cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Clinical Presentation in Normal-weight Compared with Overweight Adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents and determine whether a distinct clinical presentation differentiates normalweight (NW) from overweight (OW) PCOS. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients seen in a tertiary care center from 19982008 who met the National Institutes of Health and/or Rotterdam criteria for PCOS (N = 211; NW = 43, OW = 168). We collected data on clinical features, biochemical markers, and ultrasound findings. Results Patient age ranged from 11.3 to 20.3 years (mean, 15.7 ± 1.7 years), and body mass index (BMI) from to 64.2 kg/m2 (mean, 31.7 ± 7.7 kg/m2). Seventy one percent of patients were Caucasian, 85% had irregular menses, 69% reported hirsutism, 18% had moderate to severe acne, 91% had a high free androgen index (FAI), and 8% had abnormal thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) levels. The BMIstandard deviation (SD) score was 0.1 ± 5 in NW and 3.4 ± 1.8 in OW girls. NW girls were older at diagnosis (16.4 ± 1.4 years vs. 15.5 ± 1.7 years; P = .0006) than OW girls, less likely to have a family history of obesity (22% vs. 65%; P Conclusion NW girls are more likely to be older at diagnosis and have polycystic ovaries. Other differences in presentation between groups were attributable to differences in weight. NW PCOS is likely part of a continuous spectrum of clinical PCOS rather than a distinct entity. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:471478)
Gang youth, substance use, and drug normalization

Gang membership is an indicator of chronic substance use. Evidence from North America and Europe indicates that gang youth, in comparison to their non-gang peers, are more likely to report alcohol and illicit drug use (Bendixen, Endresen, & Olweus, 2006; Gatti, Tremblay, Vitaro, & McDuff, 2005; Gordon, et al., 2004; Hall, Thornberry, & Lizotte, 2006; Sharp, Aldridge, & Medina, 2006). Qualitative studies focusing specifically on gang members have also noted high frequencies of lifetime rates of use for a variety of illegal substances (De La Rosa, Rugh, & Rice, 2006; Hagedorn, Torres, & Giglio, 1998; Hunt, Jo-Laidler, & Evans, 2002; Mata et al., 2002; Valdez, Kaplan, & Cepeda, 2006). Gang youth, however, have differential attitudes towards the use of various illegal drugs. Marijuana, for instance, has remained a staple within gang culture, but the use of other drugs has been heavily stigmatized, especially heroin, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine (MacKenzie, Hunt, & Joe-Laidler, 2005; Moore, 1978; Taylor, 1990; Waldorf, 1993). Perspectives with good explanatory power should be flexible enough to elucidate these distinctions regarding illicit substance use patterns and preferences.
Endovenous laser treatment of saphenous vein reflux.

Readily available noninvasive diagnostic tests now allow physicians to accurately map out abnormal venous pathways and identify sources of reflux. In recent years, minimally invasive alternatives to surgical treatment of saphenous vein reflux, the main contributor to most cases of symptomatic varicose veins, have been developed with promising results.(1-8) The latest percutaneous technique developed to treat incompetent saphenous veins is endovenous laser, which allows delivery of laser energy directly into the vein lumen to cause collagen contraction and denudation of endothelium. This stimulates vein-wall thickening with eventual fibrosis of the vein. These modern percutaneous techniques now provide patients with alternatives to ligation and stripping for treatment of significant sources of venous reflux without many of the potential complications associated with surgery.
Can knowledge of germline markers of toxicity optimize dosing and efficacy of cancer therapy

The systemic treatment of cancer with traditional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents and more targeted agents is often complicated by the onset of adverse drug reactions. Pharmacogenetic prediction of adverse drug reactions might have consequences for dosing and efficacy. This review discusses relevant examples where the germline variant–toxicity relationship has been validated as an initial step in developing clinically useful pharmacogenetic markers and provides examples where germline variants have influenced dosing strategies and/or survival or other outcomes of efficacy. This review will also provide insight into the reasons why more pharmacogenetic markers have not been routinely integrated into clinical practice.
Multicast forwarding plane in future networks: Source routing has a competitive edge

Many applications in the current Internet follow the multicast paradigm, not the unicast one that has traditionally ruled the design of TCP/IP. These applications are, therefore, required to construct overlay networks for multicasting, which unfortunately offers too little efficiency to support the immanent emergence of trillions of groups. IP multicast, which is the natural implementation of the multicast paradigm, has not been deployed widely. Though recent years have seen several alternatives, we still have no clear direction for future networks that provide the multicast functionality efficiently. The aim of this paper is to indicate the most promising research direction on the multicast forwarding plane of future networks. Through intensive analysis, we conclude that packet-driven forwarding (source routing) has several advantages over traditional table-driven forwarding including IP multicast.
The use of position-tracking drifters in riverine environments

Small, inexpensive GPS-equipped drifters are described for use in natural rivers and streams. The Lagrangian drifters allow for near-continuous position observations providing estimates of the mean flow field, pathways, and dispersion in natural riverine environments. A discussion of limitations and statistical methods is provided. Twenty river drifters were released in clusters in three different reaches on the Skagit River, WA, USA. The results highlight the ease of use and the broad range of information river drifters afford scientists and engineers.
Reproductive impairment in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata).

The effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as compounds that may disrupt endocrine activity and, consequently, alter reproductive performance were investigated in altricial zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). The breeding performance and breeding cycle of zebra finches differed significantly between nonexposed birds and those experimentally pulse-exposed to Aroclor 1248, a PCB compound (40 μg/bird). Aroclor-exposed birds showed significantly increased numbers of clutches laid, nests constructed per pair, incubation time per pair, and percentage of hatchling mortality compared to controls. Not all reproductive parameters were affected. Those traditionally regarded as indicators of reproductive capacity (number of eggs laid per clutch, number of eggs laid per pair, hatchlings per clutch, and fledglings per clutch) did not differ statistically between exposed and control birds. Findings support the hypothesis that very low PCB doses may be associated with endocrine disruption. It is suggested that evaluation of reproductive parameters related to parental care is more adequate to assess endocrine disruption than is evaluation of reproductive success parameters. Given its short breeding cycle, altricial breeding behavior, and other advantages not possessed by precocial birds, we propose using the zebra finch for evaluations of chemicals with endocrine-disruptive activity.
LEXICON TO DESCRIBE FLAVOR OF FRESH LEAFY VEGETABLES

Trends such as organic farming and breeding to increase nutrition and functional health components have increased interest in understanding the flavor of vegetables, such as leafy greens. The main objective of this study was to select, define and reference a lexicon for describing the flavor of fresh leafy vegetables. A highly trained descriptive sensory panel determined a list of 32 sensory attributes that was able to describe the flavor of the fresh leafy greens studied. This lexicon includes five “green” attributes; mouthfeel characteristics such as pungent, bite, tooth-etch and heat/burn; fundamental tastes including bitter and umami; seven terms that describe unique flavors related to specific vegetables such as cabbage, celery, lettuce, spinach, parsley, beet and radish leaves; and a group of other terms including citrus, piney, woody, water-like, musty/earthy, floral, sulfur, metallic, soapy, petroleum-like and overall sweet. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Understanding the effects that different breeding, growing, harvesting, shipping and storage technologies have on properties of leafy vegetables has increased the need for appropriate evaluation tools. Using this lexicon can guide researchers to a better understanding of differences in flavor among various fresh leafy vegetables and can help in understanding changes in flavors of those vegetables resulting from various alterations in the breeding and production systems. This project provides researchers with specific sensory terminology to track changes in fresh leafy greens instead of using generic terms such as “taste” or “typical flavor.”
Three distinct roles of aquaporin-4 in brain function revealed by knockout mice.

Abstract Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is expressed in astrocytes throughout the central nervous system, particularly at the blood–brain and brain–cerebrospinal fluid barriers. Phenotype analysis of transgenic mice lacking AQP4 has provided compelling evidence for involvement of AQP4 in cerebral water balance, astrocyte migration, and neural signal transduction. AQP4-null mice have reduced brain swelling and improved neurological outcome in models of (cellular) cytotoxic cerebral edema including water intoxication, focal cerebral ischemia, and bacterial meningitis. However, brain swelling and clinical outcome are worse in AQP4-null mice in models of vasogenic (fluid leak) edema including cortical freeze-injury, brain tumor, brain abscess and hydrocephalus, probably due to impaired AQP4-dependent brain water clearance. AQP4 deficiency or knock-down slows astrocyte migration in response to a chemotactic stimulus in vitro, and AQP4 deletion impairs glial scar progression following injury in vivo. AQP4-null mice also manifest reduced sound- and light-evoked potentials, and increased threshold and prolonged duration of induced seizures. Impaired K+ reuptake by astrocytes in AQP4 deficiency may account for the neural signal transduction phenotype. Based on these findings, we propose modulation of AQP4 expression or function as a novel therapeutic strategy for a variety of cerebral disorders including stroke, tumor, infection, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury.
Diffusion tensor imaging with quantitative fibre tracking in HIV infection and alcoholism comorbidity: synergistic white matter damage.

A substantial proportion of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) also abuse alcohol. Given that each condition can disrupt brain structural integrity, with a predilection for white matter, we used MR diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and quantitative fibre tracking to examine the separate and combined effects on the microstructure of the corpus callosum. Subjects were men and women with alcoholism alone (n = 87), HIV infection alone (n = 42), alcoholism and HIV infection comorbidity (n = 52) and non-affected controls (n = 88). The two alcoholism groups had similar lifetime alcohol consumption histories; the two HIV-infected groups had similar CD4+ counts and viral loads; all groups were matched in body mass index, and no participant was demented. Compared with controls, all patient groups had lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher mean diffusivity (MD) in callosal regions and fibre bundles coursing through the genu and splenium, but these effects were only significant in the two groups with alcoholism, which exhibited 0.65–1.2 SD abnormalities in FA and MD. The callosal regions were differentially affected by alcoholism, with the genu more affected than the splenium, a pattern even more pronounced in the fibre tracks. When the HIV-infected groups were divided by disease severity defined as an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining event or low CD4+ counts (<200) and alcoholism comorbidity, the HIV-infected subgroup with AIDS and alcoholism exhibited ∼2 SD FA and MD abnormalities in the callosal sectors and fibres, abnormalities that were more than twice the effect sizes observed in the other three HIV-infected subgroups. Degradation of the callosal microstructure was consistently associated with alcoholism, with evidence for compounded alcoholism-HIV effects. Functional relevance of the microstructural abnormalities was supported by associations between motor deficits and low FA or high MD within the diagnostic groups. The high prevalence of alcoholism in HIV-infected individuals and the interfering effect of alcohol on HIV pharmacological response and therapy compliance underscore the need to recognize the independent and synergistic contributions of each condition to brain structure and function.
Coronary thrombosis and marijuana smoking: a case report and narrative review of the literature.

We encountered evidence of myocardial infarction due to coronary thrombosis in an autopsy of an occasional marijuana smoker. These findings prompted us to perform a narrative review of the literature to determine when post-mortem toxicological tests may support a temporal relationship between marijuana smoking and cardiovascular disease. Toxicological examination showed the presence of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, its main metabolite and cannabinol in blood and urine. Quali-quantitative analysis revealed that Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol was taken within 2 h of the onset of cardiovascular symptoms, according to circumstantial data. Post-mortem toxicological results must take into account the degradation and post-mortem redistribution of analytes. However, for any inference about the specific cardiovascular triggering effect of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol intake, we maintain that cannabinoid analysis in blood samples must be considered an essential requirement to estimate the time of last intake and avoid incomplete documentation. The literature, combined with the present case report, highlights an association between marijuana use and negative cardiovascular events, although few authors have supported their conclusions with toxicological results. Thus, additional research is needed.
SEMILAR: The Semantic Similarity Toolkit

We present in this paper SEMILAR, the SEMantic simILARity toolkit. SEMILAR implements a number of algorithms for assessing the semantic similarity between two texts. It is available as a Java library and as a Java standalone ap-plication offering GUI-based access to the implemented semantic similarity methods. Furthermore, it offers facilities for manual se-mantic similarity annotation by experts through its component SEMILAT (a SEMantic simILarity Annotation Tool).
Greenspan's Conundrum

In the summer of 2005, Alan Greenspan was faced with a conundrum. Despite a background of rising short-term rates, economic strength, and inflationary pressures, long-term rates had not risen at all. If long-term rates remained low, economic activity would likely strengthen and create further inflationary pressures. If some new force were depressing long-term interest rates, however, its removal could spark a disconcertingly sharp increase in rates. Either way, Greenspan would have to get to the bottom of this puzzlement.
Book Review: Human Development: A Cultural Approach by Jeffrey Jensen Arnett (2012), Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, 740 pages, ISBN-13: 978-0-205-59526-6 ISBN-10: 0-205-59526-X, $184.00 (hard cover) (also available in eText)

This edition of Human development: A cultural approach by Jeffrey Jensen Arnett was published by Pearson Education in 2012. The text is designed to introduce the readers to the subject of human dev...
Hidden taxonomic diversity within Chrysoperla plorabunda (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae): two new species based on courtship songs

Two new species and one new combination in the green lacewing genus Chrysoperla are presented, based principally on species-specific features of their substrate-borne, vibrational courtship songs. The three are North American taxa with broad geographical ranges. All were previously considered part of a single species, variously referred to as C. plorabunda (Fitch) (a Nearctic species) or C. carnea (Stephens) (a holarctic species that includes C. plorabunda ). An analysis of morphological characters of the adult body surface, wings, and male and female reproductive anatomy failed to reveal any consistent differences among the species that could be used to identify them, even though some statistically significant differences in wing shape emerged from the study. The new species are C. adamsi and C. johnsoni , with broadly overlapping geographical ranges in western North America. The name C. plorabunda is redefined to include only those individuals with courtship songs corresponding to an eastern North American population. As now restricted, C. plorabunda nonetheless ranges from the east to west coasts of North America and south at least to the Mexican border.
Outcome Analysis of Factors Impacting the Urology Residency Match

Abstract Introduction Match outcome studies allow applicants and counselors to adequately prepare and make informed decisions. We sought to characterize predictors of success in URMP (Urology Residency Match Program) using standard application data. Methods All residency applications received at our department for the 2015 URMP, representing 56% of the national applicant pool, were prospectively entered in an applicant database. Data pertaining to applicant demographics and academic achievement were collected. Nationally published medical school and urology residency rankings were abstracted into tiers. The primary outcome was successful matching into urology and the secondary outcome was quality of the matched residency by ranking. Logistic and linear univariate and multiple regression modeling was performed to detect associations among all independent and outcome variables. Results The final analysis included 244 applicants, of whom 191 (78.3%) successfully matched. On multivariable analysis significant positive predictors included the number of honors grades (p = 0.047, OR 1.4), away subinternships (p = 0.013, OR 1.8) and USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 score (median 245 vs 232, p = 0.024). Negative predictors included noncurrent medical school senior status (p = 0.044, OR 0.24) and lower ranked medical school tier (p = 0.003, OR 0.78). Medical school tier (p Conclusions Based on an institutional sample of the national applicant cohort we identified multiple independent predictors of URMP outcome. This may be useful for applicant counseling in preparation for the match process, although findings may not be applicable to all candidates.
Comparative efficacy of 'specific' potassium citrate therapy versus conservative management in nephrolithiasis of mild to moderate severity

AbstractIt generally is believed that conservative measures of high fluid intake and dietary modification in the setting of a stone clinic could favorably influence the course of renal stone disease. To establish the effect of specific medical treatment from the stone clinic effect, we compared the results of potassium citrate therapy to those of 11 reported conservative or placebo trials. The 54 patients receiving potassium citrate chosen for this comparison had mild to moderately severe stone disease (less than 1 stone per patient per year), similar to that encountered in conservative placebo trials (mean 0.54 stones per patient per year). New stone formation was virtually eliminated by potassium citrate therapy (a decrease from 0.52 to 0.02 stones per patient per year, a remission rate of 96 per cent, p less than 0.001), whereas it continued in 39 per cent of the patients during conservative or placebo trials. However, in patients participating in conservative or placebo trials new stone formation decr...
Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Antagonists

This review highlights recent pharmacological and clinical advances in the understanding of the potential use of serotonin 5-HT2 receptor antagonists as treatments for a number of psychiatric disorders, namely anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.
Calculus of tableaux

There are two fundamental operations on tableaux from which most of their combinatorial properties can be deduced: the Schensted “bumping” algorithm, and the Schutzenberger “sliding” algorithm. When repeated, the first leads to the Robinson–Schensted–Knuth correspondence, and the second to the “jeu de taquin.” They are in fact closely related, and either can be used to define a product on the set of tableaux, making them into an associative monoid. This product is the basis of our approach to the Littlewood–Richardson rule. In Chapter 1 we describe these notions and state some of the main facts about them. The proofs involve relations among words which are associated to tableaux, and are given in the following two chapters. Chapters 4 and 5 have the applications to the Robinson–Schensted–Knuth correspondence and the Littlewood–Richardson rule. See Appendix A for some of the many possible variations on these themes.
A novel semiquantitative assessment of right ventricular systolic function with a modified subcostal echocardiographic view

Objectives The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is a validated measure of right ventricular function; however, the apical echocardiographic window varies and has limitations in intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving mechanical ventilation or those with underlying disease and air entrapment. We aimed to evaluate the subcostal echocardiographic assessment of tricuspid annular kick (SEATAK) as an alternative to TAPSE in critically ill patients. Methods To measure SEATAK, we obtained the subcostal inferior vena cava view and used M-mode to measure excursion of the tricuspid annulus (kick). Analysis was performed with JMP for Bland-Altman and Spearman correlations. Results We evaluated 45 patients, 26 (57.8%) of whom were women, with a mean age of 60.8 years. We were not able to obtain the apical view to measure TAPSE in 8.9% of the patients. In contrast, SEATAK was measured in all patients. The mean SEATAK and TAPSE were 1.62 cm and 1.93 cm, respectively, with a mean pairwise difference of −0.26 cm (95% CI: −0.19 to −0.35), with the SEATAK value being lower than TAPSE. The overall correlation was strong and significant (ρ = .86, P=.03). The graphical correlation was maintained between TAPSE and SEATAK and the degree of RVF. Conclusion In patients presenting with RVF in the ICU (or in situations where the apical echocardiographic view is suboptimal for tricuspid annular assessment), SEATAK can be an alternative to TAPSE. Further research is needed to validate and determine the sensitivity and specificity of SEATAK for RVF prognostication.
Bars to Justice: The Impact of Rape Myths on Women in Prison

This article stems from a National Science Foundation-funded interdisciplinary research project that addresses a major gap in understanding the reporting of sexual victimization in prison and the confluence of factors that contribute to the ineffectiveness of internal laws and policies. As a basis of this work, our cohort of scholars in law, social work, and psychology utilized data and personal narratives from the groundbreaking class action lawsuit, Neal v. MDOC, brought on behalf of over 800 female inmates against the State of Michigan. In this article, we identify the most prevalent rape myths we observed from women who were involved in the Neal lawsuit and other similarly situated female inmates across the country. We focus on the impact of rape myths in contexts where prison staff perpetrate sexual violence against female inmates and in particular, how rape myths span the closed prison system-from reporting to grievance outcomes.We explore how these myths shape notions of the "ideal victim," discuss their specific impact, and explain why they matter. We consider how, by virtue of their incarcerated status, it is impossible for women victimized in prison to meet the "ideal victim" standards, ultimately rendering their attempts at seeking justice futile. We hope that our analysis of rape myths in the prison context will inspire changes in prison law and policy by acknowledging and urging the dismantling of these often unforeseen, implicit, and informal barriers to justice.
Learning-based distributed load forecasting in energy grids

This paper proposes a generic distributed framework for load forecasting, as a pivotal function in energy grids. Energy grids are rapidly evolving towards complex interconnected subnetworks that are potentially operated by different entities with distinct physical constraints, generation capacitance, and load demands. Such subnetworks, nevertheless, are also interconnected through shared sensing, actuating, and controlling modules. The goal of this paper is to exploit such underlying interconnectivity structures among the subnetworks and formalize a mechanism for 1) forming local predictions in the subnetworks based on local stochastic dynamics and historic data, and 2) aggregating the local predictions for reaching network-wide optimal load predictions. The advantages of the proposed framework is supported by simulations in the standard IEEE-14 bus power system.
Estimation of delay variations due to random-dopant fluctuations in nano-scaled CMOS circuits

In nano-scaled CMOS circuits, the random dopant fluctuations cause significant threshold voltage (Vt) variations in transistors. In this paper, we propose a semi-analytical estimation methodology to predict the delay distribution (mean and standard deviation) of logic circuits considering Vt variation in transistors. The proposed method is fast and can be used to predict delay distribution in nano-scaled CMOS technologies both at the circuit and the device design phase.
Evaluating the Effects of Real Power Losses in Optimal Power Flow-Based Storage Integration

This paper proposes a dc optimal power flow (DCOPF) with losses formulation (the $\ell$ -DCOPF + S problem) and uses it to investigate the role of real power losses in OPF-based grid-scale storage integration. We derive the $\ell$ -DCOPF + S problem by augmenting a standard DCOPF with storage (DCOPF + S) model to include quadratic real power loss approximations. This procedure leads to a multiperiod nonconvex quadratically constrained quadratic program, which we prove can be solved to optimality using either a semidefinite or second-order cone relaxation. Our approach has some important benefits over existing models. It is more computationally tractable than ACOPF with storage (ACOPF + S) formulations and the provably exact convex relaxations guarantee that an optimal solution can be attained for a feasible problem. Adding loss approximations to a DCOPF + S model also leads to a more accurate representation of locational marginal prices, which have been shown to be critical in determining optimal storage dispatch and siting in prior ACOPF + S-based studies. Case studies demonstrate the improved accuracy of the $\ell$ -DCOPF + S model over a DCOPF + S model and the computational advantages over an ACOPF + S formulation.
Roles of Streamwise and Transverse Partial-Vorticity Components in Steady Inviscid Isentropic Supercell-Like Flows

AbstractInvestigations of tornadogenesis in supercells attempt to find the origin of the tornado’s large vorticity by determining vorticity generation and amplification along trajectories that enter the tornado from a horizontally uniform unstable environment. Insights into tornadogenesis are provided by finding analytical formulas for vorticity variations along streamlines in idealized, steady, inviscid, isentropic inflows of dry air imported from the environment. The streamlines and vortex lines lie in the stationary isentropic surfaces so the vorticity is 2D. The transverse vorticity component (positive leftward of the streamlines) arises from imported transverse vorticity and from baroclinic vorticity accumulated in streamwise temperature gradients. The streamwise component stems from imported streamwise vorticity, from baroclinic vorticity accrued in transverse temperature gradients, and from positive transverse vorticity that is turned streamwise in cyclonically curved flow by a “river-bend process....
THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPILATIONS AND REVIEWS

The article reviews the significant events in the development of AICPA standards which led to the establishment of two types of CPA engagements on the financial statements of nonpublic businesses—compilations and reviews. As a part of this development, the article describes various CPA-user communication problems which resulted from unaudited financial statement engagements and limited procedure engagements.
The ossified braincase and cephalic osteoderms of Shinisaurus crocodilurus (Squamata, Shinisauridae)

We review the literature and provide a detailed description of the braincase, cephalic osteoderms, and the inner ear cavity of the rare Southeast Asian lizard Shinisaurus crocodilurus. In addition to standard dry skeletal preparations, we used X-ray computed tomography scans of an adult and juvenile specimen to provide novel illustrations and digital animations of its anatomical systems. We provide the first detailed description and illustration of the orbitosphenoids, cephalic osteoderms, and inner ear passages in S. crocodilurus, clarify the presence or absence of previously reported anatomical features of the braincase, and provide preliminary observations on morphological change of the braincase through ontogeny. Orbitosphenoids are present and ossified in S. crocodilurus at a relatively early stage of postnatal development. A fully developed and ossified parasphenoid rostrum is present in our youngest dried specimen, but appears to be reduced or broken in many adult specimens. The osteoderms of adult S. crocodilurus are robust and widely distributed across the dorsal surface of the head, but they do not co-ossify with underlying dermal bones. Osteoderms are absent in our juvenile specimens. Calcified endolymph is present in both adult and juvenile specimens, but is more extensive in the juvenile. Our preliminary observations suggest that ontogenetic change is an important source of variation in S. crocodilurus.
Chronic relapsing pancreatitis; results of surgical treatment.

Various operative procedures have been used in a group of patients with chronic relapsing pancreatitis. The best results were obtained in the patients who had associated biliary-tract disease and pancreatitis, by correction of their biliary-tract disease. For those who then develop recurring attacks, and for those who have no associated biliary-tract disease, several operative procedures are available which have given satisfactory results in a majority of patients. Multiple procedures may be necessary in intractable cases.
Physician Perspectives on Palliative Care for Children with Advanced Heart Disease: A Comparison between Pediatric Cardiology and Palliative Care Physicians

Abstract Background: While the importance of pediatric palliative care (PPC) for children with life-threatening illness is increasingly recognized, little is known about physicians' attitudes toward palliative care for children with heart disease. Objective: To compare the perspectives of PPC physicians and pediatric cardiologists regarding palliative care in pediatric heart disease. Design: Cross-sectional web-based surveys. Results: Responses from 183 pediatric cardiologists were compared to those of 49 PPC physicians (response rates 31% [183/589] and 28% [49/175], respectively). Forty-eight percent of PPC physicians and 63% of pediatric cardiologists agreed that availability of PPC is adequate (p = 0.028). The majority of both groups indicated that PPC consultation occurs “too late.” Compared with pediatric cardiologists, PPC physicians reported greater competence in all areas of advance care planning, communication, and symptom management. PPC physicians more often described obstacles to PPC consultat...
Market efficiency as a revolution in data analysis

Why did random walk models and market efficiency become central to financial economics, when other approaches did not? Attention to the terms of the debate that surrounded efficiency at a formative stage for the discipline reveals an emerging consensus about best practices in assembling data, framed in a mode of argumentation that emphasizes â€œreasonablenessâ€ over other standards. Changes in the scripts, and the broader styles, or â€œmodes,â€ within which arguments in financial economics were couched, I submit, facilitated the rise to dominance of a type of research based on very specific kinds of data, paving the way for markets to be seen as efficient. The relationship between dataâ€ driven knowledge and the systematic ignorance of what the data do not capture reveals the importance of tracing the practical consequences of the rhetoric of economics and invites broader questions about the effects data have on knowledge in other fields.
Invariants for Almost Completely Decomposable Groups

We develop a set of numerical invariants for almost completely decomposable abelian groups. These numbers are near-isomorphism invariants, can be computed for direct sums, and determine other invariants in the literature.
Dip-Sequence Analysis

The three-dimensional geometry of a structure can be determined from the bedding attitudes measured in a single well bore or on a traverse through a structure. The method of dip sequence analysis presented here was developed for the structural analysis of dipmeter logs by Bengtson (1981a) but is equally informative whether the traverse is down a well or along a stream. Major problems with the structural interpretation of dip data are the high stratigraphic noise content and the complexity of the structures to be interpreted. Dip sequence analysis techniques, called Statistical Curvature Analysis Techniques (SCAT or SCAT analysis) by Bengtson (1981a), are particularly good for extracting the structural signal from the noise. Using SCAT it is possible to determine the plunge of folds, the locations of fold axial surfaces, crests, and troughs, to infer the strike and dip directions of faults, and to separate regional fold trends from local fault trends. The power of the technique derives from (1) the noise-reduction strategy of examining the data as dip components in both the strike and dip directions of folding and (2) providing models for the SCAT responses of the geometry to be interpreted.
Experimental energy-loss function, Im [ − 1 ε ( q , ω ) ] , for aluminum

We describe highly accurate (0.2-1%) intensity measurements for the inelastic scattering of 75-keV electrons in \ensuremath{\sim} 1000-\AA{}-thick polycrystalline aluminum films in the region of (0.0-3.1)-${\mathrm{\AA{}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ transferred wave vector and (0-100)-eV energy loss. The work was performed on the Cornell University electron spectrometer-microscope-computer system. These measurements clarify some experimental problems associated with multiple scattering which obscure the single scattering distribution. We present a new method for eliminating the distribution of intensity attributable to multiple scattering involving quasielastic events. This subtraction method is accurate to \ensuremath{\sim}0.01% of the single-bulk-plasmon intensity. Next, we extend an earlier correction method to obtain the single scattering energy-loss function $\mathrm{Im}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}})$ from the residue of the first process, which consists of multiple plasmons and quasiparticle transitions. Details of the specific procedures are included. We point out several features in the result---the bulk-plasmon intensity, dispersion, and width, the quasi-particle continuum, and a simultaneous two-plasmon scattering. The latter is, for the first time, characterized completely as to intensity, dispersion, and energy width. Finally, we present a comparison of the measured bulk-plasmon dispersion with some recent model calculations.
Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells

In all organs in the body, the vasculature is lined by simple, squamous epithelium, properly termed endothelium. However, the endothelia represent an extremely heterogeneous population of cells, and those of each organ, or more appropriately, each specific functional part of an organ, maintain characteristic features that enable the vasculature to perform particular roles at the blood–tissue interface [1, 2]. Regardless of the organ in question, the endothelia in normal tissues maintain a nonthrombogenically lined conduit through which a variety of blood cells and vehicle (plasma) assist in delivering oxygen, nutrients, and maintenance factors to, while removing debris, waste, and breakdown products from the underlying tissue. While the liver sinusoidal endothelium undeniably perform these duties, they possess additional phenotypes with a wide variety of unique capabilities essential to maintaining liver function.
The Dynamics of Partner Violence and Alcohol Use in Couples: Research Methods.

OBJECTIVE This research team uses complexity science to gain a deeper understanding of daily dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV). This report describes research methods for gathering daily information about patterns of partner violence and alcohol use from couples in near-real time, and addresses recruitment and retention, adherence to study protocol, data validity, and participant safety. METHODS Researchers enrolled 20 heterosexual couples with violent relationships from a primary healthcare center. Every day for 8 weeks, participants telephoned an interactive voice response (IVR) system and responded to 33 survey questions assessing violence, alcohol use, and household environment. They also completed baseline and end-of-study surveys. RESULTS Of 20 enrolled couples, 15 completed the study, providing 90% adherence to daily reporting. Participants reported verbal aggression on an average of 11-13 days over 8 weeks, and physical abuse on an average of 2-4 days. Alcohol use was modest and infrequent. Women and men differed in their reports of women's physical aggression. No reports of physical violence were correlated with social desirability. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the feasibility of enrolling and engaging both women and men in daily longitudinal research about partner violence and described advantages of IVR in daily longitudinal research.
Broadening the Productivity Lens in Criminology and Criminal Justice: An Exploratory Study of the Research Contributions of Master’s Degree Program Faculty, 2014–2018

AbstractMuch work by criminology and criminal justice scholars assesses and ranks doctoral programs and faculty based on productivity measured as number of articles, journal prestige, and grantsper...
Central compartment atopic disease: prevalence of allergy and asthma compared with other subtypes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND Central compartment atopic disease (CCAD) is a recently described variant of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) associated with inhalant allergy. An association with asthma was noted to be uncommon within our clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to determine allergy and asthma prevalence in CCAD and other CRSwNP subtypes. METHODS A retrospective analysis at a tertiary care institution was performed over the period from 2015 to 2019. CRSwNP was grouped into the following subtypes: allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS); aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD); CCAD; and CRSwNP not otherwise specified (CRSwNP NOS). Patients with sinonasal polyps and concomitant polypoid disease in the central compartment (CRSwNP/CC) were analyzed as a separate cohort for the purpose of this study. Prevalence of allergy and asthma was compared between groups. RESULTS Three hundred fifty-six patients were included. CRSwNP NOS was the most common subtype (37.1%) and CRSwNP/CC was the least common (3.7%), with other CRS subtypes ranging between 11.5% and 24.2%. Asthma prevalence was highest in AERD (100%) and CRSwNP NOS (37.1%), but substantially lower in AFRS (19.0%) and CCAD (17.1%). Asthma was significantly more common in AERD and CRSwNP NOS when compared with CCAD (p < 0.001 and p = 0.039, respectively). Prevalence of allergy was significantly higher in AFRS (100%), CCAD (97.6%), CRSwNP/CC (84.6%), and AERD (82.6%) when compared with CRSwNP NOS (56.1%) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION CCAD represents a clinically distinct phenotype of CRSwNP with a high prevalence of allergy and low prevalence of asthma. Patients with both CCAD and diffuse sinonasal polyps had an allergy prevalence approaching that of CCAD and an asthma prevalence approaching CRSwNP NOS.
Specular Reflection FTIR: A Non-Contact Method for Analyzing Coatings on Photographs and Other Cultural Materials

Cultural heritage objects present a special set of challenges to analyze chemically. Often micro-sampling or even contacting the object is not appropriate or deemed too risky for fragile surfaces. ...
DC Impedance Model of MMC Considering Capacitor Voltage and Circulating Current Dynamics

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) is regarded as a competitive choice for future dc grids at high and medium voltage levels. To study the dc grid stability, a few MMC dc impedance models have been proposed, but their accuracy is limited by the assumption of ideal submodule voltage or neglecting the circulating current control. In this paper, a more accurate MMC dc impedance model is developed considering both the submodule capacitor voltage and circulating current dynamics. Simulation and experiment results indicate that the developed model matches with the actual MMC better than state-of-art models and can predict the dc system stability correctly.
Chapter 1 – ELEMENTS OF STOCHASTIC PROCESSES

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the basic elementary notions and terminology of probability theory.The chapter discusses joint distribution functions, and reviews the marginal distribution function. The conditional distributions and densities, and infinite families of random variables are also reviewed. The relation between distribution functions and characteristic functions is one-to-one. The equation which expresses the distribution function in terms of its characteristic function is known as Levy's inversion formula. The one-to-one correspondence between distribution functions and their characteristic functions is also preserved by various limiting processes. Many of the basic results of probability theory are in the form of limit theorems. The Borel-Cantelli lemma is discussed in the chapter. The theory of stochastic processes is concerned with the investigation of the structure of families of random variables Xt, where t is a parameter running over a suitable index set T. The values of the Xt, may be one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or n-dimensional, or even more general.
Neither mad nor bad? The classification of antisocial personality disorder among formerly incarcerated adults

Using the National Comorbidity Survey, this study explores the presence and symptoms of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) among people with varying degrees of contact with the criminal justice system. The study finds an elevated prevalence of ASPD among formerly incarcerated persons, but also that ASPD is not a simple linear function of actual or potential contact with the criminal justice system. For example, among people who have been arrested the prevalence of ASPD is not much greater than among those who committed a crime but were never arrested. Furthermore, the difference in prevalence between those who were incarcerated and those who were arrested but not incarcerated is small. Moreover, the prevalence is highly sensitive to the elimination of one particular symptom among seven: failure to conform to social norms, as indicated by having been arrested. Eliminating this single symptom reduces the prevalence of ASPD by more than 50%, even among formerly incarcerated persons. Additional analyses reveal that, among formerly incarcerated persons who meet the diagnostic threshold for ASPD, their set of symptoms is perhaps driven more by their circumstance than their personality. For example, while formerly incarcerated persons frequently report failing to fulfill their promises, fewer than one in ten report a lack of remorse for having mistreated others. These findings suggest the need to further contextualize ASPD symptomatology, particularly among populations with frequent contact with the criminal justice system.
OncoFreeze in18F-FDG PET/CT image reconstructions result in statistical uptake parameter deviation from non-OncoFreeze reconstructions lung lesions

3071 Objectives: During Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, respiratory motion in the lungs can occur and cause lesions to appear blurred. The blurring of a lesion in PET imaging may influence the Standard Uptake Value (SUV) measurement and it could be reduced. With the recent installation of Siemens Biograph Vision and software updates we now have the capability to assess for respiratory motion. Using OncoFreeze, reconstruction software, we were able to apply a reconstruction algorithm to synchronize breathing with respiratory motion to reduce blur. The objective of this study is to evaluate the SUVmax of lung lesions and assess the potential difference in the values between OncoFreeze and non-OncoFreeze reconstructions. Methods: Forty-five 18F-FDG patients with active lung lesions were analyzed utilizing a within-subject design. Of the 45 studies evaluated, 78 different lung lesions were seen. The lesions were evaluated by drawing a volume of interest around the site. Each lesion’s exact positioning was classified under three categories, right or left, anterior or posterior, and segmentation of the lung. Segmentations were noted as upper, middle, or lower zones. The liver served as a baseline utilizing a mean Region of Interest (ROI). The SUVmax of each lesion were recorded using OncoFreeze and non-OncoFreeze reconstruction parameters. These values were statistically analyzed using a paired two sample t-test. Results were considered significant with the p-value less than .05. Results: OncoFreeze reconstructions demonstrated significantly higher SUVmax when compared to non-OncoFreeze values. The paired two-tailed t-test results showed a statistically significant difference between OncoFreeze and non-OncoFreeze images with a p-value of 2.9x10-10. The baseline liver ROImean was correlated with a higher value in non-OncoFreeze images. The statistical analysis of the data can be located in table 1.0. Conclusions: OncoFreeze lung lesion SUVmax were statistically significantly greater compared to non-OncoFreeze reconstructions. It should be noted that the smaller the lung lesion, the greater impact OncoFreeze reconstruction had on the SUVmax. Lung lesions less than 1 cm3 showed 30% average increased SUVmax. However, in larger regions, there was no significant difference between the values. The most notable increased values were in the middle zone lung lesions. One area of concern is the liver ROImean being slightly lower by 1.66% in OncoFreeze images warranting further research. Further implications of the study could suggest that OncoFreeze reconstructions could help provide a more accurate staging of lung cancers through PET/CT 18F-FDG images.