cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frzb, a secreted Wnt antagonist, decreases growth and invasiveness of fibrosarcoma cells associated with inhibition of Met signaling

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) have a strong propensity for aggressive growth and metastasis. We showed that the secreted Wnt antagonist Frzb exhibited potent antitumor activity against prostate cancer, an epithelial type of malignancy. In this study, we further showed the antitumor efficacy of Frzb in STS, a mesenchymal group of cancer. Frzb transfection of HT1080 (fibrosarcoma) and SW872 (liposarcoma) cell lines and their conditioned media resulted in a significant reduction in cellular invasion, motility, and colony formation in soft agar compared with vector control–transfected cells. In a xenograft mouse model, Frzb dramatically suppressed tumor growth of HT1080 cells in nude mice. In a tail-vein injection metastatic model, Frzb-transfected HT1080 cells formed fewer and smaller lung nodules than vector control cells. In addition, we identified new mechanisms for Frzb antitumor activities. Frzb reduced c-Met expression and inhibited Met-mediated signaling, associated with up-regulation of epithelial markers (i.e., keratins 8 and 18) and down-regulation of mesenchymal markers (i.e., vimentin, N-cadherin, fibronectin, Slug, and Twist). Similar to Frzb, silencing of c-Met by short hairpin RNA or using a dominant-negative LRP5 receptor also suppressed Met signaling, leading to reduced cellular motility, invasion, and in vivo tumor growth. Given recent studies indicating an important role of c-Met in sarcoma development and progression, our data showed that Frzb expression was significantly inversely correlated with Met expression in both STS cell lines and tissues. These results suggested the usefulness of Frzb in modulating Met signaling as a new treatment strategy for STS. [Cancer Res 2008;68(9):3350–60]
Dynamic contact angles

The dynamic contact angles of various liquids on a gelatin-subbed polyester tape were investigated by plunging a tape into a pool of liquid, in the manner of Perry and of Burley and Kennedy. The effect of the upper fluid was studied by replacing the air normally present by immiscible oils. A fair correlation was found at the point of air entrainment, relating the capillary number, μV/σ, to a physical properties number, gμ4/ρσ3. A dimensional correlation, relating the air entrainment velocity to the viscosity to the −0.67 power, was even better. At various velocities, the dynamic contact angle (or the dynamic contact angle minus the static angle) could be related to the capillary number, the physical properties number, and to density and viscosity ratios. Again, the dimensional correlations were better than the dimensionless ones, perhaps caused by an omission of a significant dimensionless group due to our inability to choose a suitable characteristic length. With any one system, the data could be expressed as θ = kN above some minimum velocity, or, covering all velocities, as (θ − θs) = kN. With air as the upper fluid, all the data at one angle lie within one decade, with capillary numbers at air entrainment in the range of 0.6–1.3.
The effect of defined auditory conditions versus mental loading on the laparoscopic motor skill performance of experts

Background Music and noise are frequent occurrences in the operating room. To date, the effects of these auditory conditions on the performance of laparoscopic surgery experts have not been evaluated. Methods Eight internationally recognized experts were recruited for a crossover study. The experts were randomized to perform three simple tasks on a laparoscopic simulator, SurgicalSIM VR. The tasks were equal in difficulty and performed under the following conditions: silence, dichaotic music (auditory stress), classical music (auditory relaxation), and mental loading (mental arithmetic tasks). Permutations of the conditions were created to account for a learning effect. The tasks were performed twice to test for memory consolidation and to accommodate baseline variability. Time until task completion and task accuracy via instrument tip trajectory (path of the tip through space) were recorded. Performance was correlated with responses on the Brief Musical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ). Results The study demonstrated that dichaotic music has a negative impact on time until task completion but not on task accuracy. In addition, memory consolidation of accuracy is negatively influenced. Classical music has a variable effect on experts’ time until task completion, yet all the experts performed the tasks more accurately. Classical music had no effect on recall of a procedure. Mental loading increased time until completion, but did not affect accuracy or recall. The experience of music varied among experts and influenced how each of the conditions affected their performance. Conclusion The study demonstrated that, contrary to common belief, proficiency in surgery does not protect against stressful auditory influences or the influence of mental preoccupation. Interestingly, relaxing auditory influences such as classical music can even have a positive impact on the accuracy of experts. Previous musical experience could help to identify surgeons whose performance may be specifically affected by music or noise.
Can Technology Improve Large Class Learning? The Case of an Upper-Division Business Core Class

Larger classes are often associated with lower student achievement. The author tested the hypothesis that the introduction of personal response systems significantly improves scores in a 250-seat classroom, through the channels of improved attendance and engagement. She focused on how continuous participation with the technology could change learning results. The author found that overall attendance rose when the response system was introduced. Regression results show student exam performance during the semester with technology was improved significantly by I-Clicker points per session rather than attendance, while the reverse holds true regarding unannounced quizzes.
The Total Character of a Finite Group

The total character τ(G) of a finite group G is the sum of the irreducible characters of G. We present conditions under which τ(G) can be written as a polynomial with integer coefficients in an irreducible character of G. Such a group we call a total character group. We show that the dicyclic group of order 4n is a total character group if and only if n ≡ 2, 3 mod 4. The polynomial used is a sum of Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind. We also show that Sn (n ≥ 4) is not a total character group.
High-voltage SOS/MOS devices and circuit elements: Design, fabrication, and performance

High-voltage metal-oxide-semiconductor (HVMOS) transistors fabricated with low-voltage MOS circuits on the same silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) chip are critical for EAROM's and plasma display applications. An examination of the voltage limitations in conventional MOS is described. Several approaches to fabricating HVMOS transistors are analyzed, including the MOS tetrode, the extended drain MOST, and the double diffused MOST. Results of parameter tests on these devices are given and characteristics of HVMOS circuit elements discussed.
Regenerative cooperative diversity with path selection and equal power consumption in wireless networks

Recently developed cooperative protocol with distributed path selection provides a simple and practical means of achieving full cooperative diversity in wireless networks. While the best path selection method can significantly improve bit error rate (BER) performance, it may cause unequal power consumption among relay nodes, which may reduce the lifetime of energy-constrained networks. A path selection method under the equal power constraint has been developed for the amplifyand- forward (AF) protocol, but there is no such method for the decode-and-forward (DF) protocol. In this paper, we develop a distributed path selection method with an equal power constraint for the DF protocol. We also analyze the BER performance of our path-selection method. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method can guarantee equal power consumption, while achieving full diversity as the best path selection method and providing significant performance gain relative to noncooperative communication.
Idéalisme, éthique et société : R. M. MacIver et la sociologie à l’Université de Toronto

Dans ce texte, l’auteur montre que la sociologie de type americain pratiquee par Carl A. Dawson a McGill des annees 1920 aux annees 1950 (et presque tout entiere influencee par le paradigme de l’ecologie humaine de l’Ecole de Chicago) n’a pas ete la seule a etre favorisee par les sociologues canadiens. Au contraire, des sociologues comme MacIver et Urwick tendaient vers une science sociale plus philosophique, plus morale et plus humaniste, une science sociale qui pourrait reconcilier la recherche des faits avec une tradition « idealiste » des preoccupations morales.
Using Ark 564 and I Zw 1 as Laboratories for Modeling the Fe II Pseu0do-Continuum in QSOs

In this work, we use the low-redshift, narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies Ark 564 and I Zw 1 as laboratories for modeling the Fe ii emission features in the wavelength range 1200–6700 A. We utilize data acquired with the Hubble Space Telescope and the 2.7-m telescope at McDonald Observatory.
Joint hypermobility syndrome must be investigated in case of snapping scapula syndrome

Introduction The snapping scapula syndrome (SSS) is an uncommon clinical picture responsible for significant discomfort. Various diagnoses are known but this problem is often non-specific. The joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) has never been described in association with SSS. We report three cases of idiopathic SSS associated with JHS. Cases report Case 1: Female 18 yo, SSS right, JHS with a Beighton score of 9/9. Maximal passive external rotation of the shoulder > 85°. CT, MRI, Ultrasound and EMG: normal. Treatment with extended rehabilitation. Evolution unchanged. Case 2: Male 32 yo, SSS left, JHS with a Beighton score of 8/9. Maximal passive external rotation of the shoulder > 85°. CT, MRI and EMG: normal. Treatment with rehabilitation. Partially favorable evolution. Case 3: Male 45 yo, SSS right. Previous history of shoulder dislocation with spontaneous reduction. HJS with a Beighton score of 9/9. Maximal passive external rotation of the shoulder > 90°. MRI normal. No further follow-up data. Discussion SSS first described by Boinet in 1867 is a rare cause of shoulder pain. A “mechanical conflict” between the rib cage and the scapula is proposed. The conflict may be favoured by the presence of congenital or acquired bone abnormalities (exostosis, scapula fractures), muscle abnormalities (atrophy, tumors) or others like bursitis. In about 30% of the cases SSS no specific cause is found. CT, MRI and EMG are often required in the diagnostic process. Our 3 cases with SSS were only associated with positive criterion of JHS and shoulder passive external rotation more than 85°. Shoulder passive external rotation > 85° is a criteria of shoulder hyperlaxity but not of JHS. Only one patient was known for glenohumeral dislocation. We believe that JHS could be a factor favouring development of non-specific SSS, although the exact mechanism of SSS remains unclear. Treatment is based on rehabilitation often with poor results. We recommend searching a JHS as well as shoulder hyperlaxity in case of SSS.
An infinite family of convex Brunnian links in $${\mathbb{R}^n}$$

This paper proves that convex Brunnian links exist for every dimension n ≥ 3 by constructing explicit examples. These examples are three-component links which are higher-dimensional generalizations of the Borromean rings.
Digital Pre-shaping for Narrowband Filtering Impairment Compensation in Superchannel Applications

A digital time domain or frequency domain pre-shaping is proposed and demonstrated for combating narrowband filtering impairments in terabit “superchannel” applications, improving overall system performance.
Orbital Renormalization Effects on the Coupling between Molecular Excitations and Plasmons

Accurately describing the electronic structure of molecules on metal nanostructures is key to modeling their surface-enhanced properties. Particularly difficult is the modeling of the coupling between molecular excited states and plasmons. Here we present a computational efficient approach to study the renormalization effects on the molecular electronic structure and its optical properties due to the interactions with the metal surface. Accurate simulations of the renormalization effects are achieved by employing a hybrid atomistic electrodynamics and time-dependent density functional model. The coupling between the molecular absorption and the plasmon excitation depends strongly on the spectral overlap. Here we show that the renormalization effect for the benzene–tetracyanoethylene donor–acceptor complex interacting with a metal nanoparticle causes a 0.6 eV shift in the absorption band. Furthermore, we show that the coupling between the molecular absorption and the plasmon excitation is caused by interfe...
FPIN's clinical inquiries. Monitoring therapy for patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Patients with Alzheimer's disease who undergo treatment of any kind should be monitored eight weeks after initiation of therapy and at least every six months thereafter.
Get it into print! 120 years of scholarly publishing by The New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), founded 125 years ago in 1891, established a publications program five years later, in 1896, with the launch of The Bulletin of The New York Botanical Garden. Since then, NYBG has published or co-published seven journal titles, 308 books in eight series, and at least 19 stand-alone books. Now, 120 years later, what today is known as NYBG Press has evolved to become one of the largest publishing programs of any independent botanical garden in the world. The Press continues to focus on advancements in knowledge about the classification, utilization, and conservation of plants and fungi through publication of general books, books in series, and quarterly journals, with the recent addition of more titles of general interest, such as field guides and botanical history works. This article reviews the growth and diversification of these publications over the years, and highlights selected, important contributions these books and journals have made to science and society. The article concludes with a brief discussion of plans for the growth and sustainability of NYBG Press as the source of The Best New Books in Botany™.
The Institutional Foundations of Sustainability: What Can We (Not) Learn from Political Economy?

This article offers a critical, systematic review of the literature on political institutions from the perspective of sustainable human development (SHD). We consider a socio-economic system sustainable if it is capable of renewing itself over extended periods of time. Many political institutions that are deemed effective at solving a host of societal problems do not promote long-run sustainability. Institutions that maintain order, reduce conflict, and allow collective decisions to be made lay the foundation for economic development. However, such development is often unsustainable in the long run without levels of cooperation and foresight that today's political institutions usually do not achieve. SHD requires policies that do not corrode natural capital over centuries and millennia, governance across multiple scales of decision-making, and strategies to deal with exceptionally high levels of complexity. Even the most advanced and successful political institutions do not meet these challenges.
Nutrition in Cancer Patients

The metabolic alterations that produce “cancer cachexia” are reviewed, and the efficacy of nutritional therapy in ameliorating this syndrome is discussed. Also considered is the question of potential stimulation of tumor growth by aggressive nutritional support.
Observations on Levels of Internal Parasites in Free Living Rhodesian Wild Life: I. Kudu (Tragelaphus Strepsiceros (Pallas, 1766))

Since wild animals have assumed greater importance as a natural resource in developing countries, it has become imperative that more be known of the natural mechanisms which control the size and density of their populations. Under natural conditions internal parasites are rarely pathogenic in wild mammals and birds. When factors, such as poor nutrition or disease, are present, however, internal parasites may aggravate the already existing disease and thereby jeopardise the survival of the species.
Revision of the Failed INBONE Total Ankle Systems

Total ankle replacement demonstrates reliable improved clinical function and enhances gait parameters in patients with end-stage ankle arthritis. There are also a significant number of patients, however, who will require revision surgery and/or salvage arthrodesis for prosthetic failure and patient-related complications. Total ankle replacement is just beginning to have surgical series with midterm and long-term results, and there is currently a paucity of evidence about the role of component revision for total ankle replacement. Accordingly, future work is needed to define the appropriate role of revision total ankle replacement. There is need for enhanced instrumentation and dedicated revision prosthetic components to better deal with challenges of bone loss and malalignment that the revision setting presents. However, in select instances, INBONE and INBONE II Total Ankle Systems are important tools for foot and ankle specialists to consider when planning revision total ankle replacement.
Abstract 4333: Association of TP53 mutation status with clinical outcomes in patients with EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Introduction: Molecular characterization of tumors is critical in the modern treatment of NSCLC. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and p53 are commonly mutated genes in NSCLC with independent prognostic implications, but the significance of the co-existence of these mutations inpatients (pts) with Stage IV NSCLC is not well established. Herein, we describe the relationship of EGFR and TP53 mutations (MT) in pts with Stage 4 or recurrent NSCLC and their correlation with pt demographics and therapeutic outcomes. Study Design: We conducted a retrospective analysis of Stage 4 and recurrent EGFR MT (+) NSCLC pts with TP53 MT status determined by the Gene Sequence Analysis Panel obtained at the Abramson Cancer Center between 6/1/2012 and 2/1/2014. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated for the TP53 MT (+) and wild type (WT) cohorts from the date of diagnosis. Results: Thirty-six EGFR (+) pts were identified, of whom 26 (72%) were TP53 MT (+). Pt characteristics were similar between cohorts, except for a higher rate of bone metastasis in pts with p53 WT (p = 0.07, Table 1). Median potential follow-up for OS was 15.1 mos. 60% of patients in TP53 WT group received TKI compared to 69% in TP53 MT (+). Of the 36 pts, 9 (25%). have died. A trend towards shorter median OS was seen in pts with p53 MT. (p = 0.08). PFS did not correlate with p53 MT status (p = 0.53). Conclusion: Coexistence of p53 MT and EGFR MT may be associated with shorter survival. Larger sample size and longer clinical follow up will be necessary to determine if these differences are statistically significant and whether TP53 MT status is an independent prognostic factor in EGFR MT NSCLC. Citation Format: Saman Ahmed, Charu Aggarwal, Rosemarie Mick, Joshua Bauml, Roger Cohen, Stephan Kadauke, Trisha Sterlicchi, Tracey L. Evans, John C. Kucharczuk, Charu Desphande, Jennifer J D Morrissette, Robert Daber, Corey J. Langer. Association of TP53 mutation status with clinical outcomes in patients with EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4333. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4333
Sex With Neighbors: Canada and Canadians in the U.S. Homophile Press.

This article examines U.S. homophile magazine contributions from and representations of Canada from 1953 to 1964. Drawing on 240 articles, letters, and other items that were published in ONE, Matta...
Optimizing CNNs on Multicores for Scalability, Performance and Goodput

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) are a class of Ar- tificial Neural Networks (ANN) that are highly efficient at the pattern recognition tasks that underlie difficult AI prob- lems in a variety of domains, such as speech recognition, object recognition, and natural language processing. CNNs are, however, computationally intensive to train. This paper presents the first characterization of the per- formance optimization opportunities for training CNNs on CPUs. Our characterization includes insights based on the structure of the network itself (i.e., intrinsic arithmetic inten- sity of the convolution and its scalability under parallelism) as well as dynamic properties of its execution (i.e., sparsity of the computation).Given this characterization, we present an automatic framework called spg-CNN for optimizing CNN training on CPUs. It comprises of a computation scheduler for efficient parallel execution, and two code generators: one that opti- mizes for sparsity, and the other that optimizes for spatial reuse in convolutions.We evaluate spg-CNN using convolutions from a variety of real world benchmarks, and show that spg-CNN can train CNNs faster than state-of-the-art approaches by an order of magnitude.
Immune responses to invasive aspergillosis: new understanding and therapeutic opportunities.

Purpose of review Invasive aspergillosis is a worldwide disease that primarily affects immune-compromised patients, agricultural workers with corneal abrasions, individuals with structural lung disease, and patients with primary immune deficiency. The critical function of the immune system is to prevent the germination of airborne conidia into tissue-invasive hyphae. This review covers recent advances that shape our understanding of anti-Aspergillus immunity at the molecular and cellular level. Recent findings Host defense against conidia and hyphae occurs via distinct molecular mechanisms that involve intracellular and extracellular killing pathways, as well as cooperation between different myeloid cell subsets. The strength and efficacy of the host response is shaped by the tissue microenvironment. In preclinical models of disease, host immune augmentation strategies have yielded benefits, yet translating these insights into therapeutic strategies in humans remains challenging. Summary Although advances in early diagnostic strategies and in antifungal drugs have ameliorated clinical outcomes of invasive aspergillosis, further improvements depend on gaining deeper insight into and translating advances in anti-Aspergillus immunity.
Chapter 6 - Cerebral malaria

Malaria, the most significant parasitic disease of man, kills approximately one million people per year. Half of these deaths occur in those with cerebral malaria (CM). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines CM as an otherwise unexplained coma in a patient with malarial parasitemia. Worldwide, CM occurs primarily in African children and Asian adults, with the vast majority (greater than 90%) of cases occurring in children 5 years old or younger in sub-Saharan Africa. The pathophysiology of the disease is complex and involves infected erythrocyte sequestration, cerebral inflammation, and breakdown of the blood−brain barrier. A recently characterized malarial retinopathy is visual evidence of Plasmodium falciparum's pathophysiological processes occurring in the affected patient. Treatment consists of supportive care and antimalarial administration. Thus far, adjuvant therapies have not been shown to improve mortality rates or neurological outcomes in children with CM. For those who survive CM, residual neurological abnormalities are common. Epilepsy, cognitive impairment, behavioral disorders, and gross neurological deficits which include motor, sensory, and language impairments are frequent sequelae. Primary prevention strategies, including bed nets, vaccine development, and chemoprophylaxis, are in varied states of development and implementation. Continuing efforts to find successful primary prevention options and strategies to decrease neurological sequelae are needed.
The Impact of Climate Change and Air Pollution on the Caribbean

A review of air pollution, the impact of climate change on air pollution, and the population health impacts of these in the Caribbean region are discussed. Air quality standards are not usually enforced in many Caribbean countries thereby increasing the risks of morbidity and mortality from exposure to air pollutants. Among people living in the Caribbean, an increase in respiratory diseases such as asthma has been linked to exposure to air pollutants resulting from natural events and especially human activities. Unfortunately, dependence on fossil fuels (regionally and globally), poor land use and waste management, and industrialization all contribute to poor air quality in the Caribbean. In addition, climate change is predicted to exacerbate air pollution and its negative health effects in a region considered to be one of the most vulnerable to global climate change. Key drivers of air pollution in the region are discussed, and recommendations on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies are highlighted.
Adam Smith's 'General Principles of Law and Government': Istvan Hont's Contribution

Adam Smith scholars have debated the nature and contents of his missing second book on jurisprudence or politics. Istvan Hont, a long-time participant in this literature, has proposed a construction of Smith’s politics based on two principles introduced in the Lectures on Jurisprudence that Smith deemed “necessary for understanding of government" and citizen allegiance. These principles are: authority, as in tradition, but also power and coercion; and utility, as in valued services provided. Smith asked, how must authority and utility be structured so to sustain a regime of liberty and commerce? How do we account for the long-term shift from authority to utility, and in particular, the rise of liberty in Smith's time? In this essay, I attempt to reconstruct the main thread of Hont’s account of Smith’s approach to authority and utility. I organize Hont’s scattered arguments to show that Smith studied the deep puzzle of European development. This reconstruction reveals Smith's answer to the above questions, including his argument for the rise of liberty in Europe out of the long-term stable, no-growth feudal society. Throughout, the reconstruction shows that Smith related law and government to economic development.
Rocket motor exhaust thermal environment characterization

Abstract This study experimentally examines the heat flux to objects outside of a firing solid propellant rocket motor plume by measuring the heat flux to gages located at various locations with respect to the rocket nozzle. Because the application of interest may involve multiple motors firing simultaneously, the heat flux from multiple motors is projected based on data collected for a single motor test, and compared to the data from two, three-motor configuration test. Data showing the enhancement from three motors firing can be substantially higher than a single motor firing when the three motors are arranged in a triangular bundle, but this was not found to be the case when the three motors were arranged in a linear bundle (linear to the instrumentation). Based on results of this study, it was concluded that a material of concern which is exposed to as many as 14 motors firing simultaneously, should survive.
Surface Studies of T409 Stainless Steel at 700 °C in Wet or Dry Air or N 2 With and Without Contacting Ceramic Fibers

Ferritic stainless steel (FSS) is widely used in high-temperature (> 500 °C) applications, often in contact with various ceramic components, e.g. solid oxide fuel cell systems, combustion exhaust systems, and in various chemical process and balance-of-plant equipment. To expand current understanding of the corrosion behaviors of stainless steels in these applications, FSS T409 was investigated after 700 °C exposures (94 h) to dry or wet air or N2, and with or without contacting aluminosilicate fibers. Surface compositions and structures were characterized using FESEM, EDS, and XRD. The fibers were observed to have a substantial impact on corrosion behaviors, likely serving as a mass transport barrier for corrosive gas species. Observed corrosion behaviors under these different environments and their potential mechanisms are presented and discussed. Additionally, quantification of total chromium content on contacting fibers was performed using ICP-MS. Contacting fibers were only observed to collect chromium in dry/moist air consistent with the formation of volatile chromium species CrO3 and CrO2(OH)2, respectively.
Spatial decision dynamics during wayfinding: intersections prompt the decision-making process

Intersections are critical decision points for wayfinders, but it is unknown how decision dynamics unfold during pedestrian wayfinding. Some research implies that pedestrians leverage available visual cues to actively compare options while in an intersection, whereas other research suggests that people strive to make decisions long before overt responses are required. Two experiments examined these possibilities while participants navigated virtual desktop environments, assessing information-seeking behavior (Experiment 1) and movement dynamics (Experiment 2) while approaching intersections. In Experiment 1, we found that participants requested navigation guidance while in path segments approaching an intersection and the guidance facilitated choice behavior. In Experiment 2, we found that participants tended to orient themselves toward an upcoming turn direction before entering an intersection, particularly as they became more familiar with the environment. Some of these patterns were modulated by individual differences in spatial ability, sense of direction, spatial strategies, and gender. Together, we provide novel evidence that deciding whether to continue straight or turn involves a dynamic, distributed decision-making process that is prompted by upcoming intersections and modulated by individual differences and environmental experience. We discuss implications of these results for spatial decision-making theory and the development of innovative adaptive, beacon-based navigation guidance systems.
Mechanistic-Empirical Simulations and Life-Cycle Cost Analysis to Determine the Cost and Performance Effectiveness of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Recycled Materials

Use of reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in asphalt paving, although considered as sustainable, is a practice that agencies are reluctant to employ because of th...
Relation of white matter hyperintensities and motor deficits in chronic stroke.

Background Infarct size and location account for only a relatively small portion of post-stroke motor impairment, suggesting that other less obvious factors may be involved. Objective Examine the relationship between white matter hyperintensity (WMH) load among other factors and upper extremity motor deficit in patients with mild to moderate chronic stroke. Methods The magnetic resonance images of 28 patients were studied. WMH load was assessed as total WMH volume and WMH overlap with the corticospinal tract in the centrum semiovale. Hemiparetic arm function was measured using the Motor Activity Log (MAL) and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Results Hierarchical multiple regression models found WMH volume predicted motor deficits in both real-world arm use (MAL;ΔR2 = 0.12, F(1, 22) = 4.73, p = 0.04) and in arm motor capacity as measured by a laboratory motor function test (WMFT;ΔR2 = 0.18, F(1, 22) = 6.32, p = 0.02) over and above age and lesion characteristics. However, these models accounted for less than half of the variance in post-stroke motor deficits. Conclusion The results suggest that WMH may be an important factor to consider in stroke-related upper extremity motor impairment. Nonetheless, the basis of the largest part of the post-stroke motor deficit remains unaccounted for by structural CNS factors. This component may be behavioral or learned, involving learned nonuse.
Stage Four: Externalizing

Capacities and vulnerabilities determined during internalizing (stage three) become the basis for targeted action, or externalizing, in this stage. The externalizing process has two substages (1) seeking redress and (2) addressing vulnerabilities and building capacities. Post-disaster actions in this stage may vary by perceptions regarding who and what was responsible for the disaster. These in turn depend in large part on the nature of the hazard and its consequences. For example, attempts at seeking redress may be more diffuse after a natural hazard compared with a technological disaster or an act of mass violence where a central “perpetrator” is readily identified. Formal investigations and trials may be used by populations to identify and formalize redress, as well as penalize the agents of the disaster on a domestic and international scale. In disasters brought on by infectious disease outbreak, quarantine against the agent of the hazard (the visibly sick) may well be the central defense mechanism adopted by the population [1].
Toward disentangling the multiple meanings of crime control

In this review we have tried to formulate explicitly several important concepts presented inCrime Control Strategies: An Introduction to the Study of Crime by Harold E. Pepinsky. This primarily involved discussion of the definitions of “crime” and “criminality” and the meaning of the “systems approach.” Specifically, we pointed out the behavioral and sociopolitical components of the definitions of “crime” and “criminality” and, by implication, their various measures. The “systems approach” has been proposed as a rigorous method for decomposing these measures. We have argued that empirical models or systems can be developed to disaggregate measures of “crime” and “criminality” into their causal components toward the end of rationally devising, administering and evaluating social control strategies.
100.05 An Assessment of the Quality of Optical Coherence Tomography Image Acquisition: Are We Doing the Basics Right?

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides excellent image resolution but requires blood displacement with contrast injection for image acquisition, as opposed to other intravascular imaging modalities. In addition, there are other small differences that make the process more challenging, such as
Surgically induced astigmatism in canines following sutured dorsonasal vs dorsotemporal clear corneal incisions.

OBJECTIVES To investigate use of the Pentacam® HR for evaluation of surgically induced corneal astigmatism (SIA) in canines undergoing bilateral phacoemulsification and determine differences between dorsonasal and dorsotemporal clear corneal incisions. ANIMALS Client-owned canines undergoing bilateral phacoemulsification. PROCEDURES Patients received anterior segment imaging pre-operatively, immediately post-operatively, and 2-4 months post-operatively (follow-up). Total corneal refractive power was used to determine SIA. Surgically induced astigmatism was compared between right and left eyes, representing dorsotemporal and dorsonasal incisions, respectively. Repeated measures analyses were used between time points and paired t test compared SIA between eyes. RESULTS Complete imaging series were obtained for seven patients. Follow-up imaging occurred at a median of 112 days (range 60-132 days) post-operatively. For repeated measures analyses, significant differences were found between pre- and immediate post-operative values (P < 0.01), and between immediate post-operative and follow-up values (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between pre-operative and follow-up values. Surgically induced astigmatism was significantly different between right and left eyes, with values of 2.01 ± 1.24 D and 3.05 ± 1.58 D at 3 mm radius (P < 0.05), and 2.04 ± 1.18 D and 3.06 ± 1.27 D at 4 mm radius (P < 0.05) for dorsotemporal and dorsonasal incisions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary investigation revealed improvement of corneal SIA 2-4 months post-operatively, but development of significantly more SIA in dorsonasal vs dorsotemporal incisions. This prompts consideration of patient or microscope rotation to create a more dorsotemporal incision when possible.
The Influence of Entropy on the Classification Performance of a Non-linear Convolutional Neural Network

The influence of noise levels on image classification with neural networks has been studied before. However, little is known about how different levels of entropy affect the performance of non-linear systems such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), where the initial and final system states are predetermined and entropy represents a performance function. This study provides understanding on how a CNN system evolves from the original to the final state and explains the sensitive dependence on initial training conditions using the publicly available architecture and the MNIST dataset and also discusses the effects of entropy on side-scan sonar imagery. This paper describes a method of testing the effects of varying degrees of entropy on the performance of a non-linear neural network system. This approach allows the comparison of performance of the “black box” system under four states: (1) original non-altered dataset with minimal interclass variance, when a CNN trained on an original dataset is tested on images with added levels of entropy, (2) when a CNN trained on a dataset with varying levels of entropy and (3) tested to recognize the original labeled class and (4) to recognize the labeled class with varying levels of entropy. The advantage of this approach is that we can trace the performance of a single architecture CNN under varying levels of entropy, we can demonstrate the ability of the system to use noise to learn more abstract and complex features of the input space, and we can discuss the results in the light of a theoretical physical system.
Sensitivity analysis using bias functions for studies extending inferences from a randomized trial to a target population

Extending (generalizing or transporting) causal inferences from a randomized trial to a target population requires ``generalizability'' or ``transportability'' assumptions, which state that randomized and non-randomized individuals are exchangeable conditional on baseline covariates. These assumptions are made on the basis of background knowledge, which is often uncertain or controversial, and need to be subjected to sensitivity analysis. We present simple methods for sensitivity analyses that do not require detailed background knowledge about specific unknown or unmeasured determinants of the outcome or modifiers of the treatment effect. Instead, our methods directly parameterize violations of the assumptions using bias functions. We show how the methods can be applied to non-nested trial designs, where the trial data are combined with a separately obtained sample of non-randomized individuals, as well as to nested trial designs, where a clinical trial is embedded within a cohort sampled from the target population. We illustrate the methods using data from a clinical trial comparing treatments for chronic hepatitis C infection.
An Assessment of Globe Position Dynamics following Transcranial Lateral and Superior Orbital Wall Resections without Rigid Reconstruction: A Case Series of 55 Patients.

Background There is no consensus exists regarding which reconstructive approach, if any, should be used after performing transcranial lateral orbital wall resections. Rigid reconstruction is often done to prevent enophthalmos; however, it is not clear if this is a risk with extensive orbital wall resections for transcranial surgery. Objective To assess globe position dynamics in patients that underwent transcranial lateral and superior orbital wall resections without rigid reconstruction to determine if enophthalmos is a significant risk. Methods Preoperative (PO) and postoperative data were retrospectively collected from the electronic medical records of 55 adult patients undergoing lateral and superior orbital wall resections as part of a skull base approach. The globe positions were assessed radiologically at all available time points and used to track relative globe displacements over time. Results An evaluation of PO variables identified a relationship between maximum lesion diameters and globe positions dynamics. The composition of globe position presentations in the population remained relatively stable over time, with only 1 out of 55 patients (1.81%) developing postoperative enophthalmos. An assessment of mean globe displacements revealed improvements in the patients presenting with PO exophthalmos, and stability in the patients presenting with normal PO globe positions. Conclusions Excellent results in long-term postoperative globe position dynamics can be achieved without the use of rigid reconstruction after transcranial lateral and superior orbital wall resections, regardless of the PO globe positioning.
Preoperative follicle-stimulating hormone: A factor associated with semen parameter improvement after microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy.

Introduction: Currently, there exists no serum biomarker to predict patients likely to benefit from varicocelectomy. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and semen parameter changes after subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all men who underwent microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy between August 2015 and October 2018. Pre- and postoperative semen analyses were stratified per total motile sperm count (TMSC): TMSC 9 million (based on TMSC required for in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination [IUI], and natural conception, respectively). Then, variables were analyzed to determine the correlation with postoperative TMSC values and upgrade in TMSC category. Results: Among the 66 men analyzed, 55 (83.3%) and 11 (16.7%) had a preoperative TMSC of <5 million and 5–9 million, respectively. A total of 33 (50%) patients upgraded in TMSC category, 26 of them achieving levels corresponding to natural conception and seven achieving those of IUI. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between postoperative TMSC and preoperative TMSC (r=0.528; p<0.001), and preoperative FSH (r=-0.314; p=0.010). A lower preoperative FSH (odds ratio [OR] 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68–0.98; p=0.028) and a higher preoperative TMSC (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.06–1.76; p=0.015) were associated with upgrade in TMSC category. Conclusions: Lower preoperative FSH and higher TMSC are associated with improvement in TMSC category after varicocelectomy, although small sample size limited the study. FSH can be useful to identify men who are most likely to benefit from varicocele repair.
A TELEHEALTH DELIRIUM COACHING INTERVENTION FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a telehealth coaching intervention for delirium prevention among family caregivers (FCs) of community-dwelling older adults with dementia. This study used an explanatory mixed methods design in which survey data was augmented with semi-structured interviews. A purposive sample of 20 older adult dyads participated. The intervention consisted of 6-weeks of telephone coaching sessions. FCs conducted daily delirium assessments. We employed correlations and GLM to investigate the relationships between variables and the outcomes. Results: The model showed a statistically significant positive correlation between the Human Connection Scale and the SF-36 pretest domain of general health (r= .47, p= .04). There were statistically significant positive correlations between the Human Connection Scale and the SF-36 posttest domains of physical functioning (r= .54, p= .014) and general health (r= .76, p<.001). There were a small positive changes in mean scores on each domain between the pre- and post-test scores on the SF-36. The most impressive findings came from FCs identification of delirium using the FAM-CAM. These participants had no history of delirium but 6 of 20 (30%) reported at least one episode of delirium. The qualitative data revealed that FGs found weekly coaching sessions beneficial and supportive. The results suggests that the intervention has a meaningful impact on how we assess delirium in the community and warrants further study.
Electrospinning of dexamethasone/cyclodextrin inclusion complex polymer fibers for dental pulp therapy.

Abstract Beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) is an oligosaccharide commonly used to improve the aqueous solubility of lipophilic drugs (e.g., dexamethasone, DEX). Here we present the development of a drug delivery system to provide sustained release of DEX by β-CD-inclusion complex (IC) to amplify the mineralization capacity of stem cells from human-extracted deciduous teeth (SHEDs) as a potential direct pulp capping strategy. First, IC of DEX (DEX-CD-IC) was synthesized with β-CD. To confirm DEX-CD-IC complex formation, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were performed. XRD data indicated that IC formation was achieved due to formation of a new crystalline structure, whereas FTIR revealed the presence of the IC from the shifting of the peaks of each component in DEX-CD-IC. Then, electrospun poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid, PLGA) fibers (PLGA/DEX-CD-IC) were processed by varying the concentration of DEX-CD-IC (5%, 10 %, and 15 %). The release of DEX from fibers was determined by ultraperformance liquid chromatography for 28 days. Thanks to the solubility enhancement of DEX by IC, electrospun PLGA/DEX-CD-IC fibers released DEX in a more sustained fashion compared to PLGA/DEX fibers. No deleterious effect was found in terms of SHEDs’ proliferation when cultured with or on electrospun fibers, regardless of the IC presence. Importantly, a more pronounced odontogenic differentiation was stimulated by electrospun fibers loaded with the lowest DEX-CD-IC concentration (5%), as a result of the sustained DEX release. In sum, PLGA/DEX-CD-IC fibers have great potential in vital dental pulp therapy, owing to its sustained DEX release, cytocompatibility, and odontogenic differentiation capacity.
Sharing the load: housework, joint decision-making, and marital quality in Japan

Guided by equity theory, we examine how hours of housework by spouse, perceived fairness of housework division, and joint decision-making predict marital quality in Japan. Our analysis of data from...