cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical Simulator for Block Coded Channels with Long Residual Interference

In this paper, we present a simple statistical simulation technique for channels with long memory operating under coded data. The proposed technique employs a divide-and-conquer approach, both at the level of the channel response and the individual codeword. We introduce an efficient algorithm for parity tracking during the generation and combining of the voltage distributions computed in individual sub-problems. The resulting computational complexity increases linearly both with the channel and the codeword length, keeping the number of parity bits constant. The complexity increases exponentially with the number of parity bits in a codeword. Thus, the technique is of most use for high-rate codes. Finally, the technique is applied to examine the effect of coding on high-speed links which operate at BERs smaller than 1e-15 and where residual interference typically spans several hundreds of bits. This simulator enables systematic evaluation of power-performance trade-offs in introducing error correction/detection codes into high-speed link systems.
Are we there yet?: feasibility of continuous stress assessment via wireless physiological sensors

Stress can lead to headaches and fatigue, precipitate addictive behaviors (e.g., smoking, alcohol and drug use), and lead to cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Continuous assessment of stress from sensors can be used for timely delivery of a variety of interventions to reduce or avoid stress. We investigate the feasibility of continuous stress measurement via two field studies using wireless physiological sensors --- a four-week study with illicit drug users (n = 40), and a one-week study with daily smokers and social drinkers (n = 30). We find that 11+ hours/day of usable data can be obtained in a 4-week study. Significant learning effect is observed after the first week and data yield is seen to be increasing over time even in the fourth week. We propose a framework to analyze sensor data yield and find that losses in wireless channel is negligible; the main hurdle in further improving data yield is the attachment constraint. We show the feasibility of measuring stress minutes preceding events of interest and observe the sensor-derived stress to be rising prior to self-reported stress and smoking events.
Inference for stable isotope mixing models: a study of the diet of dunlin

Summary. Stable isotope sourcing is used to estimate proportional contributions of sources to a mixture, such as in the analysis of animal diets and plant nutrient use. Statistical methods for inference on the diet proportions by using stable isotopes have focused on the linear mixing model. Existing frequentist methods assume that the diet proportion vector can be uniquely solved for in terms of one or two isotope ratios. We develop large sample methods that apply to an arbitrary number of isotope ratios, assuming that the linear mixing model has a unique solution or is overconstrained. We generalize these methods to allow temporal modelling of the population mean diet, assuming that isotope ratio response data are collected over time. The methodology is motivated by a study of the diet of dunlin, a small migratory seabird.
Capture and imaging of a prehairpin fusion intermediate of the paramyxovirus PIV5

During cell entry, enveloped viruses fuse their viral membrane with a cellular membrane in a process driven by energetically favorable, large-scale conformational rearrangements of their fusion proteins. Structures of the pre- and postfusion states of the fusion proteins including paramyxovirus PIV5 F and influenza virus hemagglutinin suggest that this occurs via two intermediates. Following formation of an initial complex, the proteins structurally elongate, driving a hydrophobic N-terminal “fusion peptide” away from the protein surface into the target membrane. Paradoxically, this first conformation change moves the viral and cellular bilayers further apart. Next, the fusion proteins form a hairpin that drives the two membranes into close opposition. While the pre- and postfusion hairpin forms have been characterized crystallographically, the transiently extended prehairpin intermediate has not been visualized. To provide evidence for this extended intermediate we measured the interbilayer spacing of a paramyxovirus trapped in the process of fusing with solid-supported bilayers. A gold-labeled peptide that binds the prehairpin intermediate was used to stabilize and specifically image F-proteins in the prehairpin intermediate. The interbilayer spacing is precisely that predicted from a computational model of the prehairpin, providing strong evidence for its structure and functional role. Moreover, the F-proteins in the prehairpin conformation preferentially localize to a patch between the target and viral membranes, consistent with the fact that the formation of the prehairpin is triggered by local contacts between F- and neighboring viral receptor-binding proteins (HN) only when HN binds lipids in its target membrane.
A comparison of message passing and shared memory architectures for data parallel programs

Shared memory and message passing are two opposing communication models for parallel multicomputer architectures. Comparing such architectures has been difficult, because applications must be hand-crafted for each architecture, often resulting in radically different sources for comparison. While it is clear that shared memory machines are currently easier to program, in the future, programs will be written in high-level languages and compiled to the specific parallel target, thus eliminating this difference.In this paper, we evaluate several parallel architecture alternatives --- message passing, NUMA, and cachecoherent shared memory --- for a collection of scientific benchmarks written in C*, a data-parallel language. Using a single suite of C* source programs, we compile each benchmark and simulate the interconnect for the alternative models. Our objective is to examine underlying, technology-independent costs inherent in each alternative. Our results show the relative work required to execute these data parallel programs on the different architectures, and point out where some models have inherent advantages for particular data-parallel program styles.
The diffusion of magnetic resonance imaging scanners in a changing U.S. health care environment.

Technological aspects and early clinical experiences are arousing great enthusiasm over magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, influences such as regulation, reimbursement, and increasing competition also are playing important roles in determining the diffusion of this new technology. Of these considerations, competition among providers seems the most important. Competition related to MRI is manifested as direct competition over MRI services, using MRI to improve a provider's strategic position and competition among specialties. In making decisions concerning MRI acquisition and operation, providers are drawing upon their experiences with computed tomography (CT) to help them determine when would be the best time for acquisition, how to decide whether acquisition is appropriate, and how best to acquire, operate, and market the technology.
Therapeutic potential of DMHCA for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

Introduction: Severe PAH is a fatal, multifactorial vascular disease that is characterized by lung vascular remodeling, disordered angiogenesis, high pulmonary artery blood pressure (PAP) and right ventricular hypertrophy. Currently there are no effective therapies and new therapeutical strategies are urgently needed. Objective: Recently we found that in PAH there is impairment in Liver X receptor (LXR) function. LXR is a known regulator of lipid metabolism, angiogenesis and inflammation. Here we investigate whether treatment with synthetic steroidal LXR activator N,N-dimethyl-3b-hydroxy-cholenamide (DMHCA) encapsulated into microparticles (DMHCA-MP) can attenuate inflammation, disordered angiogenesis and the development PAH. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia (18000 ft = 5,000 m altitude) for 3 weeks. Rats were divided into 4 groups: 1) untreated (Hx); 2) VEGF receptor inhibitor SUGEN5416 (20mg/kg) treated; 3) pre-treated with DMHCA-MP one week prior to exposure to SUGEN5416; 4) DMHCA-MP. PAP, hematocrit, right ventricle hypertrophy, inflammation and LXR, VEGF, VEGFR2 expression levels were determined. Results: Exposure to hypoxia and SU5416/hypoxia significantly increased hematocrit values and RV/(LV+S) ratios when compared to normoxic control group and downregulated VEGF and VEGFR2 expression. Pretreatment with DMHCA-MP blocked the development of PAH, normalized the hematocrit, and significantly decreased inflammation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that LXR is a potential therapeutic target for PAH. LXR activation might have a fundamental protective effect against the development of PAH. Funded by AHA 0735388N, 11GRNT7520020, FAMRI CIA 072053 and Emphysema Research Fund.
Molecular Imaging and Contrast Agent Database (MICAD): Evolution and Progress

The purpose of writing this review is to showcase the Molecular Imaging and Contrast Agent Database (MICAD; www.micad.nlm.nih.gov) to students, researchers, and clinical investigators interested in the different aspects of molecular imaging. This database provides freely accessible, current, online scientific information regarding molecular imaging (MI) probes and contrast agents (CA) used for positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray/computed tomography, optical imaging and ultrasound imaging. Detailed information on >1,000 agents in MICAD is provided in a chapter format and can be accessed through PubMed. Lists containing >4,250 unique MI probes and CAs published in peer-reviewed journals and agents approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as well as a comma separated values file summarizing all chapters in the database can be downloaded from the MICAD homepage. Users can search for agents in MICAD on the basis of imaging modality, source of signal/contrast, agent or target category, pre-clinical or clinical studies, and text words. Chapters in MICAD describe the chemical characteristics (structures linked to PubChem), the in vitro and in vivo activities, and other relevant information regarding an imaging agent. All references in the chapters have links to PubMed. A Supplemental Information Section in each chapter is available to share unpublished information regarding an agent. A Guest Author Program is available to facilitate rapid expansion of the database. Members of the imaging community registered with MICAD periodically receive an e-mail announcement (eAnnouncement) that lists new chapters uploaded to the database. Users of MICAD are encouraged to provide feedback, comments, or suggestions for further improvement of the database by writing to the editors at micad@nlm.nih.gov.
The adsorption site and orientation of CH3S and sulfur on Ni(001) using angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Photoelectron diffraction from the S 2p core level has been used to determine the adsorption site and orientation of sulfur and methyl thiolate (CH3S) on Ni(001) by comparing the experimental data with the results of multiple scattering calculations. The theory was initially checked for atomic S, which is known to adsorb in the four-fold hollow site on Ni(001), and the results corresponded to the correct geometry. Comparison of calculated spectra with the experimental data indicates that chemisorbed atomic sulfur is located at 1.30___0.01 A above the first layer of nickel atoms on the (001) plane. At 100 K, CH3S adsorbs in the fourfold site on Ni(001), where the C-S bond is proposed to be oriented along the surface normal on Ni(001). A comparison between calculated and experimental results demonstrate that the C-S bond in adsorbed methyl thiolate is oriented perpendicular to the surface and is 1.85-t-0.1 _A long.
Differential effects of detergents and dimethylsulfoxide on membrane prostaglandin E1 and F2α receptors

Abstract Pretreatment of membranes for 1 hr at 4° with up to 0.1% Triton X-100 (TX-100) and sodium desoxycholate (SDC), resulted in a greater loss of [ 3 H] prostaglandin (PG)F 2 α binding compared to E 1 binding. Lubrol WX (LWX) tended to cause a greater loss of [ 3 H]PGF 2 α than E 1 binding. However, the differential loss was not as marked as with TX-100 or SDC. Triton X-305 was relatively ineffective, but loss of [ 3 H]PGE 1 binding was greater than for PGF 2 α. Increasing concentrations of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) progressively inhibited PGF 2 α binding without affecting PGE 1 binding. The detergent, but not DMSO, induced losses of membrane PG binding were due to solubilization of the receptors. Greater amounts of membrane protein and phospholipids were solubilized at detergent (TX-100 and SDC) concentrations that solubilized 100% of PGE 1 receptors compared to 100% solubilization of F 2 α receptors. Neither the duration of preincubation nor the amount of membrane protein chosen were responsible for differential PGE 1 and F 2 α receptor losses. These differential membrane PG receptor losses raise the possibility of differences in PGE 1 and F 2 α receptors association with the membrane structure.
Human Rights and Politics: The Social Practices of Transnational Activism

Scholars and practitioners of human rights activism emerging in the 1960s and 1970s frequently emphasize its principled and apolitical nature. This article challenges this view by offering evidence about the social practices of this type of global activism. Although information-based, cross-border mobilization represented by groups such as Amnesty International (AI) were non-ideological in nature, this type of organizing and its evolution expresses a significant expansion of political participation outside of elections. Limited to middle classes in the developed world during the Cold War, the expansion of human rights ‘talk’ into the development sector in the 1990s led to some efforts to explicitly politicize abject poverty. While much of the scholarship explaining or critiquing the actions of this sector tends to reify the movement as a unitary and coherent entity, the paper argues for taking seriously the significant variation in organizational forms and strategies.
Dopamine stimulation of cAMP production in cultured opossum kidney cells

Dopamine receptors have been identified in many tissues including the kidney. To establish an in vitro system as a model for dopamine action, we studied the effect of dopamine (DA) receptor agonists and antagonists on adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) formation in opossum kidney (OK) cells. The stimulation of cAMP production in these cells by dopamine was dose dependent, and markedly higher levels were observed in the presence of dopamine plus a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. Half-maximal stimulation was found with 1.15 +/- 0.22 microM dopamine. A DA1-receptor agonist, SKF 82526J, stimulated cAMP production, whereas a DA2-receptor agonist, Ly 171555, did not. The stimulatory effects of dopamine and SKF 82526J were abolished by a specific DA1-receptor antagonist, Sch 23390 with half-maximal inhibition concentrations of 1.24 +/- 0.18 and 4.0 +/- 0.5 nM, respectively. In contrast, the DA2-receptor antagonist, spiperone, had no inhibitory effect on dopamine- and SKF 82526J-stimulated cAMP production. Beta-Adrenergic antagonists failed to attenuate the stimulatory effects of dopamine and SKF 82526J on cAMP production. In addition, the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, isoproterenol, did not stimulate cAMP production. These results suggest that the action of dopamine was not mediated through beta-adrenergic receptors. Furthermore, our results clearly demonstrated the existence of DA1-receptors linked to adenylate cyclase in OK cells.
Tracking Patient Encounters and Clinical Skills to Determine Competency in Ambulatory Care Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences

Objective. To determine if the amount of exposure to patient encounters and clinical skills correlates to student clinical competency on ambulatory care advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs).Design. Students in ambulatory care APPEs tracked the number of patients encountered by medical condition and the number of patient care skills performed. At the end of the APPE, preceptors evaluated students’ competency for each medical condition and skill, referencing the Dreyfus model for skill acquisition.Assessment. Data was collected from September 2012 through August 2014. Forty-six responses from a student tracking tool were matched to preceptor ratings. Students rated as competent saw more patients and performed more skills overall. Preceptors noted minimal impact on workload.Conclusions. Increased exposure to patient encounters and skills performed had a positive association with higher Dreyfus stage, which may represent a starting point in the conversation for more thoughtful design of ambulatory c...
Heart failure symptom measures: critical review

Objective:To provide a critical review and analysis of heart failure (HF)-specific symptom measuresMethods:A systematic search using the PubMed and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases and reference lists of relevant papers was undertaken to identify symptom measures that were primarily designed for patients with HF.Results:The systematic search yielded seven instruments that included three or more symptoms. Of the seven instruments, only five had psychometric properties available and these were reviewed. Levels of comprehensiveness of symptom measures varied including the number of symptoms assessed (13–32 symptoms/signs) and symptom dimensions (e.g. frequency and severity). Information about reading levels, time to completion, and completion rates was limited. Psychometric properties of the five measures have not been extensively investigated or reported.Conclusion:The development and use of the HF symptoms instruments is at a relatively early stage. Thus, further ...
Forced Convection Heat Transfer at the Heat Exchanger of the Thermoacoustic Refrigerating System

Experimental investigations on the oscillatory flow, heat transfer at the heat exchanger of the thermoacoustic refrigeration system were performed. Significant factors that influence the heat transfer and construction of this system were identified. Results were correlated in terms of Nusselt number, Prandtl number and Reynolds number to obtain a useful new correlation which was compared to the closest related existing correlations in the literature. Results show that using straight flow heat transfer correlations as done presently in a number of analyses and design of this system could result in significant errors.
User-composable Electronic Health Record Improves Efficiency of Clinician Data Viewing for Patient Case Appraisal: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background: Challenges in the design of electronic health records (EHRs) include designing usable systems that must meet the complex, rapidly changing, and high-stakes information needs of clinicians. The ability to move and assemble elements together on the same page has significant human-computer interaction (HCI) and efficiency advantages, and can mitigate the problems of negotiating multiple fixed screens and the associated cognitive burdens. Objective: We compare MedWISE—a novel EHR that supports user-composable displays—with a conventional EHR in terms of the number of repeat views of data elements for patient case appraisal. Design and Methods: The study used mixed-methods for examination of clinical data viewing in four patient cases. The study compared use of an experimental user-composable EHR with use of a conventional EHR, for case appraisal. Eleven clinicians used a user-composable EHR in a case appraisal task in the laboratory setting. This was compared with log file analysis of the same patient cases in the conventional EHR. We investigated the number of repeat views of the same clinical information during a session and across these two contexts, and compared them using Fisher’s exact test. Results: There was a significant difference (p Discussion and Conclusion: Users of conventional EHRs repeatedly viewed the same information elements in the same session, as revealed by log files. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that conventional systems require that the user view many screens and remember information between screens, causing the user to forget information and to have to access the information a second time. Other mechanisms (such as reduction in navigation over a population of users due to interface sharing, and information selection) may also contribute to increased efficiency in the experimental system. Systems that allow a composable approach that enables the user to gather together on the same screen any desired information elements may confer cognitive support benefits that can increase productive use of systems by reducing fragmented information. By reducing cognitive overload, it can also enhance the user experience.
Public Perceptions of Celebrity Cancer Deaths: How Identification and Emotions Shape Cancer Stigma and Behavioral Intentions

ABSTRACTCelebrity cancer deaths can focus public attention on the disease like few events can. However, not all celebrities or their families are open about the exact cause of death. Anecdotal reports suggest that some do not reveal the exact cause of death due to fears of stigma associated with the specific type of cancer. However, empirical evidence regarding whether or how the cause of death actually impacts public perceptions and behaviors is lacking. A three (cause of death: nonspecified cancer, liver cancer, or lung cancer) by two (celebrity obituary: David Bowie or Alan Rickman) fully factorial between-subjects online experiment (N = 390) tested a proposed model of effects on identification, discrete emotional reactions, stigma-related perceptions, and behavioral intentions. Results suggest that specific causes of death do not have a direct impact on stigma but they can alter identification and emotional reactions, such as compassion and anxiety, which subsequently shape stigma-related perceptions ...
Natural History of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease. ALS was first described in the medical literature in the mid-19th century, but despite its early recognition as a distinct disease process, the pathogenesis of ALS remains poorly understood. Even so, there are many aspects that are known about this disease. At its basic level, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, with classic clinical features, that typically follows a rapid course leading to significant disability and death. Although these features paint a seemingly simple picture, the complexities of ALS are numerous and ever present. In order to fully appreciate both the complexities of this disease, as well as the challenges involved in caring for patients with ALS, it is essential to understand its natural history.
Symbolism, Signifiers and National Identity Cards: Indonesia’s Engagement with the 21st Century Reality of Religious Diversity & Inclusion

Abstrak Artikel ini mengetengahkan pembahasan mengenai simbolisme agama dalam KTP (Kartu Tanda Penduduk) di Indonesia. Penghapusan status penunjukan agama di KTP adalah “isu sensitif” di Indonesia. Ia berhubungan dengan kelanjutan sisa-sisa alam pikiran Orde Baru, yang juga menyangkut bagaimana identitas agama kerap dipakai dalam pergaulan sehari-hari masyarakat Indonesia. Ditambah lagi, Indonesia sedang bergulat dengan keragaman agama, aktualisasi inklusi agama dan aliran kepercayaan di satu sisi serta perkembangan nasionalisme dan demokrasi di sisi lain. Makalah ini berpendapat bahwa perdebatan KTP dan simbol agama yang juga termasuk isu penting dalam kampanye Jokowi pada Pilpres 2014 lalu, adalah penanda bahwa keragaman agama dan inklusi merupakan aspek modernitas yang tak terduga. Sebagaimana hal itu dilihat oleh Peter L Berger. Makalah ini akan mengidentifikasi referen dari simbol KTP agama serta relevansinya dalam tata kehidupan keagamaan, demokrasi, dan sosial-politik Indonesia mutakhir. Kata Kunci: KTP, identity, symbol, modernity
Concepts in Allergy to Pectus Metal Implants

Allergy to pectus implants is infrequent. Cutaneous allergic reactions to stainless steel Nuss bars may take the form of skin erosions, granulomas, erythema or seromas; keloids have also been reported, posssibly as an end result of an erosion in a predisposed patient. Pleural effusions and pericarditis have also been implicated as systemic reactions to metals. Epicutaneous patch testing is a tool that can be used to identify allergy to metal implants. Although routine pre-operative patch testing is not recommended for most implants and prostheses unless the patient has a significant history of metal sensitivity or previous cutaneous or systemic reaction to an implant or device, Nuss’s group now performs metal patch testing on all patients priot to the Nuss procedure. Patients in whom a diagnosis of allergy to an implant is made have been treated with corticosteroids and antihistamines, removal of the implant, or replacement of the implant. Titanium implants are generally well tolerated in patients with nickel metal allergy.
Replicating Red: Analysis of ceramic slip color with CIELAB color data

Abstract The CIELAB (International Commission on Illumination L*a*b*) tristimulous color space offers archaeologists an alternative to the Munsell system for analysis of the color of archaeological material and geological deposits. CIELAB space maps colors in three dimensions and does not require complicated mathematical manipulations before use in quantitative analyses. It can also be collected easily and inexpensively from digital photographs. Here we illustrate how to collect and use CIELAB data through our reanalysis of red-slipped ceramics in western North America, comparing our results to a previous study of red slip color that relied on descriptive Munsell data. Our case involves red-slipped ceramics from two contact-period Native American archaeological sites in Kansas, USA. The CIELAB data support previous conclusions about changes in slip color through time in Ledbetter Red, enabling more precise descriptions of color and testing of statistically significant differences between groups. We argue that our methods record color in a more objective, precise way than is possible with the human eye alone, and that the resulting data are useful for artifact or material comparison.
Shopping for Information: Consumer Learning with Optimal Pricing and Product Design

I study a monopolistic pricing problem in which the consumer performs product research to determine whether or not to purchase a good. The consumer receives a signal of quality via a Brownian motion process with a type-dependent drift. I fully characterize the consumer’s optimal strategy; she buys the product when she is sufficiently optimistic about the quality and ceases to pay for the signal when she is sufficiently pessimistic. I examine the implications of this behavior for the seller’s optimal pricing decision. I find that the seller prefers to encourage product research when quality is likely to be high and prefers to discourage research when quality is likely to be low. I show that a decrease in search costs or an increase in the quality of information can either raise or lower equilibrium price. I also extend the model so that the seller chooses both price and the level of quality dispersion and demonstrate that the optimal level of dispersion need not be extremal.
Welfare and leisure: contingencies of power

ABSTRACTEmploying the methodology of Foucault’s genealogy, this article provides an in-depth exploration of welfare in the United States and the state of Georgia. An analysis of federal welfare policies and specific policies related to the state of Georgia is interrogated and explored in an effort to reveal the historical contingencies of racism, individualism, (loss of) entitlement and removal from welfare rolls and the discourses that create and maintain today’s welfare policies. This article challenges how leisure is conceptualized and accessed by those who receive welfare in the United States. A discussion of work and leisure is presented, along with implications for leisure professionals.
Apoptosis, Paraptosis and Autophagy: Death and Survival Pathways Associated with Photodynamic Therapy.

The ability of photosensitizing agents to create photodamage at specific sub-cellular sites has proved useful for characterizing pathway(s) to cell death and for selecting optimal targets for anti-tumor efficacy. Both apoptosis and autophagy can occur after photodamage directed at mitochondria, lysosomes or the ER, with the balance often a determinant of overall efficacy. A combination of lysosomal + mitochondrial targets is associated with enhanced efficacy. More recently, ER photodamage was found to evoke a mainly unexplored mode of photokilling that involves extensive cytoplasmic vacuole formation but does not represent autophagy. This has been termed ‘paraptosis’ and appears to be a reaction to the appearance of misfolded ER proteins. This report is designed to summarize current knowledge relating to death pathways and update information relating to paraptosis as a PDT response.
Rapid TEG efficiently guides hemostatic resuscitation in trauma patients

Abstract Background Several thrombelastography functional assays have been developed to guide transfusion in injured patients, but how this acceleration of thrombelastography affects its ability to predict massive transfusion is unknown. The objective of this study is to compare citrated native, citrated kaolin, and citrated rapid thromboelastographies for their prediction of massive transfusion after trauma. We hypothesized that citrated native thrombelastography best predicts massive transfusion. Methods Data were collected as part of a prospective study of trauma activation patients. All patients received citrated native, citrated kaolin, or citrated rapid thromboelastographies. Logistic regression was used to assess the predictive performance of different thrombelastography assays for massive transfusion. Results Measurements for all three TEG activating systems was available for 343 patients; 57 (16.6%) required a massive transfusion. Compared to citrated rapid thromboelastographies, citrated kaolin thromboelastographies performed better for activated clotting time/rapid and citrated native thromboelastographies for maximum amplitude and angle. Yet, the 95% confidence intervals overlapped considerably, suggesting the citrated rapid thromboelastographies produced comparable results to the other assays for activated clotting time/reaction time, maximum amplitude, and angle. Conclusion There was substantial overlap in the performance of the different thrombelastography assays, suggesting citrated rapid thrombelastography is a quick and effective method to guide hemostatic resuscitation in trauma patients and does not perform inferiorly to the citrated native or citrated kaolin thrombelastography despite the addition of activation factors.
Comparison of two systems for the quantification of technetium-99m radiochromatography procedures

The use of the dose calibrator and a radiochromatogram scanner were evaluated for the quantification of radiochromatography procedures performed on 99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals. Reproducibility of measurements was significantly better using the dose calibrator technique. This factor, combined with reduced time and cost considerations, warrants the routine use of the dose calibrator for the quantification of radiochromatography procedures.
CHARACTERIZATION OF VOLATILE HYDROCARBONS IN FLOWING SEAWATER SUSPENSIONS OF NUMBER 2 FUEL OIL

Seawater containing dilute suspensions of Number 2 fuel oil (less than one milligram per liter) have been analyzed for monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using helium partition gas chromatography. The methodology permits routine quantitation of volatile aromatic constituents at concentrations well below one microgram per liter. Gas chromatograms obtained from helium extracts of the dilute oil in seawater suspensions exhibited an unresolved envelope upon which were superimposed aromatic component peaks identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The envelope was not removed by repeated helium extractions of an oil in seawater suspension with helium, but was removed if the sample was filtered prior to extraction. The unresolved envelope has been shown by GC/MS to consist largely of saturate hydrocarbons, presumably extracted directly into the helium from an insoluble or ''accommodated'' oil phase. These results are consistent with the existence of both soluble and insoluble oil phases in suspensions of Number 2 fuel oil in seawater and with the presence of the monocyclic aromatic components largely in true solution.
Immediate hypersensitivity reaction to human serum albumin in a child undergoing plasmapheresis.

Background Human serum albumin (HSA) is a commonly used colloid for volume expansion and albumin replacement and during plasmapheresis. Colloids are an uncommon cause of anaphylaxis, and cases of hypersensitivity reactions to HSA are extremely rare. Case report A 10-year-old boy with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy was treated with plasmapheresis, with albumin as the replacement fluid. He developed a severe reaction characterized by respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cutaneous symptoms. Results Skin testing to HSA was positive and resulted in objective systemic symptoms, suggesting an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to HSA. Conclusion While colloids are an uncommon cause of immediate hypersensitivity reactions, they can lead to severe and potentially fatal reactions if not recognized and treated promptly.
The Partial Differential Equations of Controlled Invariance

In recent years there has been a veritable rash of applications of partial differential equations to the study of finite dimensional nonlinear control systems. The most well known of these partial differential equations is, perhaps, the Hamilton-Jacobi Bellman equation for the value function in optimal control, as also is its variant in the theory of differential games and the so-called state approach to the H ∞ optimization problem -the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman-Isaacs equation. Both equations are, of course, very much inspired( at least in their geometric aspects) by the Hamilton-Jacobi equation of classical mechanics and the eikonal equation in (geometrical) optics. Then there is the coupled system of nonlinear PDEs and analytic (as opposed to differential)equations ([9]) arising in the analysis of nonlinear regulators, dubbed the Francis-Byrnes-Isidori or FBI equations by ([24]). These are equations of the “centre-manifold” type-in fact, they are equations for the graph of a mapping which is to be an invariant manifold for the closed loop system. Then there is a Riccatti-type equation arising in the study of factorization of nonlinear systems (See ([3])). The study of feedback linearization and observer error linearization also lead to PDEs which are overdetermined (See ([2, 20, 29]) and the numerous references cited therein). These equations can be solved, under favourable circumstances, algebraically, so long as one is not interested in solutions with special features. Finally, there are the overdetermined systems of PDEs of the controlled invariance problem-and their study will be the subject of this paper.
Environmental Evidence for and Genomic Insight into the Preference of Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria for More-Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel at Higher Salinities

Iron-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) are some of the initial colonizing organisms during microbially influenced corrosion of steel infrastructure. To better understand the abiotic conditions under which FeOB colonize steel, an environmental study was conducted to determine the effects of salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, and steel type on FeOB colonization. Stainless steel (304 and 316 [i.e., 304SS and 316SS]) was used to determine the potential susceptibility of these specialized corrosion-resistant steels. Steel coupon deployments along salinity gradients in two river systems revealed attachment by FeOB at all sites, with greater abundance of FeOB at higher salinities and on 316SS, compared to 304SS. This may be due to the presence of molybdenum in 316SS, potentially providing a selective advantage for FeOB colonization. A novel Zetaproteobacteria species, Mariprofundus erugo, was isolated from these stainless steel samples. Genes for molybdenum utilization and uptake and reactive oxygen species protection were found within its genome, supporting the evidence from our FeOB abundance data; they may represent adaptations of FeOB for colonization of surfaces of anthropogenic iron sources such as stainless steel. These results reveal environmental conditions under which FeOB colonize steel surfaces most abundantly, and they provide the framework needed to develop biocorrosion prevention strategies for stainless steel infrastructure in coastal estuarine areas.IMPORTANCE Colonization of FeOB on corrosion-resistant stainless steel types (304SS and 316SS) has been quantified from environmental deployments along salinity gradients in estuarine environments. Greater FeOB abundance at higher salinities and on the more-corrosion-resistant 316SS suggests that there may be a higher risk of biocorrosion at higher salinities and there may be a selective advantage from certain stainless steel alloy metals, such as molybdenum, for FeOB colonization. A novel species of FeOB described here was isolated from our stainless steel coupon deployments, and its genome sequence supports our environmental data, as genes involved in the potential selectiveness toward surface colonization of stainless steel might lead to higher rates of biocorrosion of manmade aquatic infrastructure. These combined results provide environmental constraints for FeOB colonization on anthropogenic iron sources and build on previous frameworks for biocorrosion prevention strategies.
Familial clustering of erosive hand osteoarthritis

Abstract Objectives Erosive hand osteoarthritis (EOA) is a severe and rapidly progressing form of osteoarthritis. Its etiology remains largely unknown, which has hindered development of successful treatments. Our primary goal was to test the hypothesis that EOA would demonstrate familial clustering in a large statewide population linked to genealogical records, which would suggest a genetic contribution to the pathogenesis of this condition. Our secondary purpose was to determine the association of potential risk factors with EOA. Methods Patients diagnosed with EOA were identified by searching medical records from a comprehensive statewide database, the Utah Population Database (UPDB). Affected individuals were then mapped to pedigrees to identify high-risk families with excess clustering of EOA as defined by a Familial Standardized Incidence Ratio (FSIR) of ≥ 2.0. The magnitude of familial risk of EOA in related individuals was calculated using Cox regression models. Association of potential EOA risk factors was analyzed using conditional logistic regression and logistic regression models. Results We identified 703 affected individuals linked to 240 unrelated high-risk pedigrees with excess clustering of EOA (FSIR ≥ 2.0). The relative risk of developing EOA was significantly elevated in first-degree relatives. There was a significant association with the diagnosis of EOA and age, sex, alcohol use, diabetes, and obesity. Conclusions Familial clustering of EOA observed in a statewide database indicates a potential genetic contribution to the etiology of the disease. Identification of causal gene variants in these high-risk families may provide insight into the genes and pathways that contribute to EOA onset and progression.
Precision Millimeter-Wave-Modulated Wideband Source at 92.4 GHz as a Step Toward an Over-the-Air Reference

As the next-generation communications technology continues to evolve to utilize millimeter-wave frequencies, calibration methods are needed for the nonidealities related to these frequencies in communications electronics. In this article, we demonstrate a 1-GHz bandwidth, 64-quadrature-amplitude-modulated signal source at 92.4-GHz carrier frequency with relative phase and magnitude that may be made traceable to primary standards. By using predistortion techniques, we are able to repeatably obtain a nominal error vector magnitude (EVM) of 1.4%. In addition, we track correlated and uncorrelated uncertainties using a Monte Carlo method to show the distribution of uncertainty of the EVM measurement with the 5th and 95th percentiles at 1.5% and 3.1%, respectively. We examine the dependence of the EVM in the traceable source on digital-to-analog converters’ imbalance and system drift over time. Finally, we use the stable, low-EVM signal to ascertain EVM degradation on- and off-axis in a stationary over-the-air setup.
Chapter 3 – Overarching Agrammatism

Publisher Summary The overarching agrammatism (OAA) was an innovative and interesting idea. Its appeal, moreover, was in its simplicity. New data from structured experiments that began coming in at the time, indicated that the modality-based account was not entirely true, and that receptive aspects of language were also implicated in Broca's aphasia. These data flew in the face of the traditional account, as they demonstrated that the functional deficit subsequent to damage to Broca's area is not restricted to productive aspects of language. A modality-based theory of the language centers had to give way to another, which was a proposal to view language as neutrally represented, rather than according to linguistic levels. The syntax, in this view, was anterior, whereas semantics were taken to be in and around Wernicke's area. A move toward “redefining” the cerebral language centers had begun. There were problems with the new OAA account. First, apparent counterexamples were soon presented. Certain cases were reported, in which patients disruptions did not span all modalities. Finally, it seems that there is a direct comprehension/production contrast, in the domain of verb movement.
NESTED (IN)SECURITIES: Commodity and Currency Circuits in an Iran under Sanctions

This essay uses a conversation with an Iranian interlocutor to explore the political economy of Iranian sanctions and the creative improvisations they produce on dynamic economic grounds—characterized by an increasingly soft and devaluing national currency, the Iranian rial. It reveals how various (in)securities tied to monetary transactions, particularly those conducted with the “outside world,” come to nest within one another in an Iran under sanctions.
Benchmarking Neural and Statistical Machine Translation on Low-Resource African Languages

Research in machine translation (MT) is developing at a rapid pace. However, most work in the community has focused on languages where large amounts of digital resources are available. In this study, we benchmark state of the art statistical and neural machine translation systems on two African languages which do not have large amounts of resources: Somali and Swahili. These languages are of social importance and serve as test-beds for developing technologies that perform reasonably well despite the low-resource constraint. Our findings suggest that statistical machine translation (SMT) and neural machine translation (NMT) can perform similarly in low-resource scenarios, but neural systems require more careful tuning to match performance. We also investigate how to exploit additional data, such as bilingual text harvested from the web, or user dictionaries; we find that NMT can significantly improve in performance with the use of these additional data. Finally, we survey the landscape of machine translation resources for the languages of Africa and provide some suggestions for promising future research directions.
Spatial distribution of dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus segments before and after endoscopic ablation therapy: a meta-analysis.

Background Dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is focal and difficult to locate. The aim of this meta-analysis was to understand the spatial distribution of dysplasia in BE before and after endoscopic ablation therapy. Methods A systematic search was performed of multiple databases to July 2019. The location of dysplasia prior to ablation was determined using a clock-face orientation (right or left half of the esophagus). The location of the dysplasia post-ablation was classified as within the tubular esophagus or at the top of the gastric folds (TGF). Results 13 studies with 2234 patients were analyzed. Pooled analysis from six studies (819 lesions in 802 patients) showed that before ablation, dysplasia was more commonly located in the right half versus the left half (odds ratio [OR] 4.3; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.33 – 7.93; P Conclusion Before ablation, dysplasia in BE is found more frequently in the right half of the esophagus versus the left. Post-ablation recurrence is more commonly found in the TGF and is non-visible, compared with the tubular esophagus, which is mainly visible.
Trends in Medicare utilization and reimbursement for wound debridement procedures 2012-2017

Wound care accounts for more than $6 billion of health expenditure in the United States annually. In addition, Medicare reimbursement per relative value unit has remained flat with respect to infla...
Increased Body Mass Index Is Associated With A Nondilutional Reduction in Antimüllerian Hormone.

Context Controversy exists regarding if and how body mass index (BMI) impacts antimullerian hormone (AMH) in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Understanding the BMI-AMH relationship has critical implications for clinical interpretation of laboratory values and could illuminate underlying ovarian physiology. Objective Test the hypotheses: (1) BMI is associated with reduced AMH in PCOS and ovulatory controls (OVA), (2) the reduction in AMH is not accounted for by dilutional effects. Design/setting Multicenter cohort. Participants Women ages 25-40 years from two clinical populations: 640 PCOS, 921 ovulatory controls (OVA). Main outcome measures Ovarian reserve indices: AMH; antral follicle count (AFC); and AMH to AFC ratio (AMH/AFC) as a marker of per-follicle AMH production. Results In both cohorts, increasing BMI and waist circumference (WC) were associated with reductions in AMH and AMH/AFC, after adjusting for age, race, smoking and site in multivariate regression models. Increasing BMI associated with reduced AFC in PCOS but not OVA. Body surface area (BSA), which unlike BMI is strongly proportional to plasma volume, was added to investigate a potential dilutive effect of body size on AMH concentrations. After controlling for BSA, BMI retained independent associations with AMH in both cohorts; BSA no longer associated with AMH. Conclusions In an adjusted analysis, BMI but not BSA was associated with reduced AMH; these data do not support a role for hemodilution in mediating the relationship between increased body size and reduced AMH. Decreased AMH production by the follicle unit may be responsible for reduced AMH with increasing BMI.