cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation and analysis of the iodized salt monitoring results in Heshan city during 2008-2013

Objective To investigate iodine content in edible salt and implementation of iodine deficiency disease control measures in Heshan city,and provide scientific basis for taking appropriate prevention measures and intervention strategy.Methods Samples were collected from 9 areas of Heshan including the city, Hecheng and Zhishan according to the national iodine deficiency disease monitoring program(Trial)requirements.The iodine content was determined by direct titration(GB / T 13025.7). Results 1 853 samples of iodized salt were analyzed in the year of 2008-2013. 1 792 iodized salt samples were qualified,50 samples were not qualified and 11 samples were not iodized. 99.4% of the edible salt was iodized and 0.6% was not iodized.The rate of qualified iodized salt was 96.7%.The rates of iodized salt of these years had no significant difference(χ2=10.58,P 0.05),but the rates of the qualified iodized salt were significantly different(χ2=44.54,P0.01).The rates of iodized salt among different counties had no significant difference(χ2=19.68,P0.01),but the rates of qualified iodized salt were significantly different(χ2=32.05,P0.01). Conclusion Heshan city reached general standard to eliminate iodine deficiency disease, however strategies and measures for eliminating iodine deficiency disease have to be continuously reviewed in order to protect people's health.
Rapid detection of influenza virus by real-time fluorenscence RT-PCR

Objective To detect influenza virus nucleic acid by real-time fluorenscence RT-PCR and analyze the results of influenza surveillance in Hechi in 2009-2012.Methods Throat swab samples were collected from influenza-like illness(ILI) patients designated hospitals and those infected in prevalent foci in Hechi city.The influenza viral nucleic acid was determined by using real-time fluorenscence RT-PCR.Results Totally 2 090 samples were detected by real-time RT-PCR and 801 samples positive for influenza virus nucleic acid were detected with a total positive rate of 38.28%,including 468 H1N1 A subtype,126 H1Ni1B subtype,14 seasonal influenza viruses H1 subtype and 109 seasonal influenza viruses subtype H3.Conclusion Rreal-time fluorenscence RT-PCR is a quick,simple method for detection of influenza virus with high specificity and high sensitivity,worthy of popularization.In the past four years,influenza virus A subtype H1N1,and influenza virus B,seasonal influenza viruses H1 and seasonal influenza viruses H3 were prevalent in Hechi in the past three years.
From video games to debugging code

Novice programmers often struggle with many concepts underlying computer programming. The concept of a program variable--that is, a named storage location--is a centerpiece of the programming languages typically taught in introductory computer science courses including C, Java, JavaScript, Python, and C++. However, to date empirical studies suggest that misinterpretation of the state of a program remains a primary source of errors by novice programmers. We address this challenge by defining a game-based approach to interactive program debugging and by emphasizing the concept of program state in our approach. We specifically chose the metaphor of the popular ``Space Invaders'' videogame to provide a visual interpretation that reinforces the notion of program state in a way likely to be attractive to college students majoring in computer science. Our visualization technique and the resulting toolset are intended to steer students toward a debugging mindset centered on read and write operations of program variables. Here we discuss the key aspects of our game-based debugging approach. We also report preliminary results from field studies with actual college students who used our toolset to debug simple programs in which we injected faults.
The lowest-energy charge-transfer state and its role in charge separation in organic photovoltaics

Energy independent, yet higher than 90% internal quantum efficiency (IQE), has been observed in many organic photovoltaics (OPVs). However, its physical origin remains largely unknown and controversial. The hypothesis that the lowest charge-transfer (CT) state may be weakly bound at the interface has been proposed to rationalize the experimental observations. In this paper, we study the nature of the lowest-energy CT (CT1) state, and show conclusively that the CT1 state is localized in typical OPVs. The electronic couplings in the donor and acceptor are found to determine the localization of the CT1 state. We examine the geminate recombination of the CT1 state and estimate its lifetime from first principles. We identify the vibrational modes that contribute to the geminate recombination. Using material parameters determined from first principles and experiments, we carry out kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to examine the charge separation of the localized CT1 state. We find that the localized CT1 state can indeed yield efficient charge separation with IQE higher than 90%. Dynamic disorder and configuration entropy can provide the energetic and entropy driving force for charge separation. Charge separation efficiency depends more sensitively on the dimension and crystallinity of the acceptor parallel to the interface than that normal to the interface. Reorganization energy is found to be the most important material parameter for charge separation, and lowering the reorganization energy of the donor should be pursued in the materials design.
During the Migration Time: Oral History, Violence, and Identity in the Prehistoric Verde Valley

Archaeological data supports Native American oral histories recounting violence, arson, and the abandonment of the Montezuma Castle (AZ O:5:14 [ASM]) and Castle A (AZ O:5:95 [ASM]) dwellings at the end of the fourteenth century. Oral histories provide context for this event by revealing larger patterns resulting in population emigration and the formation of cultural identities in the Verde Valley of central Arizona. The coordinated analysis of archaeological data and oral histories presented in this paper provide an accurate and insightful representation of past events and illustrate a strong connection between contemporary Native American communities and the archaeological sites at Montezuma Castle National Monument.
Highly Hydrophilic Segments Attached to Hydrophobic Peptides Translocate Rapidly across Membranes

Hydrophilic segments attached to transmembrane helices often cross membranes. In an increasing number of cases, it has become apparent that this occurs in a biologically relevant post-translational event. In this study, we investigate whether juxta-membrane (JM) hydrophilic sequences attached to hydrophobic helices are able to rapidly cross lipid bilayers via their ability or inability to block hydrophobic helix interconversion between a transmembrane (TM) and non-TM membrane-associated state. Interconversion was triggered by changing the protonation state of an Asp residue in the hydrophobic core of the peptides, and peptide configuration was monitored by the fluorescence of a Trp residue at the center of the hydrophobic sequence. In POPC vesicles, conversion of the TM to non-TM state at high pH and the non-TM to TM state at low pH was rapid (seconds or less) for KK, KKNN, and the KKNNNNNN flanking sequences on both N- and C-termini and the KLFAGHQ sequence that flanks the spontaneously TM-inserting 3A p...
Co-operative responsive electric vehicles for social-economic dispatch

Nowadays, plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are widely promoted to replace conventional internal combustion-based vehicles to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gases emissions. This is likely to create a huge stress to the power system and create new problems in its operation due to uncontrolled power and energy transactions by PEVs. Nevertheless, the stress can be avoided by proper coordination and cooperation of responsive PEVs (REVs) with utilities and system operators. This chapter presents a study on the integration of power system generation assets, REVs, and behavior of REV owners as a cyber-physical-social power system (CPSPS). Sustainability criteria are applied in a CPSPS framework to formulate a social-economic dispatch with REVs (SED-REVs) problem. This involves the participation of REVs through modeling of the behavior of REV owners and the load demands of a given power system. Two types of modeling are carried out, namely, first, modeling the participation percentage of REVs as their responsiveness level with respect to incentive schemes in a SED-REVs problem and second, stochastic modeling of the presence of REVs in SmartParks (parking lots for PEVs with capability to carry out energy transactions). The variability and stochastic nature of the REVs behavior and load demand is addressed by applying a heuristic optimization methodology to solve the SED-REVs problem.
Colloids reinforce glass theory

In 1995 Philip Anderson wrote that the glass transition remains the deepest and most important unsolved problem in solid-state physics. Why is there so much mystery surrounding the seemingly simple solidification of a liquid into a disordered solid, like glass – one of the most ubiquitous forms of matter?
Treatment Patterns and Overall Survival Associated with First-Line Systemic Therapy for Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND: A variety of regimens are used as first-line treatment in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which may include combination regimens and single agents, depending on histology, molecular profile, and performance status. OBJECTIVE: To describe the types of first-line therapies and compare overall survival between therapies used for patients with advanced NSCLC in an integrated health care system. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients aged 18 years or older from Kaiser Permanente California with a diagnosis of stage IIIB/IV NSCLC. First systemic treatment date occurred from January 1, 2008, through September 30, 2013. Overall survival was measured as the number of months from initial treatment until death, end of enrollment, or September 30, 2014. Treatment regimens were categorized into 6 mutually exclusive groups: platinum doublets; pemetrexed-based, bevacizumab-based, and pemetrexed + bevacizumab-based combinations; singlets; and tyrosine-kinase inhi...
The North American Species Of Diaptomus

It has been my purpose in preparing this paper to do for the students of American Centropagidae a service similar t that which de Guerne and Richard have rendered to students of this group as distributed throughout the world.
INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE TO MENTAL STRESS AND MENTAL STRESS INDUCED MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA

Background: Mental stress (MS)-induced myocardial ischemia (MSIMI) is associated with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, yet the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We measured the inflammatory response to acute laboratory MS in patients with CAD and its correlation with
Abstract TP425: Post-stroke Blood Pressure Trajectory and Mortality Risk: Analysis of Racial/Ethnic Differences in the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation

Background: The racial/ethnic differences in post-stroke blood pressure (BP) trajectory and mortality risk are not fully understood. The current paper investigated differences in average systolic B...
Performance Prediction for Graph Queries

Query performance prediction has shown benefits to query optimization and resource allocation for relational databases. Emerging applications are leading to search scenarios where workloads with heterogeneous, structure-less analytical queries are processed over large-scale graph and network data. This calls for effective models to predict the performance of graph analytical queries, which are often more involved than their relational counterparts.In this paper, we study and evaluate predictive techniques for graph query performance prediction. We make several contributions. (1) We propose a general learning framework that makes use of practical and computationally efficient statistics from query scenarios and employs regression models. (2) We instantiate the framework with two routinely issued query classes, namely, reachability and graph pattern matching, that exhibit different query complexity. We develop modeling and learning algorithms for both query classes. (3) We show that our prediction models readily apply to resource-bounded querying, by providing a learning-based workload optimization strategy. Given a query workload and a time bound, the models select queries to be processed with a maximized query profit and a total cost within the bound. Using real-world graphs, we experimentally demonstrate the efficacy of our framework in terms of accuracy and the effectiveness of workload optimization.
Fault Tolerant Control System Reliability and Performance Prediction Using Semi-Markov Models

Abstract The paper presents an approach to evaluating quantitative measures of the performance of fault-tolerant control systems that use sequential statistical tests for fault detection and identification (PDI). Due to the inherent "memory" of these tests, performance evaluation techniques that are based upon Markov models are not applicable to these systems. The approach suggested here is based upon a straightforward extension of the Markov models, known as semi-Markov models, and it allows for the treatment of systems that use sequential FDI tests provided the distributions of the random time required to make PDI test decisions are known for all fault conditions of interest. The new method is demonstrated for a generic, triple-redundant, fault-tolerant sensor system similar to those frequently encountered in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.
Study of facial recognition in visible and near infrared

An analysis of face images was done to determine if a correlation can be made between matching performance and characteristics of face images at the visible and near infrared (NIR) spectrums. The Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) technique was used to preprocess images prior to using a commercial matcher.
Habitat suitability models for groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska

Abstract Identifying and quantifying the major ecosystem processes that regulate recruitment strength of commercially and ecologically important fish species is a central goal of fisheries management research. In the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) five groundfish species are of particular interest: sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus), arrowtooth flounder (Atheresthes stomias), and Pacific ocean perch (Sebastes alutus). Habitat suitability models (HSM) were developed for the demersal early juvenile stage to inform survival to recruitment for these species, using catch data and seafloor habitat metrics with presence-only models. Regional-scale maps were produced that predict the probability of suitable habitat available in the GOA from settlement through residency in nursery areas. For example, the HSM for sablefish (150–399 mm) described suitable habitat as bathymetrically low-lying areas with low rocky structure within 25–300 m depth. In contrast, the HSM for Pacific ocean perch (50–200 mm) described suitable habitat as bathymetry rises with rocky structure present on north-south facing slopes within 85–270 m depth. These habitat covariates are useful to refine population estimates for North Pacific groundfish species and to inform life stage-specific definitions of Essential Fish Habitat. This application of MaxEnt models should be applicable for species with low occurrence of spatial data in other marine ecosystems globally.
Abstract 10007: Revascularization in Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease_Lower Early MACCE Rate With Multiple Arterial Bypass Grafting Than Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objectives: CABG and PCI are used for revascularization of multivessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD). However, limited information is available comparing the rates of in-hospital and 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (early MACCE), including early death, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and repeat revascularization, among patients with multiple arterial CABG (MultArt) vs PCI. Methods: We reviewed 12,615 MVCAD patients with isolated primary CABG or PCI from 1993 through 2009. CABG patients (n=6,667) were grouped by number of arterial grafts into left internal mammary artery/saphenous vein (LIMA/SV) (n=5,712) or MultArt (n=955); PCI patients (n=5,948) into balloon angioplasty (BA) (n=1,020), bare metal stent (BMS) (n=3,242), and drug-eluting stent (DES) (n=1,686). Results: Early MACCE rate was significantly greater for PCI than CABG (8.5% vs 4.1% [P Conclusions: In MVCAD patients undergoing isolated primary revascularization, CABG conferred lower early MACCE rate vs PCI. Early MACCE rate was markedly decreased after MultArt compared with LIMA/SV, BA, BMS, and DES.
Optimal allocation procedure in ranked set sampling for unimodal and multi-modal distributions

This paper presents a ranked set sample allocation procedure that is optimal for a number of nonparametric test procedures. We define a function that measures the amount of information provided by each observation given the actual joint ranking of all the units in a set. The optimal ranked set sample allocates order statistics by maximizing this information function. This paper shows that the optimal allocation of order statistics in a ranked set sample is determined by the location of the mode(s) of the underlying distribution. For unimodal, symmetric distributions, optimal allocation always quantifies the middle observation(s). If the underlying distribution with cdf F is a multi-modal distribution with modes \(R, \ldots ,R_k \), then the optimal allocation procedure quantifies observations at \(mF(R_1 ), \ldots ,mF(R_1 )\) in a set of size m. We provide similar results for unimodal, asymmetric distributions. We also propose a new sign test which considers the relative positions of the quantified observations from the same cycle in a ranked set sample. The proposed sign test provides improvement in the Pitman efficiency over the ranked set sample sign test of Hettmansperger (1995). It is shown that the information optimal allocation procedure induced by Pitman efficiency is equivalent to the optimal allocation procedure induced by the information criteria. We show that the finite sample distribution of the proposed test based on this optimal design is binomial.
ON THE MOLECULAR BASIS OF MUTAGENESIS: ENZYMOLOGICAL AND GENETIC STUDIES WITH THE BACTERIOPHAGE T4 SYSTEM

ABSTRACT Spontaneous and base analogue-induced mutagene-sis is dependent upon deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate pool sizes, properties of the replication complex, in particular DNA polymerase, hydrogen bond stabilities of nascent base pairs, and DNA sequence-specific effects. The bacteriophage T4 provides an ideal model system to study the individual properties of these components, their coupled interactions and effects on mutagenesis. We have utilized the base analogue 2-aminopurine (AP) as an indicator of aberrant DNA synthesis. The pathway for AP-induced mutagenesis is A·T⇄AP·T⇄AP·C ⇄ G·C. AP·T base mispairing frequencies have been measured in vitro and in vivo . We show that these measurements when taken in conjunction with genetic determinations of AP-induced A·T ⇄ G·C transition frequencies allow us to predict dAPTP pool sizes and AP.C heteroduplex heterozygote mis-pair frequencies in vivo in DNA polymerase (gene 43) mutator, wild type, and antimutator backgrounds. The versatile T4 system is used to test the validity of the predictions by measuring AP·C hets and dAPTP pool size. The measured frequencies for “slightly” mispaired AP·T and “badly” mispaired AP·C are used to evaluate a model in which hydrogen bonding free energy differences between competing correct and incorrect nucleotides plays an active role in determining the fidelity of DNA replication; the T4 polymerase is regarded as a passive component which either inserts or excises a base non-selectively, depending primarily on hydrogen bond stability of the previously inserted nucleotide and concentrations and re-lative base pairing stabilities of succeeding “competing” nucleotides.
Engineering AApeptides for Translational Medicine

Peptidomimetics, designed to mimic the structure and function of bioactive peptides, have found enormous application in the development of translational medicine. The emergence of novel peptidomimetics will continue to expand their biological applications. We recently have developed a new class of peptidomimetics termed “AApeptides” in order to advance the field of peptidomimetics. AApeptides have unnatural backbones and are resistant to protease degradation. In addition, they have limitless ability for derivatization. Their synthesis is also straightforward, augmenting their potential in biomedical applications. In this chapter, we try to summarize the chemical development of AApeptides and highlight examples of AApeptides as new unnatural peptidomimetics in the identification of potential therapeutics for translational medicine, such as antimicrobial agents and anticancer agents. At the end, a perspective is also discussed on the future development of AApeptides to fulfill their biological applications.
Bias analysis in Kalman filter with correlated mode mismatch errors

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the impact of inaccurate mode knowledge on a mode-based Kalman filter used for state estimation in a Markov jump linear system (MJLS). Specifically, we consider correlated mode mismatch errors that can effectively capture the influence of communication network errors or cyber-attacks in a cyber-physical system. Interpreting the bias dynamics as a transformed switching system, we derive, for the first time, an algebraically solvable sufficient condition (with respect to mode mismatch error probabilities) that guarantees convergence of the bias. The theoretical result, validated via simulations, provides insights on the fidelity of discrete state knowledge required for maintaining the continuous state estimate quality.
Prepared for Counseling: Introducing a Short Scale and Correlates

AbstractA new short scale measuring prepared for counseling (PfC) was developed based on 112 nonurgent undergraduates seeking counseling. Having prior counseling, self (vs. other) referral, counsel...
Fused comparative intervention scoring for heterogeneity of longitudinal intervention effects

With the growing cost of health care in the United States, the need to improve efficiency and efficacy has become increasingly urgent. There has been a keen interest in developing interventions to effectively coordinate the typically fragmented care of patients with many comorbidities. Evaluation of such interventions is often challenging given their long-term nature and their differential effectiveness among different patients. Furthermore, care coordination interventions are often highly resource-intensive. Hence there is pressing need to identify which patients would benefit the most from a care coordination program. In this work we introduce a subgroup identification procedure for long-term interventions whose effects are expected to change smoothly over time. We allow differential effects of an intervention to vary over time and encourage these effects to be more similar for closer time points by utilizing a fused lasso penalty. Our approach allows for flexible modeling of temporally changing intervention effects while also borrowing strength in estimation over time. We utilize our approach to construct a personalized enrollment decision rule for a complex case management intervention in a large health system and demonstrate that the enrollment decision rule results in improvement in health outcomes and care costs. The proposed methodology could have broad usage for the analysis of different types of long-term interventions or treatments including other interventions commonly implemented in health systems.
A membrane-associated NAC domain transcription factor XVP interacts with TDIF co-receptor and regulates vascular meristem activity

Vascular stem cell maintenance is regulated by a peptide signaling involving Tracheary Element Differentiation Inhibitory Factor (TDIF) and Receptor TDR/PXY (Phloem intercalated with Xylem) and co-receptor BAK1 (BRI1-associated receptor kinase1). The regulatory mechanism of this signaling pathway is largely unknown despite its importance in stem cell maintenance in the vascular meristem. We report that activation of a NAC domain transcription factor XVP leads to precocious Xylem differentiation, disruption of Vascular Patterning, and reduced cell numbers in vascular bundles. We combined molecular and genetic studies to elucidate the biological functions of XVP. XVP is expressed in the cambium, localized on the plasma membrane and forms a complex with TDIF co-receptors PXY-BAK1. Simultaneous mutation of XVP and its close homologous NAC048 enhances TDIF signaling. In addition, genetics analysis indicated that XVP promotes xylem differentiation through a known master regulator VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN6 (VND6). Expression analyses indicate that XVP activates CLAVATA3/ESR (CLE)-related protein 44 (CLE44), the coding gene of TDIF, whereas TDIF represses XVP expression, suggesting a feedback mechanism. Therefore, XVP functions as a negative regulator of the TDIF-PXY module and fine-tunes TDIF signaling in vascular development. These results shed new light on the mechanism of vascular stem cell maintenance.
Dropping the Baton?: Understanding Errors and Bottlenecks in a Crowdsourced Sensemaking Pipeline

Crowdsourced sensemaking has shown great potential for enabling scalable analysis of complex data sets, from planning trips, to designing products, to solving crimes. Yet, most crowd sensemaking approaches still require expert intervention because of worker errors and bottlenecks that would otherwise harm the output quality. Mitigating these errors and bottlenecks would significantly reduce the burden on experts, yet little is known about the types of mistakes crowds make with sensemaking micro-tasks and how they propagate in the sensemaking loop. In this paper, we conduct a series of studies with 325 crowd workers using a crowd sensemaking pipeline to solve a fictional terrorist plot, focusing on understanding why errors and bottlenecks happen and how they propagate. We classify types of crowd errors and show how the amount and quality of input data influence worker performance. We conclude by suggesting design recommendations for integrated crowdsourcing systems and speculating how a complementary top-down path of the pipeline could refine crowd analyses.
Rescue Craniectomy with Subsequent Cranioplasty for Recurrent Symptomatic Subdural Hematoma in Elderly Patients.

Abstract Introduction Recurrent subdural hematoma (SDH) is commonly encountered in clinical practice. Multiple surgical techniques have been reported for the management of recurrent SDH with variable success and complication rates. We report an alternative technique to halt SDH re-accumulation in elderly patients with multiple recurrences despite multiple surgical evacuations via rescue craniectomy and subsequent cranioplasty. Methods The authors retrospectively identified all symptomatic recurrent SDH in elderly patients (age ≥60 years) who were surgically managed with rescue craniectomy with subsequent cranioplasty from November 2004 to January 2018. Patients’ demographics and radiological and surgical variables were recorded and analyzed. Results Of the 287 patients who received surgical treatment for SDH, 19 patients (6.6%) underwent SDH evacuation with rescue craniectomy and subsequent cranioplasty were included in the study. The median age of our cohort was 73 years (IQR: 62-78), with 13 males and 6 females. Trauma was the culprit in the majority of cases. Five patients had acute SDH, 4 cases had subacute SDH, and 10 cases had chronic SDH. Fourteen cases had only one recurrence of SDH requiring surgical re-evacuation while 5 cases had two recurrences. The median interval between craniectomy and cranioplasty was 64.5 days (interquartile range: 108.3 days). Four complications were encountered. After cranioplasty, 15 cases had no further hemorrhage or recurrence and 4 cases had stable subdural collection during an average follow-up period of 38.2±46.9 months. Conclusions Rescue craniectomy followed by cranioplasty is a safe and effective salvage technique for the management of symptomatic recurrent SDH in elderly patients.
Early Reading Instruction With Embedded Behavioral Supports for Children With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Professional development in research-based early reading intervention and curriculum materials is not consistently available to special educators working with students with emotional and behavioral...
The painful implications of four-dimensionalism

Summary This paper introduces two conceptions of persons and their pain(s). The “Naive Cartesian View” holds that persons are atomic, synchronically and diachronically unified entities that directly exemplify pain. While the “Four-dimensionalist View” holds that persons are non-atomic entities, whose pains are directly exemplified by their person-stages and only derivatively exemplified by the person. Two forms of “Four-dimensionalist View” are developed: “Cartesian Four-Dimensionalism”, and “Stage Four-Dimensionalism”. Against “Cartesian Four-Dimensionalism”, I argue that it (i) requires us to deny the moral permissibility of voluntarily chosen pains (ii) to believe that there more harms in the world than we thought, and (iii) it raises difficulties for our understanding of redemptive and pedagogical pains. Against “Stage Four-Dimensionalism”, I argue that it denies commonsense truths about punishment, compensation, and temporal neutrality, and well-being. The “Naive Cartesian View” avoids these difficulties, so we have reason to prefer it, and a metaphysical theory consistent with it.
Popular Music and Automobiles: edited by Mark Duffett and Beate Peter, New York, Bloomsbury Academic, 2020, 203 pp., $120.00 (hardcover), ISBN 978-1-5013-5230-0

Car songs are fascinating. They are thematically diverse. They appear among various musical genres. And they reflect a multitude of opinions about vehicles, love, life, and travel. Mobility and tec...
Dexmedetomidine Is an Equal Cost Alternative to Propofol in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, With Equivalent In-Hospital and 30-Day Outcomes.

Objective Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with monitored anesthesia care (MAC) is well-tolerated and is growing in popularity. Differences in outcomes based on anesthetic agent choice with MAC has received less attention. The authors sought to determine whether differences in outcomes and cost exist based on whether patients receive dexmedetomidine or propofol when undergoing TAVR with MAC. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania. Participants The study comprised 161 patients who underwent TAVR with MAC between May 2014 and March 2019. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results A propofol-only (n = 58) group and dexmedetomidine-only (n = 103) group were identified. No differences in in-hospital mortality or complication rate were identified when evaluating for stroke, transfusion, new arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, or bleeding and vascular complications (p > 0.05, all). Thirty-day outcomes were also equivalent, with no differences in mortality, stroke, vascular complication, new arrhythmia, or myocardial infarction (p > 0.05, all). The average amount of epinephrine, norepinephrine, or phenylephrine used intraoperatively was not significantly different. Overall median hospitalization costs were equivalent ($57,554.31 with dexmedetomidine v $58,538.08 with propofol, p = 0.97). Conclusions There were no significant differences in in-hospital outcomes, 30-day outcomes, or total cost of the patient's hospitalization, based on the use of dexmedetomidine versus propofol in patients undergoing TAVR.
A year in neurology: key issues of 2020 and challenges for 2021

Significant changes in the way neurology services operate were triggered in 2020. Sue Thomas outlines the key issues of the past 12 months and looks towards the main possible challenges for 2021.
ROSAT HRI Detection of the 16 ms Pulsar PSR J0537–6910 Inside Supernova Remnant N157B

Based on a deep ROSAT HRI observation, we have detected a pulsed signal in the 0.1-2 keV band from PSR J0537-6910, the recently discovered pulsar associated with the supernova remnant N157B in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The measured pulse period 0.01611548182 s ± 0.02 ns, epoch MJD 50,540.5, gives a revised linear spin-down rate of 5.1271 × 10−14 s s-1, which is slightly greater than the previously derived value. The narrow pulse shape (FWHM ~ 10% duty cycle) in the ROSAT band resembles those seen in both RXTE and ASCA data ( 2 keV), but there is also marginal evidence for an interpulse. This ROSAT detection enables us to locate the pulsar at R.A.=5h37m472, decl.=-69°10'23'' (J2000). With its uncertainty ~3'', this position coincides with the centroid of a compact X-ray source. But the pulsed emission accounts for only ~10% of the source luminosity of ~2 × 1036 ergs-1 in the 0.1-2 keV band. These results support our previous suggestions: (1) the pulsar is moving at a high velocity ( ~103 km s-1); (2) a bow shock, formed around the pulsar, is responsible for most of the X-ray emission from the source; and (3) a collimated outflow from the bow shock region powers a pulsar wind nebula that accounts for an elongated nonthermal radio and X-ray feature to the northwest of the pulsar.
Subchronic impacts of 2,4-D herbicide Weedestroy®AM40 on associative learning in juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

Abstract Aquatic herbicides are commonly used to control a wide variety of invasive and nuisance plants. One common active ingredient used in commercial herbicide formulations in Midwestern states is 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Due to the stability of 2,4-D in aquatic environments, many non-target aquatic species experience prolonged exposure throughout critical developmental life stages that can affect essential behaviors. However, the impacts of 2,4-D exposure on learning behaviors in juvenile fish are poorly understood. Therefore, we conducted a series of experiments using a maze environment to determine the effects of a commercial 2,4-D amine salt herbicide formulation (Weedestroy®AM40; WAM40; at 0.00, 0.50, 2.00, and 50.00 mg/L 2,4-D acid equivalent (a.e.)) exposure on juvenile yellow perch's ability to perform a feed associated learning behavior. We observed a significant decrease in the ability of yellow perch to correctly complete the feed associated learning behavior within 200 s when exposed to WAM40 at 2.00 and 50.00 mg/L 2,4-D as compared to controls (p = 0.0002; p 0.05), hunger motivation (p > 0.05), and a visually guided startle response (p > 0.05), in all treatment groups tested as compared to controls. This suggests that 2,4-D in WAM40 does not inhibit feed associated learning behaviors via interaction with these mechanisms. Altogether, the results indicate that the use of 2,4-D herbicides for weed control in aquatic ecosystems could present risks to cognitive functions that control essential behaviors of yellow perch.
Transnational Migration from Oaxaca, the Agrarian Ouestion and the Politics of lndigenous Peoples

In den letzten Jahren hat die Migration indigener Bevolkerungsgruppen aus dem sudmexikanischen Bundesstaat Oaxaca nach Nordwestmexiko und in die USA stark zugenommen. Diese Migrationsbewegung hat zu tiefgreifenden Umgestaltungen in Wirtschaft, Gesellschaft, Kultur und Politik sowohl in den Ursprungsgemeinden als auch den uberregionalen Netzwerken der Migranten gefuhrt. Dadurch verandern sich auch die Klassenbeziehungen und kulturellen Identitaten der indigenen Bevolkerung sowie die ihnen korrespondierenden politischen Bewegungen. Dieser Beitrag untersucht die Auswirkungen dieser Migrationsbewegungen auf die 'Agrarfrage' und das Denken uber die indigene Bevolkerung Mexikos. Beide Belange werden im Kontext der transnationalen Gemeinschaften, die sich nunmehr von den entlegenen Gebieten Sudmexikos bis in die USA und nach Kanada ausgebreitet haben, grundlegend neu gestaltet.
Evolutionary trends of the lateral foot in catarrhine primates: Contextualizing the fourth metatarsal of Australopithecus afarensis.

Abstract In 2000, a complete fourth metatarsal (Mt4) of the ∼3- to 4-Million-year-old hominin Australopithecus afarensis was recovered in Hadar, Ethiopia. This metatarsal presented a mostly human-like morphology, suggesting that a rigid lateral foot may have evolved as early as ∼3.2 Ma. The lateral foot is integral in providing stability during the push off phase of gait and is key in understanding the transition to upright, striding bipedalism. Previous comparisons of this fossil were limited to Pan troglodytes, Gorilla gorilla, and modern humans. This study builds on previous studies by contextualizing the Mt4 morphology of A. afarensis (A.L. 333-160) within a diverse comparative sample of nonhuman hominoids (n = 144) and cercopithecids (n = 138) and incorporates other early hominins (n = 3) and fossil hominoids that precede the Pan-Homo split (n = 4) to better assess the polarity of changes in lateral foot morphology surrounding this divergence. We investigate seven morphological features argued to be functionally linked to human-like bipedalism. Our results show that some human-like characters used to assess midfoot and lateral foot stiffness in the hominin fossil record are present in our Miocene ape sample as well as in living cercopithecids. Furthermore, modern nonhuman hominoids can be generally distinguished from other species in most metrics. These results suggest that the possession of a rigid foot in hominins could represent a conserved trait, whereas the specialized pedal grasping mechanics of extant apes may be more derived, in which case some traits often used to infer bipedal locomotion in early hominins may, instead, reflect a lower reliance on pedal grasping. Another possibility is that early hominins reverted from modern ape Mt4 morphology into a more plesiomorphic condition when terrestrial bipedality became a dominant behavior. More fossils dating around the Pan-Homo divergence time are necessary to test these competing hypotheses.
Particle production at small-x in deep inelastic scattering

The properties of small-x QCD are studied in this dissertation. One of the most interesting features of small-x physics is gluon saturation effect and to obtain direct evidence of this effect has been of great theoretical and experimental interest. We focus on deep inelastic scattering off heavy nucleus which may provide the first evidence of gluon saturation. Our results might be put into test in future by Electron-Ion Collider(EIC). We studied transverse momentum spectrum in gluon production and analyzed the result in different regimes of nuclear matter, dilute nucleus and saturated nucleus included. We first studied diffractive gluon production in small-x DIS, which itself is an excellent probe to detect gluon distribution inside nucleus. We then made an investigation on inclusive gluon production in DIS and, specifically, tried to understand the contribution from momentum conservation.
Role of microRNAs in Cardiovascular Biology

Abstract Remarkable advances in cardiac developmental biology over the last decade have revealed elegant networks of signaling and transcriptional cascades that regulate cardiomyocyte commitment and organogenesis. Differentiation is often reinforced via positive and negative feedback loops that serve to irreversibly control sequential cell fate decisions. As pluripotent cells become progressively specialized, it may be equally important to promote specific gene programs and also suppress unwanted pathways to allow cell type‐specific protein expression. This is likely accomplished in part by differential transcription, but recent reports suggest that this process is also regulated at the level of translation. microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as endogenous and widely used mediators of translational repression and likely influence most important cellular processes. Here, we will review the emerging role of miRNAs in translational regulation during cardiac development and disease and consider the potentially broad impact of this rapidly evolving field on cardiovascular research.
Maximum Likelihood Techniques: An Overview

In this chapter, we describe the general maximum likelihood (ML) procedure, including a discussion of likelihood functions and how they are maximized. We also distinguish between two alternative ML methods, called the unconditional and the conditional approaches, and we give guidelines regarding how the applied user can choose between these methods. Finally, we provide a brief overview of how to make statistical inferences using ML estimates.
Liver resection combined with excision of vena cava.

Abstract Background: This study was designed to review our experience with combined partial hepatectomy and vena caval replacement for primary and metastatic liver tumors. Study Design: The medical records of all the patients who underwent liver resection and excision of the vena cava over a period of 13 years and 4 months at a single institution were analyzed. The types of tumors fell into four categories: 1) metastatic, 2) primary leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava, 3) tumors with direct extension to the liver, and 4) cholangiocarcinoma. Results: The perioperative mortality was 11% related to technical complications and hepatic insufficiency. Other important complications included biliary fistula and liver abscess; patients recovered from these complications without sequalae. Six of nine patients are alive with a followup from 6 months to 156 months (median 66.5 months), and three of them are free of disease. The most common sites of recurrence were lung, liver, and brain. The patients with leiomyosarcoma of the cava and pheochromocytoma who underwent these combined procedures had the longest survival. Conclusions: This small series confirms the feasibility of obtaining longterm survival after excision of tumors that have involved portions of the liver and the vena cava. Innovative variations on the method of vena caval replacement and increased awareness of these complex surgical techniques will expand the indications of hepatic resection.
Analysis of relationships among isolates of Citrobacter diversus by using DNA fingerprints generated by repetitive sequence-based primers in the polymerase chain reaction.

Oligonucleotide probes which match consensus sequences of the repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) element hybridize to genomic DNA of diverse bacterial species. Primers based on the REP sequence generate complex band patterns with genomic DNA in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique named REP-PCR. We used REP-PCR with genomic DNA to fingerprint 47 isolates of Citrobacter diversus. Previously, 37 were assigned electrophoretic types (ETs) by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis and 35 were evaluated by using outer membrane protein profiles. Fingerprints were compared by visual inspection and by similarity coefficients (SimCs) based on the number of common bands versus total bands between two given isolates. DNA fingerprints were highly similar visually for patient pairs and outbreak-related sets. SimCs for these were > or = 0.952. Fingerprints of isolates with different ETs generally were distinctive. Among 21 unrelated isolates representing 15 ETs, only 6 of 210 comparisons had SimCs of > or = 0.952. REP-PCR rapidly generated DNA fingerprints which were highly similar for epidemiologically linked isolates of C. diversus and distinct for previously characterized strains within this species. The ability of this method to discriminate between C. diversus isolates with the same biotype was similar to that of multilocus enzyme electrophoresis and outer membrane protein profiles. REP-PCR may be useful in evaluation of apparent outbreaks of this or other bacterial species which possess these extragenic, repetitive elements. Images
The One Person One Vote Standard in Redistricting: The Uses and Abuses of Population Deviations in Legislative Redistricting

Since the redistricting revolution of the 1960’s, which began with a series of Supreme Court decisions that forced states to draw equally populated districts for the U.S. House and state legislative chambers, the standards for Congress and legislative districts have evolved over time. Today’s standards call for virtually no population deviations for congressional districts, though legislative districts can typically deviate up to 10 percent. In practice this means that districts can vary by as much as five percent above and below the ideal population within a state. In this paper I demonstrate that these population deviations are a simple tool for those that redraw electoral boundaries to create a partisan gerrymander. If one party controls the redistricting process, districts from the opposite party are typically over populated and districts favoring the party in control are usually under populated. I demonstrate this phenomenon using data from 47 states after the 2000 round of redistricting. The paper concludes with a discussion on why that courts ought to abolish the “10-percent” rule.
A statistical approach to model validation

In this paper we formulate a certain statistical model validation problem where we wish to determine the probability that a certain hypothesized parametric uncertainty model is valid given an experimental input-output data record. We then show that, in many instances of interest, this problem reduces to the computation of relative weighted volumes of convex sets in R/sup N/ (N being the number of uncertain parameters). Since exact or even approximate volume computation of convex sets in R/sup N/ is NP-hard, we consider randomized algorithms for determining these validation probabilities. In particular, we present and analyze a randomized algorithm based on gas kinetics for probable approximate computation of these volumes. >
NONEVACUATED SOLAR COLLECTORS WITH COMPOUND PARABOLIC CONCENTRATORS

ABSTRACT Nonevacuated solar collectors with compound parabolic concentrators (CPC) are suitable for applications in the temperature range of 75 to 150 C (heating and cooling, and process heat). New and improved CPC collectors have been built with concentration ratios 3.0 (requiring two tilt adjustments per year) and 6.5 (requiring about one tilt adjustment per week). In order to optimize thermal performance and minimize the quantity of receiver material, designs were chosen in which the reflector surrounds the receiver. The reflector of the 3.OX collector was made of 20 mil aluminum sheet (Kinglux). The reflector of the 6.5X was made by stretching aluminized mylar over a CPC mold and pouring urethane foam over it. The optical and thermal properties of individual collector modules were monitored in order to evaluate and compare different fabrication techniques. The best method was then selected for constructing the complete collectors. The collector performance can be summarized in terms of two numbers, the optical efficiency (=efficiency at zero ΔT) and the U-value Cheat loss coefficient in W/m 2 K). All efficiencies are defined relative to the total incident radiation as measured by a tilted pyranometer. The optical efficiency of both collectors is 60%, the U-value is 3.0 W/m 2 K for the 3.0X, and 1.6 W/m 2 K for the 6.5X. Under full sunshine these numbers imply operating efficiencies of 45% at ΔT=50K and ΔT=100K, respectively, above ambient.