorizing predictive surveillance. The initial data collection would be reasonable under the Supreme Court’s balancing approach in domestic security investigations and under the Court’s approval of suspicionless searches in its special needs cases. This approach, however, would only uphold surveillance used for antiterrorism investigations, rather than ordinary law enforcement purposes. Finally, the Article proposes a new regulatory framework that postpones the assessment of particularized suspicion, requires prior judicial approval of the initial data collection and analysis, limits use of the database to antiterrorism investigations, and imposes substantial oversight and transparency.
Investigating Transitional Care to Decrease Post-pancreatectomy 30-Day Hospital Readmissions for Dehydration or Failure to Thrive

Background Current literature emphasizes post-operative complications as a leading cause of post-pancreatectomy readmissions. Transitional care factors associated with potentially preventable conditions such as dehydration and failure to thrive (FTT) may play a significant role in readmission after pancreatectomy and have not been studied.
Integrative Physical and Cognitive Training Development to Better Meet Airman Mission Requirements

Abstract In today's high-intensity Air Force (AF) operations, Airmen are often required to perform demanding cognitive and physical tasks simultaneously, or in close concert (e.g., AF Explosive Ordinance Disposal) [1]. However, most AF training programs [e.g., squadron physical training (PT)] do not account for these operational requirements, and thus may not optimally instill the combined skills that are required of Airmen to perform their jobs efficiently and effectively. To address this issue, we have initiated a research and development program that seeks to create and validate specific exercises, routines, and comprehensive workout programs that integrate cognitive (‘brain’) training with contemporary PT exercises (e.g., performing body squats while concurrently tracking incoming information to improve lower body strength and working memory capacity). This initiative is inspired by, 1) findings indicating a positive relationship between specific modes of physical exercise (e.g., agility drills and Tai Chi) and cognitive performance (e.g., attention and working memory) [2,3], 2) growing research interest in the effects and application of “brain training” [4], and 3) the AF's stated goal of developing personalized health and human performance technologies [5]. To accomplish this, we are currently developing training exercises and routines based on knowledge of operator physical and cognitive requirements obtained from quantitative and qualitative reports, surveys and interviews. These requirements are then distilled and paired in creative and practical ways to generate exercises and workout routines that can be instantiated effectively and efficiently into daily PT sessions performed in garrison at base fitness centers, at home, or down-range. Here, we share some of the exercises and routines we have developed, describe the philosophy and theoretical framework of our initiative, and provide a glimpse into future research in this area.
Solvent versus temperature control over the infrared band shape and position in Fe(CO)3(η4-Ligand) complexes

The solute–solvent interactions between Fe(CO)3(η4-cyclooctatetraene) (FeCOT) and 27 solvents were examined by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The observed change in band shape and position of the carbonyl bands as a function of solvent was found to be very similar to that previously observed in temperature-dependent IR experiments of Fe(CO)3(η4-norborndiene) (FeNBD). While for FeNBD the change in band shape results from dynamic exchange of carbonyl ligands, temperature-dependent IR experiments in ethyl acetate show that the observed changes are not a result of carbonyl ligand site exchange for FeCOT. We therefore concluded that the solvent dependence of the IR spectra must be a consequence of a static solute–solvent interaction. We find that the linear solvation energy model (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1977, 99, 6027–6038; Chem. Soc. Rev. 1993, 22, 409–416) provides a satisfactory account for the spectral changes due to the solvent. From this model, we are able to conclude that the solute–solvent interactions of this...
Abstract P4-01-03: quantitative DCE-MRI to predict the response of primary breast cancer to neoadjuvant therapy

The goal of this study was to determine if quantitative changes in dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) following a single cycle of chemotherapy can be used to separate pathologic responders (i.e., no residual tumor in the breast at surgery) from pathologic non-responders. 28 patients with Stage II/III breast cancer were enrolled in an IRB-approved clinical trial where breast MRI scans were acquired before ( t 1 ) and after one cycle of therapy ( t 2 ). Imaging was performed on a 3.0T MR scanner (Philips Healthcare, The Netherlands) and employed a 3D spoiled gradient echo sequence with a spatial resolution of 6.6 mm 3 and a temporal resolution of 16 seconds collected at 25 time points before and after the intravenous injection of 0.1 mmol/kg of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist, Wayne, NJ). At surgery, 12 patients were responders while 16 patients were non-responders. Both semi-quantitative and quantitative analyses were used to summarize the DCE-MRI data. The semi-quantitative parameters were the signal enhancement rate (SER [1]) and tumor volume (TV). Three pharmacokinetic models, the Tofts-Kety (TK), the Extended Tofts-Kety (ETK), and the fast exchange regime (FXR), were used to estimate the following quantitative parameters: the volume transfer constant ( K trans ), efflux rate constant ( k ep ), vascular volume ( v p ), and the extravascular extracellular volume fraction ( v e ) [2]. Each parameter was summarized in two ways: 1) the change in mean from t 1 to t 2 , and 2) the mean at t 2 . Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was then performed to determine the ability of each parameter to predict treatment response. The table displays the areas under the ROC curves (AUC) for each parameter. For the early change in parameters, the AUC for TV and SER were 0.48 and 0.66, respectively. The best AUC of the quantitative parameters was 0.73 from k ep estimated by the ETK model. The sensitivities/specificities for TV, SER, and k ep for predicting pathologic response were 88%/33%, 64%/79%, and 56%/92%, respectively. For the mean parameter values at t 2 , the AUCs of TV, SER, and k ep were 0.50, 0.56, and 0.79, with sensitivities/specificities for predicting pathologic response of 63%/50%, 93%/21%, and 81%/75%, respectively. Our results can be interpreted in light of the ACRIN 6657/I-SPY trial [3] which found that change in TV and SER at an early time point were the most predictive of response with AUCs of 0.72 and 0.71, respectively. Our preliminary results, especially our AUC of 0.79 for k ep at t 2 , suggest that a more quantitative analysis of higher temporal resolution DCE-MRI data may achieve comparable or even superior results. Our ongoing efforts involve combining multiple parameters in a multivariate analysis with apparent diffusion coefficient data from diffusion weighted MRI. [1] Arasu et al. Acad Radiol 2011;18:716–721. [2] Yankeelov & Gore. CMIR 2009;3:91–107. [3] Hylton et al. Radiology. 2012;263:663–672. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-01-03.
Analysis of a Passive Sequential Hydraulic Damper for Vehicle Suspension

SUMMARY Vibration isolation characteristics of a sequential hydraulic damper, employing external pressure relief valves, are investigated via analytical means. The sequential hydraulic damper is modelled as a nonlinear dynamical system incorporating nonlinearities due to orifice flows, gas spring and pressure relief mechanisms. The damping characteristics of the sequential hydraulic damper, are compared to those of a constant orifice and a semi-active sequential damper, and discussed in view of their vibration isolation performance. It is established that the performance characteristics of the sequential hydraulic damper are similar to that of a semi-active sequential damper. A tuning methodology to achieve appropriate control of the resonant peak and effective vibration isolation is proposed. The shock and vibration isolation performance of the vehicle model employing a sequential damper are evaluated and compared to those of the vehicle model employing a constant orifice hydraulic damper. It is conclude...
By-Elections in Botswana: An Examination of Hypotheses about By-elections in an African Context

The traditional study of by-elections has tended to focus on whether or not they are an indicator of shifting political fortunes of particular political parties or unique events governed by immediate circumstances or a politician's personality. However, in recent years, in Africa, by-elections are being taken as a measure of the health of the nation and society, but not just in the sense of a "healthy democracy," although that is one possible benefit from studying by- elections. Rather, scholars working with the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA) have recently begun to use the occurrence of by-elections as a measure of the health of individual members of parliament and/or local government councils. This project examines the role that by-elections have played in Botswana by using both the traditional approach to determining the role of by-elections in the larger political process and as an indicator of the "health" of the people who make democracy work in the country.
Individual differences in the time course of reward processing: Stage-specific links with depression and impulsivity.

Abstract Reward dysfunction has been implicated in a wide range of psychological disorders, including internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. Basic neuroscience research has shown that reward is a multistage process, yet it is unclear how specific stages relate to individual differences in reward sensitivity. The current study utilized event-related potentials elicited during a monetary incentive task to parse sub-stages within anticipatory and consummatory reward processing. Effects of depressive symptoms and trait impulsivity were examined at each sub-stage (N = 92). Reward anticipation modulated neural activity across three sub-stages: cue detection (cue-P3), approach behavior (contingent negative variation, CNV), and outcome anticipation (stimulus preceding negativity). Reward delivery modulated activity across two sub-stages: initial evaluation (reward positivity, RewP), and allocation of attention (feedback-P3). Sensation seeking predicted faster reaction times, as well as cue-P3 and RewP amplitudes. Depression and lack of premeditation interacted to predict CNV and RewP amplitudes. Results demonstrate that individual differences in reward functioning are stage-specific.
Maintaining low non-neoplastic polypectomy rates in high-quality screening colonoscopy

Background and Aims Non-neoplastic polypectomies (NNPs) add pathology and procedural costs but do not reduce cancer risk and should be minimized. We sought to define the minimal non-neoplastic polypectomy rate (NNPR) for those colonoscopists achieving high-quality colorectal cancer screening based on adenoma detection rates (ADRs). Methods NNPRs for colonoscopists achieving high-quality adenoma detection rates were reported to determine minimal NNPR goals. Two approaches to tracking NNPR monitoring were compared: (1) total NNPR, an NNPR inclusive of all non-neoplastic specimens with exclusion of only hyperplastic polyp, sessile serrated polyp, and adenoma; and (2) normal tissue-only NNPR, an NNPR inclusive of those specimens with only normal colonic mucosa or lymphoid follicles. Results For those performing colonoscopy with high-quality ADRs (≥25%), half (6/12) of the colonoscopists had a total NNPR of ≤8.5% and 2 gastroenterologists had a total NNPR of ≤3.4%. The mean total NNPR of the cohort was 8.7% versus the normal tissue only NNPR, which was 7.5% (mean difference of 1.2%, standard deviation ± 0.97). The widest variation between total NNPR versus normal tissue only NNPR for any colonoscopist was 2.9%. The total NNPR ranged between 2.6% and 21.3% among 14 colonoscopists. Conclusions Colonoscopy with a high-quality ADR can be achieved while maintaining a low total NNPR. A total NNPR, inclusive of all non-neoplastic specimens as an alternative to an approach in which all specimens require individual review in order to select out only normal tissue can be considered for monitoring of NNPR.
Taming a Fuzzer Using Delta Debugging Trails

Fuzzers, or random testing tools, are powerful tools for finding bugs. A major problem with using fuzzersis that they often trigger many bugs that are already known. The fuzzer taming problem addresses this issue by ordering bug-triggering random test cases generated by a fuzzer such that test cases exposing diverse bugs are found early in the ranking. Previous work on fuzzer taming first reduces each test case into a minimal failure-inducing test case using delta debugging, then finds the ordering by applying the Furthest Point First algorithm over the reduced test cases. During the delta debugging process, a sequence of failing test cases is generated (the "delta debugging trail"). We hypothesize that these additional failing test cases also contain relevant information about the bug and could be useful for fuzzertaming. In this paper, we propose to use these additional failing test cases generated during delta debugging to help tame fuzzers. Our experiments show that this allows for more diverse bugs to be found early in the furthest point first ranking.
Neuroimaging of Children With Surgically Treated Hydrocephalus: A Practical Approach.

OBJECTIVE. Children with surgically treated hydrocephalus commonly undergo multiple neuroimaging studies. The purpose of this article is to share an experience with use of the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principle to guide the imaging approach to these patients. CONCLUSION. A reasonably achievable strategy for minimizing ionizing radiation in patients with surgically treated hydrocephalus includes rapid-sequence MRI and judicious use of dose-optimized head CT. Rapid-sequence MRI is particularly useful in the care of patients who have undergone endoscopic third ventriculostomy.
Stroke and Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Ring (NuvaRing): Clinical, Radiological, and Prognostic Features.

Background A recent study found that NuvaRing (a vaginal contraceptive ring containing 15 µg ethinyl estradiol and 120 µg etonogestrel) has 2.5 times increased relative risk of thrombotic stroke compared to nonuse. Objective We studied a case series of 19 such patients as well as prior published case reports to clarify clinical, radiological, and prognostic features. Methods Medical records and imaging for 18 cases were initially systematically reviewed for consultation in a class action lawsuit. One case was seen personally outside of litigation. All 19 cases were entered into a database detailing clinical, radiological, and prognostic features as well as other potential risk factors. A literature search identified 8 additional cases. Results Average age at stroke was 31.7 ± 9.8 years; average duration of NuvaRing use prior to stroke was 11.2 months. Arterial stroke occurred in 10 of 19 (52%); 1 of 10 (10%) was hemorrhagic. Venous sinus thrombosis was present in 11 of 19 (58%) on initial imaging; 6 of 11 (54%) were hemorrhagic. The most common presenting symptom was headache (7 of 19 [37%]) and motor weakness (7 of 19 [37%]). A hypercoagulable condition was present in 3 of 19 (16%); 3 of 19 (16%) had history of hypercoagulable disease in a first-degree relative. Mortality was .5%; 8 of 19 (42%) fully recovered and 3 of 19 (15%) were discharged to rehabilitation. Conclusions In this largest case series of NuvaRing-associated stroke to date, approximately half of the strokes are venous and half are arterial. Stroke typically occurred within the first year of use, and as soon as 2 weeks after NuvaRing initiation.
The rediscovery of Archaeosphaerodiniopsis Rampi (Dinophyceae)

ABSTRACTThe dinoflagellate genus Archaeosphaerodiniopsis Rampi has been observed for the first time since its original description in 1943. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations permitted a more detailed description than that given by Rampi and as a consequence the genus has been emended. Images and drawings are included herein in an attempt to reposition this intriguing dinoflagellate within the current literature. Plate tabulation formula: Po Pt X 4' 6'' 6? C 4S 5''' 1''''.
The Origins of Planning Education: Overview

Planning education in the early twentieth century developed in response to the need for professionals in architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, public health, and law to understand and address the unique challenges of rapidly growing cities and regions. It was in the United States and the United Kingdom that the first standalone planning education programs flourished prior to World War II. Former colonial nations expanded planning education initially on the model provided by the West, often because their leading educators were products of the Anglo-American system. The proliferation of planning education programs in Eastern Europe, sections of Asia and Africa and especially in China since the end of 1980s owes to increased global engagements coupled with continuing challenges of urbanization. Throughout the twentieth century, transnational exchanges of ideas and strategies have helped to shape the global planning education movement.
A Novel Method to Measure the Tentorial Angle and the Implications on Surgeries of the Pineal Region

Objective There is no standard way to define the angle of the tentorium. The current trend to use the Twining line to define this angle has significant pitfalls. The goal of the current study was to provide a new and accurate way to measure the tentorial angle and demonstrate its impact on surgeries of the pineal region. Methods A new technique (n-angle) to measure the tentorial angle was introduced using the floor of the fourth ventricle and the torcula. Comparisons with older techniques were made to illustrate reliability. Midline sagittal MR images were used to measure the tentorial angle in 240 individuals to obtain population-based data. A cohort of 8 patients who underwent either the infratentorial or the transtentorial approach to the pineal or upper vermian region were examined in search of correlations between tentorial angle and surgical approach. Results The data in this study showed that the Twining line technique understates the tentorial angle in people with low-lying torcula. The n-angle is more reliable in reflecting the true steepness of the tentorium regardless of torcula position. On average, men have slightly steeper tentoriums. In the clinical cohort, all patients who underwent infratentorial surgery had tentorial angles 67°. Conclusion The n-angle provides a reliable and accurate way to describe the slope of the tentorium. The population-based average of 60° may be a useful measurement to influence the choice of surgical approach, either under or through the tentorium, to the pineal region.
Applications—Heat Transfer Problems

Abstract Thermodynamics concerns heat and temperature as well as their relation to energy and work. These variables are governed by four laws of thermodynamics. Thermodynamics applies a wide variety of topics in science and engineering. Heat transfer is a branch of thermodynamics where the thermal energy is transferred in a body or from one body to another. In this chapter, different heat transfer problems are discussed and corresponding governing equations are discussed. The Galerkin method is applied to develop element models for triangle and rectangle elements. In addition, the solution to a transient heat transfer problem is illustrated by a case study.
Review of Republics of the New World: The Revolutionary Political Experiment in Nineteenth-Century Latin America, by Hilda Sabato

Republics of the New World: The Revolutionary Political Experiment in Nineteenth-Century Latin America, by Hilda Sabato, Princeton University Press, 2018.