cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Support for RSVP-based services over ATM networks

We focus on RSVP-based resource reservations in a heterogeneous environment which includes ATM networks. We describe a method for establishing shortcuts for the data flow through an ATM network which avoids the performance penalty associated with layer 3 processing in the classical IP over ATM approach. For the guaranteed and controlled-load types of services we show how to map the RSVP flow characteristics to ATM call parameters, and thus enable end-to-end quality of service. Finally, we discuss some concerns which have been raised regarding the use of RSVP in establishing shortcuts.
Pancreatic polypeptide administration improves abnormal glucose metabolism in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is associated with lowered plasma levels and a blunted nutrient-induced release of pancreatic polypeptide (PP). To investigate the possible role of PP on glucose metabolism, we studied male patients with documented CP (n = 5) and obesity-matched control subjects (NL) (n = 6). Hepatic glucose production (HGP) and overall glucose disposal rates were determined by [3-3H]glucose infusion during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp during three separate admissions. Basal rates of HGP were higher in CP patients. In response to an infusion of insulin (60 pmol.m-2.min-1), HGP fell 91 +/- 5% in NL subjects but only 68 +/- 8% in CP subjects (P < 0.05). One month later, the clamp was repeated during the final 2 h of an 8-h infusion of bovine PP (2 pmol.kg-1.min-1). HGP before the insulin infusion and its subsequent suppression (NL: 83 +/- 5%; CP: 86 +/- 15%) were nearly identical between groups. In follow-up studies 1 month after the PP infusion, HGP both basally and in response to insulin alone were similar to the first study. During oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) performed 18 h after the PP infusion, subjects with normal (n = 7) baseline OGTT responses showed no effect. All patients with diabetic (n = 3) or nondiagnostic (n = 1) OGTT responses, however, demonstrated lowered mean plasma glucose levels (approximately -2.3 mmol/L; range: -0.6 to -7.2 mmol/L). OGTTs repeated 1 month after the PP treatment showed a return to pretreatment responses. We conclude that chronic pancreatitis accompanied by PP deficiency is associated with partial hepatic resistance both in the basal state and in response to hyperinsulinemia. This impairment is reversed after iv PP administration. PP deficiency may therefore play a role in the development of pancreatogenic diabetes caused by pancreatic injury.
Bowtie limited diffraction beams for low-sidelobe and large depth of field imaging

Limited diffraction beams such as Bessel beams and X waves have a large depth of field and thus could have many applications. However, these beams have higher sidelobes as compared to conventional focused beams in their focal planes. In this paper, a new class of limited diffraction beams is developed. These beams are termed bowtie limited diffraction beams because they have bowtie shapes in a plane perpendicular to the beam axis. To obtain pulse-echo images of low sidelobes and a large depth of field, a bowtie limited diffraction beam is used in transmission and its 90/spl deg/ rotated response (around the beam axis) is used in reception. Unlike the summation-subtraction method developed previously, this method does not reduce image frame rate or dynamic range of signals and is not motion sensitive. The theory of the bowtie limited diffraction beams is developed. Computer simulation of the theoretical beams under practical conditions, such as finite aperture, finite bandwidth, and causal excitation, is performed with the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction formula. The simulated beams are very close to those predicted analytically over a large depth of field.
Preoperative Evaluation of the Patient With Pulmonary Disease

Preoperative pulmonary evaluation is important in the management of patients with lung disease who are undergoing elective cardiothoracic or noncardiothoracic surgery. In some instances, preoperative pulmonary evaluations may also contribute to the management of patients being considered for urgent surgery. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) is high and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, and prolonged hospital stays. Perioperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing elective noncardiothoracic surgery can be more accurately predicted than in patients undergoing elective cardiothoracic surgery. Effective strategies to prevent complications in the postoperative period are few. Incentive spirometry and continuous positive airway pressure are the only modalities of proven benefit. Identifying patients who are at risk for the development of PPCs and managing their underlying modifiable risk factors aggressively prior to surgery is essential.
Museums and Archaeology in West Africa.

Museums and Archaeology in West Africa. Claude Daniel Ardouin. ed. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1998.178 pp.
Kinematics of 90° running turns in wild mice

Turning is a requirement for locomotion on the variable terrain that most terrestrial animals inhabit and is a deciding factor in many predator-prey interactions. Despite this, the kinematics and mechanics of quadrupedal turns are not well understood. To gain insight to the turning kinematics of small quadrupedal mammals, six adult wild mice were videotaped at 250 Hz from below as they performed 90 degrees running turns. Four markers placed along the sagittal axis were digitized to allow observation of lateral bending and body rotation throughout the turn. Ground contact periods of the fore- and hindlimbs were also noted for each frame. During turning, mice increased their ground contact time, but did not change their stride frequency relative to straight running at maximum speed. Postcranial body rotation preceded deflection in heading, and did not occur in one continuous motion, but rather in bouts of 15-53 degrees. These bouts were synchronized with the stride cycle, such that the majority of rotation occurred during the second half of forelimb support and the first half of hindlimb support. In this phase of the stride cycle, the trunk was sagittally flexed and rotational inertia was 65% of that during maximal extension. By synchronizing body rotation with this portion of the stride cycle, mice can achieve a given angular acceleration with much lower applied torque. Compared with humans running along curved trajectories, mice maintained relatively higher speeds at proportionately smaller radii. A possible explanation for this difference lies in the more crouched limb posture of mice, which increases the mechanical advantage for horizontal ground force production. The occurrence of body rotation prior to deflection in heading may facilitate acceleration in the new direction by making use of the relatively greater force production inherent in the parasagittal limb posture of mice.
Heat Prostration of Broilers as Influenced by Dietary Energy Source

Abstract Three trials were conducted to study the effect of dietary energy source on mortality due to heat prostration in 8-week-old male broilers. The two isocaloric diets contained 1.00 or 7.00 percent added animal fat and were fed ad libitum for the 4- to 8-week experimental period. At 8 weeks of age, the dry-bulb temperature was increased from 21.1° C. with a dewpoint temperature of 10.0° C. to 40.6° C. over a 6-hour period, with a dewpoint temperature of 23.9° C. The temperature was held at 40.6° C. for 2 hours, then decreased to 26.7° C. over a 30-minute period. Mortality due to heat prostration was recorded at 30-minute intervals during the stress test. The results obtained indicate that the quantity of energy provided by fat compared to carbohydrate has an effect on mortality during the early stages of heat stress. Higher mortality due to heat prostration occurred in the birds receiving the diet containing the higher level of fat during the first three 30-minute intervals. During subsequent 30-minute intervals, there were no significant differences in mortality due to dietary treatment. The reason for the higher mortality in the birds receiving the diet containing the higher level of fat is not known. When the summer temperature approaches 38° C., mortality due to heat prostration is a problem. Economic losses due to heat prostration are especially large because they usually occur shortly before the broilers are marketable. Field reports indicate that male broilers are more susceptible to heat prostration than the females.
Absent Pulmonary Valve, Tricuspid Atresia, and Congenital Heart Block

We describe management of a patient with a prenatal diagnosis of absent pulmonary valve, tricuspid atresia, ventricular septal defect, and congenital heart block. Initial treatment consisted of temporary pacemaker implantation, and subsequent palliation included a central shunt during the neonatal period and placement of a permanent pacemaker. At seven months of age, a bidirectional Glenn anastomosis was performed. Cardiac catheterization revealed high cavopulmonary pressures and ventricular dysfunction precluding Fontan completion. Heart transplantation was performed at 3.75 years of age. The patient is alive and well 26 months posttransplantation.
Thiyl Free Radical Metabolites of Thiol Drugs and Glutathione

Lactoperoxidase, a prototypical mammalian peroxidase, is part of an antimicrobial system found in secreted fluids.1 It is believed to act by oxidation of thiocyanate.2 Not surprisingly, it will also metabolize thiol moieties, oxidizing them to free radical intermediates. Thiol compounds are important in pharmacology and toxicology, and we have examined the production of highly reactive thiyl free radicals by this mechanism.
Principal component analysis for noncircular signals in the presence of circular white gaussian noise

The commonly used principal component analysis (PCA) assumes circular Gaussian distribution for the observed complex random variables. This paper extends PCA to the general case where the signals can be noncircular, and introduces a new PCA method called the noncircular PCA (ncPCA). We study the properties of ncPCA and propose an efficient algorithm for its implementation. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate its advantages in signal detection and subspace estimation, in particular when the circularity assumptions on data do not hold.
Software Architectural Transformations

We consider software architectural transformations in the context of the multi-process software style driven by an operating system (OS), which is very commonly employed in energy-sensitive embedded systems. We propose a systematic methodology for applying these transformations to derive an energy-optimized architecture for any given embedded software. It consists of: (i) constructing a software architecture graph representation, (ii) deriving initial energy and performance statistics using a detailed energy simulation framework, (iii) constructing sequences of atomic software architectural transformations, guided by energy change estimates derived from high-level energy macro-models, that result in maximal energy reduction, and (iv) generation of program source code to reflect the optimized software architecture. We employ a wide suite of software architectural transformations whose effects span the application-OS boundary, including how the program functionality is structured into architectural components (e.g., application processes, signal handlers, and device drivers) and connectors between them (inter-component synchronization and communication mechanisms).
Stimulation of fibroblast growth factor 23 by metabolic acidosis requires osteoblastic intracellular calcium signaling and prostaglandin synthesis

Serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) increases progressively in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with increased mortality. FGF23 is synthesized in osteoblasts and osteocytes; how...
Endometrial Microbiota-New Player in Town

Detection of bacteria with molecular techniques has enabled the study of low biomass microbiomes in tissues and organs previously considered sterile, such as the endometrium. Subsequently, an abnormal endometrial microbiota has been associated with implantation failure, pregnancy loss, and other gynecological and obstetrical conditions. Further investigation of the reproductive tract microbiome will allow for a better understanding of bacterial communities' role in both physiology and pathophysiology, which in turn impacts the ability to achieve pregnancy and maintain a healthy pregnancy. Here we review the current literature that surrounds the endometrial microbiome and highlight the importance of assessing it as a future tool for improving reproductive outcomes in infertile patients.
Upscale Impact of Mesoscale Disturbances of Tropical Convection on Synoptic-Scale Equatorial Waves in Two-Dimensional Flows

AbstractSuperclusters on the synoptic scale containing mesoscale systems are frequently organized by convectively coupled equatorial waves (CCEWs). Present-day global models struggle to simulate multiscale tropical convection, and the upscale effects of mesoscale systems are not well understood. A simple two-dimensional multiscale model with prescribed two-scale heating and eddy transfer of momentum and temperature drives the synoptic-scale circulation, successfully reproduces key features of flow fields with a front-to-rear tilt, and compares well with results from a cloud-resolving model (CRM). In the scenario with an elevated upright mean heating, the tilted vertical structure of synoptic-scale circulation is still induced by the upscale impact of mesoscale disturbances. In a faster propagation scenario, the upscale impact becomes less important as a result of competing effects of eddy transfer of momentum and temperature, while the synoptic-scale circulation response to mean heating dominates, in agre...
Association of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) exposure and cigarette use among Nigerian adolescents: implications for current practices, products and policies

Background This study investigates the association between exposure to tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) and cigarette use behaviours among adolescents in five Nigerian regions. This is imperative given a 2015 WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, revealing Nigeria has not met any of the MPOWER TAPS ban indicators instituted since 2008. Methods Secondary data analysis of the 2008 Global Youth Tobacco Survey for Nigeria. Participants were 1399 adolescents, representative of 5 Nigerian regions. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between TAPS exposure and (1) past 30-day (current) cigarette use, (2) ever cigarette use and (3) susceptibility to use cigarettes among never cigarette users. Sensitivity analysis via complete case analysis and multiple imputation were conducted. Results Ninety-five per cent of Nigerian adolescents reported exposure to TAPS. Among adolescents who had never smoked, 15% were susceptible to use cigarettes. Cumulative TAPS exposure was significantly associated with both an increased odds of current cigarette use (AOR: 1.73; 95% CI 1.09 to2.99) and ever cigarette use (AOR: 1.29; 95% CI 1.15 to1.45); as well as increased susceptibility to cigarette smoking (AOR: 1.18; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.34), among non-smokers. Conclusion Given study results, the emergence of new tobacco products and novel platforms for TAPS globally, implementation of existing policies and enhancement of efforts to attain comprehensive bans on all forms of direct and indirect TAPS in line with article 13 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control are needed to reduce TAPS exposure and curtail tobacco use in Nigeria.
Photochemistry of Atmospheric Particles

Abstract Given the considerable interest in aerosol particles in the atmosphere as these particles play a key role in health, climate, and chemistry, there is an outstanding need for fundamental molecular studies of a wide range of aerosol processes. In the past, there has been a tremendous amount of interest in heterogeneous atmospheric chemistry, that is, reactions that are mediated by liquid or solid aerosol particles. Given the demonstrated importance of heterogeneous thermal chemistry in the atmosphere, it is surprising how little attention has been directed toward the photochemistry of atmospheric particles, that is, reactions initiated or significantly enhanced with light. This section focuses on the photochemistry of atmospheric particles. An important aspect of this is to develop a molecular scale level understanding of photochemistry in the aerosol environment and on surfaces, including details of the modifications to ground and excited electronic states of surface bound species and the ramifications for the product branching ratio.
The Employment Impact of Autonomous Vehicles

The expected introduction of autonomous, or “self-driving,” vehicles (AVs) promises to have a potentially profound impact on labor demand. This paper explores this potential effect by identifying the occupations most likely to be directly affected by the business adoption of autonomous vehicles. In 2015, 15.5 million U.S. workers were employed in occupations that could be affected (to varying degrees) by the introduction of automated vehicles. This represents about one in nine workers. We divide these occupations into “motor vehicle operators” and “other on-the-job drivers.” Motor vehicle operators are occupations for which driving vehicles to transport persons and goods is a primary activity, are more likely to be displaced by AVs than other driving-related occupations. In 2015, there were 3.8 million workers in these occupations. These workers were predominately male, older, less educated, and compensated less than the typical worker. Motor vehicle operator jobs are most concentrated in the transportation and warehousing sector. Other on-the-job drivers use roadway motor vehicles to deliver services or to travel to work sites, such as first responders, construction trades, repair and installation, and personal home care aides. In 2015, there were 11.7 million workers in these occupations and they are mostly concentrated in construction, administrative and waste management, health care, and government. Other-on-the-job drivers may be more likely to benefit from greater productivity and better working conditions offered by AVs than motor vehicle operator occupations.
Interrelationships of Oral Contraceptives and Hypertension

The large, carefully controlled, prospective studies needed to define the association between oral contraceptives and hypertension have not been published and the information to date is largely anecdotal. That there is an association, however, appears to be widely accepted among practicing physicians. To our knowledge, only the 29 cases listed in Table 1 have been reported.
Pediatric Dermatology and the Oculoplastic Patient

The pediatric patient may present with a variety of dermatoses that either involve the eye primarily or are secondary to a more generalized process. The oculoplastic surgeon should become familiar with disorders occurring in and around the eye that are benign or may herald an underlying dermatologic disorder.
Strain Percolation in Metal Deformation

In previous papers, we have introduced a percolation model for the transport of strain through a deforming metal. In this paper, we summarize the results from that model, and discuss how the model can be applied to the deformation problem. In particular, we outline the primary experimental features of deformation which the model must address, and discuss how the model is to be used in such a program. It is proposed that the discrete percolation events correspond to slip line formation in a deforming metal, and it is shown that the deforming solid is a self organizing system. It is recognized that deformation is localized in space and time, that deformation is fundamentally rate dependent, that hardening depends upon relaxation processes associated with discrete percolating events, and that secondary slip is an essential part of band growth and relaxation processes.
Assessing mechanical properties of organic matter in shales: Results from coupled nanoindentation/SEM-EDX and micromechanical modeling

Abstract Mechanical properties of organic matter in fine grained source rocks has been the subject of extensive research. Most studies on kerogen have been performed on kerogen samples isolated by dissolving the rock matrix. However, recent studies have shown significant microstructural alteration of kerogen samples after demineralization leading to alteration of their mechanical properties. In this work, in order to study the role of organic matter on mechanical properties of the rock, both organic-rich and organicfree carbonate-rich shale rocks are investigated. A recently developed nano-chemomechanical characterization method is used to directly correlate mechanical properties of both organic-rich and organic-free samples with their chemical composition and mineralogy at micrometer length scales using coupled nanoindentation and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) technique. The experimental results are used in multiscale structure thought models in which the role of organic matter is modeled as a matrix surrounding inclusions in the composite. Application of these models to the interpretation of nanoindentation results allows us to obtain consistent mechanical properties for the main constituents of these samples, i.e. organic matter and calcite, which are in excellent agreement with the results in the literature. Moreover, adequate agreement is observed between model predictions and experimental measurements of elastic properties of carbonate-rich shale rocks at macroscale.
Forget “militarization”: race, disability and the “martial politics” of the police and of the university

This article investigates the limits of the concept of militarization and proposes an alternative concept: martial politics. It argues that the concept of militarization falsely presumes a peaceful...
"Unpacking the Gender Gap in Entrepreneurship: Venture Quality, Resources, and Performance"

Fewer women than men become entrepreneurs, a pattern that diverges from broader trends in women’s labor-market participation and educational attainment. Prior evidence suggests that women are both ...
A collaborative surgical approach to upper and lower abdominal cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer.

Background and objectives Cytoreductive surgery with complete macroscopic resection in patients with ovarian cancer is associated with improved survival. Institutional reports of combined upper and lower abdominal cytoreductive surgery for more advanced disease have described multidisciplinary approaches. We sought to investigate outcomes in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery in patients with upper and lower abdominal disease at our institution. Methods Patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery for ovarian malignancies from 2008 to 2015 were retrospectively identified from an institutional database. Upper abdominal cytoreduction was defined anatomically as debulking of disease proximal to the ligament of Treitz. Perioperative outcomes were analyzed. Results A total of 258 operations were performed, the majority for serous ovarian carcinoma (70%). The gynecologic oncologist was the primary surgeon and often assisted by either a surgical oncology fellow and/or attending. In operations with combined upper and lower abdominal cytoreduction, patients were more likely to have an American society of anesthesiologists physical status classification system (ASA) of 3, peritoneal implants, and liver/spleen metastases. Preoperative chemotherapy and optimal cytoreduction were similar between groups. Perioperative morbidity and mortality were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions A collaborative surgical approach to combined upper and lower abdominal cytoreductive surgery in patients with ovarian cancer should be performed, if needed, to achieve an optimal cytoreduction.
A Nearctic-Neotropical Migratory Songbird's Nesting Phenology and Clutch Size are Predictors of Accumulated Cyclone Energy.

The breeding season phenology of Nearctic-Neotropical migratory songbirds is constrained by subsequent seasons resulting in single-brooded behavior (one successful clutch per year) in some species. Early cessation of the nesting season prior to an active hurricane season will allow for behavioral plasticity during a physiologically challenging migration. Hurricane activity shows a high degree of inter-annual variability. I show that a single-brooded Nearctic-breeding species’ (Catharus fuscescens) nesting phenology and clutch size are significant predictors of Accumulated Cyclone Energy. The most skilled predictive model includes both mean clutch initiation date and mean clutch size (R2 = 0.84). Spearman rank correlation coefficients for both predictors with subsequent major hurricanes (1998–2016) are −0.55 and 0.52, respectively. Therefore, May and June clutch initiation and clutch size showed stronger correlations with subsequent hurricanes than early season (prior to August) meteorological predictions widely publicized by CSU, NOAA, and TSR (≤0.45, 2003–2014). Rainfall anomalies in the southern Amazon basin associated with ENSO cycles are a possible proximate cue affecting phenology and clutch size. This discovery potentially has far-reaching ornithological, meteorological, and social implications and shows that tropical storms significantly constrain breeding season behavior providing renewed evidence that hurricane activity is a primary factor regulating Nearctic-Neotropical migratory songbird populations.
Conditions that mimic osteosarcoma.

A variety of conditions may mimic osteosarcoma. The differential ­diagnosis includes benign and malignant tumors, infection and inflammatory processes arising from the musculoskeletal system. An accurate clinical history, imaging studies, and pathological evaluation are essential to establish the exact diagnosis. This chapter describes many of the conditions which may mimic the diagnosis of ­osteosarcoma. For convenience, the conditions are divided into several categories.
The shader cache: a rendering pipeline accelerator

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a caching strategy to accelerate shading calculations in any traditional polygon-rendering pipeline—such as that defined by programmer's hierarchical interactive graphics system. The purpose of the cache is to reduce the number of redundant shading calculations performed on behalf of adjacent polygons sharing at least one vertex and associated surface normal. Such polygons frequently result from applications that tesselate trimmed or implicit surfaces. The chapter discusses the augmentation of the shading module, with a cache, to store the results of recently performed shading calculations. The chapter describes how to incorporate the caching strategy into an existing shader. The new shader simply consults the cache before resorting to the more costly computation carried out by the general-purpose shader. The chapter also illustrates how the cache works. It is necessary to invalidate the contents of the entire cache when there is a state change that is not reflected in the input arguments to the shader.
Transmission of fast neutrons through an iron sphere

Integral experiments have been performed using a homogeneous iron spherical shell to test neutron cross-section data. Neutron leakage spectra from the shell were measured using 252Cf-fission and (d...
Integrating “Talk Abroad” into an Intermediate Foreign Language Course: Building Learner Autonomy and Engagement Through Video Conversations with Native Speakers

This study examined the efficacy and best practices in integrating a video-synchronous computer mediated communication tool “Talk Abroad” (TA) into an intermediate foreign language course. Students completed four TA projects, four immediate written reflections and an end-of-semester exit questionnaire. Quantitative analysis of students’ performance in the first and fourth conversations revealed that students have made significant increases in oral proficiency, especially in the area of accuracy and fluency. Qualitative analysis of learner written reflections demonstrated high affective gains despite different degrees in linguistic development. Through the pedagogical cycle of in-class instruction, TA practice, and immediate written reflections, students showed increasing autonomy in linguistic development and self-regulated learning strategies. All students reported that they were more engaged and willing to challenge themselves by the end of the study.
CONTROL OF DIFFERENTIATION OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC SYSTEMS OF REGIONS ON THE BASIS OF THE MOBILIZATION OF INTERNAL AND ATTRACTION OF EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

The study presents an approach to the measurement of differentiation of socio-economic systems of the regions through the mobilization of internal and attraction of external development resources. In the present context they are the main indicators reflecting the relationship between economic growth and social equilibrium, they show the effectiveness of governance and implementation of the principles of social partnership in society. The aim of the study is to establish a scientific and reasonable mechanism for the regulation of differentiation of socio-economic development of the region through the mobilization of internal and outsourcing development. The study is based on scientific methodology, providing the ability to apply systematic approach to management problems solving by differentiation of socio-economic systems of regions. In the globalized world economic space and the profound socio-economic changes the creation of effective system of public administration will improve the efficiency use of limited resources (financial, material, human) allocated for the problem decision of differentiation reduction.It is revealed the differentiation in regional development for the integrated indicator of regions priority(IRP) and proposed a typology of Central Federal district regions based on two criteria: "the level of development of IRP " and " development dynamics of IRP " showing the rate of mobilization of internal and outsourcing development. It is justified the order of selection of promising targeted measures of state regulation in the field of reduction of regions differentiation. The study includes recommendations for the establishment and development of effective tools for smoothing and control of differentiation of socio-economic development of regions through the mobilization of internal and attracttion of external resources of development. It will enhance the investment attractiveness of the regions by stimulating existing competitive advantages.
Consumer Reactions to Walk-Behind Power Lawn Mower Safety Features:

Because of growing concern about walk-behind power lawn mower-related injuries, the Consumer Products Safety Commission, lawn mower manufacturers, and consumer advocates have developed improved saf...
A Biopsychosocial Perspective on Bisexuality: A Review for Marriage and Family Therapists

Although bisexual individuals make up the largest subpopulation within the broader lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community, they experience inflated rates of discrimination and heighte...
Development of programming projects for object-oriented programming courses: from console to GUI applications

Students in CS1 and CS2 often find learning object-oriented programming a very difficult task due to the intrinsic complexity of the concepts. This paper discusses how instructors may develop a series of mini projects to help students grasp fundamental object-oriented design principles and foster their programming skills. These mini projects, which consist of two console applications and a Windows application, cover basic object-oriented programming principles, such as encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, as well as advanced topics including static members, interfaces, delegates and events, and object serialization. The feedback and evaluations from the students demonstrated the effectiveness of this teaching methodology with mini projects. Students had better understanding of both programming concepts and design principles.
Surface wetting of silver-doped sol–gel ZnO films

Zinc Oxide thin films were fabricated by sol–gel process and treated with various organic solvents between deposition layers. Undoped and silver-doped samples were further subjected to different dr...
Investigation of the sensitivity-specificity of canonical- and deconvolution-based linear models in evoked functional near-infrared spectroscopy

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a noninvasive brain imaging technique to measure evoked changes in cerebral blood oxygenation. In many evoked-task studies, the analysis of fNIRS experiments is based on a temporal linear regression model, which includes block-averaging, deconvolution, and canonical analysis models. The statistical parameters of this model are then spatially mapped across fNIRS measurement channels to infer brain activity. The trade-offs in sensitivity and specificity of using variations of canonical or deconvolution/block-average models are unclear. We quantitatively investigate how the choice of basis set for the regression linear model affects the sensitivity and specificity of fNIRS analysis in the presence of variability or systematic bias in underlying evoked response. For statistical parametric mapping of amplitude-based hypotheses, we conclude that these models are fairly insensitive to the parameters of the regression basis for task durations >10 s and we report the highest sensitivity-specificity results using a low degree-of-freedom canonical model under these conditions. For shorter duration task (<10 s), the signal-to-noise ratio of the data is also important in this decision and we find that deconvolution or block-averaging models outperform the canonical models at high signal-to-noise ratio but not at lower levels.
Wearable Capacitive Patches for Data Fusion in Biomedical Monitoring & Physical Activity

We present on the design of wearable multi-sensor patches for tracking posture, limb movements and general biomedical health. The sensor patch incorporates textile-based capacitive sensor elements to capture critical information on the strength, frequency and duration between specific episodes of movements in the arms, legs and torso. Also embedded into the capacitive patches and bands are compact off-the-shelf heart-rate, blood oxygenation, temperature, humidity, accelerometer, impact and vibrational sensors integrated on a wireless (BLE) microcontroller platform. Based on the captured signal characteristics and sequences, complex activities and body movements can be tracked, which can be used to monitor user activity, training performance, and biomedical health. The capacitive elements consist of stretchable textiles, embroidered patterns and nano-composites of elastomers (PDMS/PVDF) in layered arrangements for maximum sensitivity and ductility. The magnitude and temporal changes in the sensor arrays can be converted into the recognizable activities and actionable intelligence on general health parameters. Hence the proposed wearable patches with integrated arrays of sensors will allow us to pursue compact, cost-effective, power-efficient solutions in the emerging era of sensor fusion for performance monitoring, worker training, high-risk patients.
Committee chair’s majority partisan status and its effect on information transmission via hearings

While US Congress assigns only the members of a majority party to committee chairs, some state legislatures and other legislative bodies using a proportional representation system also consider mem...
The Elocutionists: Women, Music, and the Spoken Word

Review of: "The Elocutionists: Women, Music, and the Spoken Word," by Marian Wilson Kimber.
Minimum-time charging of energy storage in microgrids via approximate conic relaxation

We study the problem of maximizing energy transfer to a load in a DC microgrid while respecting constraints on bus voltages and currents, and accounting for the impact of neighboring constant power loads. Both the objective and dynamic constraints give rise to indefinite quadratic terms, resulting in a non-convex optimization problem. Through change of variables and relaxations we develop a second-order cone program that exactly captures the indefinite constraints and closely approximates the indefinite objective. We demonstrate how this can be used to design nearly optimal charging profiles for periodic pulsed loads in real time.
The Glycocalyx and Its Role in Vascular Physiology and Vascular Related Diseases

In 2007 the two senior authors wrote a review on the structure and function of the endothelial glycocalyx layer (Weinbaum in Annu Rev Biomed Eng 9:121–167, 2007). Since then there has been an explosion of interest in this hydrated gel-like structure that coats the luminal surface of endothelial cells that line our vasculature due to its important functions in (A) basic vascular physiology and (B) vascular related diseases. This review will highlight the major advances that have occurred since our 2007 paper. A literature search mainly focusing on the role of the glycocalyx in the two major areas described above was performed using electronic databases. In part (A) of this review, the new formulation of the century old Starling principle, now referred to as the Michel–Weinbaum glycoclayx model or revised Starling hypothesis, is described including new subtleties and physiological ramifications. New insights into mechanotransduction and release of nitric oxide due to fluid shear stress sensed by the glycocalyx are elaborated. Major advances in understanding the organization and function of glycocalyx components, and new techniques for measuring both its thickness and spatio-chemical organization based on super resolution, stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) are presented. As discussed in part (B) of this review, it is now recognized that artery wall stiffness associated with hypertension and aging induces glycocalyx degradation, endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease. In addition to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, the glycocalyx plays an important role in lifestyle related diseases (e.g., diabetes) and cancer. Infectious diseases including sepsis, Dengue, Zika and Corona viruses, and malaria also involve the glycocalyx. Because of increasing recognition of the role of the glycocalyx in a wide range of diseases, there has been a vigorous search for methods to protect the glycocalyx from degradation or to enhance its synthesis in disease environments. As we have seen in this review, many important developments in our basic understanding of GCX structure, function and role in diseases have been described since the 2007 paper. The future is wide open for continued GCX research.
Basal impulses: findings from the last twenty years on impulsivity and reward pathways using deep brain stimulation.

INTRODUCTION Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an important treatment modality for movement disorders. Its role in tasks and processes of higher cortical function continues to increase in importance and relevance. This systematic review investigates the impact of DBS on measures of impulsivity. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A total of 45 studies were collated from PubMed (30 prospective, 8 animal, 4 questionnaire-based, and 3 computational models), excluding case reports and review articles. Two areas extensively studied are the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS While both are part of the basal ganglia, the STN and NAc have extensive connections to the prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, and limbic system. Therefore, understanding cause and treatment of impulsivity requires understanding motor pathways, learning, memory, and emotional processing. DBS of the STN and NAc shell can increase objective measures of impulsivity, as measured by reaction times or reward-based learning, independent from patient insight. The ability for DBS to treat impulse control disorders, and also cause and/or worsen impulsivity in Parkinson's disease, may be explained by the affected closely-related neuroanatomical areas with discrete and sometimes opposing functions. CONCLUSIONS As newer, more refined DBS technology emerges, large-scale prospective studies specifically aimed at treatment of impulsivity disorders are needed.
Relapse-associated Transient Synaptic Potentiation Requires Integrin-mediated Activation of Focal Adhesion Kinase and Cofilin in D1-expressing Neurons

Relapse to drug use can be initiated by drug-associated cues. The intensity of cue-induced drug seeking in rodent models correlates with the induction of transient synaptic potentiation (t-SP) at glutamatergic synapses in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcore). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are inducible endopeptidases that degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and reveal tripeptide Arginine-Glycine-Aspartate (RGD) domains that bind and signal through integrins. Integrins are heterodimeric receptors composed of αβ subunits, and a primary signaling kinase is focal adhesion kinase (FAK). We previously showed that MMP activation is necessary for and potentiates cued reinstatement of cocaine seeking, and MMP-induced catalysis stimulates β3-integrins to induce t-SP. Here, we determined whether β3-integrin signaling through FAK and cofilin (actin depolymerization factor) is necessary to promote synaptic growth during t-SP. Using a small molecule inhibitor to prevent FAK activation, we blocked cued-induced cocaine reinstatement and increased spine head diameter (dh). Immunohistochemistry on NAcore labeled spines with ChR2-EYFP virus, showed increased immunoreactivity of phosphorylation of FAK (p-FAK) and p-cofilin in dendrites of reinstated animals compared with extinguished and yoked saline, and the p-FAK and cofilin depended on β3-integrin signaling. Next, male and female transgenic rats were used to selectively label D1 or D2 neurons with ChR2-mCherry. We found that p-FAK was increased during drug seeking in both D1 and D2-medium spiny neurons (MSNs), but increased p-cofilin was observed only in D1-MSNs. These data indicate that β3-integrin, FAK and cofilin constitute a signaling pathway downstream of MMP activation that is involved in promoting the transient synaptic enlargement in D1-MSNs induced during reinstated cocaine by drug-paired cues. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Drug-associated cues precipitate relapse, which is correlated with transient synaptic enlargement in the accumbens core. We showed that cocaine cue-induced synaptic enlargement depends on matrix metalloprotease signaling in the extracellular matrix (ECM) through β3-integrin to activate focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and phosphorylate the actin binding protein cofilin. The nucleus accumbens core (NAcore) contains two predominate neuronal subtypes selectively expressing either D1-dopamine or D2-dopamine receptors. We used transgenic rats to study each cell type and found that cue-induced signaling through cofilin phosphorylation occurred only in D1-expressing neurons. Thus, cocaine-paired cues initiate cocaine reinstatement and synaptic enlargement through a signaling cascade selectively in D1-expressing neurons requiring ECM stimulation of β3-integrin-mediated phosphorylation of FAK (p-FAK) and cofilin.
Are self-description scales better than agree/disagree scales?:

Questions using agree/disagree (A/D) scales are ubiquitous in survey research because they save time and space on questionnaires through display in grids, but they have also been criticized for bei...
Characteristics and challenges of the clinical pipeline of digital therapeutics.

In this Comment, we characterize the current pipeline of digital therapeutics and offer a clinical perspective into the advantages, challenges, and barriers to implementation of this treatment modality for patient care, which we hope will inform future regulatory policy, prescribing decisions, and scope of real-world evidence collection.
Interventional procedure plans generated by telemedicine visits in spine patients are rarely changed after in-person evaluation.

Background and objectives The role of telemedicine in the evaluation and treatment of patients with spinal disorders is rapidly expanding, brought on largely by the COVID-19 pandemic. Within this context, the ability of pain specialists to accurately diagnose and plan appropriate interventional spine procedures based entirely on telemedicine visits, without an in-person evaluation, remains to be established. In this study, our primary objective was to assess the relevance of telemedicine to interventional spine procedure planning by determining whether procedure plans established solely from virtual visits changed following in-person evaluation. Methods We reviewed virtual and in-person clinical encounters from our academic health system’s 10 interventional spine specialists. We included patients who were seen exclusively via telemedicine encounters and indicated for an interventional procedure with documented procedural plans. Virtual plans were then compared with the actual procedures performed following in-person evaluation. Demographic data as well as the type and extent of physical examination performed by the interventional spine specialist were also recorded. Results Of the 87 new patients included, the mean age was 60 years (SE 1.4 years) and the preprocedural plan established by telemedicine, primarily videoconferencing, did not change for 76 individuals (87%; 95% CI 0.79 to 0.94) following in-person evaluation. Based on the size of our sample, interventional procedures indicated solely during telemedicine encounters may be accurate in 79%–94% of cases in the broader population. Conclusions Our findings suggest that telemedicine evaluations are a generally accurate means of preprocedural assessment and development of interventional spine procedure plans. These findings clearly demonstrate the capabilities of telemedicine for evaluating spine patients and planning interventional spine procedures.
The Inverse Characteristic Polynomial Problem for Trees

It is known that any real polynomial is attained as the characteristic polynomial of a real combinatorially symmetric matrix, whose graph is either a path or a star. We conjecture that the same is true for any tree (this is so for complex characteristic polynomials and complex matrices). Here, we constructively prove a very large portion of this conjecture by a method that mates the graph of the polynomial with a notion of balance of the tree relative to a choice of root for the tree. Included is the first constructive proof for the case of the path, as well as the case of any tree on fewer than ten vertices. It also includes the known case of polynomials with distinct real roots for any tree (in a new way). This work is motivated by, and lies in contrast to, the considerable study of possible multiplicity lists for the eigenvalues of real symmetric matrices, whose graph is a tree.
Disease Expression and Outcomes in Black and White Adults With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Background There is limited research on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is the most common inherited cardiac disorder, in diverse populations, including Black individuals. Current literatu...
Nuclei isolation from surgically resected human hippocampus.

Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), where nuclear transcriptomes are a proxy to cellular transcriptomes, has been used to profile human brain. snRNA-seq is sensitive to tissue processing, tissue quality, postmortem interval time, and cellular debris. This protocol outlines steps for the isolation of high-quality nuclei from surgically resected human brain tissue followed by a sucrose gradient yielding neuronal and non-neuronal nuclei enabling unbiased analysis of various cell types. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Ayhan et al. (2021).