cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Classification Systems

On the surface, the purpose of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM–IV–TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) is straightforward. Contemporary practice requires a standard “catalogue” of mental disorders, with each disorder defined conceptually, and criteria for formal diagnosis set forth. This chapter explores the development of the DSM–IV–TR, the history of the DSM including previous versions, advantages and disadvantages of the current model of classification, and possible revisions for future editions of the DSM. To begin, however, one must understand that the concept of “mental disorder” is complicated by many issues, including the idea that mental disorders are rooted in societal norms as well as the context of history. The origin of the concept of mental illness may date back to prehistoric man. That is, it is likely that prehistoric man had some understanding of the “mind”, and that surgery to the skull might relieve symptoms of illness due to head injury (Liu & Apuzzo, 2003). As human society has progressed, however, the concept of mental illness has both expanded as well as become more complex. Consider, for example, the mental disorder of depression. In the case where a person may suffer a personal loss and experience grief, at what point in time does that grief become psychopathological depression? In this case, culture and society must somehow draw the line between the normal grieving process and psychopathology. The distinction must be made in terms of the specific behaviors exhibited (frequent fatigue or suicidal ideation) as well as the duration of the pathological behavior (one week
An eight-channel demultiplexing switch array using vertically coupled active semiconductor microdisk resonators

We demonstrate a 1.6-nm spectrally spaced eight-channel demultiplexer using active semiconductor microdisk resonators as a platform technology. Taking full advantage of the active microdisks, we are able to switch on and off a resonator individually and tune the resonant wavelength as well by controlling the current injection levels. The use of active microdisks affords narrow spectral linewidth ( 15 dB) for the demultiplexed output signals.
RichReview: blending ink, speech, and gesture to support collaborative document review

This paper introduces a novel document annotation system that aims to enable the kinds of rich communication that usually only occur in face-to-face meetings. Our system, RichReview, lets users create annotations on top of digital documents using three main modalities: freeform inking, voice for narration, and deictic gestures in support of voice. RichReview uses novel visual representations and time-synchronization between modalities to simplify annotation access and navigation. Moreover, RichReview's versatile support for multi-modal annotations enables users to mix and interweave different modalities in threaded conversations. A formative evaluation demonstrates early promise for the system finding support for voice, pointing, and the combination of both to be especially valuable. In addition, initial findings point to the ways in which both content and social context affect modality choice.
Drusen Ultrastructure Imaging with Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Age-related Macular Degeneration

Purpose To categorize drusen ultrastructure in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) and correlate the tomographic and photographic drusen appearances. Design Prospective case series. Participants Thirty-one eyes of 31 patients with non-neovascular AMD. Methods Subjects with drusen and a clinical diagnosis of AMD were enrolled in an SDOCT imaging study from August of 2005 to May of 2007. Foveal linear scans were acquired, and the image data were processed for analysis. Drusen were scored by 4 morphologic categories: shape, predominant internal reflectivity, homogeneity, and presence of overlying hyper-reflective foci. The prevalences of each morphologic pattern and combinations of morphologic patterns observed were calculated. The photographic appearance of each druse was compared with the tomographic classification. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement analysis was performed. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of morphologic parameters using SDOCT. Results Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients had SDOCT B-scans of adequate quality for analysis. On the basis of the above morphologic categories, 17 different drusen patterns were found in 120 total drusen. The most common was convex, homogeneous, with medium internal reflectivity, and without overlying hyper-reflective foci, present in 17 of 21 eyes (81%). Of the 16 eyes (76%) with nonhomogeneous drusen, 5 had a distinct hyper-reflective core. Hyper-reflective foci overlying drusen were in 7 eyes (33%). Although half of the photographically soft-indistinct drusen were convex with medium internal reflectivity and homogeneous without overlying hyper-reflective foci, the other half had significant variability in their tomographic appearance. Both interobserver and intraobserver agreement in drusen grading were high. Readers agreed the most when grading drusen shape and reflectivity, whereas the least agreement was for drusen homogeneity. Conclusions Drusen ultrastructure can be imaged with SDOCT and characterized with a simple grading system. Photographic appearance may predict some but not all tomographic appearances. Trained observers have a high level of agreement with this grading system. These in vivo morphologic characteristics imaged with SDOCT may be distinct subclasses of drusen types, may relate closely to ultrastructural drusen elements identified in cadaveric eyes, and may be useful imaging biomarkers for disease severity or risk of progression. This will require validation from further studies. Financial Disclosure(s) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
Morphology of aggregates

Abstract This paper gives a new geometrical method for analyzing the shape of colloidal aggregates from electron micrographs. The silhouette of an aggregate is treated as a plane figure, for which are calculated the radii of gyration about the two central principal axes in the plane. The ratio of these radii is taken as the anisometry of the figure, and other parameters are also calculated including the area and bulkiness, as well as a “structure factor” which expresses the excess area swept out by the figure as it rotates. These parameters characterize the two-dimensional projection of the aggregate; in order to relate this to the three-dimensional aggregate, we have generated floes by computer simulation (based on the method of M. Vold) and determined their two-dimensional parameters. Qualitative similarity is shown between the appearance of the simulated floes and of actual electron micrographs of carbon black.
Cumulative HIV viremia and non-AIDS-defining malignancies among a sample of HIV-infected male veterans

BACKGROUND Research suggests that cumulative measurement of HIV exposure is associated with mortality, AIDS, and AIDS-defining malignancies. However, the relationship between cumulative HIV and non-AIDS-defining malignancies (NADMs) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different HIV measures on NADM hazard among HIV-infected male veterans. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study using Veterans Affairs HIV Clinical Case Registry data from 1985 to 2010. We analyzed the relationship between HIV exposure (recent HIV RNA, % undetectable HIV RNA, and HIV copy-years viremia) and NADM. To evaluate the effect of HIV, we calculated hazard ratios for 3 common virally associated NADM [ie, hepatocarcinoma (HCC), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA)] in multivariable Cox regression models. RESULTS Among 31,576 HIV-infected male veterans, 383 HCC, 211 HL, and 373 SCCA cases were identified. In multivariable regression models, cross-sectional HIV measurement was not associated with NADM. However, compared with <20% undetectable HIV, individuals with ≥80% had decreased HL [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37 to 1.02] and SCCA (aHR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.93). Conversely, each log10 increase in HIV copy-years was associated with elevated HL (aHR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.40) and SCCA (aHR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.52). Model fit was best with HIV copy-years. Cumulative HIV was not associated with HCC. CONCLUSIONS Cumulative HIV was associated with certain virally associated NADM (ie, HL and SCCA), independent of measured covariates. Findings underline the importance of early treatment initiation and durable medication adherence to reduce cumulative HIV burden. Future research should prioritize how to best apply cumulative HIV measures in screening for these cancers.
Hunter-Gatherer Adaptations, Economic Risk and Tool Design

(1993). Hunter-Gatherer Adaptations, Economic Risk and Tool Design. Lithic Technology: Vol. 18, No. 1-2, pp. 59-86.
Effect of Grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) Density and Plant Composition on Growth and Destruction of Grasses

A study was conducted to determine the effects of grasshopper density and plant composition on grass growth and destruction by the mixed grass- and forb-feedinggrasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.). Using a completely randomized design, 125l-m2 cages were placed on plots on mixed-grass rangeland in western South Dakota and stocked with 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 fifth-instar M. sanguinipes . Grasshopper densities within the cages were monitored approximately weekly, and total grasshopper feeding-days were calculated for each cage for 68 d. Before adding grasshoppers, biomasses of grasses and forbs within the cages were estimated visually and after 68 d, final biomass of vegetation was determined. Results from analysis of variance with regression and multiple regression analysis indicated that grasshopper density and the initial biomass of western wheatgrass and shortgrasses within the cages significantly affected the final biomass and growth of western wheatgrass and the amount of grass removed by grasshoppers. However, significant reductions in grass biomass occurred only in cages stocked with 15 and 20 insects, equivalent to 845 and 1,112 grasshopper feeding-days, respectively. Grasshopper density had no significant effect on biomass of shortgrasses and Japanese brome, although growth of these species was affected by initial biomass of grasses in the cages.
The Universidad Popular Mexicana

During the early, most chaotic years of the Mexican Revolution, there flourished in the capital city a briefly successful communication between the young intellectual elite and the workers. In the Universidad Popular Mexicana from 1913 through 1922, intellectual leaders of the Generation of 1910 sought eagerly to instill in the popular classes not only immediately practical knowledge but also the signal intellectual awakening they themselves had recently experienced. Their revolution against positivism was not precisely identical with the political revolution beginning in 1910, but insofar as the official positivist doctrine was discredited, so was the old regime itself fatally undermined.
Associations of Eating Two Breakfasts With Childhood Overweight Status, Sociodemographics, and Parental Factors Among Preschool Students

Background. School breakfast may contribute to increased risk for obesity because children may be consuming two breakfasts: at home and at school. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of preschoolers consuming two breakfasts and to assess relationships with overweight/obesity and other factors. Method. Head Start parents (n = 273, 84.6% Hispanic) in the southwest completed cross-sectional surveys on child breakfast patterns and parental perceptions of school breakfast and personal breakfast consumption habits. Surveys were linked with sociodemographics and body mass index in Head Start databases in 2013. General estimating equation binomial models (schools as a random effect) were used to assess the relationship between two breakfasts (at home and school) and key variables, adjusting for gender, race, ethnicity, and household income. Results. The prevalence of consuming two breakfasts was 34%. Children’s overweight/obesity status was inversely related to two-breakfast consumption, but ...
Biology characteristic observation of Mus musculus in inhabitant area

Objective To understand the biology characteristic of Mus musculus.Methods Night trapping method.Results The means capture rate of Mus musculus was 1.26% in 7 years,the peak was from July to September.The amphoteric ratio approached 1∶1.The rate of male mouse testicle drops the scrotum was 55.28%.The pregnant rate of female mouse was 41.03%,the peak was in spring.The average embryo of female mouse was 5.6.The resistant mouse formation rate was 10.5%.Conclusion Mus musculus had strong environment adaptiveness and maintained the strong reproduction ability in Anyang.Anticoagulant rodenticide may be used continuous in Anyang city.
Animal model to study megaureters non-invasively.

Abstract A rabbit model with megaureters with partial or complete obstruction was produced. Radioisotope studies with the use of imaging and renogram techniques and furosemide diuresis could diagnose the existence of obstruction and qualify it as partial or complete. This model can be used for more detailed studies to investigate obstructive uropathy with diuresis renography.
Pair Processes: Channels, Codes, and Couplings

We have considered a random process or source {X n } as a sequence of random entities, where the object produced at each time could be quite general, e.g., a random variable, vector, or waveform. Hence sequences of pairs of random objects such as {X n , Y n } are included in the general framework. We now focus on the possible interrelations between the two components of such a pair process. First consider the situation where we begin with one source, say {X n }, called the input and use either a random or a deterministic mapping of the input sequence {X n } to form an output sequence fYng. We generally refer to the mapping as a channel if it is random and a code if it is deterministic. Hence a code is a special case of a channel and results for channels will immediately imply corresponding results for codes. The initial point of interest will be conditions on the structure of the channel under which the resulting pair process fXn; Yng will inherit stationarity and ergodic properties from the original source {X n }. We will also be interested in the behavior resulting when the output of one channel serves as the input to another, that is, when we form a new channel as a cascade of other channels. Such cascades yield models of a communication system which typically has a code mapping (called the encoder) followed by a channel followed by another code mapping (called the decoder). Lastly, pair processes arise naturally in other situations, including coupling two separate processes by constructing a joint distribution. This chapter develops the context for the development in future chapters of the properties of information and entropy arising in pair processes.
A comparative analysis of influence strategies used by upper and lower‐level male and female managers

This study investigated influence strategies reported by men and women at two levels of the organizational hierarchy‐lower‐level and higher‐level managers. The purpose of the study was to assess whether a structuralist, socialization, or some combination of the two perspectives best accounts for the relationships among gender, power, and influence. Two hundred twelve female and male upper‐ and lower‐ level managers from two large organizations in the Southwest participated in the study by reporting the strategies they would use to get a subordinate to perform an obligatory and nonobligatory work‐related action. Subjects also responded to a perceived position power measure. Results showed that gender seems to make a marginal overall difference in influence choices made in an obligatory situation; however, this difference was most noticeable between lower‐level female and male managers. Observable and consistent differences in influence were connected to hierarchical level in the obligatory situation. These...
Mir-15a/16-1 Haploinsufficiency Contributes To Myeloma Progression

Deletions of chromosome 13 occur in about 50% of multiple myeloma (MM) patients, with monosomy being the most common (85%), and small interstitial deletions, often involving the Rb gene, representing only 15% of cases. In contrast to CLL, where a minimal deleted region (MDR) has been mapped to the DLEU2/miR-15a/16-1 locus, no MDR has been identified in MM. The prognostic significance of monosomy 13 has been overshadowed by its strong association with high-risk MM, mostly t(4;14) and t(14;16) translocations. Genomic analysis of 28 MM tumors from Vk*MYC mice identified recurrent (27%) monosomy of the syntenic chromosome 14, with focal bi-allelic deletions of Rb1 in three independent tumors. One tumor presented a focal monoallelic interstitial deletion of the mirR15a-16.1 cluster. Reasoning that the biological significance of monosomy 13 would be conserved between human and murine MM, we carried out genetic crosses between Vk*MYC and mice heterozygous for Rb1 (MYC/Rb1), for the DLEU2/miR-15a/16-1 locus (MYC/MDR) or for the miR-15a/16-1 cluster only (MYC/MIR). All of the MYC/Rb1 mice died around one year of age of pituitary tumors without a significant plasma cell expansion compared to the Vk*MYC mice alone. In contrast, both the MYC/MDR+/- and MYC/MIR+/- mice exhibited a progressive monoclonal plasmacytosis affecting secondary lymphoid organs, with associated shorter overall survival. The development of extra-medullary MM was further accelerated in MYC/MDR -/- and MYC/MIR -/- mice, and was reminiscent of that observed in Vk*MYC crossed with Emu-BCL2 mice. As previously shown for the CLL-like disease that develops in the MIR and MDR mice, the MM phenotype is more pronounced in the MYC/MDR than the MYC/MIR, and in the homozygous than the heterozygous mice. Although BCL2 has been proposed as a target of the miR-15a/16-1, it has not been identified among genes whose expression is altered in MIR null B lymphocytes, where instead miR-15a/16-1 deletion promotes proliferation. In contrast, we found significant BCL2 upregulation in some MM tumors from MYC/MIR and MYC/MDR, suggesting that miR-15a/16-1 deletion in MM provides a survival signal that renders plasma cells less dependent on the BM microenvironment. We propose that selection for monosomy 13 in MM is driven in at least in part by loss of one copy of the miR cluster. ![Figure][1] Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: pending:yes
Accuracy of field computation in coaxial waveguides and cavities

Transverse problem in coaxial regions leads to the well known Bessel equation. Solution of this equation is in the form of Fourier-Bessel expansion of which eigenvalues are determined by the appropriate transcendental equations. In electromagnetics, two symmetric cases: Dirchlet-Dirichlet (D-D) and Neumann-Neumann (N-N) are fundamental both from practical and theoretical points of view. The first gives rise to TM mn modes and the second gives rise to TE mn modes. The first boundary value problem lead to the following transcendental equation for the eigenvalues of the Fourier-Bessel expansion j m (χ mn )Y m (χ m n l)-J m (χ m n l)Y m (χ m n ) = 0 (1) and the second boundary value problem leads to J' m (χ m n ) Y' m (χ m n l) − J' m (χ m n l) Y' m (χ mn ) = 0 (2) where the prime' denotes derivative with respect to the argument.
Duration of Reproductive Years and the Risk of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events in Older Women: Insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Abstract Background: Studies have shown conflicting information regarding the association between the age at menarche and/or menopause and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in older women. This study aimed to determine whether a longer duration of reproductive years in older women in the U.S. population was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: Women ≥60 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2012 were included. Subjects provided information about the age of menarche and menopause along with the presence/absence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Participants were categorized into either a longer reproductive duration group (>30 years) or shorter reproductive duration group (≤30 years). Subgroup analysis for each 5-year increment in the longer reproductive duration group was conducted. Relative risk (RR) regression was performed using a generalized linear model adjustin...
Clinical Predictors of Nodal Metastases in Peripherally Clinical T1a N0 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background Despite the relatively high sensitivity of fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scans used for staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a subset of patients with peripherally located clinical T1a N0 will be upstaged due to pathologic nodal disease. It is important to study this risk of upstaging, especially if local treatments, such as wedge resection or stereotactic body radiation therapy, are potential treatment modalities. Our aim was to determine the rate of pathologic N1/N2 disease in peripherally located clinical T1a N0 NSCLC and predictive factors for nodal metastasis. Methods A retrospective review of a prospective database (2000 to 2015) identified 1,342 patients with clinical T1a N0 NSCLC, and 914 (68%) underwent lobectomy. Among this group, 449 patients had peripherally located tumors and were deemed node negative by fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT scan. The relationship between clinicopathologic features and the PET maximal-standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor was investigated. Predictors for nodal metastasis were determined by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the cutoff value of PET-SUVmax on the incidence of nodal metastasis. Results Nodal metastasis was detected in 9.6% (43 of 449) of the patients: 4.5% (n = 20) had pN1 and 5.1% (n = 23) had pN2 metastasis. The relationship between SUVmax and development of pathologic nodal metastasis was calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curve with cutoff point at SUVmax of 3.3. In multivariable analysis, PET-SUVmax exceeding 3.3 was the only independent predictor for N1/N2 metastasis ( p = 0.016). Disease-free survival showed a trend of poor survival for patients with nodal metastasis ( p = 0.068). Conclusions High PET-SUVmax of the primary tumor is associated with elevated risk of nodal disease for peripheral T1a N0 NSCLC patients. Further diagnostic procedures, such as endobronchial ultrasound, may be required, especially if wedge resection or stereotactic body radiation therapy are being considered.
The March of the Muses: The Development of Higher Education in Athens from Pericles to the Paripatos

Western society has been greatly influenced in numerous ways by ancient Greek society and culture, not the least of which was the Greek educational system. Alexander the Great's conquests relied in many ways upon technology, philosophy, and mathematics taught in Greek institutions of higher learning. How ironic then, that even two centuries prior to Alexander the Great, in the fifth century BC, a clear concept of higher education had yet to be developed. The development in Greek and Hellenistic education from the fifth to the third centuries BC bordered on the miraculous: from having no higher education whatsoever, Greek society developed and built a fairly complex system. This essay will attempt to take a closer look into the development of Greek education itself, focusing on several key movements and characters.
A Prototype Operational Earthquake Loss Model for California Based on UCERF3-ETAS – A First Look at Valuation

We present a prototype operational loss model based on UCERF3-ETAS, which is the third Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast with an Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequence (ETAS) component. As ...
Identification of populations at risk: Stillbirth toolkit for health care providers

Background: Maternity care and women's health are measured, in part, by the stillbirth rate of a country. The purposes of this pilot project were to: a) establish a baseline of health care provider knowledge regarding stillbirth risk factors based on geographic distribution (urban/rural) and provider licensure (MD, APRN, PA, CNM) and b) evaluate the utility of a Stillbirth Risk Factor Toolkit and its effects on provider knowledge. Methods: Evaluative research using a retrospective pre-posttest survey design was completed. The study setting included primary care clinics (urban [n = 25] and rural [n = 25]) in Nebraska. Health care providers from N = 50 clinics were surveyed about their knowledge of stillbirth risk factors (modifiable and non-modifiable) before and after reading the Toolkit. Results: Providers were least knowledgeable regarding the definition of stillbirth and the number of weeks' gestation that constitute a stillbirth. Overall, there was no significant difference in baseline knowledge between rural and urban providers. Nearly half (43.8%) found the Toolkit to be very helpful and applicable to their patient population, and 34.8% said they would be very likely to utilize it with their patients. There was a statistically significant increase in knowledge of stillbirth risk factors among all health care providers after reviewing the Toolkit (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Health providers had varied baseline knowledge about stillbirth. The Toolkit improved provider knowledge, but further research is needed to assess its impact on clinical practice.
Gay, but not Inclusive: Boundary Maintenance in an LGBTQ Space

Using the framework of spaces for leisure and the homonormative lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community, this study examines the ways in which an LGBTQ “gayborhood” creates...
Screening for Coronary Artery Calcium

The striking improvement in cardiovascular therapies during the last several decades has caused a marked decrease in mortality linked to atherosclerotic diseases in Western societies. Nonetheless, coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the main cause of non-fatal events, and it is associated with substantial functional impairment in survivors of acute events, imposing a very large economic burden on societies. The use of risk scoring tools helps to identify patients both at higher risk of disease and those who are most likely to benefit from therapeutic intervention. Unfortunately, it has become apparent that most of these tools are not completely accurate, and many patients considered to be at low risk suffer coronary events, and, on the contrary, intermediate- to high-risk patients may actually be at a much lower risk than predicted. The attention of several investigators, therefore, turned to the development of imaging tools to identify atherosclerosis or its signature in its pre-clinical stages.
Visual and Motor Features of the Meanings of Action Verbs: A Cognitive Neuroscience Perspective

Adopting a broad cognitive neuroscience perspective, this chapter addresses the idiosyncratic root-level semantic components of action verbs, focusing specifically on visual and motor features. Two hypotheses are considered: first, the visual–motion patterns encoded by action verbs depend on the left posterolateral temporal cortex; and second, the body-part-specific motor patterns encoded by action verbs depend on the left premotor and primary motor cortex. Recent findings supporting both hypotheses are drawn from studies employing diverse brain-mapping techniques. In addition, several issues requiring further research are identified and discussed.
All about Pollution Prevention

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Trite, and something everybody knows? Maybe, but this proverb is coming to be quoted by individuals around the world as a rallying cry for programs to enhance the quality of the world’s environment. The proverb is at the heart of the pollution prevention movement.
Growth Hormone Receptors in Rat Adipocytes

Like other peptide and protein hormones, GH is thought to produce its biological effects by interacting with specific receptors on the surface of target cells. Understanding of GH receptors lags behind that of other hormone receptors, in part because GH receptors are scarce, and in part because there has been little agreement on what constitutes a good in vitro model to study GH action. Furthermore, because at least some of the in vivo actions of GH are mediated by insulin-like growth factors, attention has been diverted to study of these receptors. GH, however, does produce direct metabolic effects, particularly on adipose tissue, and although we do not know how these effects are related to growth, metabolic actions may be important even after growth has terminated.
Enhancing Treatment Compliance Among Male Batterers: Motivators to Get Them in the Door and Keep Them in the Room

A clinical focus on what motivates batterers to enter counseling might improve the prognosis for their treatment compliance. We discuss motivators to get them in the door (treatment engagement) and keep them in the room (treatment compliance). Once they are invested in the therapeutic process, they might successfully break their pattern of abuse, learn new coping skills, and adopt healthy behaviors to sustain successful, nonviolent intimate relationships.
The role of hypomethylating agents prior to hematopoietic cell transplantation in myelodysplastic syndromes.

Abstract Therapies for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are chosen depending on whether a patient has lower- or higher-risk disease. Hypomethylating agents are recommended as up-front therapy for all higher-risk patients, and lower-risk patients with multiple cytopenias. This article reviews the rationale for hypomethylating agents, their use or intensive chemotherapy pre-transplant, and data supporting pre-transplant MDS treatment.
Modeling Glucose Transport From Systemic Circulation to Sweat.

Abstract Sweat sensing may provide a noninvasive means of estimating blood biomarker levels if a number of technological hurdles can be overcome. This report describes progress on a physiologically based transport model relating sweat glucose and key electrolyte concentrations to those in blood. Iontophoretically stimulated sweat glucose and fasted blood glucose were simultaneously measured in 2 healthy human subjects. Sweat glucose was measured with a novel, prototype skin sweat collection/analysis system and blood glucose with a commercial fingerstick glucometer. These data, in combination with data from 3 published studies, were used to calibrate a dynamic mathematical model for glucose transport and uptake in human skin, followed by extraction into sweat. Model simulations revealed that experimental and literature sweat glucose values were well represented under varying physiologic conditions. The glucose model, calibrated under a variety of experimental conditions including electrical enhancement, revealed a 10 min blood-to-sweat lag time and a sweat/blood glucose level ranging from 0.001 to 0.02, depending on the sweat rate. These values are consistent with those reported in the literature. The developed model satisfactorily described the sweat-to-blood relationship for glucose concentrations measured under different conditions in 4 human studies including the present pilot study. The algorithm may be used to facilitate sweat biosensor development.
Pictures tell a story: antecedents of rich-media curation in social network sites

This study explores a new aspect of online social networking, in which textual information has been largely replaced by the curation of rich-media content. We examine these ‘curation-based’ network...
Proceedings of the 2015 Conference on Innovations in Theoretical Computer Science

The papers in this volume were presented at the 6th Innovations in Theoretical Computer Science (ITCS 2015) conference, sponsored by the ACM Special Interest Group on Algorithms and Computation Theory (SIGACT). The conference was held at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, January 11-13, 2015. ITCS (previously known as ICS) seeks to promote research that carries a strong conceptual message, for instance, introducing a new concept or model, opening a new line of inquiry within traditional or cross-interdisciplinary areas, introducing new techniques, or making novel connections between existing areas and ideas. The conference format is single-session with ample time for discussion, to promote the exchange of ideas between different areas of theoretical computer science and with other disciplines. The call for papers welcomed all submissions, whether aligned with current theory of computation research directions or deviating from them. 159 submissions were received. Of these, the program committee selected 45 papers. The accepted papers cover a wide range of topics in theoretical computer science, including algorithms, complexity, cryptography, learning, data privacy, quantum, physical and biological computing, and relations between computing and economics and the social sciences. In addition to the selected papers the committee invited Dr. Craig Gentry of IBM Research to give a keynote talk and we are grateful for his acceptance. The program committee consisted of 24 members (plus the chair): Benny Applebaum (Tel Aviv University), Avrim Blum (Carnegie Mellon University), Costis Daskalakis (MIT), Uriel Feige (Weizmann Institute), Vitaly Feldman (IBM Research -- Almaden), Parikshit Gopalan (Microsoft Research), Bernhard Haeupler (Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft Research), Stefano Leonardi (University of Rome La Sapienza), Tal Malkin (Columbia University), Nicole Megow (Technische Universitat Berlin), Michael Mitzenmacher (Harvard University), Noam Nisan (Hebrew University and Microsoft Research), Ryan O'Donnell (Carnegie Mellon University), Rafael Pass (Cornell and Cornell NYC Tech), Dana Ron (Tel Aviv University), Guy Rothblum (Microsoft Research), Michael Saks (Rutgers University), Leonard Schulman (Caltech) C. Seshadhri (Sandia National Laboratories), Jonathan Ullman (Harvard University), Paul Valiant (Brown University), Thomas Vidick (Caltech), Nisheeth Vishnoi (Microsoft Research), and Mihalis Yannakakis (Columbia University). I wish to express my admiration for their hard work of reading, evaluating and debating the merits of the submissions. The many subreviewers who assisted the reviewing process deserve acknowledgment as well.
Application of optical coherence tomography and optical path length method for monitoring corneal thickness and refractive index change during corneal cross-linking.

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) using UVA irradiation with a riboflavin photosensitizer has emerged as a new treatment paradigm for corneal ectatic disorders. The thickness threshold for protection of intraocular structures has often been challenged with ongoing developments, and corneal thinning becomes an important safety concern, especially for patients with thin corneas. In this study with an ex vivo bovine eye model, we monitored corneal thinning and corneal refractive index changes using optical coherence tomography (OCT) integrated with an adaptation of the optical path length method. CXL experiments were performed based on the standard protocol that includes removal of the corneal epithelium to facilitate diffusion of riboflavin into the stroma. The corneal stromal thickness and group refractive index were measured by a 1310 nm Fourier-domain OCT imaging system at three critical points of the procedure: immediately after epithelial removal, after 30 min riboflavin instillation, and after 30 min UVA irradiation with continuing instillation. We found that the refractive index of the bovine cornea changed significantly from epithelial removal to riboflavin instillation and UVA irradiation, increasing from 1.377±0.005 (mean±standard deviation) after de-epithelization to 1.387±0.003 after 30 min instillation and 1.388±0.008 after subsequent irradiation. The corneas also underwent a considerable decrease (10%–20%) in stromal thickness with thinning of 95±29 μm (mean±standard deviation) after riboflavin instillation and a further decrease (∼5%) with thinning of 42±19 μm after UVA irradiation. Our study highlights the importance of corneal thickness monitoring during CXL, especially after riboflavin instillation when the decrease is the largest, to avoid delivering endothelial cytotoxic doses. An increase in refractive index heightens the concern for corneal thinning and the need for careful monitoring as a safety precaution.
Offline and Online Learning Techniques for Personalized Blood Pressure Prediction and Health Behavior Recommendations

Blood pressure (BP) is one of the essential indicators of human health and highly correlated to health behavior (e.g., exercise and sleep). However, the degree of impact of each health behavior on BP is unknown and may vary significantly between individuals. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between BP and health behavior using data collected from off-the-shelf wearable devices and wireless home BP monitors. We propose a personalized BP model based on random forest (RF), which can predict individual's BP using health behavior and historical BP, and identify the most important factors in predicting an individual's BP. The latter can be used to provide personalized health behavior recommendations to improve and manage BP. We propose RF with Feature Selection (RFFS), which performs RF-based feature selection to enhance the prediction. Furthermore, since BP and health behavior data are collected and learned sequentially, the performance of prediction is prone to the existence of concept drifts and anomaly points. To solve this problem, we propose an Online Weighted-Resampling (OWR) technique to enhance RFFS in an online learning scenario. To show the effectiveness of RFFS and OWR, we use existing machine learning methods on the proposed dataset as a comparison. Our experimental results show that the proposed approach achieves the lowest prediction error. We also validate the effectiveness of personalized recommendations based on feature importance, which influences the user to change lifestyle to improve his/her BP.
Dual luminescent charge transfer probe for quantitative detection of serum albumin in aqueous samples

Abstract In diagnostic medicine serum albumin is considered as an important biomarker for assessment of cardiovascular functions and diagnosis of renal diseases. Herein, we report a novel donor-π-π-acceptor fluorophore for selective detection of serum albumin in urine samples. In our design, a phenolic donor was conjugated with a tricyanofuran (TCF) acceptor through a dimethine bridge via a simple condensation reaction. The stereoelectronic effects of the incorporated methoxy (-OCH3) groups and the TCF moiety—in conjunction with the extended π-electron conjugation—led to dual red and NIR-I absorption/emission in water. Moreover, due to superior electron transfer between a phenolate donor and the TCF acceptor and the subsequent energy decay from the charge transfer states, the fluorophore displayed negligible fluorescence emission in water and other polar solvents. Consequently, we have been able to utilize the fluorophore for quantitative estimation of serum albumin both in the red (
A Qualitative Analysis of the Vulnerability Narratives of Student Gun Rights Advocates

In recent years, colleges and universities in the United States have considered allowing concealed firearms on their campuses. Yet, substantive research on why a minority of students’ desire to arm...
A Quiet Revolution in State Lobbying: Government Growth and Interest Populations:

What explains contemporary numbers of interest groups in America? To answer this question and help address conflicting narratives in research, I examine the rise of interest groups in the states. A...
A spatial assessment of high-resolution drainage characteristics and roadway safety during wet conditions

Abstract Much of the research regarding traffic crashes considers various geometric roadway features; however, ever-evolving urban watersheds and climate change increasingly impact roadway conditions. Little research has focused on the relationship between high-resolution drainage characteristics and the spatial distribution of crashes. This study incorporated local environmental and drainage risk factors in assessing network safety performance using spatial analysis techniques. Kernel density surfaces and the Local Getis Ord Gi* statistics were used to identify and visualize locations prone to experiencing crashes during wet conditions. Spatial regression modelling was used to link crashes to environmental and traffic risk factors across a citywide network. Proof-of-concept for this framework is demonstrated in the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania using publicly available spatial data. The results of this study show a relationship between local drainage, environmental characteristics, and wet crash distribution, providing novel insight into roadway safety during wet conditions.
Kisspeptin, Neurokinin B, and Dynorphin Expression during Pubertal Development in Female Sheep

The neural mechanisms underlying increases in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion that drive puberty onset are unknown. Neurons coexpressing kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin, i.e., KNDy neurons, are important as kisspeptin and NKB are stimulatory, and dynorphin inhibitory, to GnRH secretion. Given this, we hypothesized that kisspeptin and NKB expression would increase, but that dynorphin expression would decrease, with puberty. We collected blood and hypothalamic tissue from ovariectomized lambs implanted with estradiol at five, six, seven, eight (puberty), and ten months of age. Mean LH values and LH pulse frequency were the lowest at five to seven months, intermediate at eight months, and highest at ten months. Kisspeptin and NKB immunopositive cell numbers did not change with age. Numbers of cells expressing mRNA for kisspeptin, NKB, or dynorphin were similar at five, eight, and ten months of age. Age did not affect mRNA expression per cell for kisspeptin or NKB, but dynorphin mRNA expression per cell was elevated at ten months versus five months. Thus, neither KNDy protein nor mRNA expression changed in a predictable manner during pubertal development. These data raise the possibility that KNDy neurons, while critical, may await other inputs for the initiation of puberty.
Anomalous diffusion inspires anatomical insights.

The narrow spaces between the cells of the brain are a highway for diffusing molecular traffic. In this issue, Xiao et al. (1) use experiments and Monte Carlo modeling to show that molecular transport in the granular layer of the rat cerebellum must be described by anomalous diffusion mediated by anatomical structures called glomeruli. The extracellular space (ECS) of the brain comprises all the territory that resides outside the neurons and glia cells, most importantly the interstitial space between neighboring cells.
Ivy: a preprocessor and proof checker for first-order logic

This case study shows how non-ACL2 programs can be combined with ACL2 functions in such a way that useful properties can be proved about the composite programs. Nothing is proved about the non-ACL2 programs Instead, the results of the non-ACL2 programs are checked at run time by ACL2 functions, and properties of these checker functions are proved. The application is resolution/paramodulation automated theorem proving for first-order logic. The top ACL2 function takes a conjecture, preprocesses the conjecture, and calls a non-ACL2 program to search for a proof or countermodel. If the non-ACL2 program succeeds, ACL2 functions check the proof or countermodel. The top ACL2 function is proved sound with respect to finite interpretations.
The manufacturing logistics of cofire ceramic electronic packages

The manufacturing cycletime of cofire ceramic Pin Grid Array (PGA) electronic packages has been modeled using the principles of chemical kinetics. In this paper, the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions are discussed in relation to the manufacturing cycletime. Alcoa Electronic Packaging has used this methodology to achieve world class status in the manufacturing of Pin Grid Array electronic packages.
Exploring the dwarf planets

This year, NASA's Dawn and New Horizons rendezvoused with Ceres and Pluto, respectively. These worlds, despite their modest sizes, have much to teach us about the accretion of the Solar System and its dynamical evolution.
The effect of handgrip position on upper extremity neuromuscular responses to arm cranking exercise.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if handgrip position during arm cranking exercise influences the neuromuscular activity of muscles biceps brachii (BB), lateral head of triceps brachii (TB), middle deltoid (DT), infraspinatus (IS) and brachioradialis (BR). Fifteen participants cranked an arm ergometer using three different handgrip positions (supinated, pronated, and neutral). Electromyographic (EMG) data were recorded from the aforementioned muscles, and relative duration of EMG activation and amplitude were quantified for the first and second 180° of crank angle. EMG measures were analyzed with MANOVA and follow-up univariate procedures; alpha was set at 0.01. The relative durations of EMG activation did not differ between handgrip positions. Muscle IS exhibited 36% less amplitude in the supinated versus neutral handgrip position (second half-cycle), and muscle BR displayed 63% greater amplitude across cycles in the neutral versus supinated and pronated handgrip positions. The greater BR activity displayed in the neutral handgrip position may reflect its anatomical advantage as an elbow flexor when the forearm is in neutral position. Muscle IS exhibited less activity in the supinated position and may be clinically relevant if it allows arm cranking to occur without subsequent shoulder pain, which is often the aim of shoulder rehabilitation.
Potential for size reduction of AlGaAs optical channel waveguide structures fabricated by focused ion beam implantation and oxidation

Optical channel waveguides formed by focused ion beam (FIB) implantation-induced mixing of AlGaAs multiple quantum well structures and subsequent oxidation of the mixed regions have the potential of significantly reducing the size of integrated photonic waveguide structures. Since FIB implantation is a direct write process characterized by nanoscale precision, we suggest its use for forming channel waveguides having nanoscale (submicrometer) widths. Calculations presented for such channel waveguides show reductions in size by at least an order of magnitude are possible for directional couplers and other structures involving curved channel waveguide sections. Such size reductions would allow the realization of significantly higher levels of device integration than are now currently possible.