cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Campus sustainability at the edges: Emotions, relations, and bio-cultural connections

Abstract The university campus is often considered a key site for the development of environmental sustainability initiatives. At the same time, the concept and practice of sustainability has been critiqued for its lack of conceptual clarity and its proneness to co-optation by neoliberal institutions and organizations. Using a just sustainabilities framework, this article strives to respond to this tension by exploring the possibility of a campus sustainability at the edges, one that is interested in engaging the broader socio-spatial context of a university as well as in tapping into the emotional and relational realms of fostering more sustainable socio-ecological assemblages. Through a case study analysis of the Philadelphia Urban Creators (PUC), a youth-led organization operating within the Temple University-North Philadelphia interface, I find that grassroots sustainability actors possess important knowledge for understanding how sustainability can be a tool for restoring emotional affinity with the environment as well as for enacting transformative socio-ecological change in the urban university context and beyond. Through these explorations, my purpose is twofold: (1) to envision a more diverse, inclusive, and meaningful campus sustainability model that seeks to confront urban crises such as gentrification, racialized poverty, and mass incarceration, and (2) to incorporate emotion and affect geographies into the just sustainabilities research agenda.
Labyrinths of Reason from Augustine to Wilde

This chapter examines Wilde’s modernist aesthetics by tracing the Gothic legacy of post-Reformation British cultural history in the religio-political debates of the late nineteenth century. By focusing on the ways in which the intellectual crisis created by the Reformation overlaps with the revival of ancient Pyrrhonian skepticism, this chapter offers a study of Christian and modern subjectivity through Augustine, Luther, and Descartes, and argues that these authors provide substantial contexts to begin to rethink Wilde’s later Gothic modernism. It examines how the threatening Gothic labyrinth that leads to certainty, in Wilde’s life and work, takes form in the intricate and meandering patterns, redolent of poisonous indecency, decadence, and Catholicism, that typify the style of the dandy.
From Nuclear Fusion to Sunlight

Chapter 2 begins with the nuclear fusion reactions in our Sun and builds into a discussion of the solar radiation we ultimately receive here on Earth. Topics of interest include total solar irradiance and the extraterrestrial solar spectrum, air mass and atmospheric attenuation of sunlight, direct and global terrestrial solar spectra including their modeling, and solar photon flux.
Prediction of the Pathologic Gleason Score to Inform a Personalized Management Program for Prostate Cancer

Abstract Background Active surveillance (AS) is an alternative to curative intervention, but overtreatment persists. Imperfect alignment of prostate biopsy and Gleason score after radical prostatectomy (RP) may be a contributing factor. Objective To develop a statistical model that predicts the post-RP Gleason score (pathologic Gleason score [PGS]) using clinical observations made in the course of AS. Design, setting, and participants Repeated prostate-specific antigen measurements and biopsy Gleason scores from 964 very low-risk patients in the Johns Hopkins Active Surveillance cohort were used in the analysis. PGS observations from 191 patients who underwent RP were also included. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis A Bayesian joint model based on accumulated clinical data was used to predict PGS in these categories: 6 (grade group 1), 3+4 (grade group 2), 4+3 (grade group 3), and 8–10 (grade groups 4 and 5). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration of predictions was assessed in patients with post-RP Gleason score observations. Results and limitations The estimated probability of harboring a PGS >6 was 6 was 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.81), and the mean absolute error was 0.022. Conclusions Although the model requires external validation prior to adoption, PGS predictions can be used in AS to inform decisions regarding follow-up biopsies and remaining on AS. Predictions can be updated as additional data are observed. The joint modeling framework also accommodates novel biomarkers as they are identified and measured on AS patients. Patient summary Measurements taken in the course of active surveillance can be used to accurately predict patients' underlying prostate cancer status. Predictions can be communicated to patients via a decision support tool and used to guide clinical decision making and reduce patient anxiety.
P093 Increasing number of highly sensitized patients waiting in kidney paired donation program

Aim We have analyzed the pattern of sensitization against HLAs among patients in the Kidney Paired Donation (KPD) program, including: (1) all KPD registered patients between 2010 and 2015 (1032 patients); (2) patients on the active match run list in 2015 (157 patients); and (3) all transplanted patients between 2010 and 2015 (219 patients). Methods/results Sensitization of patients was evaluated by the calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA). In particular, all registered group had 30% non-sensitized patients (cPRA 0%), 29% mildly (cPRA 1–79%) and 41% highly (cPRA 80–100%) sensitized patients. Thus, the majority of KPD patients were sensitized. Highly sensitized group had 25% patients with cPRA of 95–100%. Patients on the active group in 2015 accumulated more sensitized patients: 32% had cPRA of 0%; 21% had PRA of 1–79%; but as many as 47% had PRA of 80–100% and 35% had PRA of 95–100%. Thus, active group accumulated almost half highly sensitized patients. In contrast, the sensitization pattern was different in transplanted group: 29% were non-sensitized; 47% were mildly sensitized (cPRA 1–79%) whereas only 24% were highly sensitized (cPRA 80–100%) and 12% had cPRA of 95–100%. Since all three groups displayed similar patterns of sensitization against multiple HLA-A/B/C/DR/DQB/DPB antigens among different cPRA levels (Figure), all these antigens must be considered during search for compatible donors. The degree of and pattern of sensitization affected the length of waiting time for the transplant: non-sensitized recipients waited an average of 199 days; those with cPRA of 1–79% waited 231 days; those with PRA of 80–100% waited 393 days, whereas those with PRA of 95–100% waited 524 days. Conclusion While the majority of KPD registered patients are mildly and highly sensitized, the active match runs list accumulates more highly sensitized patients. This trend contrasts with transplanted patients which accommodates only fraction of highly sensitized patients. The degree of sensitization is reflected in the waiting time. Download : Download high-res image (144KB) Download : Download full-size image
Postpercutaneous Nephrolithotomy Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Is Not Associated With Unplanned Readmission.

Objective To investigate the incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and evaluate any association with unplanned 90-day readmission. Methods We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients undergoing PCNL in 2 dedicated endourologic practices between 2009 and 2013. We collected patient demographics, perioperative culture data, and operative characteristics. SIRS was defined as having 2 or more of the following: maximum white blood cell count >12,000 or 38 or 90, and respiratory rate >20 within the first 24 hours following PCNL. Proportions between groups were compared to identify significant associations. Results We identified 389 patients undergoing PCNL and 43% (167 of 389) met SIRS criteria, more commonly in patients with multiple PCNL accesses (OR 2.3; CI: 1.1-4.8, P = .025). Readmission was required in 8% (31 of 389), most commonly for infection (n = 21). Although possession of a struvite stone was associated with unplanned readmission (16% vs 4%, P < .01), SIRS in the absence of fever within 48 hours postoperative was not associated with readmission (29.4% vs 25.8%, P = .837). Conclusion Nearly half of the patients undergoing PCNL met the criteria for SIRS within the first postoperative day. There was no association between SIRS and unplanned readmission in the postoperative PCNL patient. Despite discharge during the first postoperative day, patients with SIRS (without fever or struvite stones) had no increased risk for unplanned return. Our findings suggest that the development of SIRS immediately following PCNL does not preclude safe discharge on the first postoperative day.
A Review of “The Geography of Creativity”

Although the title and introduction to The Geography of Creativity promise a work that will identify and explain why particular “geographical milieux are hotbeds for creativity and renewal—places w...
Participation, Contestation, and the Electoral Connection in the One-Party South, 1930s–1960s

Between the New Deal and the Great Society, the representatives of the one-party Democratic South occupied a pivotal position in national politics. Often treated as a unified bloc, on economic issues Southern Democrats in Congress were in fact ideologically diverse, ranging from New Deal liberals to anti-statist conservatives. Though the distribution of Southern preferences often determined the set of feasible policies, scholars know relatively little about the sources of Southern ideological diversity. This paper examines the factors associated with the ideology of Southern members of Congress, particularly the patterns of competition and turnout in Southern Democratic primaries. I find that in addition to demographic factors like the urban and white percentages of the population, the size of the active electorate is positively related to the election of economically liberal members of Congress. The effects of participation and contestation were each moderated by the other: the liberalizing effect of a larger electorate was greater in contested constituencies, and the effect of primary competition depended on whether the electorate was relatively large (liberal) or small (conservative). These findings highlight the political heterogeneity within the one-party South and its con- sequences for the ideological balance of power in Congress.
Posterior Thigh Advancement Flap

Pressure sores (ulcers) develop in an area of unrelieved pressure that ultimately leads to tissue ischemia, cell death, and necrosis. Various modalities to include topical therapies, pressure reduction and distribution products, and nutritional support all play a role in treatment; however, surgical debridement and flap coverage provides the most definitive intervention. The posterior thigh fasciocutaneous advancement flap may be used in treatment of ischial and trochanteric pressure sores. Benefits of this flap are that it offers versatility in design and the option of future re-advancement.
An implemented, initialization algorithm for many-dimension, Monte Carlo circuit simulations using Spice

We present an algorithm for generating Spice netlists with varied parameters/variables in order to support Monte Carlo simulations. A number of data structures are required to randomly or pseudo-randomly vary transistor parameters or simulation parameters/variables. This algorithm ensures that Spice sub-circuits and transistor fingers are expanded so that every transistor and transistor finger of the circuit is independently varied. Some versions of Spice do not have built-in support of Monte Carlo simulations. Therefore, this algorithm can enable engineers operating these Spice versions to generate netlists for executing Monte Carlo simulations. This is important since Monte Carlo simulations are commonly used to test the performance or operation of a circuit affected by parameter variations caused during the manufacturing process.
Obesity-induced inflammatory profile changes in mice and humans (HUM3P.263)

Obesity is increasingly becoming a pandemic affecting populations of all ages. Hallmark to obesity is a self-sustaining chronic proinflammatory response characterized by increased immune infiltrates into adipose tissue. However, most studies focus on the impact of metabolic factors upon disease risk. There is currently a paucity of data characterizing the activation and exhaustive phenotypes of immune infiltrates as impacted by obesity. Additionally, there is currently little to no data examining the immunological phenotype of young obese populations, which may provide therapeutic targeting for early disease prevention. In this study, we examined the inflammatory phenotype of lean versus obese mice as well as humans across increasing ages. We observed that increased acute-phase protein levels in young obese cohorts are similar in level to aged cohorts. Our results demonstrate for the first time that immunological changes induced by aging are similarly induced in young obese cohorts. Cytokine analyses demonstrate changes in magnitude of systemic IL-6 levels and PD-1 and Lag-3 expression on CD4 and CD8 T cell populations among young lean, obese, and aged. Importantly, we demonstrate that characterizing immunological systemic changes may provide a better scoring system over metabolic or vascular markers to account for early disease development, and may also provide therapeutic targets for early prevention of age-associated diseases.
Visualization and learning of the Choquet integral with limited training data

The fuzzy integral (FI) is a nonlinear aggregation operator whose behavior is defined by the fuzzy measure (FM). As an aggregation operator, the FI is commonly used for evidence fusion where it combines sources of information based on the worth of each subset of sources. One drawback to FI-based methods, however, is the specification of the FM. Defining the FM manually quickly becomes too tedious since the number of FM terms scales as 2n, where n is the number of sources; thus, an automatic method of defining the FM is necessary. In this paper, we review a data-driven method of learning the FM via minimizing the sum-of-squared error (SSE) in the context of decision-level fusion and propose an extension allowing knowledge of the underlying FM to be encoded in the algorithm. The algorithm is applied to real-world and toy datasets and results show that the extension can improve classification accuracy. Furthermore, we introduce a visualization strategy to simultaneously show the quantitative information in the FM as well as the FI.
Emission modelling of light-duty vehicles in India using the revamped VSP-based MOVES model: The case study of Hyderabad

Abstract US-EPA’s MOVES is the new generation mobile source emissions model, which is built on Vehicle Specific Power based assumptions and that makes it suitable to apply anywhere in the world. In this paper, we have successfully modified MOVES model for application in Hyderabad, India. As the model’s default underlying “Federal Test Procedure-based Driving Cycle” cannot represent India’s driving conditions, we have used “Modified Indian Driving Cycle” and local light-duty vehicle-specific driving cycles to revise the emission rates. On average, based on deterioration rate comparison, the emission rates in India are 9.54, 8.37 and 9.45 times higher than the default US emission rates, for CO, HC and NOx, respectively. Based on the results analysis and background information from other studies, the faster degradation of local vehicles are due to different local operating conditions like worse traffic congestion/slower vehicle speeds and local road conditions. The project-level dispersion modeling-based validation results showed high R2 values of 0.656 and 0.648 for CO and NOx, when our newer emission rates were used. Based on available literature, this is the first attempt that tried to revamp the VSP-based emission model, MOVES, for Indian context. In this study, the real-world traffic operational data was used to replace the fundamental parameters in the MOVES model and this research can be used as a reference for MOVES application in India as it provides all the necessary details to revise the emission rates.
Interactions between woodpecker attack and parasitism by introduced parasitoids of the emerald ash borer

Abstract Agrilus planipennis, the emerald ash borer (EAB), is an invasive forest pest causing significant economic and ecological impacts. EAB is attacked by some native natural enemies, the most significant being woodpeckers, which can remove between 30 and 95% of the EAB larvae in a tree. However, despite high woodpecker predation rates, EAB populations continue to grow. Management of EAB focuses on classical biological control, with the introduction of four parasitic wasps from Asia. Because both woodpeckers and larval parasitoids attack mature EAB larvae, their impacts overlap and potentially interact. This study examines the relationship between native woodpecker predation and parasitism by the introduced parasitoids S. agrili and T. planipennisi. We established a cohort of parasitized larvae on select ash trees and then used screening to exclude woodpeckers from some sections of the tree. We show that while woodpeckers had no effect on observed parasitism rates of individual trees, the presence of parasitized larvae changed woodpecker foraging behavior and resulted in significantly lower overall foraging by woodpeckers. We hypothesize these changes are due to these larval parasitoids being a lower quality food reward. Parasitism of EAB larvae could contribute to a decrease in patch quality for woodpeckers such that they would quit foraging sooner than expected if it were a high-quality, un-parasitized patch. This study fills a gap in our understanding of the complex relationship between woodpecker mortality and parasitism mortality of EAB and our results demonstrate that this relationship may have broad implications for the EAB biological control program.
27 – Nervous System Actions of Insect Developmental Hormones in Adult Insects

Two classes of developmental hormones, the ecdysteroids and the juvenile hormones, regulate metamorphosis in insects. The actions of these hormones on the nervous system during metamorphosis have been extensively described in two insects: a dipteran, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, and a lepidopteran, the tobacco hornworm moth Manduca sexta. Current research on hormone-mediated neurometamorphosis is focused on discovering the molecular mechanisms that account for the cell- and stage-specific details of responses to these hormones. Yet these developmental hormones, and the receptors through which they signal, are also present in adults. In this chapter we provide the necessary background and document the feasibility of developing the honeybee, Apis mellifera, as a new model for the study of hormones, brain, and behavior in adult insects. Such studies have already significantly extended our knowledge of the expression of members of the nuclear receptor protein superfamily in the adult insect brain.
Effect of urine volume on nitrate leaching in the northeast USA

To investigate how the urine volume (i.e. size of cow) affects how much NO3-N is leached from a urine deposition in the climatic conditions of the northeast USA, a field study using large drainage lysimeters to measure NO3-N leaching loss from synthetic urine applied in spring, summer and fall in 1-, 2-, and 3-l volumes to an orchardgrass (Dactyls glomerata L., c.v. ‘Pennlate’) sward was conducted from April 1997 to March 1999. The study site was located in central Pennsylvania on a Hagerstown silt loam soil (fine, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludalf). It was found that increasing urine volume increased the amount of urine N leached but had no significant effect on the apparent percent of urine N leached. The apparent percent of urine N leached was 25% averaged over all treatment times and volumes and was 21% for spring and summer applied urine and 32% for fall applied urine.
Dismantlement of the TSF-SNAP Reactor Assembly

This paper describes the dismantlement of the Tower Shielding Facility (TSF)-Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power (SNAP) reactor, a SNAP-10A reactor used to validate radiation source terms and shiel...
Exploiting diapause and cold tolerance to enhance the use of the green lacewing Chrysopa formosa for biological control

Abstract Knowledge of environmental regulation of diapause in the green lacewing Chrysopa formosa, an important polyphagous predator against various pests, is essential for understanding seasonal adaptations of insects and for increasing the shelf-life and shipment of chrysopids used in biological control programs. In the present study, we identified environmental factors responsible for induction and termination of diapause and cold tolerance in this chrysopid. C. formosa exhibits a facultative, prepupal diapause within its cocoon. The free-living third instar larva is the stage most sensitive to photoperiodic stimuli. Photoperiod is the major factor governing the induction of prepupal diapause, and temperature exerts a modulating effect. Photoperiodic response curves for C. formosa showed a typical long day response over a wide range of temperatures. Critical daylength for diapause induction was estimated to be 14.3 h at 20 °C, with a shift towards short daylengths at higher temperatures. The diapause response was maximal with a short daylength of 8L: 16D at 18 °C or 20 °C, and no diapause was induced under 16L: 8D at any temperature examined. Chilling temperature had a pronounced effect on the completion of diapause termination and post-diapause development. A chilling period of 60 days or more at 5 °C was sufficient to terminate diapause in most prepupae. An increase of chilling exposure duration synchronized post-diapause development and adult emergence. What was particularly attractive is that diapausing chrysopids could be stored at 5 °C as long as 300 days with high survival and short adult emergence time. The developmental period prior to diapause was extended significantly for diapause-destined chrysopids. Prepupal diapause in C. formosa distinctly enhanced the cold tolerance. These results suggest mechanisms that could be exploited to improve shelf-life and long distance shipment of chrysopids for release in biological control program.
Felon Collateral-Consequence Policies: An Old Tool with a New Name

“A jar retains for a long time the odour of the liquid it first contained, and loses it only with great difficulty….” (Erasmus, circa 1529) Long held beliefs of racial and ethnic inferiority do not go away over night or over generations. This “jar” is akin to a society in much the same way as the “odour” is to racial sentiment. The effect of the “odour” has been to uphold legislation and policies enacted during the height of racial prejudice in this country long after its effects have dissipated. As generations continue to uphold these methods, either knowingly or unknowingly, they continue to carry out the negative impact of these policies on its intended targets. Consequently, one cannot easily erase the racial and ethnic sentiment that pushed these methods of racial subordination into existence in the first place. Therefore, it is easy to understand why these methods of racial institutional subordination have persisted through time and continue to plague society The collateral consequences of a felony conviction are one such policy area that has existed through time, unaffected by major changes. Wheelock (2005) classifies felon collateral- consequences policies into four distinct categories: civic, service and aid, employment/occupational and other restrictions. Civic restrictions include the loss of voting rights, the right to serve on a jury, and the right to run for public office. Service and aid restrictions “prohibit ex-felons from receiving scholarships and grants, welfare, public housing, military benefits, and any other form of public assistance” (Wheelock 2005, 85). Employment and occupational restrictions consist of any restrictions that ban or disqualify ex-felons from holding certain governmental positions and occupational licenses. Other restrictions can consist of the loss of parental rights and the use of a felony conviction as grounds for divorce. Depending on how collateral consequences are classified a state can have anywhere between one and 140 collateral consequences of a felony conviction , thus documenting the vast amount of variation that exists between states. The goal of this work is to focus on what specific “odours” a state retains related to felon-collateral consequence policies. By examining these factors we can determine how they contribute to the number of felon collateral-consequence policies preserved by each state. The main question this works attempts to answer is, what role does race play in the preservation of felon collateral-consequence policies in today’s society? The findings revealed that out of all the factors examined, race-based factors accounted for state adoption of a higher number of collateral consequences.
A personalized daylighting control approach to dynamically optimize visual satisfaction and lighting energy use

Abstract This paper presents a method to incorporate personalized visual preferences in real-time optimal daylighting control without using general discomfort-based assumptions. A personalized shading control framework is developed to maximize occupant satisfaction while minimizing lighting energy use in daylit offices with automated shading systems. Personalized visual satisfaction utility functions were used along with model-predicted lighting energy use to form an optimization framework using two approaches. In the multi-objective optimization scheme, the satisfaction utility and predicted lighting energy consumption are used as parallel objectives to provide a set of Pareto solutions at each time step. In the single-objective optimization scheme, the satisfaction utility is converted into a constraint when minimizing lighting energy use. A simulation study with two distinct visual satisfaction models, inferred from experimental data, was conducted to evaluate the implementation feasibility and optimization effectiveness. Daily and annual simulation results are presented to demonstrate the different patterns of optimal points depending on preference profiles, occupant sensitivity to utility function, and exterior conditions. Finally, we present a new way to apply the multi-objective optimization without assigning arbitrary weights to objectives: allowing occupants to be the final decision makers in real-time balancing between their personalized visual satisfaction and energy use considerations, within dynamic hidden optimal bounds. A slider is introduced as a dynamic user interface with mapped and sorted optimal solutions.
Accuracy and Precision of the SynchroMed II Pump.

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and precision of SynchroMed II programmable infusion pumps for delivery of intrathecal baclofen to treat severe spasticity. Design Retrospective chart review study. Setting Urban academic rehabilitation clinic. Patients (or participants) Patients with spasticity treated with intrathecal baclofen. Methods or interventions (or assessment of risk factors) A retrospective chart review of 149 patients inclusive of 755 individual patient encounters more than a 2.5-year span for baclofen pump refills was performed. Main outcome measurements Charts were reviewed to obtain data on the concentration and dose of intrathecal baclofen, aspirated and residual volumes, age of the pump, and reservoir volume of the pump. Flow rate (mL/day) was calculated for each chronological visit. Flow rates from clinical data were used to calculate the accuracy and precision based on the manufacturer's specifications for both the 20 mL and 40 mL pumps. Results The infused volume accuracy and precision of both the 20 mL pumps and 40 mL pumps remained within manufacturer's specifications while delivering drug at a rate slightly lower than predicted. There were no cases of pump over-infusion. There is a statistically significant decrease in flow rate accuracy over the lifespan of the pump. Conclusions SynchroMed II pumps infuse at slightly less than their predicted rate while remaining within the manufacturer's specifications. No pump over-infusions were noted. Pump flow rate declines over time. Further study is warranted to assess the impact of this flow rate decrease on patient treatment and safety.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Molecular Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal malignant tumors worldwide. HCC is a complex process that is associated with several etiological factors, which in turn result in aberrant activation of different cellular and molecular pathways and the disruption of balance between activation and inactivation of protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, respectively. Since HCC most often occurs in the setting of a diseased or cirrhotic liver and most of the patients are diagnosed at the late stage of disease, prognosis is generally poor. At present, limited treatment options with marginal clinical benefits are available. Systemic therapy, particularly in the form of conventional cytotoxic drugs, are generally ineffective. In recent years, molecular-targeted therapies have been clinically used to treat various cancers, including liver cancer. This approach inhibits the growth of tumor cells by interfering with molecules that are involved in carcinogenesis, which makes it more selective and specific than cytotoxic chemotherapy. Many clinical trials have been carried out while using molecular targeted drugs in advanced HCC with many more in progress. The clinical trials in HCC to date have evaluated a single-targeted therapy alone, or two or more targeted therapies in parallel. The aim of this review is to provide insight of various molecular mechanisms, leading to HCC development and progression, and also the range of experimental therapeutics for patients with advanced HCC. The review will summarize different clinical trials data the successes and failures of these treatments, as well as the most effective and approved drugs designed against HCC.
Investigation of Neuropeptide Y Detection by a Silicon-Nitride Microring Resonator

We fabricate and functionalize silicon-nitride microring for detecting attachment of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) molecules, commonly associated with human stress. For 4 Mg/ml NPY concentration in aqueous solution we experimentally observe ∼0.4 nm resonance shift.
Mitral Valve Surgery in Neonates, Infants, and Children: Surgical Approach, Outcomes, and Predictors.

The surgical treatment of mitral disease in pediatrics is challenging. Managing diversity in patient anatomy, growth, and the need for long-term anticoagulation requires trade-offs between imperfect solutions. We sought to assess our approach to pediatric mitral valve surgery and identify predictors associated with mortality and recurrent mitral disease. The medical records, echocardiograms, and operative reports of all patients who underwent surgical intervention on the mitral valve from January 2000 to April 2016 were reviewed. A total of 143 patients underwent mitral valve surgery, 64 of which were neonates or infants (ages 10–355 days) and 79 of which were children (ages 1–17.8 years). Neonates and infants had a higher preoperative New York Heart Association heart failure classification in comparison to children (P
Abstract WP157: Neuregulin-1 Stimulates Breast Carcinoma Amplified Sequence 1+ Pre-Myelinating Oligodendrocytes Following Ischemic Stroke

Stroke is ranked as the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the United States. Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) is the only FDA approved stroke treatment. Un...
Effects of exciton-plasmon strong coupling on third harmonic generation by two-dimensional WS2 at periodic plasmonic interfaces

We study theoretically the optical response of a WS2 monolayer located near periodic metal nanostructured arrays in two and three dimensions. The emphasis of the simulations is on the strong coupling between excitons supported by WS2 and surface plasmon-polaritons supported by various periodic plasmonic interfaces. It is demonstrated that a monolayer of WS2 placed in close proximity of periodic arrays of either slits or holes results in a Rabi splitting of the corresponding surface plasmon-polariton resonance as revealed in calculated transmission and reflection spectra. The nonlinear regime, at which the few-layer WS2 exhibits experimentally third harmonic generation (THG), is studied in detail. Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) do not exhibit THG because they are non-centrosymmetric, but here we use the monolayer as an approximation to a thin TMD nanostructure. We show that in the strong coupling regime the third harmonic signal is significantly affected by plasmon-polaritons and the sym...
Periventricular and deep abnormal white matter differ in associations with cognitive performance at midlife.

Objective: Abnormal white matter (AWM) on magnetic resonance imaging is associated with cognitive performance in older adults. We explored cognitive associations with AWM during late-midlife. Method: Participants were community-dwelling men (n = 242; M = 61.90 years; range = 56-66). Linear-mixed effects regression models examined associations of total, periventricular, and deep AWM with cognitive performance, controlling for multiple comparisons. Models considering specific cognitive domains controlled for current general cognitive ability (GCA). We hypothesized that total AWM would be associated with worse processing speed, executive function, and current GCA; deep AWM would correlate with GCA and periventricular AWM would relate to specific cognitive abilities. We also assessed the potential influence of cognitive reserve by examining a moderation effect of early life (mean age of 20) cognition. Results: Greater total and deep AWM were associated with poorer current GCA. Periventricular AWM was associated with worse executive function, working memory, and episodic memory. When periventricular and deep AWM were modeled simultaneously, both retained their respective significant associations with cognitive performance. Cognitive reserve did not moderate associations. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that AWM contributes to poorer cognitive function in late-midlife. Examining only total AWM may obscure the potential differential impact of regional AWM. Separating total AWM into subtypes while controlling for current GCA revealed a dissociation in relationships with cognitive performance; deep AWM was associated with nonspecific cognitive ability whereas periventricular AWM was associated with specific frontal-related abilities and memory. Management of vascular or other risk factors that may increase the risk of AWM should begin during or before early late-midlife. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Multiple imputation to quantify misclassification in observational studies of the cognitively impaired: an application for pain assessment in nursing home residents.

Background Despite experimental evidence suggesting that pain sensitivity is not impaired by cognitive impairment, observational studies in nursing home residents have observed an inverse association between cognitive impairment and resident-reported or staff-assessed pain. Under the hypothesis that the inverse association may be partially attributable to differential misclassification due to recall and communication limitations, this study implemented a missing data approach to quantify the absolute magnitude of misclassification of pain, pain frequency, and pain intensity by level of cognitive impairment. Methods Using the 2016 Minimum Data Set 3.0, we conducted a cross-sectional study among newly admitted US nursing home residents. Pain presence, severity, and frequency is assessed via resident-reported measures. For residents unable to communicate their pain, nursing home staff document pain based on direct resident observation and record review. We estimate a counterfactual expected level of pain in the absence of cognitive impairment by multiply imputing modified pain indicators for which the values were retained for residents with no/mild cognitive impairment and set to missing for residents with moderate/severe cognitive impairment. Absolute differences (∆) in the presence and magnitude of pain were calculated as the difference between documented pain and the expected level of pain. Results The difference between observed and expected resident reported pain was greater in residents with severe cognitive impairment (∆ = -10.2%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -10.9% to -9.4%) than those with moderate cognitive impairment (∆ = -4.5%, 95% CI: -5.4% to -3.6%). For staff-assessed pain, the magnitude of apparent underreporting was similar between residents with moderate impairment (∆ = -7.2%, 95% CI: -8.3% to -6.0%) and residents with severe impairment (∆ = -7.2%, 95% CI: -8.0% to -6.3%). Pain characterized as "mild" had the highest magnitude of apparent underreporting. Conclusions In residents with moderate to severe cognitive impairment, documentation of any pain was lower than expected in the absence of cognitive impairment. This finding supports the hypothesis that an inverse association between pain and cognitive impairment may be explained by differential misclassification. This study highlights the need to develop analytic and/or procedural solutions to correct for recall/reporter bias resulting from cognitive impairment.
Vocal Dose and Vocal Demands in Contemporary Musical Theatre.

Summary Objective To document and quantify vocal dose and student-singers' self-assessment during rehearsals for a contemporary musical theater production. Methods/Design Six student singers fastened the sensor from the KayPentax APM 3200 dosimeter to the lower neck to capture neck vibration data during their preparation for the musical Wonderland by Frank Wildhorn. Data were collected during 8-hour periods, at four different stages throughout the rehearsal process: beginning (music and choreography learning phase), middle (staging phase), and end (running the entire show/dress rehearsal phase), plus a post-production day once the production had concluded to establish a baseline vocal load. Students concurrently completed the EASE questionnaire 1 after each data collection day. Results The EASE score ( Appendix 1 ) and demographics/perceptual questionnaire ( Appendix 2 ) revealed that all subjects (three males and three females) found the singing role vocally and physically demanding but only two found the roles to be emotionally challenging. The musical score demanded a higher usage of chest register (judged perceptually) than mixed register from lead singers. All subjects’ maximum fundamental frequency range exceeded the pitch range required by the score. The mean vibration dose (distance dose) across all singers for rehearsal days was higher for females, 1,100,000 meters, than males, 900,000 meters, and the subjects’ self-ratings on the EASE were not correlated with the distance dose. Conclusions A review of Wonderland's score and perceptual judgment of the singers’ performances revealed extensive use of chest register, with belting and mix vocal strategies being the predominant stylistic choices. Students described the singing roles’ vocal and physical requirements as more challenging than the character's emotional components. This pilot study provides information on the vocal dose for lead and ensemble singers in rehearsal for a Contemporary Musical Theatre production. Singers and voice professionals may find dosimetry a valuable tool for monitoring the vocal dose during rehearsals and performances.
Should Child Abuse Laws be Extended to Include Fetal Abuse

Before we address the issue of fetal abuse, let us first ask whether the fetus deserves the protection of the state, and if the answer is in the affirmative, then we must delineate the legal duties of the mother not to harm her fetus and the legal remedies of the fetus if it is threatened or abused.
Biogeography and evolution of a widespread Central American lizard species complex: Norops humilis, (Squamata: Dactyloidae)

Caribbean anole lizards (Dactyloidae) have frequently been used as models to study questions regarding biogeography and adaptive radiations, but the evolutionary history of Central American anoles (particularly those of the genus Norops) has not been well studied. Previous work has hypothesized a north-to-south dispersal pattern of Central American Norops, but no studies have examined dispersal within any Norops lineages. Here we test two major hypotheses for the dispersal of the N. humilis/quaggulus complex (defined herein, forming a subset within Savage and Guyer’s N. humilis group). Specimens of the N. humilis group were collected in Central America, from eastern Mexico to the Canal Zone of Panama. Major nodes were dated for comparison to the geologic history of Central America, and ancestral ranges were estimated for the N. humilis/quaggulus complex to test hypothesized dispersal patterns. These lineages displayed a northward dispersal pattern. We also demonstrate that the N. humilis/quaggulus complex consists of a series of highly differentiated mitochondrial lineages, with more conserved nuclear evolution. The paraphyly of the N. humilis species group is confirmed. A spatial analysis of molecular variance suggests that current populations are genetically distinct from one another, with limited mitochondrial gene flow occurring among sites. The observed south-to-north colonization route within the Norops humilis/quaggulus complex represents the first evidence of a Norops lineage colonizing in a south-to-north pattern, (opposite to the previously held hypothesis for mainland Norops). One previously described taxon (N. quaggulus) was nested within N. humilis, demonstrating the paraphyly of this species; while our analyses also reject the monophyly of the Norops humilis species group (sensu Savage and Guyer), with N. tropidonotus, N. uniformis, and N. marsupialis being distantly related to/highly divergent from the N. humilis/quaggulus complex. Our work sheds light on mainland anole biogeography and past dispersal events, providing a pattern to test against other groups of mainland anoles.
A CMOS Voltage Comparator with Rail-to-Rail Input-Range

A simple new continuous-time CMOS comparator circuit with rail-to-rail input common-mode range and rail-to-rail output is presented. This design uses parallel complementary decision paths to accommodate power-supply-valued inputs. The 2 decision results are combined at a current summing node, converted to a voltage, and buffered to drive voltage loads. The circuit has been realized in an area of 416 μm×221 μm in a MOSIS 2-micron CMOS technology. Average delay of about 63 ns has been measured at 3 V (1.3 mA), and about 89 ns at 5 V (1.1 mA).
Social Interactions within Cities: Neighborhood Environments and Peer Relationships

Cities and their surrounding suburbs provide the homes, workplaces, and social and educational environments for most individuals and families in developed nations, but these urban areas are typically characterized by substantial stratification across racial, ethnic, and economic groups and associated with substantial levels of inequality. This chapter will examine our knowledge concerning the impact such stratification has on individual outcomes especially through its influence on the social interactions that occur within neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and other institutions. The largest challenge faced in understanding the causal impact of social interactions arises from the fact that stratification is not an outside event, but rather is the result of individuals making choices that involve segregating themselves from others that differ in some way. The extent to which an individual makes segregating choices is invariably related to that individual's specific opportunities and therefore highly correlated with unobservables that drive that individual's success and life outcomes. Accordingly, the chapter will focus heavily on approaches for obtaining causal estimates of the effect of social interactions and evidence that arises from studies that have a convincing strategy for identifying these causal effects.
The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science

An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable. Psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity and the people whose lives they've transformedpeople whose mental limitations or brain damage were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential."
ROAD: Interactive Geometric Design Tool for Transportation Education and Training

Traditionally, transportation engineering students have used engineering drawing techniques to manually lay out lines and curves over contour maps for highway geometric design. The design process requires numerous calculations of stopping sight distance, minimum turning radius, and curve alignments to minimize economic and environmental impact and construction costs. Students usually perform iterative computations to manually meet design criteria and environmental constraints. The traditional approach of learning geometric design is cumbersome and time consuming, limiting students from taking a broader perspective on geometric design. A new software tool, Roadway Online Application for Design (ROAD), was developed to enhance the learning experience for transportation engineering students. This tool allows students to design roadway geometry efficiently and modify the design easily within given economic and environmental parameters. The objective is to provide a comprehensive tool that can be accessed easily by students in order to help them better understand geometric design. ROAD can also generate a three-dimensional roadway geometry model at final design to allow students to place themselves in the driver's seat and maneuver through the designed roadway at maximum design speed. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)EI.1943-5541 .0000142. © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
The Highway of Stolen Innocence: Sex Trafficking in Sub-Saharan Africa

In this study I looked to examine the causes of sex trafficking in Sub-Saharan Africa. Pulling data from the World Bank, Human Development Reports, the U.S. Department of State, and international organizations like the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women and the International Justice Mission, I examined five potential causes – corruption, lack of information, economic inequality, gender discrimination, and, finally, culture, hypothesizing that gender discrimination and culture are the two factors most directly linked to the problem. I used correlations and a multiple linear regression model to show the relationships between the first four of my independent variables and the extent of sex trafficking in the region, using qualitative data from Nigeria and South Africa to bolster these relationships, fill in the gaps in the data, and examine culture. Essentially, I show that until there is more research conducted, we still cannot be sure as to what exactly causes sex trafficking; however, culture definitely aids in its perpetuation. Since there are huge holes in the data out there, I explain that sex trafficking needs to be studied more if this world is ever to see it on the decline. This article is available in Res Publica Journal of Undergraduate Research: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/respublica/vol13/iss1/ 13