cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A computer vision tangible user interface for mixed reality billiards

Conventional input devices such as the mouse and keyboard are un-natural and limited for various forms of human-computer interaction. We have created a tangible user interface that mixes the physical world with a virtual reality billiards game. Our system uses computer vision techniques to analyze images acquired from a single inexpensive digital video camera in real-time in order to passively sense the full 3D pose of a markerless cue stick. A physically-modeled billiards game updates the virtual cue stick to mimic detected poses and shots. Our system affords users with a convenient, noninvasive, inexpensive, and natural interface for entertainment or training without requiring a billiards table installation. Moreover, our system is robust to changes in illumination and occlusion, and is noteworthy for its use of computer vision as the sole means of sensing user input.
Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Controversies in the Management of Neck Metastasis

Objective/Hypothesis: To describe our institution's experience with the management of cervical metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and suggest a treatment strategy based on the incidence of pathologic nodes and cervical recurrence in patients undergoing varied surgical approaches to address lymphadenopathy over the study dates. Materials and Methods: Between December 1, 1972 and September 1, 2007, 183 total patients diagnosed with PTC at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center were treated with lymphadenectomy. Pathologic parameters, including number of pathologic nodes and extent of lymphadenectomy were correlated to disease recurrence. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Results: The incidence of pathologic nodes in lymphadenectomy specimens (57.9%) and the recurrence rate (33.7%) were high, in our study population. In comparing techniques with address lymphadenopathy, the highest recurrence rate was observed in patients with pathologic nodes treated with “lymph node plucking” procedures at the time of thyroidectomy and those patients with multiple nodes involved. Few patients with no pathologic nodes, regardless of lymphadenectomy extent recurred. Conclusions: Our data show that limited neck dissection and disease burden are associated with the highest rates of cervical recurrence in regional metastatic PTC. Comprehensive functional neck dissection would seem to offer the patient the best opportunity for control of cervical metastasis. The American Thyroid Association recommends thyroglobulin monitoring and ultrasound evaluation of the neck in all postoperative patients. Therefore patients with the diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer need preoperative ultrasound of the lateral neck and fine needle aspiration of suspicious nodes to avoid undertreating patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy. Neck dissection of the compartments in which pathologic nodes were detected (central, lateral, or both) should then be undertaken at the time of initial thyroidectomy. Eliminating all disease remains elusive and the prognosticsignificance of cervical disease persistence and recurrence is still unknown. Patients with cervical metastasis are at substantial risk of regional recurrence, necessitating repeat surgery. Parathyroid implantation should be considered at the time of the initial surgery to reduce the risk of hypoparathyroidism should subsequent procedures be required. More information will be necessary to better understand the prognostic significance of these regional metastases. In the interim, many patients may be overtreated, whereas some remain at risk of death because of disease.
Right hemispace presentation and left cueing on Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices among right brain-damaged neglect patients

Despite the substantial experimental literature that has accrued on factors associated with a reduction in neglect, few empirical studies have attempted to extrapolate these findings to clinical assessment and evaluate the efficacy of neglect-reducing strategics on patient performance. The current study developed a modified version of the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) by aligning the response alternatives in a column, in the right hemispace. Three groups of patients (right brain-damaged (RBD) with neglect, RBD without neglect, and orthopaedic controls) were administered abbreviated versions of the revised format, and performance was compared to the standard presentation format. The efficacy of left cues with the revised format was also investigated. Presence of neglect was assessed via the Schcnkenbcrg Line Bisection Task and the Bells Test. Results showed a significant performance decrement among RBD neglect patients under all conditions. However, contrary to predictions, RBD neglect patie...
D2-40 and podoplanin are highly specific and sensitive immunohistochemical markers of epithelioid malignant mesothelioma

Recent investigations have shown that podoplanin and the D2-40 monoclonal antibody, which reacts with an oncofetal antigen present in fetal germ cells, are highly reliable lymphatic endothelial markers. The observation that both of these markers are also expressed in normal and reactive mesothelial cells prompted an investigation into their potential value in the diagnosis of mesotheliomas. To determine whether podoplanin and D2-40 had any use in the diagnosis of these tumors, 40 mesotheliomas (29 epithelioid, 5 biphasic, and 6 sarcomatoid), 34 carcinomas of the lung (24 adenocarcinomas, 10 squamous carcinomas), 80 nonpulmonary adenocarcinomas (17 ovary, 10 breast, 10 colon, 10 kidney, 5 endometrium, 5 stomach, 5 pancreas, 5 prostate, 3 thyroid), 12 synovial sarcomas (6 biphasic and 6 monophasic), 5 angiosarcomas, and 2 adenomatoid tumors were immunostained with a monoclonal antibody to podoplanin and with the D2-40 antibody. Reactivity for both D2-40 and podoplanin was obtained in 25 (86%) of the 29 epithelioid mesotheliomas but in none of the carcinomas or sarcomatoid mesotheliomas. Positivity for D2-40 and podoplanin was also seen in the epithelioid components of 4 of 5 biphasic mesotheliomas and 4 of 6 synovial sarcomas, whereas the spindle cell components of these tumors were negative as were the monophasic synovial sarcomas. Two (40%) of the 5 angiosarcomas expressed these markers, thus confirming previous reports suggesting that some angiosarcomas may have lymphatic endothelial differentiation. Both of the adenomatoid tumors were also positive for D2-40 and podoplanin, a finding which provides further support for the mesothelial derivation of these tumors. It is concluded that, because of their high specificity and sensitivity for epithelioid mesotheliomas, D2-40 and podoplanin are very useful markers for the diagnosis of these tumors. When compared with the other markers that are currently available, in my opinion, they appear to be the best.
Glucose Metabolism In Vivo in Four Commonly Used Inbred Mouse Strains

OBJECTIVE—To characterize differences in whole-body glucose metabolism between commonly used inbred mouse strains. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic (∼8.5 mmol/l) and -hypoglycemic (∼3.0 mmol/l) clamps were done in catheterized, 5-h-fasted mice to assess insulin action and hypoglycemic counter-regulatory responsiveness. Hyperglycemic clamps (∼15 mmol/l) were done to assess insulin secretion and compared with results in perifused islets. RESULTS—Insulin action and hypoglycemic counter-regulatory and insulin secretory phenotypes varied considerably in four inbred mouse strains. In vivo insulin secretion was greatest in 129X1/Sv mice, but the counter-regulatory response to hypoglycemia was blunted. FVB/N mice in vivo showed no increase in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, relative hepatic insulin resistance, and the highest counter-regulatory response to hypoglycemia. In DBA/2 mice, insulin action was lowest among the strains, and islets isolated had the greatest glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vitro. In C57BL/6 mice, in vivo physiological responses to hyperinsulinemia at euglycemia and hypoglycemia were intermediate relative to other strains. Insulin secretion by C57BL/6 mice was similar to that in other strains in contrast to the blunted glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated islets. CONCLUSIONS—Strain-dependent differences exist in four inbred mouse strains frequently used for genetic manipulation and study of glucose metabolism. These results are important for selecting inbred mice to study glucose metabolism and for interpreting and designing experiments.
Periodic bandgap and effective dielectric materials in electromagnetics: characterization and applications in nanocavities and waveguides

The main objectives of this paper are to characterize and develop insight into the performance of photonic bandgap (PBG) periodic dielectric materials and to integrate the results into some novel applications. A powerful computational engine utilizing the finite-difference time-domain technique with periodic boundary conditions/perfectly matched layers integrated with Prony's method is applied to provide an in-depth look at the physics of PBG/periodic bandgap structures. Next, the results are incorporated into two classes of applications in the areas of nanocavity lasers and guidance of electromagnetic (EM) waves in sharp bends. A two-dimensional PBG structure with finite thickness is presented to strongly localize the EM waves in three directions and design a high-Q nanocavity laser. It is shown that the periodic PBG/total internal reflections remarkably trap the EM waves inside the defect region. The effect of the number of periodic cells and defect's dielectric constant on the Q of structure is investigated. It has been found that a seven-layer PBG with a dielectric impurity defect can be used in the design of a laser with a Q as high as 1050. Additionally, potential applications of the PBG structures for guiding the EM waves in sharp bends, namely, 90/spl deg/ and 60/spl deg/ channels are demonstrated. It is shown that shaping the bend by introducing small holes can noticeably improve the guidance of the waves at the bends and channel the EM waves with great efficiency. A comparative study between PBG and effective dielectric materials in controlling the EM waves is also provided and it is observed that the novel characteristics of the PBG cannot be modeled using the effective material for the frequencies within the bandgap.
Long-term prospective follow-up of botulinum toxin treatment for facial rhytides

Some wrinkles and unsightly facial expressions are due to hyperactivity of the underlying facial musculature. Clostridium botulinum type A exotoxin reversibly paralyzes selected muscles and is a safe, helpful adjunct to many other treatments for facial rejuvenation. Fifty-two patients were treated and all data recorded in a prospective fashion. Only areas requested by the patient were treated. The dosage and dilution given in each area were carefully noted and all patients had pretreatment and posttreatment photographs. The effect of botulinum toxin injections on the horizontal brow rhytides was recorded by measuring the distance from the frontal hairline to the superior edge of the eyebrow in the mid-pupillary line. Patients were followed for one to three years (mean 16.3 months). One patient was not responsive to botulinum toxin in spite of repeated injections. Three further patients required touch-up injections two weeks after the initial treatment due to a weak initial response. Repeat injections were required every three to six months (mean 4.05) to maintain the desired improvement. Asymmetry of the brow was seen in two patients and corrected with further administration of botulinum toxin. Twenty-five patients had their forehead rhytides injected and the appropriate measurements taken. Brow ptosis occurred in 22 of the 25 patients and varied 1-6 mm with a mean value of 2.3 mm. This difference was statistically significant (paired t-test p <0.001). Two patients reported dryness and flakiness of the frontal area after injections. No cases of eyelid ptosis or hypersensitivity were seen. Botulinum toxin injections are safe and all undesired effects are reversible. Great care has to be taken not to aggravate the degree of brow ptosis. Injection of the forehead depressors minimizes the risk of brow ptosis. Careful planning of injection sites and doses avoids a mask-like upper face. The use of botulinum toxin provides a useful adjunct to laser and surgical procedures for facial rejuvenation.
Phylogeny of the millipede order Spirobolida (Arthropoda: Diplopoda: Helminthomorpha)

This study examines relationships within the millipede order Spirobolida using an exemplar approach, sampling within families to maximize geographical and morphological diversity; due to lack of available material, Allopocockiidae and Hoffmanobolidae were not included in analyses. The focus of this study was to test monophyly of the order, the suborders, and the families of Spirobolida and to propose interfamilial relationships using morphological and molecular data in a total-evidence approach. Both maximum-parsimony analyses and Bayesian inference were employed to analyse two datasets consisting of combined morphological and molecular data, one aligned using progressive alignment methods and the second aligned by secondary structure models. Rhinocricidae was recovered sister to all remaining spirobolidan millipedes and is elevated to suborder status as suborder Rhinocricidea. Trigoniulidea was recovered as monophyletic as was Spirobolidea excluding Rhinocricidae; Spirobolidea is redefined to reflect this change. All previously recognized families were recovered, with the exception of Spirobolidae; in all instances, this family was paraphyletic or part of a polytomy that lacked sufficient resolution to assess its monophyly. The results reaffirm much of the existing taxonomic foundation within Spirobolida. This study provides the first phylogenetic test of higher-level relationships within Spirobolida and will serve as a foundation for future work in this group at finer levels. © The Willi Hennig Society 2010.
Phylogenetic Relationships and Divergence Timing of Crocodylus Based on Morphology and the Fossil Record

Abstract Maximum parsimony analysis of 164 morphological characters supports the monophyly of crown-genus Crocodylus relative to other extant lineages. Crocodylus cataphractus is the basalmost living species, and monophyletic New World and Indopacific assemblages are supported. The Indian Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) is closely related to the Indopacific assemblage. Most fossils assigned to Crocodylus do not belong to the crown genus. Only one extinct fossil included in the analysis, Crocodylus palaeindicus (= C. sivalensis), falls within the crown-group Crocodylus and is of uncertain affinities within the group; Adams consensus trees draw C. palaeindicus toward the root of non–cataphractus Crocodylus, and the Nile crocodile (C. niloticus) is the sister taxon to the New World assemblage. The oldest fossil diagnostically belonging to the clade is from the Late Miocene, which is congruent with previous protein distance estimates of a Late Tertiary divergence among living species. Fossils and molecules neve...
Does latent learning produce instantaneous transfer of place navigation

Commentaire sur les apports d'information effectues par Chew, Sutherland et Wishaw (1989) concernant l'article de Keith et Mc Vety (1988): precision concernant certains termes se rapportent au probleme de l'apprentissage latent et a celui de l'orientation
On the Transport of Hydrogen by Dislocations

The interaction between dissolved hydrogen and dislocations, especially moving ones, is an intriguing and key metallurgical problem. A resolution would provide a substantial clarification of some of the unresolved mysteries of hydrogen embrittlement as well as a significant contribution to the understanding of defects in crystals.
Abstract 158: Delirium is a Robust Predictor of Morbidity and Mortality Among Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients

Background: Delirium is common in the medical and surgical intensive care unit (ICU), and its association with morbidity and mortality is well described. Despite emerging data which has highlighted a growing critical care burden in the contemporary cardiac ICU (CICU), much less is known about delirium in this specialized setting. Methods and Results: Records for consecutive CICU patients >18 years who were admitted to our academic, tertiary-care institution from December 2012 through March 2014 for a primary cardiovascular diagnosis were reviewed. Only those with a documented Confusion Assessment Method for ICU (CAM-ICU) score were included in the final analysis. Baseline characteristics, resource use, and outcomes were collected. Disease severity was assessed using the modified Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) Score and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II). Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were constructed to evaluate the association between CICU delirium, length of stay (LOS), and death. Among 590 patients included, the prevalence of CICU delirium was 20.3%. Delirious patients were older, had greater disease-severity, required longer ICU stays (5 vs. 2 days, p<0.001), and had higher CICU mortality: 27% (32 of 120 patients) vs. 3% (14 of 470 patients), p<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, delirium had the greatest independent association with both mortality (p<0.001) and LOS (p=0.001). Conclusions: In those with cardiac critical illness, delirium is common and associated with worse survival and greater resource consumption. Future study is needed to validate these findings and to develop effective strategies for the early identification and treatment of the delirious CICU patient.
Just heavy menses or something more? Raising awareness of von Willebrand disease.

Overview Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, with an estimated prevalence of up to 1.3% of the U.S. population, or 4 million Americans. It's caused by a deficiency of or defects in von Willebrand factor, a protein necessary for blood to clot. Many nurses and other health care providers, as well as patients, are unaware of the disorder, its symptoms, and its associated risks. Although the disorder occurs equally in males and females, it can be more troublesome in females. Heavy menses beginning at menarche is one of the most common presentations, but because the disorder is inherited and other family members may have similarly heavy menses, the assumption may be that this is normal. This article describes von Willebrand disease and its three types, explains how to recognize and investigate suggestive symptoms, and outlines management strategies.
Managing Outsourced Administrative Discretion

An entire body of administrative law exists to guide the administrative discretion of public administrators. Although an increasing share of public services is being outsourced to the private sector, much of administrative law is not applicable to governments’ contracted agents. Alternatively, contracting agencies use the contract instrument to guide and constrain contractors’ exercise of delegated administrative discretion. This essay reports on a study of selected Florida local governments’ contracts for residential trash collection services. Although minimal discretion was placed in contractors’ hands, it still presented opportunities for abuse. The local governments used a variety of ways to manage the administrative discretion, including the imposition of public service ethics and transparency requirements. Upon analysis of contractual grants of and constraints upon administrative discretion, some suggestions are offered for enhancing contractual management of delegated administrative discretion.
Estimating Models of Seasonal Market Response Using Dummy Variables

Researchers often suggest the usefulness of regression models of market response as aids to market decision making. Commonly, models which involve monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly data explicitly a...
Beware the Intruder? When Work Encroaches on Recovery Time

This symposium addresses an important concern in today’s workforce: the boundary between work and non-work, and what seems to be its increasing permeability for a majority of white-collar jobs in p...
Food Production as a Niche Innovation in Higher Education

Institutions of higher education, which have historically responded to the cultural, economic, and technological needs of society, possess great potential for influencing societal transitions towards sustainability. Today, colleges and universities are experimenting with campus-based social innovations that integrate infrastructure, operations, curriculum, research, and funding while communicating new ways of thinking within and outside of the campus community. Food production, for example, has created an integrating context for sustainability on campuses throughout the country and has been praised for its impact. This exploratory study examines the role of colleges and universities in facilitating the diffusion of campus-based food production. Considering food production as a niche level innovation in higher education, we measure the success of this niche as determined by its potential to grow and facilitate the diffusion of innovative practices that influence larger transitions towards sustainability. The transition management (TM) framework is utilized to examine 281 examples of social innovation on college campuses collected from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) Database of Campus Sustainability Case Studies and the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). We find that while necessary processes for successful niche growth are present, the data provides less evidence of the conditions necessary for innovation diffusion.
Red cell cholesterol depletion and the formation of spiculated cells in vivo.

Abstract Red cell cholesterol readily exchanges with plasma cholesterol and red cell cholesterol loss has been produced in vitro by depletion of the pool of plasma-unesterified cholesterol. To examine the possibility that the capacity of the plasma to solubilize cholesterol may also influence red cell-plasma cholesterol exchange, studies have been performed in which plasma cholesterol solubility has been markedly enhanced by intravascular administration of the phospholipid, lecithin. Rats infused with a sonicated dispersion of pure phospholipid for 24 hours develop grossly lactescent plasma containing greatly increased amounts of phospholipid and unesterified cholesterol. After 24 hours of phospholipid infusion, red cells are markedly altered: cells appear spheroidal and spiculated, exhibit increased osmotic fragility, and contain significantly less cholesterol. The cholesterol loss is selective and results in almost a 50 per cent reduction in the red cell cholesterol to phospholipid ratio. When normal red cells are incubated for 20 hours in plasma of high phospholipid content, selective red cell cholesterol loss of similar magnitude is produced. In vitro, red cell cholesterol depletion occurs even though the medium for incubation contains, in addition to increased phospholipid, greatly increased amounts of unesterified cholesterol. These findings would suggest that, regardless of the absolute amounts of plasma-unesterified cholesterol, red cell cholesterol loss, and possibly uptake, may be more directly regulated by the availability of solubilizing plasma components.
Validating Return-Generating Models

Performance measurement and event studies frequently assume a specific stochastic process for stock returns. The purpose of this paper is to validate the predictive accuracy of various stochastic processes on data different from those used in estimating the models. The main conclusion is that multi-factor models estimated with factor analytic techniques provide more accurate forecasts than the usual market model with either an equal- or value-weighted index, and Fama–French three-factor model. A model incorporating a set of pre-specified macro variables that some prior studies have used has no predictive value.
Neuroimaging of Hypertension and Related Cerebral Pathology

Neuroimaging is a mainstay in the evaluation of the effects of hypertension (HTN) on the brain. Nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI) is the most sensitive study for the evaluation and quantification of brain pathology, anatomy, and physiology, including the effects of hypertension. Computerized tomography (CT) remains an important modality of the rapid assessment of patients in the emergency setting, while positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission tomography (SPECT) provide information on metabolism and physiology in the evaluation of HTN on the brain, these are used more for research and less in the clinical setting due to cost, availability often only in academic centers and are limited by radiation exposure.
Organizational barriers to physician participation in cancer clinical trials.

Objective To assess barriers to physician participation in cancer clinical trials among oncologists, oncology leaders, and health plan leaders. Study design Mail survey of 221 oncologists combined with semistructured telephone interviews with oncology and plan leaders at 10 integrated healthcare systems. Methods The survey instrument examined physicians' involvement in clinical trials; their perception of the value of trials to them, their patients, and their organization; and the presence of infrastructure support for trials and associated resource constraints. The interviews investigated similar issues from the leaders' perspective. We used linear regression to model trial enrollment and standard qualitative techniques to analyze the interviews. Results Oncologists estimated they enrolled 7% of patients in trials. They expressed extremely favorable attitudes toward trials as a source of high-quality patient care and a benefit to themselves professionally. While positive attitudes toward trials were common, and were significant bivariate predictors of enrollment, organizational factors were the predominant predictors in multivariate analysis. The best combination of factors independently predicting enrollment related to organizational support for trials, subspecialty of the oncologist, and limitations of trial eligibility requirements. Conclusions To increase trial participation, there is a critical need for infrastructure to support trials, especially additional support staff and research nurses. In addition, there is a need for better intra-organizational communication and consideration of the impact of trial design on internal health plan resources. This research supports the need to continue a national dialogue about the broadly defined benefits and costs of clinical trials to patients, physicians, and health plans.
Gene-Centered Yeast One-Hybrid Assays

An important question when studying gene regulation is which transcription factors (TFs) interact with which cis-regulatory elements, such as promoters and enhancers. Addressing this issue in complex multicellular organisms is challenging as several hundreds of TFs and thousands of regulatory elements must be considered in the context of different tissues and physiological conditions. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays provide a powerful "gene-centered" method to identify the TFs that can bind a DNA sequence of interest. In this introduction, we describe the basic principles of the Y1H assay and its advantages and disadvantages and briefly discuss how it is complementary to "TF-centered" methods that identify protein-DNA interactions for a known protein of interest.
Human mitochondrial transcription factors TFAM and TFB2M work synergistically in promoter melting during transcription initiation.

Human mitochondrial DNA is transcribed by POLRMT with the help of two initiation factors, TFAM and TFB2M. The current model postulates that the role of TFAM is to recruit POLRMT and TFB2M to melt the promoter. However, we show that TFAM has 'post-recruitment' roles in promoter melting and RNA synthesis, which were revealed by studying the pre-initiation steps of promoter binding, bending and melting, and abortive RNA synthesis. Our 2-aminopurine mapping studies show that the LSP (Light Strand Promoter) is melted from -4 to +1 in the open complex with all three proteins and from -4 to +3 with addition of ATP. Our equilibrium binding studies show that POLRMT forms stable complexes with TFB2M or TFAM on LSP with low-nanomolar Kd values, but these two-component complexes lack the mechanism to efficiently melt the promoter. This indicates that POLRMT needs both TFB2M and TFAM to melt the promoter. Additionally, POLRMT+TFB2M makes 2-mer abortives on LSP, but longer RNAs are observed only with TFAM. These results are explained by TFAM playing a role in promoter melting and/or stabilization of the open complex on LSP. Based on our results, we propose a refined model of transcription initiation by the human mitochondrial transcription machinery.
Does breast-feeding reduce offspring junk food consumption during childhood? Examinations by socio-economic status and race/ethnicity

Objective To examine whether breast-feeding duration and socio-economic status (SES) interact to predict junk food consumption among offspring and whether the interaction differs across racial/ethnic groups. Design Survey research using a longitudinal panel design. Hierarchical linear regression was used to analyse the data. Setting In-home interviews with the child’s parents over a 5-year period across the USA. Subjects Approximately 10 000 American children from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study: Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). Results The findings revealed that longer breast-feeding durations correspond to lower levels of junk food consumption, but that this relationship emerges consistently only among low-SES blacks. Conclusions Efforts to promote breast-feeding among low-SES black women may have the added benefit of reducing their children’s junk food intake, and may thereby promote their general health and well-being. Future research should seek to explore the mechanisms by which breast-feeding might benefit the dietary habits of low-SES black children.
Stable Thrombus Formation in the Inferior Vena Cava in Response to FeCl3-Induced Injury Is GPIb-Dependent.

Abstract Thrombosis is a major component of cardiovascular disease. Thrombosis occurs in both arteries and veins. Arteries and veins differ biochemically, compositionally, structurally, and hemodynamically. Also, arterial thrombi are platelet rich and red cell poor. Thrombi in veins are red cell and fibrin rich and platelet poor. Stable thrombus formation in the carotid artery (CA) in response to FeCl3-induced injury has been characterized extensively, and is dependent on glycoprotein Ib (GPIb). Stable thrombus formation in veins, not venules has not been characterized extensively. Here, we compare the requirements for stable thrombus formation in response to FeCl3-induced injury in mouse CA with those for stable thrombus formation induced by FeCl3 in mouse inferior vena cava (IVC). The structural differences between the CA and the IVC preclude equivalent preparation of the two types of vessels. The tissue surrounding the CA can be separated from the vessel without obviously damaging it, allowing easy access by the FeCl3. The tissue surrounding the IVC cannot be readily separated from the vessel without damaging it. So, the vessel preparations are not equivalent. Stable thrombus formation was monitored using a laser Doppler system. Stable thrombus formation in C57BL/6J mice occurred in the CA in about 5 minutes in response to injury induced by exposure to FeCl3 (10%, 3 min) and was dependent on GPIb. Strikingly, stable thrombus formation in the IVC did not occur reproducibly in response to 10% FeCl3 even following exposure for 10 minutes. Exposure to a 20% FeCl3 solution for 10 minutes was required to reproducibly elicit stable thrombus formation in the IVC of control mice; stable thrombi formed in about 28 minutes. Dependence of stable thrombus formation in the IVC on GPIb in response to FeCl3 induced injury was characterized using genetically altered mice. GPIb−/− mice did not support stable thrombus formation (20%, 10 min). Because the low platelet count and/or the large platelet size of the platelets in these Bernard-Soulier syndrome like mice may have affected thrombus formation, mice lacking the extracellular domain of GPIb, but possessing the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of GPIb were tested in this system. These mice designated IL-4R, have platelets of normal size and number but lack murine GPIb. They express modified human GPIb composed of the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of human GPIb and the extracellular domain of interleukin 4 receptor (IL-4R) instead of the extracellular domain of human GPIb. Both mouse strains, GPIb−/− and the IL-4R, are present in a C57BL/6J background as a result of 10 generation backcrossing to C57BL/6J animals. Stable thrombi did not form in these mice in response to FeCl3. These data demonstrate that as in the CA, stable thrombus formation in the IVC requires GPIb. Surprisingly, these results conflict with those reported for FeCl3-induced stable thrombus formation in mesenteric venules which is GPIb-independent, but von Willebrand factor-dependent.
Documenting performance: the context and processes of digital curation and archiving

Toni Sant’s collection is both necessary and frustrating. With the rapid increase in digital curation of performance, books that broaden the global perspectives and theoretical foundations for our ...
Application of gene arrays in toxicology

The rapid development of new technologies capable of examining gene and/or protein expression on a global scale combined with the availability of either complete or nearly complete gene sequences from human and common rodent models has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way in which scientific questions are being addressed in many disciplines, including toxicology. The application of genomic tools to address important issues in toxicology include studies, which examine genome wide expression profiling in cells or tissues in response to toxicants as well as studies, focused on understanding the effects of sequence polymorphisms in the toxic response. The potential for using these approaches to understand mechanisms of action of toxicants and to assess the potential health effects of exposure to particular chemicals has received considerable attention and has been reviewed in several recent articles (Farr et al. 1999, Burchiel et al. 2001, Pennie et al. 2001, Fielden et al. 2001). This proceeding will discuss several issues, which we feel are important in the design and conduct of microarray studies along with applications of this in toxicology. The reader is referred to several recent articles for more information on the “how to” aspects of this technology (Bowtell 1999, Hedge et al. 2000).
Effect of a Health Care Professional Communication Training Intervention on Adolescent Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)–related cancers is more than 35 000 cases in the United States each year. Effective HPV vaccines have been available in the United States for several years but are underused among adolescents, the target population for vaccination. Interventions to increase uptake are needed. Objective To evaluate the effect of a 5-component health care professional HPV vaccine communication intervention on adolescent HPV vaccination. Design, Setting, and Participants A cluster randomized clinical trial using covariate-constrained randomization to assign study arms and an intent-to-treat protocol was conducted in 16 primary care practices in the Denver, Colorado, metropolitan area. Participants included 188 medical professionals and 43 132 adolescents. Interventions The 5 components of the intervention were an HPV fact sheet library to create customized information sheets relevant to each practice’s patient population, a tailored parent education website, a set of HPV-related disease images, an HPV vaccine decision aid, and 2½ hours of communication training on using a presumptive vaccine recommendation, followed by motivational interviewing if parents were resistant to vaccination. Each practice participated in a series of 2 intervention development meetings over a 6-month period (August 1, 2014, to January 31, 2015) before the intervention. Main Outcomes and Measures Differences between control and intervention changes over time (ie, difference in differences between the baseline and intervention period cohorts of patients) in HPV vaccine series initiation (≥1 dose) and completion (≥3 doses) among patients aged 11 to 17 years seen at the practices between February 1, 2015, and January 31, 2016. Vaccination data were obtained from the practices’ records and augmented with state immunization information system data. Results Sixteen practices and 43 132 patients (50.3% female; median age, 12.6 years [interquartile range, 10.8-14.7 years] at the beginning of the study period) participated in this trial. Adolescents in the intervention practices had significantly higher odds of HPV vaccine series initiation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.46; 95% CI, 1.31-1.62) and completion (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.27-1.92) than those in the control practices (a 9.5–absolute percentage point increase in HPV vaccine series initiation and a 4.4–absolute percentage point increase in HPV vaccine series completion in intervention practices). The intervention had a greater effect in pediatric practices compared with family medicine practices and in private practices compared with public ones. Health care professionals reported that communication training and the fact sheets were the most used and useful intervention components. Conclusions and Relevance A health care professional communication intervention significantly improved HPV vaccine series initiation and completion among adolescent patients. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT02456077
Do Published Studies Yield Larger Effect Sizes than Unpublished Studies in Education and Special Education? A Meta-review

Meta-analyses are used to make educational decisions in policy and practice. Publication bias refers to the extent to which published literature is more likely to have statistically significant results and larger sample sizes than studies that do not make it through the publication process. The purpose of the present study is to estimate the extent to which publication bias is present in a broad set of education and special education journals. We reviewed 222 meta-analyses to describe the prevalence of publication bias tests, and further identified 29 that met inclusion criteria for effect size extraction. Descriptive data reveal that 58% of meta-analyses (n = 128) documented no effort to test for possible publication bias, and analyses of 72 difference statistics revealed that published studies were associated with significantly larger effect sizes than unpublished studies (d = 0.64). Exploratory moderator analyses revealed that effect size metric was a significant predictor of the difference between published and unpublished studies.
Cutting to the Chase solving linear integer arithmetic

We describe a new algorithm for solving linear integer programming problems. The algorithm performs a DPLL style search for a feasible assignment, while using a novel cut procedure to guide the search away from the conflicting states.
Utilization of Imaging Technology in Concussion Assessment

In the emergency room setting, children with concussions often undergo computed tomography (CT) scan to assess for structural damage in the brain. When specific clinical signs and symptoms are present, then a CT scan is essential to assess for underlying severe structural injury. Similarly, a patient who initially is clinically well appearing and then has clinical deterioration over 48–72 h should be evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess for structural damage. Both CT scan and MRI, however, are typically normal in otherwise uncomplicated concussions and do not predict the severity of concussion or guide postconcussion management. Newer imaging techniques are more sensitive in detecting the subtle, cellular-level changes associated with concussion. Most of the newer techniques are not yet well established with clinical use protocols but offer promise for the future. This chapter reviews the various imaging modalities available to help with concussion management.
Membership Functions, Fuzzification and Defuzzification

Fuzzy membership functions represent similarities of objects to ambiguous properties. All the information represented by a fuzzy set is contained within the membership function. This chapter summaries some methods to develop membership functions, briefly discusses the process of fuzzification (making crisp sets into fuzzy sets), and illustrates a few defuzzification (reducing fuzzy sets into singleton scalar values) methods.
Some New Findings on Monoamine Oxidase “The Key Enzyme of Biogenic Amines Degradation”

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is postulated to play an important role in controlling the levels of certain neurohormones and other pharmacologically important amines (Schacht and Leven, 1977; Von Korff, 1979). This involvement has stimulated considerable interest in the physiochemical and enzymatic properties of the enzyme.
First-time maltreatment in children ages 2–10 with and without specific birth defects: A population–based study

Children with disabilities are at an increased risk for maltreatment. However, little is known about the risk of maltreatment in children with specific types of birth defects. This study was conducted to determine whether the risk and predictors of maltreatment in children 2 to 10 years of age differ between those without and with specific birth defects: Down syndrome, cleft lip with/without cleft palate, and spina bifida. State administrative and United States Census data were linked to identify study groups, variables of interest, and outcome measures. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to identify study groups and variables associated with an increased risk for maltreatment. The prevalence of substantiated maltreatment was consistently highest among children with cleft lip with/without cleft palate. After adjusting for birth-level factors, children with Down syndrome and cleft lip with/without cleft palate were 34% and 26% more likely to have been maltreated than those without birth defects, respectively. In all three birth defect groups, the risk of medical neglect was higher (relative risks ranged from 3 to 11) than in the unaffected group. The factors associated with increased risk for maltreatment were similar across all groups. Of note, parity, maternal education, and maternal Medicaid use at birth were all associated with greater than 2-fold increased risk for maltreatment. Our findings suggest that the families of children with birth defects may need support services throughout early childhood to help families cope with the needs of their children and reduce the risk of maltreatment.
Renminbi Rising: The Inclusion of the Renminbi in the SDR Basket

In 2015, the IMF found that the Renminbi met the criteria for inclusion in the SDR basket and the Renminbi became the fifth SDR basket currency with effect from October 1, 2016. This paper reflects on the change from the IMF’s institutional perspective, providing relevant background and insight into the legal aspects of the decision. The addition of the Renminbi to the SDR currency basket by the IMF is the most significant change to the SDR basket in over four decades and may have a lasting impact on the international monetary system.
Is Hemispheric Hypoperfusion a Treatable Cause of Cognitive Impairment

To review the current literature that supports the notion that cerebral hemodynamic compromise from internal carotid artery stenosis may be a cause of vascular cognitive impairment that is amenable to treatment by revascularization. Converging evidence suggests that successful carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting are associated with reversal of cognitive decline in many patients with severe but asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Most of these findings have been derived from cohort studies and comparisons with either normal or surgical controls. Failure to find treatment benefit in a number of studies appears to have been the result of patient heterogeneity or confounding from concomitant conditions independently associated with cognitive decline, such as heart failure and other cardiovascular risk factors, or failure to establish pre-procedure hemodynamic failure. Patients with severe carotid artery stenosis causing cerebral hemodynamic impairment may have a reversible cause of cognitive decline. None of the prior studies, however, were done in the context of a randomized clinical trial with large numbers of participants. The ongoing CREST-2 trial comparing revascularization with medical therapy versus medical therapy alone, and its associated CREST-H study determining whether cognitive decline is reversible among those with hemodynamic compromise may address this question.
Cross-domain correlates of cannabis use disorder severity among young adults.

Abstract Background Correlates of cannabis use and dependence among young adults have been widely studied. However, it is not known which factors are most strongly associated with severity of cannabis use dependence (CUD) severity. Identification of the salient correlates of CUD severity will be of increasing clinical significance as use becomes more socially normative. Methods This study used a data-driven, hypothesis-free approach to examine the most robust correlates of CUD severity among a sample of 76 young adults (ages 18 to 25 years) who used cannabis at least weekly. Seventy-one candidate variables were examined for association with CUD severity. These included demographic variables, self-reported and psychodiagnostic assessments of mood and anxiety, self-reported measures of personality, cannabis and other substance use characteristics, and objective and subjective measures of cognition. Results Of the 71 candidate variables considered, 27 were associated with CUD severity on a univariate level at a p-value ≤.20. Correlates of CUD severity in the multivariable model using stepwise selection were: more frequent cannabis use in the past 90 days, greater expectancies that cannabis causes cognitive and behavioral impairment, greater self-reported metacognitive deficits, greater anxiety, and lower reaction time variability on a test of sustained attention. Internal validation tests support high prediction accuracy of all variables in the multivariable model, except for lower reaction time variability. Conclusions Cannabis use frequency, beliefs about use, perceived cognitive abilities, and anxiety are robustly associated with CUD severity in young adult, regular cannabis users, and may be important in guiding prevention and treatment efforts.