cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of remotely delivering cognitive training to people with schizophrenia using tablets.

Abstract Background Limited access to Cognitive Training (CT) for people with schizophrenia (SZ) prevents widespread adoption of this intervention. Delivering CT remotely via tablets may increase accessibility, improve scheduling flexibility, and diminish patient burden. Methods In this reanalysis of data from a larger trial of CT, we compared two samples of individuals with SZ who chose to complete 40 h of CT either on desktop computers in the laboratory (N = 33) or remotely via iPads (N = 41). We examined attrition rates and adherence to training, and investigated whether remote iPad-based CT and in-person desktop-based CT induced significantly different improvements in cognitive and real-world functioning. Results The attrition rate was 36.6%. On average, participants completed 3.06 h of CT per week. There were no significant between-group differences in attrition and adherence to CT requirements. Participants who completed iPad-based CT were significantly younger and had lower symptoms at baseline compared to participants who completed CT on the lab desktops. Controlling for age and symptom severity, rANCOVA showed that iPad-based and desktop-based CT similarly and significantly improved verbal learning and problem solving. Main effects of time, at trend level significance, were evident in global cognition, verbal memory, quality of life, and social functioning. All group by time interactions were non-significant except for verbal memory, where iPad users showed greater gains. Within-group effect sizes for changes in outcomes were in the small range. Conclusion Although underpowered and not randomized, this study demonstrates that delivering CT remotely to people with SZ using tablets is feasible and results in retention rates, adherence, and cognitive and functional outcome improvements that are comparable to those observed when CT is delivered in the laboratory. This has important implications in terms of scalability and dissemination of CT. These results require confirmation in larger samples.
Development and validation of a targeted next generation DNA sequencing panel outperforming whole exome sequencing for the identification of clinically relevant genetic variants.

// Eirwen M. Miller 2 , Nicole E. Patterson 1 , Jenna Marcus Zechmeister 2 , Michal Bejerano-Sagie 1 , Maria Delio 1 , Kunjan Patel 1 , Nivedita Ravi 1 , Wilber Quispe-Tintaya 1 , Alexander Maslov 1 , Nichelle Simmons 1 , Maria Castaldi 1 , Jan Vijg 1 , Rouzan G. Karabakhtsian 3 , John M. Greally 1 , Dennis Y.S. Kuo 2 and Cristina Montagna 1 1 Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA 2 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA 3 Department of Pathology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Correspondence to: Cristina Montagna, email: cristina.montagna@einstein.yu.edu Keywords: target sequencing; next generation sequencing; endometrial carcinoma; tumor recurrence Received: July 29, 2017 Accepted: September 08, 2017 Published: October 26, 2017 ABSTRACT Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized our approach to genomic research. The use of whole genome sequencing (WGS), whole exome sequencing (WES), transcriptome profiling, and targeted DNA sequencing has exponentially improved our understanding of the human genome and the genetic complexities underlying malignancy. Yet, WGS and WES clinical applications remain limited due to high costs and the large volume of data generated. When utilized to address biological questions in basic science studies, targeted sequencing panels have proven extremely valuable due to reduced costs and higher sequencing depth. However, the routine application of targeted sequencing to the clinical setting is limited to a few cancer subtypes. Some highly aggressive tumor types, like type 2 endometrial cancer (EC), could greatly benefit from routine genomic analysis using targeted sequencing. To explore the potential utility of a mid size panel (~150 genes) in the clinical setting, we developed and validated a custom panel against WGS, WES, and another commercially available targeted panel. Our results indicate that a mid size custom designed panel is as efficient as WGS and WES in mapping variants of biological and clinical relevance, rendering higher coverage, at a lower cost, with fewer variants of uncertain significance. Because of the much higher sequencing depth that could be achieved, our results demonstrate that targeted sequencing outperformed WGS and WES in the mapping of pathogenic variants in a breast cancer case, as well as a case of mixed serous and high-grade endometrioid EC, the most aggressive EC subtype.
Multimodal, noninvasive seizure network mapping software: A novel tool for preoperative epilepsy evaluation.

Abstract Background Despite rigorous preoperative evaluation, epilepsy surgery achieves seizure freedom in only two-thirds of cases. Current preoperative evaluation does not include a detailed network analysis despite the association of network-level changes with epilepsy. Objective We sought to create a software algorithm to map individualized epilepsy networks by combining noninvasive electroencephalography (EEG) source localization and nonconcurrent resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). Methods Scalp EEG and rsfMRI data were acquired for three sample cases: one healthy control case, one case of right temporal lobe epilepsy, and one case of bitemporal seizure onset. Data from rsfMRI were preprocessed, and a time-series function was extracted. Connection coefficients were used to threshold out spurious connections and model global functional networks in a 3D map. Epileptic discharges were localized using a forward model of cortical mesh dipoles followed by an empirical Bayesian approach of inverse source reconstruction and co-registered with rsfMRI. Co-activating brain regions were mapped. Results Three illustrative sample cases are presented. In the healthy control case, the software showed symmetrical global connectivity. In the right temporal lobe epilepsy case, asymmetry was found in the global connectivity metrics with a paucity of connectivity ipsilateral to the epileptogenic cortex. The superior longitudinal fasciculus, uncinate fasciculus, and commissural fibers connecting disparate and discontinuous cortical regions involved in the epilepsy network were visualized. In the case with bitemporal lobe epilepsy, global connectivity was symmetric. It showed a network of correlating cortical activity local to epileptogenic tissue in both temporal lobes. The network involved white matter tracks in a similar pattern to those seen in the right temporal case. Conclusions This modeling algorithm allows better definition of the global brain network and potentially demonstrates differences in connectivity between an epileptic and a non-epileptic brain. This finding may be useful for mapping cortico-cortical connections representing the putative epilepsy networks. With this methodology, we localized the epileptogenic brain and showed network asymmetry and long-distance cortical co-activation. This software tool is the first to use a multimodal, nonconcurrent, and noninvasive approach to model and visualize the epilepsy network.
A review on sand sample reconstitution methods and procedures for undrained simple shear test

This paper discusses the common methods available for reconstituting sand samples that are used for soil strength characterization. Reconstituted samples are preferred to undisturbed samples becaus...
Nature's Numbers. By Ian Stewart

(1996). Nature's Numbers. By Ian Stewart. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 103, No. 7, pp. 610-612.
Image Compression Using Adaptive Wavelets and Trellis-Coded Quantization

In this work we present some new results on still image compression. The first step involves adaptive transform (AWT) as the fundamental means of de-correlation of the image pixel values. The wavelet decomposition scheme is an adaptive one, where at each point a locally optimal decision is taken regarding whether a wavelet decomposition step is to be applied and also the direction of the filter, (along image lines or columns) and the choice of wavelet filter, using the optimal bit allocation formula. The same formula also determines the scanning oder and the bit rate allocated for each resulting wavelet subband. The next step is the application of multistage Trellis-Coded Quantization (MTCQ) on the various subband. To do so, we use a family of MTCQ quantizers, parametized by the target bit rate. Progressive transmission is achieved by quantization of the residual error.
Measuring the robustness of neighbourhood business districts

A key component of vibrant urban neighbourhoods is the neighbourhood business district (NBD) – the place for amenities, shopping, social engagement and recreation. In order to provide these advantages and be competitive with big box and online retailers, the NBD must be easily accessible and provide a basic range of goods and services. Yet few tools exist that measure both the access and completeness of amenities on NBDs. This paper presents a systematic analysis and provides cities with a tool to assess NBDs and create policies and programmes to support more complete, robust and useful neighbourhood business districts.
Ketamine for Rapid Sedation of Agitated Patients in the Prehospital and Emergency Department Settings: A Systematic Review and Proportional Meta-Analysis.

Abstract Background Rapid tranquilization of agitated patients can prevent injuries and expedite care. Whereas antipsychotics and benzodiazepines are commonly used for this purpose, ketamine has been suggested as an alternative. Objective The aim of this systematic review is to determine the safety and effectiveness of ketamine to sedate prehospital and emergency department (ED) patients with undifferentiated agitation. Methods Studies and case series of patients receiving ketamine for agitation were included. Studies were excluded if ketamine was used for analgesia, procedural sedation, asthma, or induction. Information sources included traditional and gray literature. Results The initial search yielded 1176 results from 14 databases. After review of titles and abstracts, 32 studies were reviewed and 18 were included in the analysis, representing 650 patient encounters. The mean dose of ketamine was 315 mg (SD 52) given intramuscularly, with adequate sedation achieved in 7.2 min (SD 6.2, range 2–500). Intubation occurred in 30.5% of patients (95% confidence interval [CI] 27.0–34.1%). In the majority of those patients, ketamine was administered by paramedics during ground transport and the patient was intubated on ED arrival. When ketamine was administered in the ED, the intubation rate was 1.8% (95% CI 0.0–4.4%); in air medical transport, the rate was 4.9% (95% CI 0.0–10.3%). Other reported side effects included: vomiting, 5.2% (2.3–8.1%); hypertension, 12.1% (5.7–18.6%); emergence reactions, 3.5% (1.4–5.6%); transient hypoxia, 1.8% (0.1–3.6%) and laryngospasm, 1.3% (0.3–2.3%). Conclusions Ketamine provides rapid sedation for undifferentiated agitated patients and is associated with higher intubation rates when used by ground Emergency Medical Services paramedics, compared with ED or air medical transport patients. Other side effects are common but usually self-limiting.
Exploratory Graph Analysis of the Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale.

Abstract The present study examined the dimensional structure underlying the Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale (MSS) and its brief version (MSS-B). We used Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) to evaluate their dimensional structure in two large, independent samples (n = 6265 and n = 1000). We then used Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to compare the fit of the theoretical dimensions with the EGA dimensions. For the MSS, EGA identified four dimensions: positive schizotypy, two dimensions of negative schizotypy (affective and social anhedonia), and disorganized schizotypy. For the MSS-B, EGA identified three dimensions, which corresponded to the theorized positive, negative, and disorganized dimensions. Based on the MSS's EGA dimensions, we also estimated a four-factor model for the MSS-B. The CFA comparison found that the four-factor model fit significantly better than the theoretical three-factor model for both the MSS and MSS-B, providing support for the theoretical model and offering a more nuanced interpretation of the negative schizotypy factor. In addition, EGA also revealed that the positive and negative schizotypy dimensions of the MSS and MSS-B might be mediated by the disorganized dimension. Our findings offer new implications for future research on the MSS and MSS-B dimensions that may provide differential associations with interview and questionnaire measures.
Communicating Cervical Cancer Screening Results in Light of New Guidelines: Clinical Practices at Federally Qualified Health Centers

New guidelines for cervical cancer screening (CCS) incorporate both HPV and Pap tests, and there is a need to understand communication of these cotesting results to patients, especially in at-risk ...
Applications to Physics and Vice Versa

Lie groups and their algebras arise most often in physics as symmetry groups of dynamical systems. These symmetries are intimately associated with conservation laws. For example, if a physical system is invariant under translations then its linear momentum is conserved; while rotational invariance of a system implies conservation of angular momentum. In modern physics the symmetry groups are not only the geometrical symmetries of space-time, but also new symmetries associated with “internal” degrees of freedom of particles and fields. These symmetries lead to the conservation of more exotic quantities such as isospin, strangeness, charm, etc.
The 5 S Ribosomal and Other Small RNAs

The second large category of substances transcribed in eukaryotes by DNA-dependent RNA polymerase III, in spite of the vast literature embracing it, is not nearly so satisfactory for discussions of gene structure as are the tRNA genes. Not that there is any paucity of sequencing studies; quite to the contrary, 5 S rRNA primary structures are probably more abundantly established than any other single species of macromolecule. More than 36 have been determined from eubacterial sources, 8 from archaebacterial ones, nearly 125 from eukaryotic cytoplasm, and 7 from eukaryotic organelles (Erdmann et al., 1984). Their lack of favorableness stems from two factors. The first of these, the cotranscription in prokaryotes of 5 S rRNA genes with the minor and major rRNA species, restricts the effectiveness of the comparative approach to transcription promoters nearly entirely to eukaryotes. The second factor is that, despite the numerous sequence studies, the genes of 5 S rRNAs remain relatively poorly explored, for the great majority of research has focused on the structure of the transcription product, not upon the gene itself.
Phage Display: Simple Evolution in a Petri Dish (Nobel Lecture).

Playing with evolution: In his Nobel lecture, George P. Smith reconstructs the story of the phage-display idea as he personally experienced it. The development of this technique is a case study in how a scientific advance emerges gradually in incremental steps within overlapping global scientific communities.
Roman Catholic Government and Mission to Tibet: A Historical and Theological Study:

In this article I consider the administration of the Roman Catholic Church mission to Tibet in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. After summarizing the main events of this mission, I focus o...
Stochastic differential equations

Abstract In chapter I stochastic differential equations are defined and classified, and their occurrence in physics is reviewed. In chapter II it is shown for linear equation show a differential equation for the averaged solution is obtained by expanding in ατ c , where α measures the size of the fluctuations and τ c their autocorrelation time. This result is the underlying reason for the existence of “renormalized transport coefficients”. In chapter III the same treatment is adapted to nonlinear equations. In chapter IV an alternative treatment is described, applicable only in a special case, but not confined to small ατ c . The emphasis is on physical usefulness rather than mathematical rigor. Throughout the text applications are given at the points where they appeared to serve best as illustrations of the method. The list of references is not complete, but hopefully representative of the literature.
Safety evaluation of drowsy driving advisory system: Alabama case study.

Abstract Introduction: The present study discusses roles, characteristics, and safety assessment of a drowsy driving advisory (DDA) system, implemented on rural interstates of Alabama. The DDA system is an engineering countermeasure designed to reduce the likelihood of drowsy driving crashes. It consists of a series of roadside signs with warning and advisory messages for drowsy drivers. The DDA system was implemented upstream of rural rest areas based on a comprehensive crash analysis. Method: A post-implementation study was conducted three years after the DDA system implementation to assess its safety effects. An empirical bayes (EB) method along with predictive methods of the Highway Safety Manual was used in the safety assessment. To overcome the underreported issue of drowsy driving crashes in the crash analysis, the present study used a concept called, expanded definition of drowsy driving (EDD) crashes. Result: The analysis found that the DDA system could reduce total and EDD crashes by 64% and 49%, respectively. It is important to note that such huge crash reduction effects are due to a combined effect of both rest areas and the DDA system, not because of a single treatment. The safety effect of a rest area itself, without considering the effect of the DDA system, was also investigated. Results show that total and EDD crashes would increase about 12–45% and 5–33%, respectively if there is no presence of a rest area. Conclusion: Our findings conclude that the DDA system could significantly reduce both total and drowsy driving crashes when it cooperates with a rest area facility. Practical Application: The findings also provide the guidance of using the DDA system on high-speed roads as a safety countermeasure of drowsy driving crashes. Readers can find details of the DDA system used in this study with its layout, dimension, and roadside safety messages.
Focus on Data: Statistical Significance, Effect Size and the Accumulation of Evidence Achieved by Combining Study Results Through Meta-analysis.

Purpose To provide information and perspectives on statistical significance and on meta-analysis, a statistical procedure for combining estimated effects across multiple studies. Methods Methods are presented for performing a meta-analysis in which results across multiple studies are combined. An example of a meta-analysis of optical coherence tomography thickness of the retina in patients with multiple sclerosis across multiple studies is provided. We show how to combine individual study results and how to weight the results of each study based on its reliability. The method of a meta-analysis is used to derive from all study results a pooled estimate that is closest to the unknown common effect. Results Differences between the two most common methods for meta-analysis, the fixed-effects approach and the random-effects approach, are reviewed. Meta-analysis is applied to the study of the differences in the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layers of healthy controls and patients with multiple sclerosis, showing why this is a useful procedure for combining estimated effects across multiple studies to derive the magnitude of retinal thinning caused by multiple sclerosis. Conclusions This review provides information and perspectives on statistical significance and on meta-analysis, a statistical procedure for combining estimated effects across multiple studies. A discussion is provided to show why statistical significance and low probability values are not all that matter and why investigators should also look at the magnitude of the estimated effects. Combining estimated effects across multiple studies with proper weighting of individual results is the goal of meta-analysis.
Axillary lymph node activation following Influenza vaccination on F-18 FDG PET/CT

1351 Introduction: Influenza vaccination may cause transient lymph nodes activation in the draining axilla and cause false positive findings on F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging. This study investigated the influence of influenza vaccination on FDG PET/CT imaging in oncology patients. Methods: Consecutive 485 adult patients with malignancy referred for whole body FDG PET/CT imaging between 10/1/2019 and 12/6/2019 were surveyed for recent influenza vaccination history, including date of vaccination and site of administration. Patients were categorized based on interval between vaccination and PET/CT imaging. PET/CT images were analyzed for number and uptake (SUVmax) of visualized axillary lymph nodes, location (right, left or none in deltoid muscle) and uptake (SUV max) of vaccination site. Results: Of 485 patients, 179 (37%; mean ± SD age 66 ± 15 years, M:F:others = 90:88:1) responded they had received influenza vaccination recently. Of these, 27 patients (15%) had it within 1 week (group I), 30 (17%) within 2 weeks (group II), 19 (11%) within 3 weeks (group III), 73 (40%) within 4 weeks (group IV), and 30 (17%) > 4 weeks (group V) prior to PET/CT imaging. Axillary lymph nodes ipsilateral to the vaccination site were visualized in 48% (13/27 patients) in group I, 18% (5/28) in group II, 6% (1/18) in group III, 3% (2/73) in group IV and 10% (3/30) in group V, respectively, with no significant enlargement on CT. Three patients were excluded from the analysis due to confounding metastatic or immunotherapy-related axillary lymphadenopathy. Average number of positive ipsilateral nodes per patient was 9 in group I, 3 in group II, 5 in group III, 9 in group IV, and 2 in group V, respectively. SUVmax of lymph nodes were 3.0 ± 1.4 (mean ± SD) in group I, 2.2 ± 0.7 in group II, 3.5 in group III, 2.6 ± 0.3 in group IV, and 2.3 ± 0.4 in group V, respectively. Among patients with positive axillary nodes, vaccination site was seen at ipsilateral deltoid muscle in all except 1 in group I (92%; SUVmax 2.5 ± 1.8), while only 1 in group II (20%; SUVmax 1.2) and none in group III, IV and V. Some patients showed uptake at the vaccination site but not in axillary nodes: group I (50% (7/14); SUVmax 1.5 ± 0.6) and group II (8% (2/25); 1.6 ± 0.4). Conclusion: Axillary lymph nodes demonstrated increased FDG uptake in 50% of patients who received influenza vaccination within 1 week prior to imaging. The rate and number of lymph nodes visualization decreased with longer interval between vaccination and PET/CT imaging. Influenza vaccination can cause false positive uptake in axillary lymph nodes in oncology patients. It is useful to take recent vaccination history to avoid the assumption that they represent metastatic disease. Acknowledgements: Special thanks to our staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics PET center for their ongoing excellent work and support.
Temporary Use of Acellular Dermal Matrix in Upper Extremity Salvage

Wound coverage of exposed vascular bypasses after acute limb revascularization may not be immediately possible, while delay may create a hostile environment for the bypass graft. The use of negative-pressure wound therapy may not be possible because of extrinsic compression. Temporary use of acellular dermal matrix can help salvage upper extremity. We present 2 patients with brachial artery transection secondary to blunt trauma, who had revascularization with interposition saphenous vein grafts. We used acellular dermal matrix as temporary coverage for the exposed arterial bypass grafts to allow for patient stabilization, serial debridement, and demarcation of the surrounding tissues before definitive coverage. Additionally, the use of negative-pressure wound therapy caused diminished pulses in the bypass graft, creating the need for reliable temporary coverage. The acellular dermal matrix dressing was left in place until definitive closure was possible. Both patients underwent successful wound coverage with fasciocutaneous flaps without disruption, thrombosis, or infection of the bypass grafts. Follow-up at 6 months demonstrated good healing and excellent function. The use of the acellular dermal matrix provides temporary coverage of vital structures until definitive reconstruction can be performed.
How Times of Crisis Serve as a Catalyst for Creative Action: An Agentic Perspective

The human experience is punctuated by times of crisis. Some crises are experienced at a personal level (e.g., the diagnosis of a life-threatening disease), organizational level (e.g., a business facing bankruptcy), and still others are experienced on a societal or global level (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic). Although crises can be deeply troubling and anxiety provoking, they can also serve as an important catalyst for creative action and innovative outcomes. This is because during times of crisis our typical forms of reasoning and action may no longer serve us. It is precisely during such times that new ways of thought, action and leadership are needed. A key question for researchers to consider is: Why and how times of crisis serve as an impetus for creative actions and outcomes? The purpose of this paper is to address this question. I open by briefly discussing the features of a crisis. I then introduce an empirically testable, process model that outlines various pathways, factors, and outcomes associated with different ways people and organizations respond during times of crisis. I close by briefly outlining future directions for creativity theory and research.
Exploring the impact of a decision support algorithm to improve clinicians' chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy assessment and management practices: a two-phase, longitudinal study.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) negatively affects physical function and chemotherapy dosing, yet, clinicians infrequently document CIPN assessment and/or adhere to evidence-based CIPN management in practice. The primary aims of this two-phase, pre-posttest study were to explore the impact of a CIPN clinician decision support algorithm on clinicians’ frequency of CIPN assessment documentation and adherence to evidence-based management. One hundred sixty-two patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy (e.g., taxanes, platinums, or bortezomib) answered patient-reported outcome measures on CIPN severity and interference prior to three clinic visits at breast, gastrointestinal, or multiple myeloma outpatient clinics (n = 81 usual care phase [UCP], n = 81 algorithm phase [AP]). During the AP, study staff delivered a copy of the CIPN assessment and management algorithm to clinicians (N = 53) prior to each clinic visit. Changes in clinicians’ CIPN assessment documentation (i.e., index of numbness, tingling, and/or CIPN pain documentation) and adherence to evidence-based management at the third clinic visit were compared between the AP and UCP using Pearson’s chi-squared test. Clinicians’ frequency of adherence to evidence-based CIPN management was higher in the AP (29/52 [56%]) than the UCP (20/46 [43%]), but the change was not statistically significant (p = 0.31). There were no improvements in clinicians’ CIPN assessment frequency during the AP (assessment index = 0.5440) in comparison to during the UCP (assessment index = 0.6468). Implementation of a clinician-decision support algorithm did not significantly improve clinicians’ CIPN assessment documentation or adherence to evidence-based management. Further research is needed to develop theory-based implementation interventions to bolster the frequency of CIPN assessment and use of evidence-based management strategies in practice. ClinicalTrials.Gov, NCT03514680 . Registered 21 April 2018.
Fueling Mexico: Energy and Environment, 1850–1950

Around the 1830s, parts of Mexico began industrializing using water and wood. By the 1880s, this model faced a growing energy and ecological bottleneck. By the 1950s, fossil fuels powered most of Mexico's economy and society. Looking to the north and across the Atlantic, late nineteenth-century officials and elites concluded that fossil fuels would solve Mexico's energy problem and Mexican industry began introducing coal. But limited domestic deposits and high costs meant that coal never became king in Mexico. Oil instead became the favored fuel for manufacture, transport, and electricity generation. This shift, however, created a paradox of perennial scarcity amidst energy abundance: every new influx of fossil energy led to increased demand. German Vergara shows how the decision to power the country's economy with fossil fuels locked Mexico in a cycle of endless, fossil-fueled growth - with serious environmental and social consequences.
Reading: The Confluence of Vision and Language

The scientific study of reading has a rich history that spans disciplines from vision science to linguistics, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, neurology, and education. The study of reading can ...
Oligarchy and Democracy in the German and Dutch Trade-Capitalist and Reformation City-States

Oligarchy and democracy emerge in the German and Dutch trade-capitalist city-states. Calvinism legitimates money-making, and legitimates oligarchy, because the rich become “God’s Stewards on Earth”—the “elect” who will go to heaven. Max Weber describes this in his Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism.
The DIAGNOSTIC CARDIAC CATHETRIZATION IN CHILDREN WITH TETRALOGY OF FALLOT: STILL RELEVANT IN DEVELOPING WORLD

Objective: To determine the frequency of various anatomical cardiac anomalies and variations in children with Tetralogy of Fallot diagnosed by cardiac catheterization. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health Lahore, from Jan 2010 to Dec 2018. Methodology: All children with tetralogy of fallot underwent standard cine-angiograms after obtaining written consent following basic laboratory workup. Results: Out of 425 patients, 398 completed cardiac catheterization. The median age was 6 years (interquartile range 3.5-9 years). Confluent Branch pulmonary arteries were present in 395 (99%) children. Pulmonary artery abnormalities were detected in 72 (18%) patients. Two hundred and eleven (53%) children had 283 major aortopulmonary collateral arteries with 88 having 2 or more major aortopulmonary collateral arteries. Out of all, 195 (92%) had hemodynamically significant Major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (supplying ≥3 lung segments) with 54 (28%) having small ( 1.67 mm at origin) caliber. Conclusion: The frequencies of pulmonary artery abnormalities and various anatomic variations missed on echocardiography in the studied population were high. Diagnostic cardiac catheterization is still a relevant invasive diagnostic procedure in children with tetralogy of fallot. Keywords: , , , , , , .
SAT0277 HEAD AND NECK INVOLVEMENT OF IGA VASCULITIS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Background: IgA vasculitis (IgAV) is an immune-complex mediated, small-vessel vasculitis which predominantly involves the skin on the lower extremities. Head and neck involvement is rarely reported. Objectives: To describe the presentation and outcome of a series of patients with head and/or neck involvement in comparison to patients with cutaneous findings isolated to the lower extremities. Methods: Patients with biopsy-proven IgAV from January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2016 were retrospectively identified through direct medical chart review. IgAV was diagnosed in accordance with the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European League Against Rheumatism/ Paediatric Rheumatology European Society/Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation (EULAR/PRINTO/PRES) criteria. Among this cohort, patients with documented clinical, photographic, or histologic descriptions of vasculitic skin lesions affecting the head or neck were compiled. Each patient with head/neck (H/N) involvement of IgAV (case) was matched to two age- and sex-matched control patients with IgAV for which the cutaneous features were isolated to the waistline or distal. Baseline characteristics, laboratory parameters, treatments and outcome were collected by a physician abstractor. Results: Thirteen patients with H/N-IgAV involvement were identified. Baseline characteristics of the cases and controls are demonstrated in Table 1. H/N involvement included facial (cheeks, forehead) [n=6], perioral/oral/lip [n=6], auricular [n=2], nasal [n=2], and neck [n=1]. All patients in both groups had evidence of purpuric skin lesions. Patients with H/N-IgAV involvement more frequently had evidence of skin ulcerations (23% vs. 0%; p=0.01) [Figure 1]. Overall baseline renal involvement and microscopic hematuria were less commonly observed in patients with H/N-IgAV. Among H/N-IgAV cases, at last follow-up all had resolution of H/N lesions but 3 of 13 had persistent skin lesions on the lower extremities despite ongoing treatment. Long-term outcome between cases and controls did not identify any significant differences in the development of end-stage renal disease, time to resolution of hematuria or proteinuria, time to complete IgAV response, or time to first IgAV relapse. Conclusion: This study reports the largest series of patients with head/neck involvement of IgA, a rarely reported entity. In this cohort, patients with H/N-IgAV had less frequent renal involvement compared to IgAV patients with lower extremity only skin lesions. Clinicians should be aware of atypical locations of IgAV involvement. Additional research is needed to further understand this clinical subset. Disclosure of Interests: Michel Villatoro Villar: None declared, David A. Wetter: None declared, Cynthia S. Crowson Grant/research support from: Pfizer research grant, Kenneth J Warrington: None declared, Matthew Koster: None declared
Analysis of the puc Operon Promoter from Rhodobacter capsulatus

Expression of the Rhodobacter capsulatus puc operon, which codes for structural polypeptides of the light-harvesting-II peripheral antenna complex, is highly regulated in response to alterations in oxygen tension and light intensity. To obtain an understanding of the puc promoter region we report the high-resolution 5' mapping of the puc mRNA transcriptional start site and DNA sequence analysis of the puc upstream regulatory sequence (pucURS). A sigma70-type promoter sequence was identified (pucP1) which has a high degree of sequence similarity with carotenoid and bacteriochlorophyll biosynthesis promoters. Inspection of the DNA sequence also indicated the presence of two CrtJ and four integration host factor (IHF) binding sites. Transcriptional fusions of the pucURS fused to lacZ also confirmed that puc promoter activity is regulated by the transcriptional regulators IHF, CrtJ, and RegA. Gel retardation analysis using cell extracts indicates that mutations in IHF and RegA disrupt protein binding to DNA fragments containing the pucURS.
A Cross‐National Exploration of the Conditions that Produce Interpersonal Violence

In this article we take advantage of newly available data provided by WomanStats to suggest (1) a quantifiable approach to scaling the prevalence of interpersonal violence; and (2) a model of those factors that account for different levels of interpersonal violence cross-nationally. We specifically draw from the human rights literature to determine which economic, cultural, and political factors explain different levels of interpersonal violence globally today. We find that increasing levels of democracy has a dampening effect on interpersonal violence, while increasing levels of economic inequality increases interpersonal violence levels. However, other common explanatory factors, notably women's empowerment through workforce and political inclusion, and various cultural factors show little to no effect. En este articulo aprovechamos nueva informacion disponible en WomanStats (Estadisticas de la Mujer) para proponer: (1) un enfoque cuantitativo que construye escalas de la prevalencia de la violencia interpersonal a nivel internacional y; (2) un modelo de aquellos factores que toman en cuenta diferentes niveles de violencia interpersonal a nivel internacional. Especificamente, basados en la literatura sobre derechos humanos, determinamos cuales factores economicos, culturales, y politicos explican diferentes niveles actuales de violencia interpersonal a una escala global. Encontramos que crecientes niveles de democracia tienen un efecto reductor en la violencia interpersonal, mientras que crecientes niveles de inequidad economica incrementan los niveles de violencia interpersonal. Sin embargo, encontramos que otros factores comunes que los explicarian, notablemente el empoderamiento de las mujeres a traves de la inclusion en la fuerza laboral y politica, y varios factores culturales tienen poco o ningun efecto sobre los niveles de violencia interpersonal.
COMPOSITE APPLICATIONS TO AIRCRAFT STRUCTURES NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

The application of composite materials to aircraft manufacture is described, with reference to design and analysis tools for predicting internal loads and deflections for aeroelastic, tailored lifting surfaces. Composite materials development for aircraft applications has been designed to achieve weight savings in weight-critical regions. Toward this end, graphite/epoxy composites are being used as structural materials in the form of cross-plied fiber-reinforced laminates for conventional, monolithic wing/empennage skins and substructures or as face sheets on honeycomb-type structures. All metal components have been replaced by composite structures on such aircraft as the B-1, the F-18, and the AV-8B. Weight and cost savings have been demonstrated for the B-1 aircraft. The next-generation aircraft will incorporate composites in a significantly larger proportion of the airframe structure to exploit more fully all advantageous characteristics of advanced composite structures (strength, stiffness, tailorability, weight, and fabrication cost savings). Aeroelastic tailoring and the use of integral, advanced composite structures are detailed in terms of weight and cost savings and structural integrity improvements.
Concepts of pain mechanisms: the contribution of functional imaging of the human brain.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the concepts of pain mechanisms. The chapter emphasizes on the method of detecting regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) changes by positron emission tomography (PET). Although the other imaging methods provide more detailed temporal resolution and spatial localization (fMRI), PET currently has the advantage of combining statistical quantification with the simultaneous detection of patterns of regional activity throughout the forebrain and brainstem. In addition, PET provides the opportunity for determining quantitatively the location and degree of binding of membrane receptors by various ligands and putative neurotransmitters and modulators, opening up the emerging field of functional imaging neuropharmacology. An understanding of the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain is further complicated by the new knowledge emphasized by functional brain imaging that pain and pain modulation is mediated not by a simple pathway with one or a few central targets but by a network of multiple interacting modules of neuronal activity.
Equilibria of collective action in different distributions of protest thresholds

To understand why political protests show the effects of tipping over into revolution – effects that stun observers, participants, and even the opposition or incumbent government – scholars have constructed threshold models of revolt to illustrate that an important feature of collective rebellion is people deciding to join based on knowing how many others have already participated. I conduct equilibrium analyses to observe the effects of normal, bimodal, and skewed distributions of thresholds upon the dynamics of opposition movements. The results shed some light on how various patterns of domestic confrontation affect the outcome of collective dissent.
On Political Obligation and the Nature of Law

In this paper, I attempt to elucidate the nature of law by way of philosophical anarchism. As a result, the implicit premises, assumptions, and structure of my argument can be broken down as follows: (1) it is a commonplace that law is a social phenomenon, that is, its existence is, in some sense, always a matter of social facts; (2) it is a commonplace that law is in some sense a product of the political; (3) in order to understand how law relates to the political and is (at least partly) determined by social facts, we must understand the political relationship; (4) in order to understand the political relationship, we must understand the nature of political obligation; (5) in order to fully understand political obligation, we must engage in normative argument regarding the existence of political obligation; (6) there is no political obligation; (7) this conclusion helps us understand the nature of law; in particular, (i) we must abandon a strong guidance-based conception of law, (ii) we must reconsider our ideas regarding “law’s normative claims,” and (iii) coercive superiority is an essential concept for understanding the nature of law as a social practice.Before moving forward, I must note what this argument is not. It is not a logical deductive argument. Rather, I am making a claim about the nature of a social practice. My claim is that we can have a better understanding of this social practice once we recognize that there is no political obligation. As such, I do not claim that certain conclusions necessarily follow as a matter of definition and logic. I thus claim that the nature of law as a social practice is made clear by recognizing that the assertions of certain theorists regarding an obligation to obey the law are all false.
Three-Dimensional Multifluid Flow and Transport at the Brooklawn Site near Baton Rouge, LA: A Case Study

Disposal quantities of organic wastes at the Brooklawn Site in Louisiana are suspected to equal nearly 1.45 × 108Kg, making this site one of the most contaminated dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) sites in the world. Remedial activities at the site include groundwater and DNAPL extraction from recovery wells. DNAPL recovery has markedly declined in recent years, with many of the peripheral wells showing negligible recovery of organic liquids. Three-dimensional simulations of DNAPL movement in the subsurface were conducted using the STOMP simulator, including a new coupled-well model. The objectives of this modeling effort were to (1) determine the fate and transport of infiltrated DNAPL, and (2) measure the effects of active recovery through DNAPL pumping. A detailed three-dimensional geologic model of the Brooklawn primary DNAPL disposal area was developed and used as the framework for DNAPL simulations. Additionally, site-specific data were obtained to determine the most important hydraulic properti...
Quantitative Assessment of Robot-Generated Maps

Mobile robotic mapping is now considered to be a sufficiently mature field with demonstrated successes in various domains. While much progress has been made in the development of computationally efficient and consistent mapping schemes, it is still murky, at best, on how these maps can be evaluated. We are motivated by the absence of an accepted standard for quantitatively measuring the performance of robotic mapping systems against user-defined requirements. It is our belief that the development of standardized methods for quantitatively evaluating existing robotic technologies will improve the utility of mobile robots in already established application areas, such as vacuum cleaning, robot surveillance, and bomb disposal. This approach will also enable the proliferation and acceptance of such technologies in emerging markets. This chapter summarizes our preliminary efforts by bringing together the research community towards addressing this important problem which has ramifications not only from researchers’ perspective but also from consumers’, robot manufacturers’, and developers’ viewpoints.
A Behavioral Model of Decisions to Accrue and Disclose Environmental Liabilities

Using a sample of 263 financial executives, this study furthers our understanding of the factors that influence the accrual and disclosure of environmental liabilities. It uses the Theory of Planned Behavior (Azjen, 1991) to investigate these discretionary accruals and disclosures as ethical decisions at the level of the individual decision maker. The authors know of no other study that explicitly examines the accrual decision as distinct from the disclosure decision with respect to environmental liabilities. Results indicate that the intentions to accrue and disclose environmental liabilities are significantly related to an individual's attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and perceived moral obligation. Findings also suggest that financial executives are more willing to accrue an environmental liability than to disclose it in the notes to the financial statements.
Intermittent metronomic drug schedule is essential for activating antitumor innate immunity and tumor xenograft regression.

Metronomic chemotherapy using cyclophosphamide (CPA) is widely associated with antiangiogenesis; however, recent studies implicate other immune-based mechanisms, including antitumor innate immunity, which can induce major tumor regression in implanted brain tumor models. This study demonstrates the critical importance of drug schedule: CPA induced a potent antitumor innate immune response and tumor regression when administered intermittently on a 6-day repeating metronomic schedule but not with the same total exposure to activated CPA administered on an every 3-day schedule or using a daily oral regimen that serves as the basis for many clinical trials of metronomic chemotherapy. Notably, the more frequent metronomic CPA schedules abrogated the antitumor innate immune and therapeutic responses. Further, the innate immune response and antitumor activity both displayed an unusually steep dose-response curve and were not accompanied by antiangiogenesis. The strong recruitment of innate immune cells by the 6-day repeating CPA schedule was not sustained, and tumor regression was abolished, by a moderate (25%) reduction in CPA dose. Moreover, an ~20% increase in CPA dose eliminated the partial tumor regression and weak innate immune cell recruitment seen in a subset of the every 6-day treated tumors. Thus, metronomic drug treatment must be at a sufficiently high dose but also sufficiently well spaced in time to induce strong sustained antitumor immune cell recruitment. Many current clinical metronomic chemotherapeutic protocols employ oral daily low-dose schedules that do not meet these requirements, suggesting that they may benefit from optimization designed to maximize antitumor immune responses.
Building a family of corrector magnets for SNS facility

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) in process to be built in Oak Ridge Tennessee includes an accumulator ring with a circumference of 248 meters, an injection line and an extraction line. The machine is designed to accumulate 2E+14, 1.0 GeV kinetic-energy protons in 1 ms, via a charge exchange injection of H. This paper describes the concept behind the design and fabrication of five types of air cooled corrector magnets built in 15 functions totaling 80 magnets to be used in the above project.