cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Baseline Performance Predicts tDCS-Mediated Improvements in Language Symptoms in Primary Progressive Aphasia.

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by insidious irreversible loss of language abilities. Prior studies suggest that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) directed toward language areas of the brain may help to ameliorate symptoms of PPA. In the present sham-controlled study, we examined whether tDCS could be used to enhance language abilities (e.g., picture naming) in individuals with PPA variants primarily characterized by difficulties with speech production (non-fluent and logopenic). Participants were recruited from the Penn Frontotemporal Dementia Center to receive 10 days of both real and sham tDCS (counter-balanced, full-crossover design; participants were naive to stimulation condition). A battery of language tests was administered at baseline, immediately post-tDCS (real and sham), and six weeks and twelve weeks following stimulation. When we accounted for individuals’ baseline performance, our analyses demonstrated a stratification of tDCS effects. Individuals who performed worse at baseline showed tDCS-related improvements in global language performance, grammatical comprehension, and semantic processing. Individuals who performed better at baseline showed a slight tDCS-related benefit on our speech repetition metric. Real tDCS may improve language performance in some individuals with PPA. Severity of deficits at baseline may be an important factor in predicting which patients will respond positively to language-targeted tDCS therapies.
“TO CATH OR NOT TO CATH …” RARE ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC PRESENTATION OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

In rare cases acute anterior myocardial infarction can present without ST-segment elevations, but with a characteristic pattern that is many times under recognized. A 50 year old African American male with hypertension presented with 7/10 chest pressure associated with nausea and diaphoresis. On
Detection of Subsurface Metal Oxidation with Thermal Imaging

We introduce thermographic imaging as a non-destructive evaluation method for detection of hidden corrosion or delamination of coating on metals or other substrates. A hybrid experimental-numerical technique using long wave, broad band imaging for the standoff and quantitative analysis of the interface is introduced. Time lapsed measurements of surface temperature is carried out, followed by numerical simulation of the corresponding thermal signature. Results of damage detection using thermal imagery were compared with substrate wall thickness measured by a thickness gauge. It is concluded that imaging approach provides measures of metal loss, at levels less than the variations in the metal wall manufacturing tolerance, highlighting corroded areas which would otherwise be undetectable using sensors for measuring metal thickness.
Efficacy of Bordeaux mixture in reducing pecan scab in the southeastern USA

Pecan scab (Venturia effusa) is the most important yield-limiting disease of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) in the southeastern USA. On susceptible cultivars, which are widely grown, conventional fungicides are applied intensively to minimize losses to the disease. Producers of organic pecan must either select resistant cultivars at planting or find alternative methods to manage scab if the cultivars are susceptible. There has been little research on the efficacy of organic products against scab, although historically, Bordeaux mixture was applied (until the late 1950s). We assessed the efficacy of Bordeaux mixture on the cultivar Stuart at two locations in Georgia from 2011 to 2016. Rainfall varied among seasons and locations and impacted severity on the non-treated controls. Thus, on mature fruit at the end of the season, the most severe scab occurred at the Colquitt location (46.63 to 71.84% fruit area diseased) compared to the Byron location (2.98 to 25.27% fruit area diseased). There was a significant reduction in the severity of scab on fruit due to the Bordeaux mixture treatment at the Byron location in 2011 (F = 17.0, P < 0.0001) and 2014 (F = 4.5, P = 0.04) and at the Colquitt location in 2014 (F = 30.3, P < 0.0001) only. In other seasons, there was no significant effect at either location. In most seasons and assessments, the severity of scab was associated with reduced fruit weight. The results are discussed in relation to tree height and fungicide coverage, the cultivar, and weather conditions. Based on the applied spray schedule, the results indicate Bordeaux mixture has limited effect in reducing pecan scab on cv Stuart, and was somewhat unreliable between seasons. We believe further testing of Bordeaux mixture is warranted on other cultivars, and efficacy should be compared to that of other organic fungicides. If considering planting a new pecan orchard to be managed organically, growers in the southeastern USA should consider selection of scab-resistant cultivars as an option.
The Use of the Bimodal Production Decline Curve for the Analysis of Hydraulically Fractured Shale/Tight Gas Reservoirs

Author(s): Doughty, C; Moridis, GJ | Abstract: The capability to conduct a rapid, near real-time model-based analysis of production data from tight/shale (TS) gas fields is important in determining fracture and matrix properties. Model-based analysis of production can range from simple analytical solutions to complex numerical models. The objective of this study is to develop a simple, Excel-based tool for the analysis of the complex problem of gas production from a fractured TS gas reservoir that is based on a robust model that is faithful to the underlying physics and can provide rapid estimates of the important system parameters. The scientifically robust model used as the basis for this tool is a significant modification and expansion of the bimodal production decline curve of Silin and Kneafsey (2012). The production period is divided into two regimes: an early-time regime before the extent of the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) is felt, where an analytical similarity solution for gas production rate is obtained, and a late-time regime where the rate can be approximated with an exponential decline or more accurately represented with a numerical integration. Our basic model follows Silin and Kneafsey (2012) and produces the widely observed -½ slope on a log-log plot of early-time production decline curves, while our expanded model generalizes this slope to –n, where 0 l n l 1, to represent non-ideal flow geometries. The expanded model was programmed into an Excel spreadsheet to develop an interactive, user-friendly application for curve matching of well production data to the bimodal curve, from which matrix and fracture properties can be extracted. This tool allows significant insight into the model parameters that control the reservoir behavior and production: the geometry of the hydraulically-induced fracture network, its flow and transport properties, and the optimal operational parameters. This information enables informed choices about future operations, and is valuable in several different ways: (a) to estimate reserves and to predict future production, including expected ultimate recovery and the useful lifetime of the stage or the well; (b) if curve-matching is unsuccessful, to indicate the inadequacy of the mathematical model and the need for more complex numerical model to analyze the system; (c) to verify/validate numerical models, and to identify anomalous behavior or measurement errors in the data. The present approach can be adapted to gas-flow problems in dual-permeability media (hydraulically or naturally fractured) or highly heterogeneous sedimentary rock, as well as to retrograde condensation.
IMPACT OF CASE BASED DISCUSSION AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL ON THE ANNUAL EXAMINATION RESULTS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY FOR FOURTH YEAR UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS

Objective: Determine the effectiveness of case-based discussion (CbD) in terms of annual professionalophthalmology examination performances (scores) at undergraduate level involving students.Study Design: Quasi experimental study.Place and Duration of Study: FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry for under graduate 4th year MBBS class inOphthalmology (13 months‟ duration), from Dec 2013 to Dec 2014.Material and Methods: After approval from the IRB, scores of the historical control group, consisting of all4th year MBBS students from previous four years included (64, 89, 96 and 85 respectively) were collected, whounderwent traditional teaching. A total of 113 students were enrolled using non-probability conveniencesampling technique in the interventional group of the study, who were exposed to CbD. Their scores in theannual university examination were collected in the subject of ophthalmology. The data was analyzed for itsnormalcy and Mann Whitney test was applied for comparison. Scores of both groups were correlated usingpearson‟s coefficient of correlation to determine similarity of constructs measured through traditional assessmentmethod and CbD.Results: There was statistically insignificant difference (p-value 0.087) between scores obtained by historicalcontrols and those who received intervention (CbD). There was insignificant negative correlation in (-0.028)between scores obtained through traditional assessment and CbD.Conclusion: CbD fosters higher order thinking among undergraduate students in Ophthalmology. However,traditional assessment methods do not measure constructs that should be evaluated among undergraduatestudents, urging formal evaluation of the assessment items for further improvement.
Dimensions and Morphologic Variability of the Retro-Orbicularis Oculi and Frontalis Muscle Fat Pad.

Purpose To quantify the complete dimensions of the retro-orbicularis oculi fat (ROOF) pad and to determine its relationship to other fat compartments of the forehead. Methods The entire forehead of 14 hemifaces of seven fresh frozen human cadavers (four female, three male) was dissected in the subcutaneous and submuscular planes. For each plane, a ruler was placed at the facial midline, and images of the dissection plane were taken at 90° and 45°. Images were analyzed for vertical height, horizontal length, the distance to midline from the point of maximal height, and area for each hemiface of the ROOF and for the entire fat compartment contiguous with the ROOF. A two-tailed t test was conducted between ROOF and ROOF plus the extended fat plane across all measurements. A Wilcoxon nonparametric signed rank test was performed to determine equivalent fat distribution of the extended fat plane over each cadaver's respective eye. Results The deep fat originating from the ROOF consistently extended laterally and superiorly in each specimen, distinctly separated via septae from the deep central, deep lateral, and the deep temporal fat compartments. The color, composition, and distribution of this contiguous deep fat did not differ phenotypically from the traditional ROOF. The extended deep fat plane possessed an average vertical height of 3.09 ± 0.68 cm, average distance to midline from point of maximal height of 3.56 ± 0.53 cm, an average horizontal length of 5.37 ± 0.82 cm, and an average area of 13.40 ± 2.69 cm. The extended deep fat demonstrated a statistically significant increase in maximal height, length, and total area compared with the ROOF. A Wilcoxon nonparametric signed rank test was nonsignificant (α = 0.01) across all measurements, demonstrating that the extended fat plane was similarly distributed over each eye. Conclusions A layer of deep fat originating from the traditionally defined ROOF extends superiorly and laterally beneath the frontalis muscle, separate from the deep lateral, deep central, and deep temporal fat pads. This is the first study to clearly demonstrate a contiguous superficial musculoaponeurotic system layer of fat extending under both the orbicularis oculi and frontalis muscles. This plane of fat is more appropriately described as the retro-orbicularis oculi and frontalis fat.
Accelerating Electromigration Aging: Fast Failure Detection for Nanometer ICs

For practical testing and detection of electromigration (EM) induced failures in dual damascene copper interconnects, one critical issue is creating stressing conditions to induce the chip to fail exclusively under EM in a very short period of time so that EM sign-off and validation can be carried out efficiently. Existing acceleration techniques, which rely on increasing temperature and current densities beyond the known limits, also accelerate other reliability effects making it very difficult, if not impossible, to test EM in isolation. In this paper, we propose novel EM wear-out acceleration techniques to address the aforementioned issue. First, we show that multisegment interconnects with reservoir and sink structures can be exploited to significantly speedup the EM wear-out process. Based on this observation, we propose three strategies to accelerate EM induced failure: 1) reservoir-enhanced acceleration; 2) sink-enhanced acceleration; and 3) a hybrid method that combines both reservoir and sink structures. We then propose several configurable interconnect structures that exploit atomic reservoirs and sinks for accelerated EM testing. Such configurable interconnect structures are very flexible and can be used to achieve significant lifetime reductions at the cost of some routing resources. Using the proposed technique, EM testing can be carried out at nominal current densities, and at a much lower temperature compared to traditional testing methods. This is the most significant contribution of this paper since, to our knowledge, this is the only method that allows EM testing to be performed in a controlled environment without the risk of invoking other reliability effects that are also accelerated by elevated temperature and current density. The simulation results show that using the proposed method, we can reduce the EM lifetime of a chip from ten years down to a few hours (about ${10^{5}} \times $ acceleration) under the 150 °C temperature limit, which is sufficient for practical EM testing of typical nanometer CMOS ICs.
Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildering: The Use and Misuse of State SAT and ACT Scores

Twelve years ago, Brian Powell and Lala Carr Steelman analyzed state SAT scores in a landmark article in the Harvard Educational Review. At the time, politicians and the media, among others, had been using raw state SAT scores to make inferences about the relative quality of education among the U.S. states. Powell and Steelman, however, found that more than 80 percent of the variation in average state SAT scores could be attributed to the percentage of students in a state taking the test — in other words, in states where the percentage of students taking the SAT was low, state SAT averages tended to be high because that test-taking population included a high proportion of high-achieving students, and vice-versa. Since the percentage of students taking the SAT was not necessarily linked to the quality of education in a given state, Powell and Steelman cautioned against using unadjusted state SAT averages to evaluate educational quality.In this article, Powell and Steelman revisit the subject of state SAT s...
Coupling Electromagnetic Waves to Spin Waves: A Physics-Based Nonlinear Circuit Model for Frequency-Selective Limiters

A physics-based nonlinear circuit model is developed for frequency-selective limiters (FSLs) based on thin-film magnetic materials. The equivalent circuit model is structured and its parameters are determined rigorously from the fundamental physics of electromagnetic waves and spin waves. The spin motions as well as the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) are modeled by RLC parallel circuits with parameters derived from Polder’s tensor and Kittel’s equations. The exchange coupling between spins is modeled by an inductor added between adjacent RLC circuits based on quantum spin theory. The nonlinear cross-frequency coupling from signal at $\omega $ to spin waves at $\omega $ /2 is represented by a nonlinear coupled inductor model that follows the mathematics of a pendulum motion to represent the parametric oscillations of spins. The circuit units are cascaded to describe the spin-wave propagation inside the magnetic material, and transmission line parameters are added finally to describe the electromagnetic wave propagation. An FSL device described in the literature is used as an example to validate the circuit model, and the model successfully predicts the power-dependent insertion loss as well as the threshold power level, time delay, and frequency selectivity of the power limiting effect.
Smart seismic network for shallow subsurface imaging and infrastructure security

The use of seismic arrays as a tool for imaging subsurface infrastructures and monitoring the corresponding underground activities enables real-time subsurface security and surveillance applications. However, the existing approach relies on manual data collection and centralised computing, which may not work in communication-denied environments. We present a real-time smart seismic imaging system based on ambient noise imaging on networks (ANION) for a variety of subsurface infrastructure imaging applications. The approach integrates in-situ signal processing techniques as well as inter-nodes communication to obtain reliable velocity maps for subsurface characterisation and monitoring. It generates real-time subsurface images by taking advantage of collective computation power in sensor networks while avoiding transferring all raw data to a central place or server. Field tests demonstrate that such a system can detect underground pipelines and potentially its leakage. An exhaustive evaluation regarding bandwidth and communication cost were conducted to highlight the benefits of the proposed approach.
The Impact of Phase Distortion on Simultaneous RF Emissions from an Array

Signal interference constraints and limited RF spectrum space have made it necessary to further study ways of addressing the coexistence of radar and communications systems. In this work, we build on prior research towards simultaneous emission of multiple RF signals from a common array. We study the impact of non-linearities in power amplifiers on the resultant emitted wavefront, specifically the impact of non-linear phase distortions on the coherence of the emitted wavefront. To do this, we examine the strength of radiation in the space orthogonal to the two transmit signals, and the strength and location of the focused beams carrying the two desired signals. We show that phase distortions do not appreciably affect signal power in each of the intended transmit directions, nor of emissions orthogonal to the radar or communications transmit signals, but that communications throughput (as measured by BER) is impacted by those phase distortions. Finally, we show that digital pre-distortion is sufficient to overcome the effects of phase distortion.
Resting heart rate and incidence of venous thromboembolism.

Background/Objectives Higher resting heart rate is a risk factor for arterial cardiovascular diseases. We assessed whether higher heart rate is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Methods In a prospective epidemiologic cohort, the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, we associated resting heart rate by electrocardiogram with physician-validated incident hospitalized VTE through 2015. We also examined whether lower heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of cardiac autonomic imbalance, might be a risk factor for VTE. Results Resting heart rate at Visit 1 (1987-1989), when participants were 45 to 64 years old (mean, 54 years), was not associated with incidence of VTE (n = 882 cases). However, heart rate at Visit 4 (1996-1998; mean age, 63 years) was associated positively with VTE (n = 557 cases). The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of VTE across Visit 4 heart rate categories of <60, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and ≥80 bpm were 1 (reference), 1.22 (1.01-1.49), 1.39 (1.09-1.78), and 1.44 (1.01-2.06), respectively, and when evaluated continuously 1.11 (1.02-1.21) per 10 bpm greater heart rate. For the most part, HRV indices were not associated with VTE or associations were explained by inverse correlations of HRV indices with heart rate. Conclusion We found a significant positive and independent association of resting heart rate at ARIC Visit 4 with incidence of VTE. The reason why high heart rate is a risk marker for VTE warrants further exploration.
A case of bilateral acute depigmentation of the Iris in one of two identical twins.

Bilateral Acute Depigmentation of the Iris (BADI) is a condition which was first described in a case series from Turkey by Tugal-Tutkin and Urgancioglu in (Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 244:742-6, 2006). The condition is characterized by bilateral acute depigmentation and discoloration of the iris stroma, pigment dispersion, and deposition of pigment in the angle. In our case we report a patient who developed BADI after receiving pitcher plant extract injections for chronic migraine, while her identical twin sister has normal iris architecture and pigmentation and never received any pitcher plant injections. Patient is a 41-year-old female with history of pitcher plant extract injections to her face for chronic migraine, who later developed bilateral depigmentation of the iris. She did not have any signs of anterior segment uveitis or iridocyclitis. She has an identical twin sister who maintained normal iris pigmentation during the entire course. Bilateral Acute depigmentation of the is a recently discovered condition described in the literature in Turkish patients (Tugal-Tutkun and Urgancioglu, Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 244:742-6, 2006; Tugal-Tutkun et al., Ophthalmology 116(8):1552-7, 2009). This condition affects mainly young females and is characterized by acute bilateral stromal depigmentation, without other pathologic ocular findings. These patients usually maintain normal vision and do not develop significant glaucoma from pigment collecting in the anterior chamber angle. This condition can be mistaken for Fuchs’ heterochromic iridocyclitis, pigment dispersion syndrome, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, and viral iridocyclitis. This is the first reported case in North America and is important for differentiation from the above pathologies. Our patient had a history of pitcher plant extract injections to the face but it is unclear if this is associated with our patient’s development of BADI. As awareness of this condition progresses, a possible etiology may be elucidated.
Perfectivity in Peirce’s energetic interpretant

This inquiry illustrates how Peirce’s Energetic interpretant facilitates consciousness-raising between sign users. Peirce characterizes the Energetic/Existential Interpretant as “exertion,” and “ e ffort” ( CP 4.536, MS 318). Because it forces attention and progression of action, the Energetic Interpretant highlights atomistic/punctual cause-effect sign relations by featuring junctures between events: beginning, middle, end. The Firstness and Thirdness underlying it further perpetuates the punctual component (VENDLER, 1967) present in action relations, operational when effort produces resistance against an opposing feeling/force. Effort, however, is but one side of Peirce’s Energetic Interpretant; the opposing (and often more supervenient) side is when external elements (“Perceptuations”) have a more active role (MS 339, 1905) in destroying former beliefs/actions (CP 8.330, 1904). Energetic Interpretants can inhibit (Secondness), i.e., attention to one stimulus, while ignoring another. Nonetheless, consciously inhibiting/resisting a force (via Energetic Interpretants) introduces control beyond the self—another’s reflections upon the conscious acts of an agent (MS 318). This influence between interlocutors satisfies Peirce’s maxim of a “common place to stand” (MS 614), demonstrating mutual comprehension of the sign’s proper effect (CP 5.475). In fact, Energetic Interpretants may result in an effect of such proportion upon either or both interlocutors that a habit-change materializes. As such, Energetic Interpretants epitomize the perfectivity exercised by particular efforts, intimating the likelihood of their discursive success.
Trimer-based spin liquid candidate B a 4 NbI r 3 O 12

$\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{a}}_{4}\mathrm{NbI}{\mathrm{r}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{12}$, a material with a triangular planar geometry of $\mathrm{I}{\mathrm{r}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{12}$ trimers, is described. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show it to be paramagnetic with no magnetic ordering down to 1.8 K despite the Curie-Weiss temperature $({\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{CW}})$ of \ensuremath{-}13 K. The material has a very low effective magnetic moment $({\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{eff}})$ of 0.80 ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{B}}/\mathrm{f}.\mathrm{u}.$ To look at the lower-temperature behavior, the specific heat $({C}_{p})$ was measured down to 0.35 K; it shows no indication of magnetic ordering and fitting a power law to ${C}_{p}$ vs $T$ below 2 K yields the power $\ensuremath{\alpha}=3/4$. Comparison to the trimer compound made with the $4d$ element Rh in place of the $5d$ element Ir, $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{a}}_{4}\mathrm{NbR}{\mathrm{h}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{12}$, which is also paramagnetic (${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{eff}}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}=1.48{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{B}}/\mathrm{f}.\mathrm{u}., {\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{CW}}=\ensuremath{-}23\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$), is presented. The analysis suggests that $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{a}}_{4}\mathrm{NbI}{\mathrm{r}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{12}$ is a candidate spin liquid material.
The validity of certain tests of endurance.

(1948). The Validity of Certain Tests of Endurance. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 229-242.
mmWave Radar Based Approach for Pedestrian Identification in Autonomous Vehicles

In this paper, a mmWave radar algorithm will be presented to detect moving pedestrians and differentiate them from other vehicles on the road. This is an important problem for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and autonomous vehicles (AV) applications, especially for pedestrians safety. This approach will leverage radar ability to operate under different lighting and environmental conditions (e.g. day, night, fog, etc.) without being computationally extensive. To test the proposed approach, a setup that involves Texas Instruments (TI) AWR1642 77 GHz radar kit and DCA1000 FPGA board was used. In addition, a recently developed Python based testbed, developed by the authors, was used for control, data acquisition, and real-time processing of radar data (25 radar images per second without any dropped frames). Results show that the proposed approach can distinguish between moving pedestrians and vehicles with accuracy comparable to results obtained from cameras and lidars. This is especially important for hardware in the loop (HIL) type testing of high level algorithms in ADAS and AV systems.
The Incidence of Propofol-Induced Hypertriglyceridemia and Identification of Associated Risk Factors.

Objectives The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of propofol-induced hypertriglyceridemia and the risk factors associated with hypertriglyceridemia in mechanically ventilated ICU patients while receiving propofol. Design This was a single-center case-control study. Setting Brigham and Women's Hospital, a tertiary academic medical center in Boston, MA. Subjects Adult ICU patients who received continuous infusion propofol for at least 24 hours from May 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, were included. Patients were excluded if they were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis upon admission or did not have any serum triglyceride levels evaluated during propofol administration. Interventions None. Measurements and main results The major outcome was the incidence and risk factors associated with the development of propofol-induced hypertriglyceridemia, defined as triglyceride level greater than or equal to 400 mg/dL. Minor outcomes included the prevalence of acute pancreatitis. A hybrid multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relation between individual risk factors and the dependent variable of hypertriglyceridemia. During the study period, 552 patients were evaluated for inclusion, of which 136 were included in the final analysis. A total of 38 patients (27.9%) developed hypertriglyceridemia with a median time to hypertriglyceridemia of 47 hours. The only significant independent risk factor for development of hypertriglyceridemia identified was the cumulative propofol dose (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08; p = 0.016). Two of the 38 hypertriglyceridemia patients (5.3%) were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Conclusions In our analysis, approximately one third of patients developed hypertriglyceridemia with cumulative propofol dose identified as a significant predictor of the development of hypertriglyceridemia. Despite a high incidence of hypertriglyceridemia, a significant number of patients continued propofol therapy, and a relatively low prevalence of pancreatitis was observed. Future analyses are warranted to further investigate these results.
Fictive Kin Networks among African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and Non-Latino Whites:

Using data from the National Survey of American Life, we investigated the social and demographic correlates of fictive kin network involvement among African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and non-Lat...
Improving financial disclosures in oncology.

e18642Background: The Physician Payments Sunshine Act, as part of the Affordable Care Act, was enacted in 2010 to improve transparency of payments from drug and medical device manufacturers to phys...
Development of a Smartphone-Based Virtual Reality Platform for Radiation Oncology Patient Education.

Purpose/Objective(s) Navigating cancer care is a major life stressor and negative determinant of cancer patient quality of life and potentially patient satisfaction. Patient education has been shown to ameliorate these negative outcomes, but this has proven difficult in the field of radiation oncology. One obstacle for effective patient education in radiation oncology is the inherent difficulty of explaining a visual spatial treatment paradigm using traditional verbal or written teaching aids. However, existing visual patient education platforms are lacking in key areas including fidelity to patient experience, cost, scalability and generalizability. In that context, the present study presents a cheap, immersive, realistic, and scalable smartphone-based virtual reality interface where patients can learn about and visually experience their treatment from anywhere using almost any modern smartphone. Materials/Methods We utilized a Ricoh Theta V 360-degree camera to capture immersive spherical still images and videos of various parts of the patient experience, including simulation, Klarity mask-making, and the treatment vault. Images and videos were uploaded and processed in the Google environment (Google Photos and YouTube, respectively). The smartphone-based virtual reality experience was accomplished using various IOS and android devices attached to inexpensive Google Cardboard-compatible headsets. Separately, the VR experience was tested on an Oculus Quest 2 device as well. Results Images and videos were quick and easy to obtain (initial proof-of-concept was accomplished within 3 hours), and the approach was tractable for even those with limited audiovisual experience. The immersive images and videos were subjectively tested and validated by multiple investigators on the Oculus Platform as well as the Google Cardboard Platform using both IOS and Android devices as reliably representing the chosen aspect of treatment. The overall cost required to add the VR equipment to any existing smartphone was under $15 using commercially-available components. Conclusion The present study describes a VR-based radiation oncology patient education experience that is inexpensive and modular to nearly any institution or clinical scenario. The already nominal cost can potentially be driven lower by 3D printing or similar customization. Moreover, patients can engage the simulation from anywhere with minimal assistance needed. The present proof-of-concept study has the potential to increase patient quality of life, treatment compliance and satisfaction all while reducing stress. Furthermore, the current global pandemic underscores the need for remote education resources both now and in the future. To these ends, this approach is currently being prospectively validated for impact on patient knowledge, satisfaction, stress and quality of life endpoints.
HYDROLOGY OF 7-DAY 10-YR LOW FLOWS

The level of treatment necessary for maintaining stream quality depends on the dilution ratio, defined as the ratio of the 7-day 10-yr low flow in the stream to the average dry weather flow from the treatment plant. The natural low flows depend on physiography, baseflow regime, stream entrenchment, flood-plain development, magnitude of the drainage area of the stream, etc. The natural low flows are modified by recreational pools created by in-river impoundments, reservoirs or lakes for recreation and regulation of flows, urbanization, municipal and industrial water use and wastewater treatment plant effluents, and navigation pools. Downstream of the confluence of two major streams draining hydrologically dissimilar areas, the low flow exceeds the sum of the two individual low flows, because they are out of phase with each other. Examples are presented showing the effect of these factors on the 7-day 10-yr low flow in streams.
How Primate Mothers and Infants Communicate: Characterizing Interaction in Mother–Infant Studies

All methodologies used to characterize mother–infant interaction in non-human primates include mother, infant, and other social factors. The chief difference is their understanding of how this interaction takes place. Using chimpanzees as a model, I will compare the different methodologies used to describe mother–infant interaction and show how implicit notions of communication and social interaction shape descriptions of this kind of interaction. I will examine the limitations and advantages of different approaches used in mother–infant studies, and I will sketch an alternative approach to studying mother–infant interaction in non-human primates that adopts Bruner’s developmental studies on human infant communication.
Perianal Lymphangioma Circumscriptum Mistaken for Genital Warts

Genital warts are common relative to other verrucous lesions of the anogenital region. Consideration of the differential diagnosis of verrucous anogenital lesions is necessary, however, to make a correct diagnosis consistently and to avoid futile, painful, and possibly traumatic attempts at treatment. In this report, I describe a child with a history suspicious for sexual abuse who was treated with inappropriate measures because of misdiagnosis of perianal lymphangioma circumscriptum as genital warts. The pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of lymphangioma is presented. CASE REPORT A 5-year-old Hispanic boy was referred by his pediatrician to the Dermatology Service with an eruption of red papules on the left buttock and perianal region.
The Helping Alliance in Juvenile Probation

Abstract Over the past 20 years, much has been learned about the elements of effective correctional interventions through a body of literature known as “what works.” The primary foci within this literature are assessment, treatment models, and treatment setting. Relatively little is said about the specific knowledge, attitudes and skill sets that correctional staff should possess to be effective change agents, or about the importance of the relationships that form between correctional staff and the offenders they serve. This stands in contrast to the counseling profession, where the therapeutic, or helping, alliance has long been viewed as an intermediate criterion of counseling effectiveness. The purpose of this article is to examine the role of the helping alliance in juvenile probation settings. Strategies for facilitating the development of the helping alliance and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Optically Pumped Far Infrared Lasers

Intense superradiant laser action on a pure rotational transition in optically pumped CH3F has been recently reported. 1,2 It is the purpose of this paper to present a parametric study on similar superradiant transitions observed in other molecules.
Vent clearing during a simulated loss-of-coolant accident in a Mark I boiling water reactor pressure-suppression system

The response of the pressure-suppression containment system of Mark I boiling water reactors to a large break, design basis loss-of-coolant accident was examined on a 1/5-scale experimental facility. A logical interrelationship between measured forces, measured pressures, and the hydrodynamic phenomena (observed with high-speed cameras) is established. Peak downward forces on the wetwell occur at about the time of vent clearing. Peak upward forces occur shortly before bubble breakthrough. Quantitative values of forces and pressures from our 1/5-scale experiment, at times up to and including the peak download, can be applied to full-scale plants using established scaling laws. Only qualitative relationships to full-scale plants are determined at later times, because substantial quantities of steam (not simulated in our 1/5-scale experiment) would have entered the wetwell.
Applications of microwave vacuum tube amplifiers in earth and space science

This talk will present a brief overview of the history of microwave tubes in NASA's earth and space science missions, a snap shot of where the application of these tubes finds itself today and a brief glimpse into the future direction of microwave amplifier requirements. Challenges and risks unique to earth and space science applications will be discussed, as well as strategies to meet those challenges and mitigate those risks. The talk will describe the system trade space in which amplifier requirements are derived and how constraints on other system elements can affect amplifier requirements.
FASTSPECT: electrical and mechanical design of a high-resolution dynamic SPECT imager

FASTSPECT is an imaging system designed for dynamic 3-D SPECT imaging of the brain. The system is based on 24 stationary modular cameras with a pinhole aperture structure having between 24 and 150 pinholes. Each camera is composed of 4 PMTs and a NaI(Tl) crystal. The original system has been replaced with a new gantry designed for use in a clinical environment. This opportunity was taken to add improved imaging capabilities. First, rotation of the aperture is now possible to acquire extra projections for static images. Second, high frame rates are obtainable by reducing dead-time between frames through distributed processing by assigning one Inmos T805 Transputer with 16 MB of RAM to each camera. Third, photomultiplier signals are now digitized to 8 bits instead of the previously used 5 bits. This additional ability allows different position-estimation schemes, including neural networks. The improved frame-rate capabilities have opened consideration of research in such areas as first-pass ventricular SPECT. Phantom studies have shown that sufficient counts can be collected in 1/20th second to reconstruct a full 3-D ventricular image. The new distributed electronics allows rapid data handling, so cardiac studies at 20 frames/sec are feasible.
Effects of workaholism on satisfaction among US managerial and professional women

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate relationships between workaholism and satisfaction outcomes with job, career and life overall among managerial and professional women and explore the moderating role of social support in these associations. Design/methodology/approach – Self-report measures collected online from 350 alumnae from top-ranked business schools currently in the US labor force were analyzed through hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Findings – Workaholism components explained significant amounts of variance in job, career and life satisfaction. Specifically, lower levels of work enjoyment were consistently associated with detrimental outcomes and high drive impacted both job and life satisfaction negatively. Social support moderated the relationship between job satisfaction and workaholism through work enjoyment, with women with greater social support demonstrating higher job satisfaction at equivalent work enjoyment levels versus those with low social support. Research...
Fishes and shrimps are significant sources of dissolved inorganic nutrients in intertidal salt marsh creeks

The release of inorganic nutrients by nekton (fish and shrimp) assemblages through excretion and bioturbation was quantified for intertidal creeks in a warm-temperate estuary, North Inlet, South Carolina, USA. Excretion rates for individual nekton taxa were determined for captive animals maintained in the field. Nutrient production by nekton assemblages was determined in laboratory tank experiments in which the effects of nutrient releases through excretion and bioturbation could be separated. These values and field-measured biomass data were used to calculate and compare nutrient generation rates by nekton to those of other biotic and abiotic sources in intertidal creeks. Mass specific ammonium excretion rates ranged from 5.7–11.9 μmol g dw−1 h−1 in early spring to 8.3–20.7 μmol g dw−1 h−1 in the summer. Orthophosphate excretion rates were distinctly lower and never exceeded 3 μmol g dw−1 h−1. The N/P ratio in the excretory products of the different taxa was generally higher during summer than in early spring. In the summer, experiments on nekton assemblages in tanks indicated that mass specific ammonium production rates based on excretion plus bioturbation were on average 40% higher than rates based on excretion alone. Orthophosphate production was unaffected by bioturbation during both seasons. Nekton, oyster reefs, and benthic remineralization were identified as the major sources for inorganic nutrients. These observations and the fact that consumer driven nutrient cycling through nekton has not been recognized as an important process in coastal ecosystems suggest that additional efforts to quantify the role of large motile animals are needed.
Long-term malaria prophylaxis with weekly mefloquine

The spread of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria has led to increased use of mefloquine prophylaxis by US Peace Corps volunteers in sub-Saharan Africa. We compared long-term mefloquine with other drug regimens for effectiveness and tolerance. The incidence of Plasmodium falciparum infections and of adverse reactions was compared in Peace Corps volunteers who took chloroquine weekly, mefloquine weekly, mefloquine every other week, or weekly chloroquine plus daily proguanil. Weekly mefloquine was 94% more effective than chloroquine (95% CI 86% to 97%), 86% more effective than chloroquine plus proguanil (95% CI 67% to 94%), and 82% more effective than prophylaxis with mefloquine when taken every other week (95% CI 68% to 90%). No serious adverse reactions were observed. Mild adverse events were equally frequent in mefloquine users and chloroquine users, and the frequency of these events declined with increasing duration of prophylaxis. Mefloquine is an effective and well-tolerated drug for prophylaxis of malaria by short-term and long-term travellers.
Thermal stability of cowpea mosaic virus components: differential scanning calorimetry studies.

Abstract Differential scanning calorimetry studies show that the thermal stability of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) is pH dependent in the pH range 5 to 8. The four different components of CPMV, top (protein shell devoid of RNA), middle (virus particle containing the smaller RNA), bottom upper and bottom lower (virus particle containing the larger RNA), are stable up to 64–70° at pH 5.0 and up to 43–46° at pH 8.25. These components did not exhibit any difference in their thermal stability between pH 6.0 and 8.0.
Docosahexaenoic acid enhances the susceptibility of human colorectal cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil

Powerful growth-inhibitory action has been shown for n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids against colon cancer cells. We have previously described their ability to inhibit proliferation of colon epithelial cells in patients at high risk of colon cancer. In the work reported here we investigated the ability of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to potentiate the antineoplastic activity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in p53-wildtype (LS-174 and Colo 320) and p53-mutant (HT-29 and Colo 205) human colon cancer cells. When in combination with DHA, 5-FU was used at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 μM, much lower than those currently found in plasma patients after infusion of this drug. Similarly, the DHA concentrations (≤10 μM) used in combination with 5-FU were lower than those widely used in vitro and known to cause peroxidative effects in vivo. Whereas the cells showed different sensitivity to the growth-inhibitory action of 5-FU, DHA reduced cell growth independently of p53 cellular status. DHA synergized with 5-FU in reducing colon cancer cell growth. The potentiating effect of DHA was attributable to the enhancement of the proapoptotic effect of 5-FU. DHA markedly increased the inhibitory effect of 5-FU on the expression of the antiapoptotic proteins BCL-2 and BCL-XL, and induced overexpression of c-MYC which has recently been shown to drive apoptosis and, when overexpressed, to sensitize cancer cells to the action of proapoptotic agents, including 5-FU. Our results indicate that DHA strongly increases the antineoplastic effects of low concentrations of 5-FU. Overall, the results suggest that combinations of low doses of the two compounds could represent a chemotherapeutic approach with low toxicity.
Accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer disease at National Institute on Aging Alzheimer Disease Centers, 2005-2010.

The neuropathological examination is considered to provide the gold standard for Alzheimer disease (AD). To determine the accuracy of currently employed clinical diagnostic methods, clinical and neuropathological data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC), which gathers information from the network of National Institute on Aging (NIA)-sponsored Alzheimer's Disease Centers (ADCs), were collected as part of the NACC Uniform Data Set (UDS) between 2005 and 2010. A database search initially included all 1198 subjects with at least one UDS clinical assessment and who had died and been autopsied; 279 were excluded as being not demented or because critical data fields were missing. The final subject number was 919. Sensitivity and specificity were determined based on “probable” and “possible” AD levels of clinical confidence and 4 levels of neuropathological confidence based on varying neuritic plaque densities and Braak neurofibrillary stages. Sensitivity ranged from 70.9% to 87.3%; specificity ranged from 44.3% to 70.8%. Sensitivity was generally increased with more permissive clinical criteria and specificity was increased with more restrictive criteria, whereas the opposite was true for neuropathological criteria. When a clinical diagnosis was not confirmed by minimum levels of AD histopathology, the most frequent primary neuropathological diagnoses were tangle-only dementia or argyrophilic grain disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, cerebrovascular disease, Lewy body disease and hippocampal sclerosis. When dementia was not clinically diagnosed as AD, 39% of these cases met or exceeded minimum threshold levels of AD histopathology. Neurologists of the NIA-ADCs had higher predictive accuracy when they diagnosed AD in demented subjects than when they diagnosed dementing diseases other than AD. The misdiagnosis rate should be considered when estimating subject numbers for AD studies, including clinical trials and epidemiological studies.
Superior vena cava syndrome caused by bronchogenic cyst.

A patient with superior vena cava syndrome due to an infected benign mediastinal bronchogenic cyst is reported. Although bronchogenic cyst is a rare cause of the superior vena cava syndrome, it should be considered because it is a potentially treatable lesion. Patients with bronchogenic cysts should have elective surgery before major complications develop.