cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictive multiple sampling algorithm with overlapping integration intervals for linear wide dynamic range integrating image sensors

Many tasks performed by intelligent transportation systems involve processing of natural scenes. Wide dynamic range visible spectrum image sensors are required to achieve optimal processing performance. Recently several approaches that rely on the multiple sampling technique to achieve wide dynamic range have been presented. The behavior of a novel predictive variant of these algorithms is analyzed together with its key assumptions and limits to its performance and flexibility.
On the dynamics of balance of payments constrained growth

This paper assesses the dynamic behaviour of policies for resolving trade deficits. We extend the Thirlwall-based model by introducing an equation for setting current account policy. Steady-state solutions implying current account equilibrium emerge under autonomous spending contraction, exchange rate develuation, export expansion, and import reduction. Stability holds with plausible restrictions. simulations based upon the United States reveal that autonomous spending, import, and export policies behave similarly in correcting trade deficits. Exchange rate devaluation generates considerably slower adjustment. Corresponding output growth paths are also examined. The study formally incorporates dynamics into the Thirlwall approach for analysing balance of paymnets constrained growth.
Effect of individual and multiple antioxidant vitamins on growth and morphology of human nontumorigenic and tumorigenic parotid acinar cells in culture

The effects of individual and multiple antioxidant vitamins on growth and morphology of human nontumorigenic (2HPC8) and tumorigenic (2HP1G) parotid acinar cells in culture have not been investigated. Our study showed that tumorigenic acinar cells were more sensitive than nontumorigenic acinar cells to individual vitamins such as vitamin C, beta-carotene (BC), d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate (alpha-TS), and retinoic acid (RA) and a mixture of four vitamins (vitamin C, BC, alpha-TS, and RA). The effect of individual vitamins on tumorigenic acinar cells depended on the dose and the type of vitamins. Vitamin C at a low concentration stimulated growth, but at a high concentration it inhibited growth. BC was most effective in reducing growth, and it alone caused extensive morphological changes in tumorigenic acinar cells. A mixture of four vitamins at appropriate doses was more effective than a mixture of two or three vitamins at the same doses in reducing the growth of tumorigenic acinar cells. The extent of growth inhibition depended on the dose and the type of vitamins. Our results suggest that the use of multiple antioxidant vitamins is essential for a maximal reduction in cancer incidence among a high-risk population. The use of one or two vitamins may be ineffective or even harmful.
Ileorectal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis

This operation is a well-established but not widely used operation. One might say that its timing has been “bad” in arriving on the surgical scene. The procedure was held in some disrepute throughout the past 30 years because of prevailing notions that the failure rate (leakage from the anastomosis, need for later proctectomy) was high and that rectal cancer was likely to occur. A large number of reports, in the 1970s and 1980s did much to dispel these pessimistic attitudes, but no sooner had the operation come of age or at least become respectable when applied to a specific patient, than there emerged the operation of ileoanal anastomosis with pelvic reservoir. Since this latter operation is promoted as resolving two of the major concerns about ileorectal anastomosis — namely, need for future proctectomy because of proctitis (and diarrhea) and cancer/cancer prophylaxis, it behooves the protagonist of ileorectal anastomosis to not only discuss these various sequelae and risks of the operation, but to do so in relationship to like sequelae of the pelvic reservoir.
Maasai gender in typological perspective

Maasai nouns (or determined NPs) occur in one of three genders: masculine/augmentative, feminine/diminutive, or place (the last is extremely limited). The Maasai gender system is semantic rather than formal (i.e., based on phonological or morphological criteria) in type, but with at least two distinct semantic subtypes. For a restricted set of nouns, gender is immutably based on lexical semantic features. Other nouns are lexically neutral, or have a default gender specification which can be overridden by the speaker's construal of the referent as small/female, large/male, or pejorative. Varying by the noun, either of the productive genders may convey a pejorative construal, though it is most common in the feminine. The default gender of a noun is that which yields the non-pejorative sense. Some evidence suggests that feminine is becoming the grammatically unmarked gender.
The Cleavage and Polyadenylation Specificity Factor 6 (CPSF6) Subunit of the Capsid-recruited Pre-messenger RNA Cleavage Factor I (CFIm) Complex Mediates HIV-1 Integration into Genes

HIV-1 favors integration into active genes and gene-enriched regions of host cell chromosomes, thus maximizing the probability of provirus expression immediately after integration. This requires cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 6 (CPSF6), a cellular protein involved in pre-mRNA 3′ end processing that binds HIV-1 capsid and connects HIV-1 preintegration complexes to intranuclear trafficking pathways that link integration to transcriptionally active chromatin. CPSF6 together with CPSF5 and CPSF7 are known subunits of the cleavage factor I (CFIm) 3′ end processing complex; however, CPSF6 could participate in additional protein complexes. The molecular mechanisms underpinning the role of CPSF6 in HIV-1 infection remain to be defined. Here, we show that a majority of cellular CPSF6 is incorporated into the CFIm complex. HIV-1 capsid recruits CFIm in a CPSF6-dependent manner, which suggests that the CFIm complex mediates the known effects of CPSF6 in HIV-1 infection. To dissect the roles of CPSF6 and other CFIm complex subunits in HIV-1 infection, we analyzed virologic and integration site targeting properties of a CPSF6 variant with mutations that prevent its incorporation into CFIm. We show, somewhat surprisingly, that CPSF6 incorporation into CFIm is not required for its ability to direct preferential HIV-1 integration into genes. The CPSF5 and CPSF7 subunits appear to have only a minor, if any, role in this process even though they appear to facilitate CPSF6 binding to capsid. Thus, CPSF6 alone controls the key molecular interactions that specify HIV-1 preintegration complex trafficking to active chromatin.
973 MECHANISM OF FETAL VASOPRESSIN HYPERSECRETION DURING THE PERINATAL PERIOD

Cord blood levels of arginine vasopressin(AVP)are known to be high after vaginal delivery(VD)in contrast to ceasarian section (C/S)delivery without labor. However, the mechanism, significance, and postnatal duration of the AVP hypersecretion are not known. We studied serial values for AVP concentration by radioimmunoassay in 61 full term and 13 premature (32-36 weeks gestation) infants during the first 24 hours of life. All normal infants had Apgar values >7. Mean AVP values vs time did not differ for premature and full term infants. Paired (mean ± SEM, uU/ml) umbilical artery(UA)and vein(UV)levels following VD and C/S during labor were 90 ± 15 and 15 ± 5.6 respectively(p<.001). Cord UA values for 2 anencephalic infants, 2 infants with breech presentation, and 9 infants delivered by C/S without labor, were significantly lower than values after normal VD and C/S with labor. Plasma AVP after VD or C/S with labor fell rapidly after delivery; peripheral venous levels in VD infants were 22% of UV values by 30 minutes (p<.05). By 2 hours AVP values for all infants approached adult basal levels.
Flowfield and Film Performance Measurements of Axial Shaped Cooling Holes on a Flat Plate

A flat plate film cooling experimental facility has enabled a study of the flowfield features and film performance characteristics of a single row of standard axial-shaped holes (ASH). Surface IR thermography and particle image velocimetry (PIV) were used to quantify blowing ratios impact on both flow and heat transfer in the ASH film row configuration. At constant freestream flow conditions, the blowing ratio was adjusted by altering the coolant flow rate. Performance was analyzed via IR measurements at three nominal blowing ratios by contours of adiabatic effectiveness as well as lateral and area-averaged adiabatic effectiveness. 2D PIV measurements were utilized as an additional flow diagnostic to examine the film jet structural variation with blowing ratio, and to provide a link between the behavior of the near-wall flowfield and the surface cooling.
Receptive vocabulary analysis in Down syndrome.

The present study is an in-depth examination of receptive vocabulary in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) in comparison to control groups of individuals of similar nonverbal ability with typical development (TD) and non-specific etiology intellectual disability (ID). Verb knowledge was of particular interest, as it is known to be a predictor of later syntactic development. Fifty participants with DS, aged 10–21 years, 29 participants with ID, 10–21 years, and 29 participants with TD, 4–9 years, completed measures of receptive vocabulary (PPVT-4), nonverbal ability (Leiter-R), and phonological memory (Nonword Repetition subtest of the CTOPP). Groups were compared on percentage correct of noun, verb and attribute items on the PPVT-4. Results revealed that on verb items, the participants with ID performed significantly better than both participants with DS and TD, even when overall receptive vocabulary ability and phonological memory were held constant. Groups with DS and TD showed the same pattern of lexical knowledge, performing better on nouns than both verbs and attributes. In contrast, the group with ID performed similarly on nouns and verbs, but worse on attributes.
Analysis of monitoring result of influenza pathogen in Huangshan city from 2008 to 2012

Objective To understand flu etiology characteristics through monitoring influenza-like cases in Huangshan city,and provide scientific basis for the clinical diagnosis,further prevention and control of influenza in this area. Methods Throat swab specimens of flu patients from sentinel hospitals were collected for influenza virus nucleic acid detection and type identification with RT-PCR method. Results From 2009 to 2012,a total of 1800 swab specimens were collected from surveillance hospitals and 422 influenza virus positive samples were detected with an average rate of 23. 44%. Conclusion A /H1N1 was the main influenza virus in Huangshan in 2009,B was the main influenza one in 2010,B and A /H1N1 were the main influenza ones in Huangshan in 2011,B and A /H3 were the main influenza ones in Huangshan in2012. Influenza occurred mainly in winter and spring.
The Sacred Valley as a Zone of Productivity, Privilege and Power

The Urubamba mid-section, commonly now known as the Sacred Valley, has flat land on the valley floor, temperate climate, abundant irrigation water and scenic attributes. Five Inca kings acquired parts of the Sacred Valley as their own reserve and several of them ordered the construction of earthworks that materially enhanced resource use. For at least a millennium the agricultural mainstay has been flour maize, adapted to moderate temperatures and an unusually long growing season. After the Conquest, Spaniards appropriated the land and labor of this privileged section of the Urubamba. In the twentieth century, haciendas cultivated a large-kernelled, white flour corn that expanded after the breakup of the estate system. Decreasing water supply brought on by global warming and changing transportation adjustments favor crops with less water demands. Overarching the future, however, is land speculation that predicts a shift to tourist-oriented land use. Pollution of the Urubamba River, generalization of alien vegetation and settlement sprawl on rich farm land are Sacred Valley issues needing resolution.
Effects of hip joint transverse plane range of motion with a modeled effusion and capsular tear: A cadaveric study.

Abstract Background Multiple factors contribute to range of motion of the hip joint in the transverse plane: bony anatomy, hip capsule, corresponding ligaments, articular labrum, ligamentum teres, and negative intra-articular pressure. We hypothesized that violation of the negative pressure of the hip and simulation of an effusion would increase range of motion in the transverse plane in a cadaver model. Methods Ten hip specimens were obtained and dissected with the femur and iliac wing mounted in a custom joint-testing rig in neutral position. Specimens were tested at 0 and at 90° of flexion with 1.5 Nm internal and external rotational torque. Three conditions were assessed: (1) intact specimen, (2) an effusion modeled by a 10 ml saline infusion, and (3) a capsular tear. Findings The modeled effusion decreased rotational range of motion limits in both 0 and 90° of flexion, with a greater effect on the specimens at 0° flexion in external rotation with 4.1° less external rotation (p = 0.009). A modeled capsular tear increased rotational motion limits in 0° of flexion in both internal and external rotation and in 90° flexion in internal rotation only (p Interpretation An effusion may decrease the rotation of the hip, and a capsular tear may increase its rotation. This should be considered in hips with traumatic capsular tears or arthroscopic portals.
Biological Measures of Erosion Control

A number of biological and agronomic management practices are available for controlling soil erosion. Important among these are no-till, reduced tillage, crop rotations, cover crops, residue and canopy cover management, vegetative filter strips, riparian buffers, agroforestry, and soil synthetic conditioners. This Chapter discusses the importance of: (1) cover crops (2) crop residues, (3) soil amendments (e.g., manures), and (4) soil conditioners (e.g., polymers) to reducing soil erosion.
Reliability Assessment of Critical Infrastructure Using Bayesian Networks

AbstractThe authors present a Bayesian network (BN)-based approach for modeling and reliability assessment of infrastructure systems. The BN is a powerful framework that is able to account for unce...
Nonenzymatic oligomerization on templates containing phosphodiester-linked acyclic glycerol nucleic acid analogues.

Nonenzymatic oligomerization reactions represent a model for studying the prebiotic replication of informational macromolecules. To explore the fitness of acyclic oligonucleotides in these reactions, we have synthesized a series of DNA hairpins appended with templates incorporating atactic glyceryl cytosine residues. Atactic glyceryl cytosine units are found to impede, but not to block, template-directed oligomerization of guanosine 5′-phosphoro-2-methylimidazole (2-MeImpG). Evidence suggests that both D and L glyceryl nucleoside configurations at a given template position contribute to product formation. The stability of DNA duplexes bearing isolated glyceryl cytosine residues has also been investigated. Duplex thermal denaturation experiments indicate that an atactic glyC · dG base-pair is intermediate in stability between a dC · dG pair and a dT · dG mismatch.
Triangular Diplomacy and Europe’s Changing Gas Network: From “Trying-Angles” to Stable Marriage

This chapter explicates the puzzle of strategic restraint in gas relations during the 2013–2015 Ukrainian crisis. It spells out the logic of structural energy balancing and traces the transformation of cross-border gas ties from three interacting, but asymmetric “point-to-point” relationships to a triangle system embedded within a broader regional gas network in the lead up to the 2013–2015 conflict. The chapter then probes the strategic consequences of this emerging Euro–Eurasian gas network for facilitating more resilient and diversified relationships in and across Europe, while preserving Russia’s lasting prominence as a commercial supplier. The conclusion explores implications for coercive diplomacy, as well as for strengthening US–Euro–Russian energy governance in the transition to a global gas network.
Introduction to Neutrino Oscillation

This chapter gives a brief overview of the history of neutrino physics, and the discovery of—and theory behind—neutrino oscillation. It also summarises the current knowledge in the field of neutrino oscillation before the analysis presented in this thesis, using information from solar, reactor, and long-baseline neutrino experiments.
Functional disability and suicidal behavior in middle-aged and older adults: A systematic critical review.

Abstract Background Middle-aged and older adults have elevated rates of suicide around the globe, but there is a paucity of knowledge about risk factors for suicide in these age groups. One possible risk factor may be functional disability, which is more common at later ages. Methods The current systematic critical review examined findings regarding the associations between functional disability and suicidal behavior (suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and death by suicide) in middle-aged and older adults (i.e. age 50 and older). Results Forty-five studies were found that examined these associations. The majority of studies supported a significant association between functional disability and suicidal ideation. In addition, findings to date strongly suggest that depression serves as a mediator of the association between functional disability and suicidal ideation, though most studies did not directly test for mediation. Limitations Firm conclusions regarding suicide attempts and death by suicide, as well as mediation, cannot be drawn due to a relative lack of research in these areas. Conclusions The association between functional disability and suicidal behavior suggests an important area for prevention and intervention among middle-aged and older adults, but additional research is necessary to clarify the specifics of these associations and examine appropriate intervention strategies. Important future directions for research in this area include the direct comparison of associations of risk factors with different types of suicidal behavior, greater use of longitudinal data with multiple time points, and further examination of potential mediators and moderators of the association between functional disability and suicidal behavior.
Schools, Risk, and Integration: Responding to the EU/Refugee Crisis

In 2015, according to UNICEF (2016a) data, 76,146 child migrants, 1,820 child refugees and 1,084 child asylum seekers entered Europe. In 2016, the call for this special issue was developed with the...
From Cognitive Modeling to Robotics: How Research on Human Cognition and Computational Cognitive Architectures can be Applied to Robotics Problems

Cognitive psychology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have long been intertwined in the study of problem solving, learning, and perception. The early pioneers of AI, Herbert Simon and Allen Newell, drew as inspiration chess masters and from their study developed computer programs to mimic the problem solving abilities identified in chess masters. The understanding of chess strategies relied heavily upon characterizing the problem space as a combination of symbolic inference and statistical pattern matching, which allowed for a quick understanding of the environment by computer systems. Recently, robotics has emerged as an AI domain, and the problem space has proven a difficult one due to the sub-symbolic nature of the knowledge. As robotics has emerged as a field in AI, cognitive architecture researchers have continued to refine their understanding of cognition in new ways that allow for the duplication of human problem solving with limited resources. The goal of this manuscript is to inform the AI world of the successes cognitive architectures have produced with the hope that this knowledge can be transferred to AI, and more specifically, robotics.
Safety and efficacy of stereoelectroencephalography in pediatric focal epilepsy: a single-center experience

Objective Patients with medically refractory localization-related epilepsy (LRE) may be candidates for surgical intervention if the seizure onset zone (SOZ) can be well localized. Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) offers an attractive alternative to subdural grid and strip electrode implantation for seizure lateralization and localization; yet there are few series reporting the safety and efficacy of SEEG in pediatric patients. Methods The authors review their initial 3-year consecutive experience with SEEG in pediatric patients with LRE. SEEG coverage, SOZ localization, complications, and preliminary seizure outcomes following subsequent surgical treatments are assessed. Results Twenty-five pediatric patients underwent 30 SEEG implantations, with a total of 342 electrodes placed. Ten had prior resections or ablations. Seven had no MRI abnormalities, and 8 had multiple lesions on MRI. Based on preimplantation hypotheses, 7 investigations were extratemporal (ET), 1 was only temporal-limbic (TL), and 22 were combined ET/TL investigations. Fourteen patients underwent bilateral investigations. On average, patients were monitored for 8 days postimplant (range 3-19 days). Nearly all patients were discharged home on the day following electrode explantation. There were no major complications. Minor complications included 1 electrode deflection into the subdural space, resulting in a minor asymptomatic extraaxial hemorrhage; and 1 in-house and 1 delayed electrode superficial scalp infection, both treated with local wound care and oral antibiotics. SEEG localized the hypothetical SOZ in 23 of 25 patients (92%). To date, 18 patients have undergone definitive surgical intervention. In 2 patients, SEEG localized the SOZ near eloquent cortex and subdural grids were used to further delineate the seizure focus relative to mapped motor function just prior to resection. At last follow-up (average 21 months), 8 of 15 patients with at least 6 months of follow-up (53%) were Engel class I, and an additional 6 patients (40%) were Engel class II or III. Only 1 patient was Engel class IV. Conclusions SEEG is a safe and effective technique for invasive SOZ localization in medically refractory LRE in the pediatric population. SEEG permits bilateral and multilobar investigations while avoiding large craniotomies. It is conducive to deep, 3D, and perilesional investigations, particularly in cases of prior resections. Patients who are not found to have focally localizable seizures are spared craniotomies.
Dieulafoy's lesion discovered after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

A 51-year-old woman with a medical history significant for coronary artery disease, asthma, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnoea and body mass index (BMI) of 58 kg/m2 underwent an uncomplicated laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. She tolerated the procedure well and was discharged home
Place management in neighborhood context: an analysis of crime at apartments in Cincinnati

The present study explores the importance of apartment management decisions for crime counts at apartments, and estimates whether the associations between these management decisions and crime vary according to neighborhood context. These issues are explored through multilevel Poisson-based regression modeling of manager survey data from a Cincinnati-based sample of 238 apartments nested within 29 neighborhoods. Results indicate that place management decisions were not, on average, associated with less crime at apartments. However, numerous management variables showed significantly different associations with crime at varying levels of neighborhood disadvantage. The results reinforce the propositions of multilevel opportunity theory suggesting that place management is likely to have different effects based on the broader neighborhood context. Multi-faceted approaches to place management in disadvantaged contexts are suggested.
Disparities in Lung Cancer Screening Availability: Lessons From Southwest Virginia.

Background Little is known about health disparities in access to low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening. This study hypothesized that the current capacity for LDCT screening would be exceeded by the number of at-risk individuals in Virginia. Methods Cancer incidence data and adult smoking rates for Virginia were obtained from public sources between 2006 and 2012. The American College of Radiology website was queried in 2015 to identify lung cancer screening facilities in Virginia, which were surveyed. Spatial exploratory data analysis was used to examine secondary data, and descriptive analysis was used to examine primary survey data. Results Rural counties have higher lung cancer death rates and smoking rates than metropolitan counties. Despite a tremendous burden for LDCT screening in rural counties, particularly in southwest Virginia, there were only two LDCT facilities. In total, 37 accredited LDCT facilities were identified in Virginia. On average, facilities had been screening for 14.6 months and screened an average of 76 patients. Conclusions At-risk smokers in Virginia, particularly those living in rural areas with high smoking rates, do not have adequate recommended LDCT coverage. More screening centers are needed to care for the high number of rural smokers at risk for lung cancer.
Frank Beach Award Winner - The future of mental health research: Examining the interactions of the immune, endocrine and nervous systems between mother and infant and how they affect mental health

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are periods of significant change in the immune and endocrine systems. This period of life is also associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders in the mother, and an increased risk of developmental and neuropsychiatric disorders in her infant. The collective data described here supports the idea that peripartum mood disorders in mother and developmental disorders in her infant likely reflects multiple pathogeneses, stemming from various interactions between the immune, endocrine and nervous systems, thereby resulting in various symptom constellations. In this case, testing the mechanisms underlying specific symptoms of these disorders (e.g. deficits in specific types of learning or anhedonia) may provide a better understanding of the various physiological interactions and multiple etiologies that most likely underlie the risk of mental health disorders during this unique time in life. The goal here is to summarize the current understanding of how immune and endocrine factors contribute to maternal mental health, while simultaneously understanding the impact these unique interactions have on the developing brain of her infant.
METABOLIC CHANGES | Cell Signaling by Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Epileptogenesis

Excitatory membranes contain phospholipids enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acyl chains, which are members of essential fatty acid families (omega-6 and omega-3). Omega-3 fatty acids are concentrated in the nervous system. These phospholipids contribute to membrane structure, are reservoirs of mediators, and are targets of peroxidation. Seizures actively release free (unesterified) arachidonic (omega-6) and docosahexaenoic (omega-3) acids. Stereospecific enzyme-derived products from omega-6 (lipoxin A4) and omega-3 (neuroprotectin D1) fatty acids are mediators with neuroprotective and antiinflammatory bioactivity. On the other hand, peroxidation products are cell damaging. Cell signaling involving these polyunsaturated fatty acids and derivatives within neurons, astrocytes and between these cells and others of the nervous system have potential significance in epilepsy.
Social Support Is Not the Only Problematic Criterion, But If Used at All, "Lack of Social Support" Should Count in Favor of Listing, Not Against.

Besides lacking robust empirical support, Berry and colleagues argue that the “lack of social support” listing criterion violates the moral principles of equity and respect for persons. Hence, only...
The community of science.

Rachel Ramoni is chief research and development officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she oversees 2,000 active projects at more than 100 sites.
Permanent Pacemaker Implantations after Catheter Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Associated with Underlying Sinus Node Dysfunction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes and the incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation after catheter ablation in patients with of atrial fibrillation (AF) and sinus node dysfunction (SND). METHODS Among 3,068 total consecutive patients who underwent AF catheter ablation (AFCA), this study included 222 (9.5%; men 53.2%, 63.7±9.2 years of age, 81.5% paroxysmal AF) with underlying SND and a regular rhythm follow-up. We analyzed the rhythm outcomes, changes in the mean heart rate or heart rate variability, and permanent pacemaker implantation rate. RESULTS During 47.5±28.8 months of follow-up, 25 (11.3%) patients received pacemaker implantations due to symptomatic SND. More than half (56.0%, 14/25) underwent a pacemaker implantation within 3 months of the AFCA, and the annual pacemaker implantation rate was 2.0% afterwards. Both the early (68.0% vs. 31.0%, p<0.001) and clinical AF recurrence (68.0% vs. 32.5%, p=0.001) rates and continuous antiarrhythmic drug use after 3 months (44.0% vs. 24.4%, p=0.036) were significantly higher in patients requiring pacemaker implantations than those that did not. An anterior linear ablation (odds ratio [OR], 9.37 [3.03-28.9]; p<0.001) and the E/Em (OR, 1.15 [1.02-1.28]; p=0.018) were independently associated with permanent pacemaker implantations after AFCA in patients with AF and SND. CONCLUSIONS After AFCA in patients with AF and SND, 1 of 9 patients needed a pacemaker implantation and half needed implantations within 3 months. The AF recurrence rate was significantly higher in those who required pacemaker implantations after the AFCA.
Regulation of Hox and ParaHox genes by perfluorochemicals in mouse liver

Homeobox (Hox) genes encode homeodomain proteins, which play important roles in the development and morphological diversification of organisms including plants and animals. Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which are well recognized industrial pollutants and universally detected in human and wildlife, interfere with animal development. In addition, PFCs produce a number of hepatic adverse effects, such as hepatomegaly and dyslipidemia. Homeodomain proteins profoundly contribute to liver regeneration. Hox genes serve as either oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes during target organ carcinogenesis. However, to date, no study investigated whether PFCs regulate expression of Hox genes. This study was designed to determine the regulation of Hox (including Hox-a to -d subfamily members) and paraHox [including GS homeobox (Gsx), pancreatic and duodenal homeobox (Pdx), and caudal-related homeobox (Cdx) family members] genes by PFCs including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) in mouse liver. 46.4 mg/kg PFNA induced mRNA expression of Hoxa5, b7, c5, d10 and Pdx1 in wild-type and CAR-null mouse livers, but not in PPARα-null mouse livers, indicating a PPARα-dependent manner. PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA all induced mRNA expression of Hoxa5, b7, c5, d10, Pdx1 and Zeb2 in wild-type but not PPARα-null mouse livers. In addition, in Nrf2-null mouse livers, PFNA continued to increase mRNA expression of Hoxa5 and Pdx1, but not Hoxb7, c5 or d10. Furthermore, Wy14643, a classical PPARα agonist, induced mRNA expression of Hoxb7 and c5 in wild-type but not PPARα-null mouse livers. However, Wy14643 did not induce mRNA expression of Hoxa5, d10 or Pdx1 in either wild-type or PPARα-null mouse livers. TCPOBOP, a classical mouse CAR agonist, increased mRNA expression of Hoxb7, c5 and d10 but not Hoxa5 or Pdx1 in mouse livers. Moreover, PFNA decreased cytoplasmic and nuclear Hoxb7 protein levels in mouse livers. However, PFNA increased cytoplasmic Hoxc5 protein level but decreased nuclear Hoxc5 protein level in mouse livers. In conclusion, PFCs induced mRNA expression of several Hox genes such as Hoxb7, c5 and d10, mostly through the activation of PPARα and/or Nrf2 signaling.
Segment disclosure quality and relevance under IFRS Vs. U.S. GAAP

Both IFRS (IFRS 8) and the United States (U.S.) GAAP (SFAS 131) use similar approach for reporting segment information as a part of annual financial statements. Large and multinational firms that operate in more than one operating segment are required by IFRS and the U.S. GAAP to provide financial information about their operating segments in the notes to the annual financial statements using the “management approach.” However, the primary difference between these two pronouncements is how the management approach is implemented. Using a sample of foreign companies cross listed on the U.S. stock exchanges, we test for differences in segment financial reporting under the two sets of financial standards and how this information is valued by the market. We find significant differences in the quality and quantity of segment disclosure made by our sample firms during the fiscal year 2017 under the two sets of accounting standards. We also find that market values the choice of accounting standards as well as the overall quality/quantity of the segment disclosures. Specifically, we find that the decrease in the informativeness of earnings with IFRS as the choice of accounting standards for our sample firms. Additionally, we also find that the predictability and informativeness of earnings is increasing in the quality/quantity of the segment disclosure of the sample firm.
The Rose-Colored Glasses of Geriatric Fall Patients: Inconsistencies Between Knowledge of Risk Factors for and Actual Causes of Falls.

Background:Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury, and most common cause of non-fatal trauma, among older adults. We sought to elicit older patient’s perspectives on fall risks for the general...
Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament (IGHL) Injuries: A Case Series of Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging Findings and Arthroscopic Correlation.

Introduction The inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) complex commonly is assessed by both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance (MR) arthrogram. Our study compared the accuracy of MR arthrogram compared to MRI using arthroscopic correlation as the gold standard. Methods A retrospective review of cases reporting an IGHL injury was performed. Seventy-seven cases met inclusion criteria, while five had arthroscopic reports that directly confirmed or refuted the presence of IGHL injury. Two arthroscopic reports confirmed concordant IGHL injuries, while three arthroscopic reports mentioned discordant findings compared to MR. All three discordant cases involved MR arthrogram. Findings included soft tissue edema, fraying of the axillary pouch fibers, and cortical irregularity of the humeral neck. Of the two concordant cases, one was diagnosed by MRI, revealing an avulsion of the anterior band, while the second was diagnosed by MR arthrogram showing ill-defined anterior band fibers. Many cases involved rotator cuff or labral tears, which may have been the focus of care for providers, given their importance for shoulder stability. Additionally, a lack of diagnostic confidence in MR reports may have influenced surgeons in the degree to which they assessed the IGHL complex during arthroscopy. Conclusion Radiologists seemed more likely to make note of IGHL injuries when MR arthrograms were performed; meanwhile, all three discordant cases involved MR arthrogram reads. Therefore, additional larger studies are needed with arthroscopic correlation to elucidate MR findings that confidently suggest injury to the IGHL complex, to avoid false positive radiology reports.
Individual Differences in the Relationship Between Pain Fear, Avoidance, and Pain Severity in a Chronic Abdominal Pain Sample and the Moderating Effect of Child Age

Background/purpose Most studies examining the components of the fear-avoidance model have examined processes at the group level. The current study used ecological momentary assessments to: (a) investigate the group and intraindividual relationships between pain fear, avoidance, and pain severity, (b) identify any heterogeneity between these relationships, and (c) explore the role of moderators to explain such heterogeneity. Methods Seventy-one pediatric patients with chronic abdominal pain (M = 13.34 years, standard deviation = 2.67 years) reported pain fear, avoidance, and pain severity four times per day over 14 days. Results Results indicated significant individual differences in the relationship between pain fear and pain avoidance predicting pain severity. Child age helped explain the heterogeneity in the relationships between pain avoidance and pain severity such that older children had a stronger and more positive relationship between these variables. The random effect between pain fear and pain severity also indicated a moderator trend of child age such that older children were likely to have a stronger and more positive relationship. Conclusions The present study extends the fear-avoidance model by highlighting the importance of identifying potential individual differences when examining pain fear, avoidance, and pain severity. Furthermore, the current study suggests that child development should be considered in the model. However, future randomized control designs are necessary to explore the causal relationships between pain fear and avoidance on pain severity and potential developmental differences.
A Theoretical Basis for the Application of Neuromorphic Concepts to Polychronous Wavefront Computation

Abstract Polychronous Wavefront Computation (PWC) defines a simple model of spiking neural networks based on spatially positioned transponders stimulated by signal wavefronts. The simplicity of the concept and elimination of explicit connections between transponders can potentially provide a practical basis for construction of large scale, complex pattern recognition systems. Previous work has shown how PWC transponders can be used to perform basic computations and be organized into simple pattern recognition configurations but the creation of complex pattern recognition behavior remains a difficult problem. The purpose of this work is to identify the key characteristics of complex biological and artificial neural networks and explore the application of those characteristics to the PWC model. The analysis includes a review of neuromorphic processes such as spike-timing-dependent plasticity, synaptic fatigue and potentiation decay as well as biologically inspired artificial neural network structures such as multi-layer perceptrons and convolutional neural networks. Recognition of stimulus sources and use of inhibitive stimulus are identified as key characteristics not addressed by PWC. Approaches to incorporate these key characteristics into the PWC model are discussed with the objective of creating transponder configurations that use unsupervised learning to perform complex pattern recognition.
Deep Learning for Pulmonary Embolism Detection: Tackling the RSNA 2020 AI Challenge.

Machine learning competitions promote the development of state-of-the-art models for various tasks. This work outlines the thought process behind the second-place solution to the 2020 RSNA-STR Pulm...
Label-Free Single Exosome Detection Using Frequency-Locked Microtoroid Optical Resonators

Recently exosomes have attracted interest due to their potential as cancer biomarkers. We report the real-time, label-free sensing of single exosomes in serum using microtoroid optical resonators. We use this approach to assay the progression of tumors implanted in mice by specifically detecting low concentrations of tumor-derived exosomes. Our approach measures the adsorption of individual exosomes onto a functionalized silica microtoroid by tracking changes in resonant frequency of the microtoroid. When exosomes land on the microtoroid, they perturb its refractive index in the evanescent field and thus shift its resonance frequency. Through digital frequency locking, we are able to rapidly track these shifts with accuracies of better than 10 attometers (one part in 10^(11)). Samples taken from tumor-implanted mice from later weeks generated larger frequency shifts than those from earlier weeks. Analysis of these shifts shows a distribution of unitary steps, with the maximum step having a height of ∼1.2 fm, corresponding to an exosome size of 44 ± 4.8 nm. Our results demonstrate the development of a minimally invasive tumor “biopsy” that eliminates the need to find and access a tumor.
Long-Duration Solar Gamma-Ray Flares

Long-duration solar γ-ray flares are those in which high-energy photon emission is present well beyond the impulsive phase, indicating the presence of either stored or continuously accelerated ions. We review both the observations and the current theories or models that can explain this unusual phenomenon. The present situation favors either acceleration of protons and ions for long periods of time by second order Fermi acceleration in large coronal loops or acceleration in large-scale, CME-associated reconnection sheets. Observations in the upcoming solar maximum may resolve this problem.
Moderate caloric restriction delays cataract formation in the Emory mouse.

Eye lens senile cataract is a major cause of blindness, affecting the elderly in particular. The etiology of the disorder has been elusive, and attempts to delay the onset of senile cataracts have been unsuccessful. The need for more information is underscored by epidemiologists who estimate that the ability to delay cataract formation in humans by only 10 years would eliminate the need for 50% of the cataract extractions performed annually in the United States. The Emory mouse provides the best model for human senile cataracts. Feeding Emory mice a diet that was restricted in calories by approximately 21% delayed the onset of cataracts. This is the first study that demonstrates in vivo the delay of senile-type cataracts. In these animals, aging and cataracts are associated with diverse changes in the proportion of various proteins (particularly 21, 22, 31-34 kDa) and with transformation of proteins from a soluble to an insoluble state. In advanced cataracts, there is a loss of total protein. Within a cat...
Accurate removal of RAM from FM laser beams

We demonstrate here a RAM cancellation method of reaching locking accuracy at shot-noise sensitivity level, and with a reserve precision sufficient to still be free of RAM-induced problems when the bandwidth has been narrowed to some tens of milliHz. Non-optical rf pickup sets the current limit at 2.8 ppm. Basically this paper announces the RAM-Buster approach needed to achieve the ideal spectroscopic accuracy, shotnoise-limited, as had been anticipated in the 1983 Drever et al. paper.
Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: an analysis of 92 cases

Objectives/Hypothesis Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is considered a rare and possibly more aggressive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) variant. Until now, a series of exclusively oral cavity BSCC patients has not been previously reported. We endeavored to compare BSCC and SCC of the oral cavity, focusing on epidemiologic factors and survival outcomes. Study Design Retrospective analysis of population-based data. Methods We compared epidemiologic factors, clinicopathologic data, and disease-specific survivals (DSS) between 92 patients with oral cavity BSCC and 15,181 patients with SCC. Results High-grade tumors and distant metastases were more common in the BSCC group (P ≤0.001). On multivariable analysis controlling for disease stage, BSCC patients had similar DSS to those with typical SCC (P = 0.231). Although there was a trend favoring definitive radiotherapy for BSCC, there were no significant differences in treatment approach between BSCC and SCC. The choice of treatment modality (radiation, surgery ± radiation) did not reveal a difference in DSS between the two tumor subtypes. Conclusion Analysis of the largest oral cavity BSCC series to date demonstrates that BSCC of the oral cavity carries a comparable prognosis to conventional-type oral SCC. Level of Evidence 2b. Laryngoscope, 124:1573–1578, 2014
Robust estimation with sampling and approximate pre-aggregation

The majority of data reduction techniques for approximate query processing (such as wavelets, histograms, kernels, and so on) are not usually applicable to categorical data. There has been something of a disconnect between research in this area and the reality of data-base data; much recent research has focused on approximate query processing over ordered or numerical attributes, but arguably the majority of database attributes are categorical: country, state, job_title, color, sex, department, and so on. This paper considers the problem of approximation of aggregate functions over categorical data, or mixed categorical/numerical data. We propose a method based upon random sampling, called Approximate Pre-Aggregation (APA). The biggest drawback of sampling for aggregate function estimating is the sensitivity of sampling to attribute value skew, and APA uses several techniques to overcome this sensitivity. The increase in accuracy using APA compared to "plain vanilla" sampling is dramatic. For SUM and AVG queries, the relative error for random sampling alone is more than 700% greater than for sampling with APA. Even if stratified sampling techniques are used, the error is still between 28% and 175% greater than for APA.
Needs for fundamental reference data for analytical atomic spectroscopy: What we lack — Why it matters: Preface of the proceedings of a workshop

Abstract Results of a workshop on the needs of the analytical atomic spectroscopy community for fundamental reference data are presented. Areas of unique need and of needs in common with other areas of science are highlighted.
Low-resistance junctions between cells in embryos and tissue culture.

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with with the intimate interactions between cells that appear under the light microscope to be in contact that is, not separated by other cells or by appreciable fluid spaces. Considerable impetus in this direction has been given by evidence that in tissue culture both movement and division may be altered by cell contact, the short-range character of these effects being repeatedly emphasized. Attention has been directed at several distinct mechanisms of contact interaction: adhesion; exchange of molecules through extracellular clefts; and direct passage of molecules from cytoplasm to cytoplasm, via special membrane contacts or via cytoplasmic bridges. The chapter considers the various contact specializations that have been studied by the methods of electrophysiology and electron microscopy. It primarily discusses with the special membrane relationship between two cells that permits inorganic ions, and probably small molecules, to pass directly from one cytoplasm to the other. These are called by physiologist low-resistance junctions and in many cases appear to be identical to the electron microscopists' tight junctions.