cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting Microbursts in the Northeastern U.S. Using Lightning Flash Rates and Simple Radar Parameters

Convective storms that produce microburst winds are difficult to predict because the strong surface winds arise in a short time period. Previous research suggests that timing and patterns in cloud height, echo top height, vertical integrated liquid (VIL), intracloud (IC) lightning, and cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning may identify and predict microbursts. Eleven quasi-cellular microburst cases and eight non-microburst severe wind cases were identified from New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey between 2012 and 2016. Total lightning data (IC + CG) were obtained from Vaisala’s National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), and radar parameters were obtained from the Thunderstorm Identification Tracking Analysis and Nowcasting (TITAN) software. Values of VIL, echo top height, and cloud height were tracked through time along with total lightning strikes within a 15 km radius of the storm center. These parameters were plotted with respect to their mean and standard deviation for the 45 minutes leading up to event occurrence. Six of eleven cases featured peaks in total and IC lightning within 25 minutes prior to the microburst. These were the only variables among those examined to peak more than half the time for either the microburst cases or the null cases. The results suggest that microbursts behave somewhat differently than severe wind events, particularly in terms of lightning and VIL timing. The results dispute previous research that suggests that microbursts are highly predictable by the behavior of lightning and radar parameters.
Contribution of YjbIH to Virulence Factor Expression and Host Colonization in Staphylococcus aureus

To persist within the host and cause disease, Staphylococcus aureus relies on its ability to precisely fine-tune virulence factor expression in response to rapidly changing environments. During an unbiased transposon mutant screen, we observed that disruption of a two-gene operon, yjbIH, resulted in decreased levels of pigmentation and aureolysin (Aur) activity relative to the wild-type strain. Further analyses revealed that YjbH, a predicted thioredoxin-like oxidoreductase, is predominantly responsible for the observed yjbIH mutant phenotypes, though a minor role exists for the putative truncated hemoglobin YjbI. These differences were due to significantly decreased expression of crtOPQMN and aur Previous studies found that YjbH targets the disulfide- and oxidative stress-responsive regulator Spx for degradation by ClpXP. The absence of yjbH or yjbI resulted in altered sensitivities to nitrosative and oxidative stress and iron deprivation. Additionally, aconitase activity was altered in the yjbH and yjbI mutant strains. Decreased levels of pigmentation and aureolysin (Aur) activity in the yjbH mutant were found to be Spx dependent. Lastly, we used a murine sepsis model to determine the effect of the yjbIH deletion on pathogenesis and found that the mutant was better able to colonize the kidneys and spleens during an acute infection than the wild-type strain. These studies identified changes in pigmentation and protease activity in response to YjbIH and are the first to have shown a role for these proteins during infection.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease increases risk of incident advanced chronic kidney disease: a propensity-matched cohort study.

Background As the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) escalates, understanding its potential impact on the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is needed. Objective To determine the longitudinal association of NAFLD with the development of advanced CKD in the United States. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of the Truven Health MarketScan Database (2006-2015) was conducted. We used Cox proportional hazards models to compare the risk of developing CKD stages 3-5 in patients with NAFLD versus non-NAFLD, identified by ICD-9 codes, after 1:3 propensity score (PS) matching. Results In a cohort of 262 619 newly diagnosed patients with NAFLD and 769 878 PS (1:3)-matched non-NAFLD patients, we identified 5766 and 8655 new advanced (stage 3-5) CKD cases, respectively. The crude CKD incidence rate was 8.2 and 5.5 per 1000 person-years in NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups, respectively. In multivariable Cox model, patients with NAFLD had a 41% increased risk of developing advanced CKD compared with non-NAFLD patients [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.36-1.46]. In the sensitivity analysis adjusting for time-varying covariates after NAFLD diagnosis, NAFLD persisted as a significant CKD risk factor (aHR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.52-1.66) and the association remained significant when stratified by age, gender and pre-existing comorbidities. The risk of CKD increased in NAFLD with compensated cirrhosis (aHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.36-1.59) and decompensated cirrhosis (aHR, 2.28; 95% CI, 2.12-2.46). Conclusion Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was independently associated with an increased risk of advanced CKD development suggesting renal function screening and regular monitoring are needed in this population.
Negotiating Discourses of Curriculum and Time: Tensions of Humanizing and Dehumanizing Discourses in an Urban Elementary School

Humanizing pedagogies present a promising framework for contesting dehumanizing practices all too common in U.S. urban schools. To co-construct such pedagogies, however, teachers and students must ...
Some Observations Regarding Geocomputational Teaching through Interdisciplinary Teams

Geocomputation is an inherently interdisciplinary topic, combining both geospatial information science (GISc) and computer science (CS). It could be taught by individuals with strong backgrounds in both areas, but it is argued that such individuals are rare and academia is poorly positioned to produce a future generation of such dual-skilled individuals. Interdisciplinary team teaching is presented as an alternative. Hurdles to developing such team-taught classes are identified, and possible ways to overcome them are presented. Finally, a way of restructuring academia to be more supportive of such interdisciplinary team projects is presented.
A new cast shadow detection method for traffic surveillance video analysis using color and statistical modeling

Abstract In traffic surveillance video analysis systems, the cast shadows of vehicles often have a negative effect on video analysis results. A novel cast shadow detection framework, which consists of a new foreground detection method and a cast shadow detection method, is presented in this paper to detect and remove the cast shadows from the foreground. The new foreground detection method applies an innovative Global Foreground Modeling (GFM) method, a Gaussian mixture model or GMM, and the Bayes classifier for foreground and background classification. While the GFM method is for global foreground modeling, the GMM is for local background modeling, and the Bayes classifier applies both the foreground and the background models for foreground detection. The rationale of the GFM method stems from the observation that the foreground objects often appear in recent frames and their trajectories often lead them to different locations in these frames. As a result, the statistical models used to characterize the foreground objects should not be pixel based or locally defined. The cast shadow detection method contains four hierarchical steps. First, a set of new chromatic criteria is presented to detect the candidate shadow pixels in the HSV color space. Second, a new shadow region detection method is proposed to cluster the candidate shadow pixels into shadow regions. Third, a statistical shadow model, which uses a single Gaussian distribution to model the shadow class, is presented for classifying shadow pixels. Fourth, an aggregated shadow detection method is presented for final shadow detection. Experiments using the public video data ‘Highway-1’ and ‘Highway-3’, and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) real traffic video sequences show the feasibility of the proposed method. In particular, the proposed method achieves better shadow detection performance than the popular shadow detection methods, and is able to improve the traffic video analysis results.
Measuring Market Power in Presence of Investment in New Technologies

This paper analyzes how market power can be measured in an industry characterized by significant technological progress. Using a Cournot’s oligopolistic framework with exogenous innovation and costly investment in new technology, It shows that the Lerner index and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) overestimate firms’ market power. It thus proposed new versions of these measures that accounts for investment in new technologies. The theoretical prediction is supported by an empirical evidence from the mobile telecommunications industry showing that investment in a new technology is positively correlated with the Lerner index and the HHI prior to innovation. The application of the new versions of the Lerner index and the HHI shows that they performs better in capturing a change in the market power.
The Impact of Due Process and Disruptions on Emergency Medicine Education in the United States.

Author(s): Alvarez, Al'ai; Messman, Anne; Platt, Melissa; Healy, Megan; Josephson, Elaine B.; London, Shawn; Char, Douglas | Abstract: Introduction: Academic Emergency Medicine (EM) departments are not immune to natural disasters, economic or political forces that disrupt a training program’s operations and educational mission. Due process concerns are closely intertwined with the challenges that program disruption brings. Due process is a protection whereby an individual will not lose rights without access to a fair procedural process. Effects of natural disasters similarly create disruptions in the physical structure of training programs that at times have led to the displacement of faculty and trainees. Variation exists in the implementation of transitions amongst training sites across the country, and its impact on residency programs, faculty, residents and medical students.Methods: We reviewed the available literature regarding due process in emergency medicine. We also reviewed recent examples of training programs that underwent disruptions. We used this data to create a set of best practices regarding the handling of disruptions and due process in academic EM.Results: Despite recommendations from organized medicine, there is currently no standard to protect due process rights for faculty in emergency medicine training programs. Especially at times of disruption, the due process rights of the faculty become relevant, as the multiple parties involved in a transition work together to protect the best interests of the faculty, program, residents and students. Amongst training sites across the country, there exist variations in the scope and impact of due process on residency programs, faculty, residents and medical students.Conclusion: We report on the current climate of due process for training programs, individual faculty, residents and medical students that may be affected by disruptions in management. We outline recommendations that hospitals, training programs, institutions and academic societies can implement to enhance due process and ensure the educational mission of a residency program is given due consideration during times of transition.
Well-posedness of the two-dimensional Abels-Garcke-Gr\"un model for two-phase flows with unmatched densities

We study the Abels-Garcke-Grun (AGG) model for a mixture of two viscous incompressible fluids with different densities. The AGG model consists of a Navier-Stokes-Cahn-Hilliard system characterized by a (non-constant) concentration-dependent density and an additional flux term due to interface diffusion. In this paper we address the well-posedness problem in the two-dimensional case. We first prove the existence of local strong solutions in general bounded domains. In the space periodic setting we show that the strong solutions exist globally in time. In both cases we prove the uniqueness and the continuous dependence on the initial data of the strong solutions.
Eating behavior disinhibition predicts insulin resistance in the Old Order Amish.

Background Eating behavior is influenced by genetics and environment, and is associated with many obesity related conditions. Objective We assessed the relationship between self-reported disinhibition scores and insulin resistance assessed during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Design The study included 779 volunteers from the Amish Family Diabetes Study; 77 with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, 133 with Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) and 569 with Normal Glucose Tolerance (NGT). All patients with IGT and NGT completed oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), and had insulin levels measured during the OGTT. Volunteers completed the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire to quantify self-perceived disinhibition. Conclusions Higher disinhibition scores are associated with higher fasting insulin levels and insulin area under the curve during an OGTT. These results suggest a highly significant, positive correlation between the eating behavior disinhibition and insulin insensitivity. Treatments aimed at modifying eating behavior may be helpful in mitigating insulin resistance.
A cross-sectional examination of caregiver mental health and childhood cancer survivors' tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use.

As childhood cancer survivors (CCS) age, they face numerous long-term consequences, or late effects, from their cancer treatments. Late effects may be mitigated by health-promoting behaviors, including the avoidance of substance use. CCS with greater depression symptomology have reported greater substance use, but whether their habits are associated with the mental health of their caregivers is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine caregiver psychosocial correlates of CCS substance use. This study utilizes data from the Project Forward pilot study, which collected data from 129 CCS-caregiver dyads (CCS mean age = 19.43, SD = 2.78; years since diagnosis = 7.62, SD = 2.06) from two large hospitals in Los Angeles County. CCS provided self-reported information on substance use, while caregivers self-reported on posttraumatic stress symptomatology (PTSS) associated with their child’s cancer and current depressive symptoms. Among CCS, prior 30-day tobacco, marijuana, binge drinking, and polysubstance use were 12.50%, 14.17%, 13.18%, and 12.40%. In multivariable logistic regression models, caregiver PTSS was independently positively associated with CCS tobacco use. No other significant relationships between caregiver mental health (PTSS or depressive symptoms) and CCS substance use were observed. These findings suggest that caregiver PTSS is partially associated with CCS behavioral health. Survivorship care may improve tobacco use prevention efforts by incorporating family or caregiver mental health needs. Future research should examine the potential mediating effect of CCS mental health, including depressive symptoms, on this relationship.
Overdose and Alcohol Sensitive Immediate Release System (OASIS) for Deterring Accidental Overdose or Abuse of Drugs

Death from an accidental or intentional overdose of sleeping tablets has increased exponentially in the USA. Furthermore, the simultaneous consumption of sleeping tablets with alcoholic beverages not only intensifies the effect of sleeping tablets but also leads to blackouts, sleepwalking, and death in many cases. In this article, we proposed a unique and innovative technology to prevent multi-tablet and alcohol-associated abuse of sleeping tablet. Agonist- and antagonist-loaded polymeric filaments of appropriate Eudragit® polymers were prepared using hot melt extrusion. Metoprolol tartrate and hydrochlorothiazide were used as model drugs in place of zolpidem tartrate (agonist-BCS class I) and flumazenil (antagonist-BCS class IV), respectively. Crushed filaments were converted into a tablet with a novel rapidly soluble co-processed alkalizing agent. Dissolution studies of single tablet and multiple tablets (5) in fasted state simulated gastric fluid (FaSSGF) confirmed that the release of the agonist was significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced in multi-tablet dissolution. Furthermore, the release of antagonist was significantly higher when tablet was exposed to FaSSGF+20% ethanol and various alcoholic beverages. Thus, appropriate use of Eudragit® polymer’s chemistry could help design a tablet to prevent the release of agonist in case of overdose and simultaneous release of antagonist when consumed with alcohol.
Brett Malcolm Grainger, Church in the Wild: Evangelicals in Antebellum America

Brett Malcolm Grainger, Church in the Wild: Evangelicals in Antebellum America (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2019), 280 pp., $45 (hbk).
Syntactic complexity in L2 writing: Progress and expansion

Abstract In this commentary to the Special Issue, I first identify four themes that arise from the contributions that each study makes to the study of syntactic complexity in L2 writing. I then explore several other themes that stem from the collective findings from the five studies and which connect with the general landscape of the research domain. Two questions guide the domain. One question is substantive: What do we know about how syntactic complexity grows, and what factors affect this growth? The other question is methodological: How can one best measure syntactic complexity? Both, of course, are interrelated. An overarching conclusion is that much progress has been made in what is already known, substantively and methodologically. An emerging insight is that we can look forward to several areas of expansion that are imminent in the domain.
Treating the Transgender Homeless Population: Experiences During Residency Training

Trainees in psychiatry receive little or no training in the specific mental health needs of transgender persons, even though they constitute a significant number in our population. According to estimates by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation in 2007, 0.25–1% of the U.S. population is transgender. Transgender individuals are especially vulnerable to rejection by loved ones and domestic violence. They are often ostracized by society, and a significant number of transgender persons become homeless. One in five transgender persons are at risk of needing homeless shelter services. This is one article in a series in this issue of the Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health documenting the proceedings from the workshop “The Psychiatric Needs of the Transgender Homeless Population” at the 2009 American Psychiatric Association's Institute on Psychiatric Services Conference in New York City. In this article, we will present three cases seen by psychiatry residents during their community psychiatry rotation in a wo...
Serious Games Get Smart: Intelligent Game-Based Learning Environments

Intelligent game-based learning environments integrate commercial game technologies with AI methods from intelligent tutoring systems and intelligent narrative technologies. This article introduces the CRYSTAL ISLAND intelligent game-based learning environment, which has been under development in the authors’ laboratory for the past seven years. After presenting CRYSTAL ISLAND, the principal technical problems of intelligent game-based learning environments are discussed: narrative-centered tutorial planning, student affect recognition, student knowledge modeling, and student goal recognition. Solutions to these problems are illustrated with research conducted with the CRYSTAL ISLAND learning environment.
New approaches to making the microenvironment of the female reproductive tract hostile to HIV.

Free to read The studies presented in this review explore three distinct areas with potential for inhibiting HIV infection in women. Based on emerging information from the physiology, endocrinology and immunology of the female reproductive tract (FRT), we propose unique 'works in progress' for protecting women from HIV. Various aspects of FRT immunity are suppressed by estradiol during the menstrual cycle, making women more susceptible to HIV infection. By engineering commensal Lactobacillus to secrete the anti-HIV molecule Elafin as estradiol levels increase, women could be protected from HIV infection. Selective estrogen response modifiers enhance barrier integrity and enhance secretion of protective anti-HIV molecules. Finally, understanding the interactions and regulation of FRT endogenous antimicrobials, proteases, antiproteases, etc., all of which are under hormonal control, will open new avenues to therapeutic manipulation of the FRT mucosal microenvironment. By seeking new alternatives to preventing HIV infection in women, we may finally disrupt the HIV pandemic.
Thermal Guiding in Microchip Lasers

The oscillating mode in cw microchip lasers is a thermally guided mode. In Nd:YAG microchip lasers the diameter of the oscillating mode is typically much larger than the pump diameter, resulting in a low-divergence, TEM00 beam which is insensitive to the transverse quality of the pump beam.
Input shaping filter methods for the control of structurally flexible, long-reach manipulators

Within the Environmental Restoration and Waste Management Program of the US Department of Energy, the remediation of single-shell radioactive waste storage tanks is one of the areas that challenges state-of-the-art equipment and methods. Concepts that utilize long-reach manipulators are being seriously considered for this task. Due to high payload capacity and high length-to-cross-section ratio requirements, these long-reach manipulator systems are expected to exhibit significant structural flexibility. To avoid structural vibrations during operation, various types of shaping filter methods have been investigated. A robust notch filtering method and an impulse shaping method were used as simulation benchmarks. In addition to that, two very different approaches have been developed and compared. One new approach, referred to as a "feedforward simulation filter", uses imbedded simulation with complete knowledge of the system dynamics. The other approach, "fuzzy shaping method", employs a fuzzy logic method to modify the joint trajectory from the desired end-position trajectory without precise knowledge of the system dynamics. >
Optimal control of elastic joints with variable damping

Viscoelastic joints with adjustable physical impedance have recently become very popular in robotics research. Making use of the energy stored in elastic elements and changing simultaneously their elastic properties, performance of these joints are shown to be substantially increased compared to their rigid counterparts of the same size. After our recent results on how to optimally alter a joint's elastic property to maximize its energy, we focus in this paper on elastic joints with controllable damping. In particular, we show the existence of optimal switching patterns, which follow a physical rule in terms of the obtained potential and kinetic energy similar to joints with adjustable elasticity. This insight complements our existing results and contributes to further understanding of elastic robot control.
Evaluation of methods accounting for population structure with pedigree data and continuous outcomes.

Methods to account for population structure (PS) in genome-wide association studies have been well developed in samples of unrelated individuals, but when a sample is composed of families, the task of finding and accounting for PS is not as straight forward. Family-based tests that condition on parental genotypes or their sufficient statistics are immune to biases due to PS, but are known to have low power, particularly for unselected samples. Population-based approaches that use all available data are an attractive alternative, but the methods have not been evaluated for continuous outcomes when a sample has both family and PS. Therefore, we compare through simulation the performance of population-based regression models that account for family and PS with continuous outcomes using a range of family sizes and structures, including two and three generational families with admixed and discrete PS. We find that when computation time is a concern, the Dupuis et al. efficient score test performs very well. When computational time is not an issue, a linear mixed effects model adjusting for genetic principal components tends to have slightly better power than the score test and may be preferred. Genet. Epidemiol. 35:427–436, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Efficient anomaly detection in dynamic, attributed graphs: Emerging phenomena and big data

When working with large-scale network data, the interconnected entities often have additional descriptive information. This additional metadata may provide insight that can be exploited for detection of anomalous events. In this paper, we use a generalized linear model for random attributed graphs to model connection probabilities using vertex metadata. For a class of such models, we show that an approximation to the exact model yields an exploitable structure in the edge probabilities, allowing for efficient scaling of a spectral framework for anomaly detection through analysis of graph residuals, and a fast and simple procedure for estimating the model parameters. In simulation, we demonstrate that taking into account both attributes and dynamics in this analysis has a much more significant impact on the detection of an emerging anomaly than accounting for either dynamics or attributes alone. We also present an analysis of a large, dynamic citation graph, demonstrating that taking additional document metadata into account emphasizes parts of the graph that would not be considered significant otherwise.
Pitfalls in portfolio planning

Abstract This paper presents an analysis and comparison of the Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey & Co., and Arthur D. Little portfolio models and a discussion of the theoretical and operational problems with the general portfolio construct. The models seem to share the goal of optimizing the firm's financial performance and the same fundamental assumptions. The strategies suggested by each model will not always be the same because of differences in the structure of the three models. Also strategic analysis of each unit is necessary to avoid the pitfalls caused by the theoretical and operational problems with the portfolio construct.
Prevalence of substance use by pharmacists and other health professionals.

ABSTRACT Objectives To assess substance use, misuse, and abuse rates across a representative sample of dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and physicians; compare these rates to available general population data; and determine whether pharmacists report disproportionate unauthorized or illicit substance use. Design Cross-sectional, descriptive self-report survey. Setting A small northeastern state. Participants Stratified random sample of dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and physicians. Interventions Mailed 7-page survey. Main Outcome Measures Demographic characteristics; lifetime, past-year, and month prevalence of substance use; frequency of use; drug-related dysfunctions; drug misuse; and abuse potential. Results Six contacts with participants in the summer 2002 resulted in a 68.7% response rate. More than one half (58.7%) of pharmacists reported using a nonprescribed drug at least once in their lifetime. Though total illicit drug use rates by pharmacists were not noticeably different from those of other health professional (HP) groups, a greater proportion of pharmacists reported lifetime use of minor opiates, anxiolytics, and stimulants. Past-year prevalence of drug use was highest among pharmacists (12.8%). Except for anxiolytics, past-year prevalence of use of most other medications by pharmacists was slightly greater than prevalence of use rates reported by physicians and more prevalent than use rates reported in the general population. As with the other HP groups, pharmacists reported low levels of substance-associated dysfunctions and potential abuse. Conclusion The findings suggest that lifetime nonprescribed drug use by pharmacists does not appear to be disproportionate when compared with other groups of HPs. Specific drug use rates varied across HP groups, possibly suggesting medication access facilitates drug-associated experiences by HPs. Consequently, unauthorized or illicit substance use by HPs, including pharmacists, suggests the need for more intensive educational programs on practitioner impairment.
Identification of primary amines in Titan tholins using microchip nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis

Abstract Titan, the moon of Saturn with a thick atmosphere and an active hydrocarbon-based weather cycle, is considered the best target in the solar system for the study of organic chemistry on a planetary scale. Microfluidic devices that employ liquid phase techniques such as capillary electrophoresis with ultrasensitive laser-induced fluorescence detection offer a unique solution for in situ analysis of complex organics on Titan. We previously reported a protocol for nonaqueous microfluidic analysis of primary aliphatic amines in ethanol, and demonstrated separations of short- and long-chain amines down to −20 °C. We have optimized this protocol further, and used it to analyze Titan aerosol analogues (tholins) generated in two separate laboratories under a variety of different conditions. Ethylamine was a major product in all samples, though significant differences in amine content were observed, in particular for long-chain amines (C12–C27). This work validates microfluidic chemical analysis of complex organics with relevance to Titan, and represents a significant first step in understanding tholin composition via targeted functional group analysis.
Interaction between overdrive excitation and overdrive suppression in canine Purkinje fibres.

The interaction between overdrive excitation and overdrive suppression was studied in canine Purkinje fibres perfused in vitro with a solution containing noradrenaline (10−6 mol·litre−1) and/or high calcium (8.1 mmol·litre−1). The following results were obtained: 1) in the presence of either high calcium or noradrenaline, a fast drive induced at times an acceleration of the spontaneous rhythm; 2) the simultaneous administration of high calcium and noradrenaline quite often allowed the onset of overdrive excitation that showed different patterns; 3) short (5 to 10 s) and fast (60 to 180 min) drives elicited a rhythm that was fastest immediately after overdrive, gradually slowed toward control and could be followed by suppression; 4) in other instances, overdrive caused little acceleration but failed to induce suppression; 5) drives longer than 15 s usually induced only suppression, although there could be a few beats before suppression; 6) intermittent drive led to an initial excitation and then to suppression; 7) driving at a rate slower than the spontaneous rate caused a temporary suppression of the spontaneous discharge which resumed even if the slow drive continued; 8) excitation was not induced by overdriving in low calcium, even in the presence of noradrenaline. It is concluded that many of the in vivo features of overdrive excitation can be reproduced in vitro in small strands of Purkinje fibres. The relationship between overdrive excitation and overdrive suppression involves the opposing actions of drive on the oscillatory potential and on diastolic depolarisation.
Estimation of average flow in ungated 3D phase contrast angiograms

Three dimensional (3D) phase contrast angiograms contain velocity data, which is discarded after the reconstruction of the projections. In extension to earlier work on velocity quantification with ungated 2D phase data, this paper shows that a useful estimate of the average velocity and flow rate can be extracted from ungated 3D phase contrast angiograms. Simulations and experiments in a phantom and in vivo were performed. For pulsatile flow and strong spin saturation, an over-estimation of the flow rate at the net in-flow end of the imaging volume and underestimation at the net out-flow end was observed. Imaging at lower RF tip angles yielded flow rates close to the correct value within the entire imaging volume. In contrast to ungated 2D experiments, the flow rates determined by repeated 3D experiments showed no variation.
Stress fractures in ballet dancers

We surveyed 54 female dancers in two professional ballet companies. A total of 27 fractures were reported in 17 dancers. Metatarsal fractures were the most common (63%), followed by fractures of the tibia (22%) and spine (7%). Dancers who danced greater than 5 hours per day were significantly more likely to have a stress fracture than those dancing less than 5 hours per day. Dancers in the stress fracture group also had a significantly longer duration of amenorrhea than those in the group with no stress fractures. No significant difference was found between the dancers who had stress fractures and those who did not with regard to any of the other variables examined. These data suggest that prolonged amenorrheic intervals and heavy training schedules may predispose ballet dancers to stress fractures. Of the 17 dancers with stress fractures, only 1 had neither of these risk factors.
Aspirin for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death of women in the United States, focuses on treating or eliminating risk factors and often includes the use of aspirin to prevent thrombotic complications of atherosclerosis or atrial fibrillation. Recent evidence reveals sex-based differences in the benefits of aspirin in individuals without established cardiovascular disease. Although use of aspirin does not affect total mortality in either sex, aspirin lowers the risk of ischemic stroke in women and decreases the risk of myocardial infarction in men. Unfortunately, the use of aspirin comes at the expense of an increase in bleeding events, mostly gastrointestinal, that occurs at roughly similar rates in women and men. Aspirin may not be beneficial for primary prevention of cardiovascular events in women with diabetes. The benefits, as well as the risks, of aspirin therapy should be discussed when contemplating the use of aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in women.
Investigation of anisotropic molecular orientational distributions of liquid-crystal monolayers by optical second-harmonic generation.

We show that optical second-harmonic generation can be used to determine the anisotropic orientational distribution of a surface monolayer of molecules. The technique applied to liquid-crystal monolayers on rubbed and unrubbed substrates indicates that two different surface-originated mechanisms are effective in aligning a liquid-crystal film: One is based on molecular interaction and the other on elastic interaction.
Risk factors for acquisition of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii among cancer patients

Background Data regarding multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii infections among cancer patients are limited. Methods We conducted a case-control study to investigate the risk factors for acquisition of MDR A baumannii and the outcomes among cancer patients. Cases were inpatients with malignancy who had MDR A baumannii from any cultures between 2008 and 2011. Controls were inpatients with malignancy but no MDR A baumannii . Results A total of 31 case patients were matched with 62 control patients. Hematologic malignancy ( P = .036), need for dialysis ( P = .01), admission for other reasons except elective surgery ( P = .03), transfer from other health care facilities ( P = .02), prolonged intensive care unit stay ( P = .004), mechanical ventilation ( P P = .001), tube feeding ( P P = .009), and prior antimicrobial use ( P P = .04) and prolonged intensive care unit stay (OR, 19.28; P = .01) remained significant in multivariate analysis. Lengths of stay were 28 days for the case patients and 10 days for the control patients ( P = .001). The 90-day mortality rates were 41.9% and 29.0%, respectively ( P = .20). Conclusions Acquisition of MDR A baumannii among cancer patients appears to be associated with general nosocomial infection risk factors rather than underlying malignancies.
Diapause of the southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella: Further evidence showing juvenile hormone to be the regulator

Abstract Further evidence is presented to demonstrate the involvement of juvenile hormone (JH) in regulating diapause in the final larval stage of the southwestern corn borer. Diatraea grandiosella. JH titres in the haemolymph were measured throughout the entire diapause period. Additional results showed that actively secreting corpora allata are necessary to maintain diapause because allatectomized larvae terminated diapause prematurely. A topical application of JH mimic 2 days after the allatectomy prevented this premature termination of diapause. Intact nervous connections between the brain and the corpora allata were necessary for the maintenance of JH secretion. Other surgical work showed that the brains of nondiapausing larvae exhibited a higher ecdysiotropic activity than those of pre-, early-or mid-diapausing larvae. A single application of a JH mimic was more effective in maintaining a diapause-like state in nondiapausing larvae than were repeated topical applications of C18-JH or an implantation of active corpora allata, suggesting that JH was more rapidly metabolized than was the JH mimic. The oxygen consumption of diapausing larvae which had received repeated topical applications of JH mimic was not significantly elevated over that of the controls indicating that treated larvae maintained a low metabolic rate even though they reverted to the spotted morph. A single application of 0.03 μg JH mimic/larva was sufficient to prolong diapause, thereby confirming that JH is necessary for diapause maintenance.
Germline EGFR T790M mutation found in multiple members of a familial cohort

Activating mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are present in a subset of lung cancers, and predict sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Acquisition of EGFR T790M is the most common mechanism of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and rarely is seen before treatment. Germline EGFR T790M mutations have been reported, although the penetrance and clinical significance of this mutation is unknown. We describe the identification of a patient with an EGFR T790M germline mutation and subsequent germline testing in her unaffected family members. Genetic testing revealed two additional EGFR T790M germline carriers, one of which was subsequently diagnosed with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma.
Unresolved PTSD in a Hispanic Woman Presenting with Test Anxiety

This article illustrates the unique symptom presentation and outpatient treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a Hispanic female. The patient was referred to therapy to address problems with concentration and difficulties related to test-taking. A motivational interviewing-based assessment was conducted and the case was conceptualized in a cognitive— behavioral framework. After resolution of test-taking anxiety, additional anxiety symptoms emerged, including subclinical panic disorder and evidence of unresolved PTSD. Prolonged Exposure was initiated to successfully treat residual trauma-related symptoms. Recommendations for assessment and treatment of individuals with a trauma history are provided, with an emphasis on the need for sensitivity to cultural issues.
A Culturally Competent Classroom for Filipino Americans

This article outlines the experiences of Filipino Americans in early and secondary education. By recognizing the deficiencies in educational attainment of Filipino American youth, the article explores psychosocial factors that contribute to Filipino Americans' academic experiences. Recommendations are included for educators to provide a culturally-competent classroom for Filipino Americans.
Large Brains in Autism: The Challenge of Pervasive Abnormality:

The most replicated finding in autism neuroanatomy-a tendency to unusually large brains-has seemed paradoxical in relation to the specificity of the abnormalities in three behavioral domains that define autism. We now know a range of things about this phenomenon, including that brains in autism have a growth spurt shortly after birth and then slow in growth a few short years afterward, that only younger but not older brains are larger in autism than in controls, that white matter contributes disproportionately to this volume increase and in a nonuniform pattern suggesting postnatal pathology, that functional connectivity among regions of autistic brains is diminished, and that neuroinflammation (including microgliosis and astrogliosis) appears to be present in autistic brain tissue from childhood through adulthood. Alongside these pervasive brain tissue and functional abnormalities, there have arisen theories of pervasive or widespread neural information processing or signal coordination abnormalities (such as weak central coherence, impaired complex processing, and underconnectivity), which are argued to underlie the specific observable behavioral features of autism. This convergence of findings and models suggests that a systems- and chronic disease-based reformulation of function and pathophysiology in autism needs to be considered, and it opens the possibility for new treatment targets.
Real-Time Barcode Detection in the Wild

The linear 1D barcode is the main tagging system for billions of products sold each day. Barcodes have many advantages but require a laser scanner for fast and robust scanning. Solutions exist to read barcodes from cell phones but they assume a carefully framed image within the field of view. This undermines the true potential of barcodes in a wide range of scenarios. In this paper we present a real time technique to detect barcodes in the wild from video streams. Our technique outperforms the state-of-the-art passive techniques both in accuracy and speed. Potential commercial applications enabled by such passive scanning system are also discussed in this paper.
Effects of ketone bodies on carbohydrate metabolism in non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes mellitus

The ability of ketone bodies to suppress elevated hepatic glucose output was investigated in eight postabsorptive subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Infusion of sodium acetoacetate alone (20 mumols/kg/min) for 3 hours increased total serum ketones (beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate) to approximately 6 mmol/L, but did not reduce plasma glucose (14.0 +/- 0.8 to 12.3 +/- 0.9 mmol/L) or isotopically determined hepatic glucose output (17.5 +/- 1.4 to 12.7 +/- 1.0 mumols/kg/min) more than saline alone. Plasma C-peptide concentrations were unchanged, while serum glucagon increased from 131 +/- 13 to 169 +/- 24 ng/mL (P less than .015) and free fatty acids were suppressed by 43% (0.35 +/- 0.08 to 0.20 +/- 0.06 mmol/L, P less than .025). When sodium acetoacetate was infused with somatostatin (0.10 micrograms/kg/min) to suppress glucagon and insulin secretion, the decrease in both plasma glucose (13.3 +/- 0.9 to 10.2 +/- 0.7 mmol/L) and hepatic glucose output (17.2 +/- 1.6 to 9.4 +/- 0.6 mumols/kg/min) was greater than either acetoacetate or somatostatin infusion alone. Infusion of equimolar amounts of sodium bicarbonate had no effect on glucose metabolism. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that ketone bodies can directly suppress elevated hepatic glucose output in NIDDM independent of changes in insulin secretion, but only when the concomitant stimulation of glucagon secretion is prevented. Ketone bodies also suppress adipose tissue lipolysis in the absence of changes in plasma insulin and may serve to regulate their own production.
Fast Monte Carlo method for simulating electron scattering in solids

SUMMARY A simplified Monte Carlo approach to the simulation of the scattering process of penetrating electrons in solids is presented. The Mott scattering cross-section and simulated angular distributions for plural scattering at low energies are used to describe the angular scattering of electrons. The Mott cross-section is more accurate than the Rutherford one and provides a longer mean free path for low electron energies. This method is particularly applicable for microcomputers.
Digitally directed transrectal biopsyusing biopty gun versus transrectal needle aspiration: Comparison of diagnostic yield and comfort*

Abstract A technique for digitally-directed core biopsy using the Biopty device and prospective comparison of accuracy and comfort, using this technique simultaneously with transrectal needle aspiration, are presented. To better estimate the true prevalence of carcinoma in the study population, a repeat combined procedure was performed on all subjects who did not have carcinoma confirmed on the initial core biopsies. All procedures were done by one investigator and all pathology reviewed by one senior pathologist. A total of 180 combined procedures were performed on 100 consecutive patients with palpably abnormal prostates; 30 carcinomas were detected. Digitally-directed Biopty biopsy yielded a sensitivity rate of 87 percent compared with 57 percent for needle aspiration (p
Green scheduling for radiant systems in buildings

In this paper we look at the problem of peak power reduction for buildings with electric radiant floor heating systems. Uncoordinated operation of a multi-zone radiant floor heating system can result in temporally correlated electricity demand surges or peaks in the building's electricity consumption. As peak power prices are 200–400 times that of the nominal rate, this uncoordinated activity can result in high electricity costs and expensive system operation. We have previously presented green scheduling as an approach for reducing the aggregate peak power consumption in buildings while ensuring that indoor thermal comfort is always maintained. This paper extends the theoretical results for general affine dynamical systems and applies them to electric radiant floor heating systems. The potential of the proposed method in reducing the peak power demand is demonstrated for a small-scale system through simulation in EnergyPlus and for a large-scale system through simulation in Matlab.
The optimal producer price of cocoa in Ghana

Abstract A model is proposed to compute the producer price of cocoa that maximizes either export duty receipts or export earnings. The optimum price is higher than the prevailing producer price, but also higher than the world price at the current exchange rate of the cedi. At this exchange rate, the Ghanaian cocoa industry cannot be rehabilitated unless it is subsidized.
Carcinoembryonic antigen in pancreatitis.

Serum specimens of 42 patients with pancreatitis (36, alcoholic; 6, nonalcoholic) were analyzed for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Eighteen patients (43%), all with alcoholic etiology, had positive assays. Of the CEA-positive patients, 12 had mild-to-moderate liver disease, and 6 were clinically free of liver disease. CEA positivity did not correlate with levels of serum amylase or liver function tests. Quantitative levels of CEA were usually lower than those seen in disseminated pancreatic carcinoma. Accordingly, cautious interpretation of CEA positivity in pancreatitis is warranted. The explanation for the positivity is not known.