cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Overview of Custom Array Sequencing

This unit provides an overview of oligo hybridization-based resequencing and a wide range of considerations for implementing the technology and analyzing the resulting data. The specific technology discussed is the Affymetrix GeneChip CustomSeq Resequencing Array platform. Concepts related to array design, experimental protocols, and base-calling using existing algorithms are presented. Details that should be evaluated during development of sequence tiling, target amplification, and PCR protocols are addressed. An overview of the Affymetrix GeneChip Sequence Analysis Software (GSEQ) is provided, along with factors that influence base-calling coverage and accuracy. Also outlined are performance measures that can be used to characterize base-calling with resequencing arrays, as well as factors known to affect their performance. Limitations associated with detection of insertions and deletions (indels) are discussed, with empirical data from our experiments used to outline possible approaches to indel detection. Critical topics in the design, implementation, and analysis of targeted sequencing arrays not previously discussed in detail are highlighted.
Introducing signal processing through an advanced digital design course

We describe our experience introducing DSP concepts via an FPGA-based advanced digital design course. The students had previously taken an introductory digital design course and a continuous-time linear systems course; a few were taking an introductory DSP course concurrently. Through a series of weekly lab exercises, the students learned advanced FPGA design methods while progressively constructing a SSB receiver for the 40-meter amateur radio band. The lab exercises introduced modulation, IQ signal representation, sampling, downconversion, frequency synthesis, CIC and FIR filters, and Hilbert transforms. The first offering of this course in Spring 2009 was successful and a repeat offering is planned for Spring 2011.
Rapid On-Site Evaluation of Transbronchial Aspirates

A technique for immediate interpretation of transbronchial aspirates at bronchoscopy is described. Comparing 73 aspirates using the technique with 134 routinely processed aspirates, the technique produced a significant increase in the percentage of specimens containing malignant cells, from 31 to 56 percent, and, importantly, a large decrease in the percentage of specimens that were inadequate for diagnosis, from 56 to 18 percent. The technique was equally applicable to central and peripheral lung aspirates and to all types of primary and metastatic pulmonary neoplasms. The use of rapid on-site evaluation significantly improves the diagnostic yield of transbronchial aspirates.
Energy formulation for Preisach models

Preisach models formulated in terms of density or measure-based expansions have proven highly successful for characterizing hysteresis and constitutive nonlinearities in materials where the underlying physics is difficult to quantify. This provides a rich mathematical framework for characterizing nonlinear material behavior as well as a framework which facilitates either full or approximate inversion for linear control design. However, the lack of an energy basis for Preisach representations yields models which often have a large number of parameters and are difficult to update to accommodate changing operating conditions (e.g., temperature) since the model parameters are not correlated with physical quantities. Moreover, it is difficult in general to incorporate the frequency-dependence exhibited by essentially all smart materials without resorting to vector-valued parameters or measures which much be identified throughout the range of operation for the system. In this paper, we develop an energy formulation for Preisach models through consideration of appropriate Gibbs and Helmholtz free energy representations. This permits the incorporation of frequency and temperature-dependence in the underlying basis, rather than in parameters identified for a specific system which expands significantly the flexibility of the technique.
Improved interpretation of a continuous variable in diagnostic testing: Probabilistic analysis of scintigraphic rest and exercise left ventricular ejection fractions for coronary disease detection

The interpretation of a diagnostic modality requires consideration of the entire distribution of potential responses in both the normal and diseased population to extract the maximum available information from the test. Accordingly, we developed a probabilistic format for interpretation of scintigraphic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). This format is distinguished (1) by accurate assessment of CAD likelihood based upon age, sex, and symptom classification using a logistical regression model (mean r = 0.9991, mean SEE = 0.008) and (2) by consideration of LVEF as a continuous probabilistic variable which obeys beta frequency distribution. This format allows assessment of the probability of CAD in an individual patient, according to Bayes' theorem of conditional probability of disease, given combinations of LVEF at rest and/or with exercise, and thereby is designed to provide more information than conventional categorical classification of “normal” or “abnormal” test observations.
Probing pancreatic disease using tissue optical spectroscopy

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, one of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States, has a five-year survival rate of only 4%. Present detection methods do not provide accurate diagnosis in the disease's early stages. To investigate whether optical spectroscopy could potentially aid in early diagnosis and improve survival rates, reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopies were employed for the first time in a limited pilot study to probe freshly excised human pancreatic tissues (normal, pancreatitis, and adenocarcinoma) and in vivo human pancreatic cancer xenografts in nude mice. In human pancreatic tissues, measurements were associated with endogenous fluorophores NAD(P)H and collagen, as well as tissue optical properties, with larger relative collagen content detected in adenocarcinoma and pancreatitis than normal. Good correspondence was observed between spectra from adenocarcinoma and cancer xenograft tissues. Reflectance data indicated that adenocarcinoma had higher reflectance in the 430- to 500-nm range compared to normal and pancreatitis tissues. The observed significant differences between the fluorescence and reflectance properties of normal, pancreatitis, and adenocarcinoma tissues present an opportunity for future statistical validation on a larger patient pool and indicate a potential application of multimodal optical spectroscopy to differentiate between diseased and normal pancreatic tissue states.
Evaluation of speech misattribution bias in schizophrenia

BackgroundThe attribution of self-generated speech to others could explain the experience of verbal hallucinations. To test this hypothesis, we developed a task to simultaneously evaluate (A) operations of self-other distinction and (B) operations that have the same cognitive demands as in A apart from self-other distinction. By adjusting A to B, operations of self-other distinction were specifically evaluated.MethodThirty-nine schizophrenia patients and 26 matched healthy controls were required to distinguish between self-generated, other-generated and non-generated (self or other) sentences. The sentences were in the first, second or third person and were read in a male or female voice in equal proportions. Mixed multi-level logistic regression models were used to investigate the effect of group, sentence source, pronoun and gender of the heard sentences on response accuracy.ResultsPatients differed from controls in the recognition of self-generated and other-generated sentences but not in general recognition ability. Pronoun was a significant predictor of response accuracy but without any significant interaction with group. Differences in the gender of heard sentences were not significant. Misattribution bias differentiated groups only in the self-other direction.ConclusionsThese data support the theory that misattribution of self-generated speech to others could result in verbal hallucinations. The syntactic (pronoun) factor could impact self-other distinction in subtypes of verbal hallucinations that are phenomenologically defined whereas the acoustic factor (gender of heard speech) is unlikely to affect self-other distinction.
Peroxidation of Subcellular Organelles: Formation of Lipofuscinlike Fluorescent Pigments

Lipid peroxidation of subcellular organelles gives fluorescent products which have fluorescence and excitation spectra similar to those of lipofuscin pigments. Fluorescence and excitation spectra and total fluorescence in the 460-nanometer region are useful for qualitative identification and quantitative measurement of the Schiff base product, a molecular damage site of lipid peroxidation which develops during some aging processes.
Patterns of responding differentiate intravenous nicotine self-administration from responding for a visual stimulus in C57BL/6J mice

Testing genetically engineered mice in a reliable nicotine self-administration procedure could provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying nicotine reinforcement. We assessed operant responding for intravenous nicotine infusions in C57BL/6J male mice under a fixed-ratio 3 schedule of reinforcement in which a visual cue was contingently associated with drug delivery. Acquisition, dose-response function, extinction, and cue-induced reinstatement of operant behavior were characterized. Low nicotine doses (0.001-0.06 mg/kg/infusion) elicited response rates similar to those supported by saline, whereas a higher dose (0.1 mg/kg/infusion) decreased responding. Using an identical procedure to assess cocaine self-administration in an independent group of mice yielded an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve. Other mice trained to respond exclusively for the visual stimulus earned a similar number of reinforcers as mice self-administering saline or low nicotine doses, although with a lower selectivity for the active lever and their response rates were sensitive to the discontinuation and resumption of cue light presentation. Finally, patterns of responding for nicotine, cocaine, or the visual stimulus alone were analyzed using frequency distributions of inter-response intervals and extended return maps. These analyses revealed unique properties of nicotine, which dose-dependently delayed the first response post-timeout and increased the regularity of lever pressing activity. Nicotine did not enhance the reinforcing properties of the visual cue paired with drug delivery. Interestingly, however, patterns of responding could differentiate nicotine self-administration from responding for a visual stimulus or saline and indicated that nicotine functioned as a salient stimulus driving highly regular operant behavior.
Benthic algal response to N and P enrichment along a pH gradient

Nutrient enrichment and its effect on benthic algal growth, community composition, and average cell size was assessed across two sites of differing pH within a single habitat. Nutrients were added using in situ substrata, which released either N, P, or no additional nutrients (controls) at each site for 21 days. Upon collection, chlorophyll and biovolume standing stocks of the attached algal microflora were measured. Chlorophyll concentration was different among all treatments, accumulating greatest on P, followed by N, and the least on C substrata (P < 0.001) and was highest at site-2 (P < 0.001), while total algal biovolume was highest on P compared to both N and C substrata (P < 0.05) and did not vary between sites. Increased growth on P substrata was due to the enhanced biovolume of filamentous green algae, although the affected taxa varied between sites. Biovolume to cell density ratios (as a measure of average cell size) were highest on P substrata over both N-enriched and control substrata (P < 0.05) and this pattern was similar between sites. Progression towards a community composed of larger cells following P enrichment observed along this pH gradient, seems to be related to the dominance of larger celled filamentous green algae. Thus, nutrients exhibited greater control on benthic algal growth than did changes in hydrogen ion concentration.
A REVIEW OF KELP BED MANAGEMENT IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Methods for maintaining and enhancing stands of giant kelp (Macrocystis spp.) continue to evolve. This paper reviews the history of kelp management techniques and describes recent research, as well as new methodology that has come into general usage. The southern California kelp populations are basically wild crops, but survival and biomass production can be significantly affected by relatively moderate inputs of human effort. Methodologies discussed include urchin control techniques (hammering, suction dredging, quick-lime, and harvesting urchins as specialty foods), culturing and transplanting kelp, control of competitive weeds, and monitoring. New research areas include improved understanding of the kelp ecosystem, kelp nutrition (with possibilities for enhancing productivity by fertilizing), genetics and breeding, optimizing biomass density, and expanding beds by use of artificial substrates.
Disseminated tuberculosis presenting with polymorphonuclear effusion and septic shock in an HIV-seropositive patient: a case report

Introduction: Because a substantial number of patients present with few or atypical symptoms, the recognition of tuberculosis remains challenging. Disseminated tuberculosis presenting with septic shock has already been described in some case reports, but, to the best of our knowledge, it has never been associated with polymorphonuclear effusion. Case presentation: We describe the case of a 27-year-old man from western Africa who was seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus. He presented with pleural and abdominal polymorphonuclear effusions and quickly developed septic shock due to disseminated Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection leading to multiple organ failure and death. Conclusion: In high-risk patients, Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection should be considered even in exceptional clinical presentations, such as septic shock and polymorphonuclear effusions.
Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer

Although the sensitivity of ovarian cancer to chemotherapeutic agents has been demonstrated frequently (Frick et al., 1965; Masterson and Nelson, 1965; Parker and Shingleton, 1962; Wiltshaw, 1965), clinicians have been slow to utilize this type of treatment for patients with advanced inoperable disease. At one time we shared this reluctance but, because there was no satisfactory therapeutic method for these patients, about 5 years ago we began gingerly to use chemotherapy for our advanced inoperable ovarian cancer patients. As our experience increased, we were impressed by the benefits obtained and the lack of toxicity attendant on the agent we were using. We have recently reviewed the case histories of patients treated with this agent to determine statistically whether our clinical impressions were valid.
Inhibition of autoradiolysis of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies by cryopreservation

Autoradiolysis of therapeutic doses of monoclonal antibodies can occur rapidly, limits their shelf life and makes onsite radiolabeling a near-necessity. We evaluated freezing of three different 131I-labeled murine monoclonal antibodies at -70 degrees C, immediately following radiolabeling, as a method of diminishing autoradiolysis, and of preserving immunoreactivity. Freezing greatly limits the ability of radiation-induced free radicals to diffuse in solution and thus produce radiolytic damage. By freezing at -70 degrees C autoradiolytic damage of immunoreactivity of three different 131I monoclonal antibodies could be largely eliminated, in contrast to the 80-90% losses in immunoreactivity seen with storage at 4 degrees C for a period of 1 to 12 days. Reduced in vitro deiodination rates are also seen for frozen antibodies. Limited studies with 125I-labeled antibodies indicate autoradiolysis does occur, though at a slower rate per mCi than for 131I, and that this process is also retarded by freezing. Freezing may be valuable while quality control procedures are performed following radiolabeling as well as if temporary storage or shipment of radioantibodies prior to patient dosing is undertaken. While the approach should be validated for each antibody studied, freezing of therapeutic doses of monoclonal antibodies appears to be a simple and effective approach to the problem of autoradiolysis.
MANAGING TRANSPORTATION FINANCING IN AN INNOVATIVE WAY

Traditional transportation financing is no longer able to meet new transportation financing requirements, therefore an innovative transportation financing program is called for. Innovative transportation financing program can generate new revenue and speed up transportation project delivery process. In spite of its funding potentials, innovative financing mechanism is also constrained by many factors, such as legal authority, eligible uses and others. In the foreseeable future, loan-based financing mechanism will gradually be phased in, and grant-based financing mechanism will gradually be phased out. Innovative funding sources will contribute more to delivering transportation projects, but traditional funding sources will remain dominant in the years to come due to their stable revenue sources.
Parallel Simulation and Virtual-Machine-Based Emulation of Software-Defined Networks

The emerging software-defined networking (SDN) technology decouples the control plane from the data plane in a computer network with open and standardized interfaces, and hence opens up the network designers’ options and ability to innovate. The wide adoption of SDN in industry has motivated the development of large-scale, high-fidelity testbeds for evaluation of systems that incorporate SDN. In this article, we develop a framework to support OpenFlow-based SDN simulation and distributed emulation, by leveraging our prior work on a hybrid network testbed with a parallel network simulator and a virtual-machine-based emulation system. We show how to exploit typical SDN controller behaviors to handle performance issues caused by the centralized controller in parallel discrete-event simulation. In particular, we develop an asynchronous synchronization algorithm for passive SDN controllers and design a two-level architecture for active SDN controllers. We evaluate the system performance, showing good scalability. Finally, we present a case study, using the testbed, to evaluate network verification applications in an SDN-based data center network.
Transport of Cytokines and Neurotrophins across the Blood–Brain Barrier and Their Regulation after Spinal Cord Injury

Cytokines and neurotrophic peptides/proteins have various degrees of permeation across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) by way of simple diffusion or by specific transport systems. The significance of studies of transport systems is obvious because of the biological impact of these molecules on the central nervous system (CNS) in health and disease. We have characterized the pharmacokinetic characteristics of some stable cytokines and neurotrophic peptides/proteins in mice after intravenous administration or in the setting of in situ brain perfusion. The fate of the radiolabeled compounds in blood and CNS and their interactions with the BBB are summarized. Identification of BBB permeation and the modulating factors will aid in application of the cytokines and neurotrophic peptides/proteins as therapeutic agents. The particular case of spinal cord injury (SCI) is discussed in further detail. SCI is related to time– and region–specific changes of the BBB function. Tumor necrosis factor–a (TNF–α), a cytokine with dual actions in regeneration of the spinal cord, has a slow basal influx into the brain and spinal cord. After SCI, the increase in the entry of TNF–α to the CNS differs from leakage after BBB disruption and is related to upregulation of the transport system in a unique temporal and regional pattern. In this way, SCI at different locations with different types and severity of lesions is associated with different patterns of upregulation of the transport system. Overall, the current results indicate that the BBB is a dynamic barrier that regulates the availability of cytokines and neurotrophic peptides/proteins to the CNS in normal physiological conditions and that the BBB is also modulated by pathological processes such as SCI.
Histochemical demonstration of mammalian glucosidase by means of 3-(5-bromoindolyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside.

SummaryThe 3-(5-Bromoindolyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (I) was prepared in our laboratory for histochemical study of tissue β-glucosidase. The final reaction product following incubation of tissue sections was 5,5′-dibromoindigo which is highly chromogenic and precipitates in cells and tissue at the site of enzymic activity. The enzyme is readily destroyed in tissue by ferri-ferrocyanide and formalin, which is not the case with nonspecific esterase or glucuronidase. Saccharo-1-4-lactone, which has an inhibitory effect on β-glucuronidase, does not affect β-glucosidase. “Substrate inhibition” can also be demonstrated. Optimum pH is 5.4. The β-glucosidase can be demonstrated best in the preputial gland where activity is high. The older acini of the gland showed more intense reaction. Reticulum cells within the villous stalks of the small intestine showed a good reaction. Reticulum cells of the spleen, lymph node and Kupffer cells showed a varied reaction. Extremely small amounts are present in the liver and kidney.
The impact of an extreme case of irrigation on the southeastern United States climate

The impacts of irrigation on southeast United States diurnal climate are investigated using simulations from a regional climate model. An extreme case is assumed, wherein irrigation is set to 100 % of field capacity over the growing season of May through October. Irrigation is applied to the root zone layers of 10–40 and 40–100 cm soil layers only. It is found that in this regime there is a pronounced decrease in monthly averaged temperatures in irrigated regions across all months. In non-irrigated areas a slight warming is simulated. Diurnal maximum temperatures in irrigated areas warm, while diurnal minimum temperatures cool. The daytime warming is attributed to an increase in shortwave flux at the surface owing to diminished low cloud cover. Nighttime and daily mean cooling result as a consequence repartitioning of energy into latent heat flux over sensible heat flux, and of a higher net downward ground heat flux. Excess heat is transported into the deep soil layer, preventing a rapidly intensifying positive feedback loop. Both diurnal and monthly average precipitations are reduced over irrigated areas at a magnitude and spatial pattern similar to one another. Due to the excess moisture availability, evaporation is seen to increase, but this is nearly balanced by a corresponding reduction in sensible heat flux. Concomitant with additional moisture availability is an increase in both transient and stationary moisture flux convergences. However, despite the increase, there is a large-scale stabilization of the atmosphere stemming from a cooled surface.
Effect of transplantation of embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes on cardiac function of rats with myocardial infarction

Objective To investigate whether transplantation of embryonic stem cell-derived cardiac myocytes (ESCMs) directly into the infarcted myocardium could improve the cardiac function in the rats.Methods Cell culture medium with or without ESCMs was injected into the borders of car- diac scar tissue one week after experimental infarction.Cardiac performance was evaluated 4 weeks later by means of echocardiography after ESCMs (n=16) or medium (n=12) injection.Results Im- munostaining confirmed the presence ofα-actinin,α-MHC,and cTnI in the beating EBs.RT-PCR analysis of EBs revealed the expression of cardiac-specific genes,including cardiac Nkx 2.5,GATA-4 andα-MHC.ESCMs implantation significantly improved fractional shortening compared with medium- treated hearts (P0.05) and preserved left ventricular structure.Co-localization of DAPI-labeled nuclei of transplanted cells with cardiomyocyte markers for cTnI and connexin-43 as detected by immu- nofluorescent microscopy indicated the regeneration of damaged myocardium and the formation of gap junction between grafted and host cells.However,intra-myocardial teratomas were observed in the hearts of two out of the 16 grafted animals at 4th week after ESCMs transplantation.Conclusion Although ESCMs implantation can improve the function of infarcted myocardium,strategies to prevent tumorigenesis should be developed.
Overweight and obesity: a clinician's perspective.

NC Med J July/August 2006, Volume 67, Number 4 In recent years, much has been published in the medical and lay literature on overweight and obesity. The most current United States data show that in 2003-2004, 32.2% of adults were obese and 66.3% were overweight or obese. The increasing prevalence over the past three decades, the associated disease comorbidities, and the attributable healthcare costs of obesity have been well documented. Various etiologic factors for the relatively recent increase in weight have been described, many of which involve a permissive environment that promotes a sedentary lifestyle and increased energy intake. For these reasons, obesity is one of the major public health challenges the United States is facing. If overweight and obesity are a public health problem, does it not require a public health solution? What can healthcare providers do in their office to make a meaningful impact on a problem that affects two-thirds of their adult patients? Compounding the challenge to clinical treatment of overweight and obesity are the limited appointment time and reimbursement available to most clinicians. While the impediments to effective treatment of obesity are real, healthcare providers can stimulate individual and collective changes in their patients by following a specific, efficient, and systematic plan. Listed below are elements of a general plan to treat overweight and obesity for the busy clinician.
DD27: Die Abtötung des Handlungsreisenden (November 2006)

„Das einzigste, was ich intensiv in der Schule beigebracht bekommen habe, war, dass ich ein Verlierer bin.“ Das schrieb der Amokschutze dieser Woche, der sich durch seine Tat in das Hirn derer brennen wollte, die ihn das alles lehrten. Er schoss sich in den Mund.
Electric line workers' ingress and egress to aerial buckets: design features to reduce risk of slip or fall

ABSTRACTThe objective was to investigate how different design features of an aerial bucket could reduce electric line workers' risk of a fall or slip when entering and exiting aerial buckets. Three design features were evaluated: a step inside the bucket, the number of external steps (one or two) and a handlebar. Heights of a worker's waist above the bucket's rim, force on the bucket rim and electromyographic (EMG) activity of upper and lower extremity muscles were measured. Sixteen line workers were tested. An inside step lowered the worker's waist above the rim, decreased body weight force on the bucket rim and reduced EMG activity of the triceps. One external step decreased the EMG activity of the rectus femoris. A handlebar allows for a more secure three points of contact. These design features in an aerial bucket may lower the risk of a worker falling out of an aerial bucket.
Elementary students’ challenges with informational texts: Reading the words and the world

Abstract The purpose of this study is to describe ways in which elementary students access information from various components of informational social studies texts in schools. Although the time devoted to elementary social studies has decreased considerably in recent years, a renewed focus on content-area literacy skills, driven by state standard initiatives, presents us with the opportunity to regain lost social studies instructional time by integrating social studies content during literacy instructional time. However, it is not entirely clear what this instructional time should entail. This paper describes how third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade children navigate various aspects of the written and graphical elements of informational social studies reading materials. Results indicate that when students are unable to correctly answer questions about the content of the reading materials, they primarily attempt to do so in one of four ways: (1) responding without the use of a discernable strategy; (2) extracting random information from the passage; (3) relying on prior knowledge; or, (4) extracting information from the correct aspect of text that is not responsive to the question. Based on researcher-developed reading assessments as data sources, we explain the challenges children encounter and make recommendations for elementary social studies instruction.
Correlation between CCL20 and serum glucose in postoperative coronary bypass patient: A call for further investigation

Insulin administration during cardiopulmonary bypass grafting and in the perioperative period has been shown to lower tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8 levels, which are considered to be mediators of immunity and inflammation. It is not known whether perioperative hyperglycemia attenuates the action of lymphocyte attracting chemokines such as (CC-motif) ligand 20 (CCL20), also known as macrophage inflammatory protein 3; or liver activation regulated chemokine. CCL20 is a selective chemoattractant for immature dendritic cells, effector/memory T lymphocytes and naive B cells, and is recognized as a critical regulator of both innate and acquired immunity. In this report, we describe our preliminary findings of the interaction between serum blood glucose and CCL20. Specifically, we report an increase in CCL20 temporally associated with improving glycemic control in a diabetic patient undergoing intensive insulin therapy after open heart surgery. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge. Republished with permission from: Papadimos TJ, Pappada SM, Lather JD, Bazalitski V, Stawicki SP, Cameron BD, Pan ZK. Correlation between CCL20 and serum glucose in postoperative coronary bypass patient: A call for further investigation. OPUS 12 Scientist 2010; 4(1):1-2.
Cybersecurity and the Future

We need our computing systems to perform as intended, unaffected by adversaries big or small.
Controversies Concerning the Self-Defeating Personality Disorder

The revision of the third edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R; APA, 1987) contains a new diagnosis, the self-defeating personality disorder (SDPD). SDPD, however, was not included within the text along with the other personality disorders. It was placed in an appendix with other “proposed diagnostic categories needing further study” (APA, 1987, p. 367). This placement was in response to the controversy generated by the proposal to include a masochistic personality diagnosis. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the controversy. We begin with a description of the historical precedents for the diagnosis and the development of the DSM-III-R SDPD criteria set. We then present the major arguments against its inclusion, followed by a discussion of the relevant empirical literature. We conclude with a brief overview that highlights fundamental empirical issues.
Couple Therapy with Veterans: Early Improvements and Predictors of Early Dropout

Family services within Veterans Affairs Medical Centers fulfill an important role in addressing relationship distress among Veterans, which is highly prevalent and comorbid with psychopathology. However, even for evidence-based couple therapies, effectiveness is weaker compared to controlled studies, maybe because many Veteran couples drop out early and do not reach the “active” treatment stage after the 3–4 session assessment. In order to improve outcomes, it is critical to identify couples at high risk for early dropout, and understand whether couples may benefit from the assessment as an intervention. The current study examined (a) demographics, treatment delivery mode, relationship satisfaction, and psychological symptoms as predictors of dropout during and immediately following the assessment phase, and (b) changes in relationship satisfaction during assessment. 174 couples completed questionnaires during routine intake procedures. The main analyses focused on 140 male Veterans and their female civilian partners; 36.43% dropped out during the assessment phase and 24.74% of the remaining couples immediately following the first treatment session. More severe depressive symptoms in non-Veteran partners were associated with dropout during assessment. Relationship satisfaction improved significantly during the assessment phase for couples who did not drop out, with larger gains for non-Veteran partners. No demographics or treatment delivery mode were associated with dropout. Although more research is needed on engaging couples at risk for early dropout and maximizing early benefits, the findings suggest that clinicians should attend to the civilian partner's and Veteran's depressive symptoms at intake and consider the assessment part of active treatment.
Sustained Release Talazoparib Implants for Localized Treatment of BRCA1-deficient Breast Cancer.

Talazoparib, a potent PARP inhibitor, has shown promising clinical and pre-clinical activity by inducing synthetic lethality in cancers with germline Brca1/2 mutations. Conventional oral delivery of Talazoparib is associated with significant off-target effects, therefore we sought to develop new delivery systems in the form of an implant loaded with Talazoparib for localized, slow and sustained release of the drug at the tumor site in Brca1-deficient breast cancer. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) implants (0.8 mm diameter) loaded with subclinical dose (25 or 50 µg) Talazoparib were fabricated and characterized. In vitro studies with Brca1-deficient W780 and W0069 breast cancer cells were conducted to test sensitivity to PARP inhibition. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy of Talazoparib implants was assessed following a one-time intratumoral injection in Brca1Co/Co;MMTV-Cre;p53+/- mice and compared to drug-free implants and oral gavage. Immunohistochemistry studies were performed on tumor sections using PCNA and γ-H2AX staining. Sustained release of Talazoparib was observed over 28 days in vitro. Mice treated with Talazoparib implants showed statistically significant tumor growth inhibition compared to those receiving drug-free implants or free Talazoparib orally. Talazoparib implants were well-tolerated at both drug doses and resulted in less weight loss than oral gavage. PARP inhibition in mice treated with Talazoparib implants significantly increased double-stranded DNA damage and decreased tumor cell proliferation as shown by PCNA and γ-H2AX staining as compared to controls. These results demonstrate that localized and sustained delivery of Talazoparib via implants has potential to provide superior treatment outcomes at sub-clinical doses with minimal toxicity in patients with BRCA1 deficient tumors.
Tracking Special Education Teacher Candidates’ Reflective Practices Over Time:

Clinical teacher preparation programs often incorporate reflective practices to promote critical thinking and professional growth. The purpose of this study was to determine whether special educati...
AN ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS REGULATING COMMUNITY METABOLISM AND FISHERIES PRODUCTION IN A LOUISIANA ESTUARY

Abstract Using information from the Barataria Basin, Louisiana, we address questions regarding controls on aquatic primary productivity (APP) and the role of wetlands in the organic budget of this estuary and in supporting fisheries in Barataria Basin and the nearshore Gulf of Mexico. Gross APP ranged from 1058 to 3286 g O2 m2 yr-1. The highest values were in lakes with direct upland runoff, suggesting that these nutrient sources are important regulators of APP. Most of the water bodies of the Basin are heterotrophic and, to satisfy measured community respiration, significant inputs of allochthonous organic carbon are required. The importance of allochthonous inputs is qualitatively supported by the lack of correlation between temporal patterns of organic carbon and chlorophyll concentration and aquatic primary production in the water column. Most marine nekton species of the Basin spend only part of their life cycle in the estuary and they use the estuary in systematic and predictable ways. Shallow-water marsh areas have nekton biomass 7 to 12 times higher than that of open water areas. Young and juvenile nekton seek out these areas actively.
Relativity and Causal Experience

This chapter concerns the reformulation of the traditional galilean conception of the world required by Einstein’s theories of special and general relativity, and the significance of that reformulation for the truth of basic contents and for the plausible realization of our causal experience. Section 1 is a brief exposition of some crucial features of special and general relativity.1 Section 4 applies those considerations to the two issues which immediately concern us. Sections 2 and 3 provide a bridging discussion. They concern the concrete significance, the proper interpretation, of relativity, and relativity’s explanation of the galilean appearance of the world.
Asymmetric Polysulfone Hollow Fiber Membranes for Gas Separations

Loeb and Sourirajan invented the first integrally-skinned membrane in 1960 for desalination by phase inversion of cellulose acetate sols (1). In the integrally-skinned membrane, the skin and substructure are composed of the same material. The skin layer determines both the permeability and selectivity of the bilayer, whereas the porous substructure functions primarily as a physical support for the skin. Differences in structure between the two layers are the result of interfacial forces and the fact that solvent loss occurs more rapidly from the air-solution and solution-nonsolvent interfaces than from the solution interior (2).
Learning and Meta-Learning for Coordination of Autonomous Unmanned VehiclesA Preliminary Analysis

We study models of coordination, negotiation and collaboration in multi-agent systems (MAS). More specifically, we investigate scalable models and protocols for various distributed consensus coordination problems in large-scale MAS. Examples of such problems include conflict avoidance, leader election and coalition formation. We are particularly interested in application domains where robotic or unmanned vehicle agents interact with each other in real-time, as they try to jointly complete various tasks in complex dynamic environments, and where decisions often need to be made “on the fly”. Such MAS applications, we argue, necessitate a multi-tiered approach to learning how to coordinate effectively. One such collaborative MAS application domain is ensembles of autonomous micro unmanned aerial vehicles (micro-UAVs). A large ensemble of micro-UAVs on a complex, multi-stage mission comprised of many diverse tasks with varying time and other resource requirements provides an excellent framework for studying multi-tiered learning how to better coordinate. A variety of tasks and their resource demands, complexity and unpredictability of the overall environment, types of coordination problems that the UAVs may encounter in the course of their mission, multiple time scales at which the overall system can use learning and adaptation in order to perform better in the future, and multiple logical and organizational levels at which large ensembles of micro-UAVs can be analyzed and optimized, all suggest the need for a multi-tiered approach to learning. We outline our theoretical and conceptual framework that integrates reinforcement learning and meta-learning, and discuss potential benefits that our framework could provide for enabling autonomous micro-UAVs (and other types of autonomous vehicles) to coordinate more effectively.
Incorporating Polarization into Phase Retrieval Methods

Traditional wavefront-sensing phase retrieval problems often neglect the effects of polarization. In order to improve simulated point-spread functions, we present a method to parameterize and include polarization in phase retrieval models.
Benchmark of RRAM based Architectures for Dot-Product Computation

Memory array architecture based on emerging non-volatile memory devices have been proposed for on-chip acceleration of dot-product computation in neural networks. As recent advances in machine learning have shown that precision reduction is a useful technique to reduce the computation and memory storage, it is desired to evaluate their hardware cost. In this paper, we use a circuit-level macro model, i.e. NeuroSim, to benchmark the circuit-level performance metrics, such as chip area, latency, and dynamic energy for the XNOR-RRAM and conventional 8-bit RRAM architectures. Both architectures are implemented to process the dot-product operation of a 512×512 synaptic matrix in sequential row-by-row and parallel read-out fashion separately. The simulation results are based on RRAM models and 32nm CMOS PDK, the energy-efficiency of the parallel XNOR-RRAM architecture could achieve 311 TOPS/W, showing at least ~15× and ~621× improvement compared to the parallel and sequential conventional 8-bit RRAM architectures respectively.
Achieving Gender Balance through Creative Expression

Increasing gender balance in computing is widely recognized by academic institutions, industry, and government agencies as an imperative. This paper describes how providing opportunities for creative expression early on and throughout the four years of an undergraduate computing degree achieves this goal. Prior studies have demonstrated that opportunity for creative expression has a positive effect on recruitment and retention of women, while conversely, lack of opportunity for creative expression has a negative effect. We describe our approach, integrated into a four-course sequence combining computing and the arts, so that other institutions may consider adopting it. Results of a six-year longitudinal study show that these courses attract, retain, and graduate 46% female students, while the corresponding number in our ABET-accredited Computer Science curriculum is approximately 20%. The paper concludes with general observations and suggests directions for future action in CS curricula design.
A2 and A2B2 Benzoporphyrins as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells

The first example of A2B2 tetrabenzoporphyrin (KW-4) was synthesized, characterized and evaluated as a sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells. UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed red-s...
Territorios en mutación. Superación y desplazamiento de las fronteras interiores en la Patagonia chilena

En la Patagonia chilena, los territorios de Aysen y Palena han sido historicamente considerados “fronteras interiores” del Estado Nacional. Sus espacios han sido apropiados material y simbolicamente por el pobla-miento espontaneo de dispersas unidades familiares vinculadas a actividades silvoagropecuarias y pesqueras tradicionales, configurandose un territorio sui generis distinto al de un pais organizado con fuerte centralismo. Recientemente, tras casi un siglo desde la incorporacion institucional de estos territorios, se vienen instalando modelos de desarrollo coherentes con imaginarios y fuerzas globales contrarios a los modos de vida locales, caracterizados por la agricultura familiar campesina (AFC). En este articulo se discuten los impactos locales de la mutacion de los territorios por efecto del regimen de acu-mulacion capitalista, los que ponen en juego las estrategias tradicionales de sobrevivencia frente a modelos extractivistas y de mercantilizacion de la naturaleza.
Expanding the SILVAH decision support system to be applicable to the mixed-oak forests of the mid-Atlantic region

In late 1999, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry entered into a partnership with the USDA Forest Service's Northern Research Station to revise the SILVAH decision support system so that it would be more applicable to mixed-oak (Quercus spp.) forests. To expedite the revisions, the two agencies organized a committee of scientists and experienced field foresters who used relevant research results from other regions to devise interim inventory criteria and prescriptions. This approach accelerated the development process and facilitated acceptance of the interim guidelines in just a few years. This chapter describes in detail the work of that committee as well as science delivery efforts since the early 2000s that have resulted in an improved version of SILVAH that is applicable to mixed-oak forests and has been adopted entirely or in part in by several states in or bordering the mid-Atlantic region. SILVAH, originally an acronym for Silviculture of Allegheny Hardwoods, is a systematic approach to silvicultural prescription development based on inventory and analysis of stand data. SILVAH began in northwestern Pennsylvania in 1967 when forest managers organized a Society of American Foresters meeting to examine regeneration failures that were, in their opinion, too common (≈50 percent) in the local maturing second-growth Allegheny hardwood and northern hardwood forests.
Outcomes of trabecular microbypass surgery: Comparison of resident trainees and attending surgeons.

Purpose To determine the efficacy, safety, and surgical outcomes of trabecular microbypass stent (iStent) surgery performed by resident trainees and attending surgeons. Setting Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Records of all patients who had microbypass stent surgery by a resident at Wills Eye Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The attending-performed group included any patient who had a microbypass stent implanted by an attending surgeon on the same day a resident case was performed. Results Between 2016 and 2018, 31 microbypass stents were implanted by a resident supervised by an attending and 93 microbypass stents were implanted by an attending surgeon on the day a resident case was performed. The mean follow-up was 16.2 months ± 17.9 (SD). The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased from 16.0 ± 4.6 mm Hg at baseline to 14.0 ± 3.1 mm Hg at most recent follow-up visit in the resident group (P = .02) and from 17.5 ± 4.8 mm Hg to 15.1 ± 4.3 mm Hg, respectively, in the attending group (P Conclusion Microbypass stent implantation by resident trainees with attending supervision had similar efficacy and safety as surgery performed by attending surgeons.
Size and shape effects on the measured peak temperatures of nanoscale hotspots

As device length scales trend downward, small feature sizes and steep temperature gradients require thermometers with increasingly fine spatial resolution in order to capture the true peak temperature. Here, we develop analytical expressions for the true and measured temperature rises as a function of thermometer size for Gaussian, disk-shaped, and rectangular surface heat sources. We find that even a thermometer the same size as the hotspot can underestimate the true peak temperature rise by more than 15%, and this error frequently exceeds 75% and can approach 90% for certain geometries when the thermometer is ten times larger than the measured hotspot. We show that a thermometer with resolution approximately two times smaller than the hotspot size is required to measure the peak temperature rise with less than 5% error for several common hotspot geometries. We also experimentally demonstrate that a 50 × 50 × 50 nm3 individual upconverting NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticle thermometer captures the peak temperature rise due to laser heating more accurately than conventional diffraction limited optical techniques that our modeling results show would underestimate this value. In contrast to apparent self-heating effects that spuriously increase the nanoparticle thermometry signal at high excitation intensities, we measure true laser heating, as confirmed by comparing measurements on glass and diamond substrates.