cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contrast-enhanced Spectral Mammography: Technique, Indications, and Clinical Applications.

Rationale and Objectives Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) combines the benefits of full field digital mammography with the concept of tumor angiogenesis. Technique and practical applications of CESM are discussed. Materials and Methods An overview of the technique is followed by a demonstration of practical applications of CESM in our practice. Results We have successfully implemented CESM into our practice as a screening, diagnostic, staging, and treatment response tool. Conclusion It is important to understand the technique of CESM and how to incorporate it into practice.
Papa Revisited: A Current Empirical Study of the Mason Framework

Nearly twenty years ago in MIS Quarterly, Richard Mason proposed that there were four key “issues of the information age.” This influential article and concepts have been used by many researchers as the basis for information technology ethics studies. This manuscript revisits the current state of information technology ethics by empirically measuring current attitudes toward these “four issues of the information age” as originally proposed by Mason: privacy, accessibility, property, and accuracy (commonly referred to as PAPA). More than 200 individuals are polled with regard to recognition of the specific information technology issues and their views on the importance of these issues as ethical topics. The four issues raised directly map to the four Mason PAPA issues. The study validates the PAPA issues and finds all the topics are currently viewed as important ethical issues. The study also finds that overall there are high levels of concern with all four issues but finds that privacy is viewed as most i...
The Impact of Fatty Acid Composition on Transportation Fuel Yields via the Non-Catalytic Cracking of Triacylglyceride Oils

A wide spectrum of triacylglyceride (TG) oils were decomposed in batch lab and continuous pilot-scale reactors to generate an extensive database, which was then used to construct a model to predict the detailed composition of products generated during non-catalytic cracking. The model was then coupled with additional simulated process steps to determine the yields of transportation products and other chemical co-products meeting specifications of their petroleum analogs as validated with laboratory testing. A statistical study was then performed to use the model to analyze the impact that changes in TG oil composition have upon target product yields. In this study, the model was used to simulate a viable suite of products for every TG oil analyzed. The model predicts minor differences in the ratio of products from various different fatty acid compositions. For example, it was found that stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1), and erucic (C22:1) acids show a positive effect on fuel yields. By contrast, palmitic (C16:0), linoleic (C18:2), and linolenic (C18:3) acids have negative impacts on fuel yields. From these results, a hypothetical “ideal” TG oil was constructed. This oil turns out to have a composition that is very close to the composition of high oleic sunflower oil.
The future of whiteness, by Linda Martín Alcoff

Demographic shifts in the coming decades will position whites as a minority population in the USA, and Linda Martin Alcoff believes we need to find a way to talk about whiteness in its complexity a...
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Patients From 1998 to 2012: A Nationwide Analysis

Background Prior studies have shown that outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients have been similar to outcomes in HIV-negative patients since effective implementation of highly active antiretroviral therapy by 1998, but they are limited by small sample size or noninclusion of recent data. Methods We queried National Inpatient Sample, a large inpatient data set in the United States, from 1998 to 2012 for HSCT, using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) procedure code 41.0. HIV-positive patients were identified by the presence of ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes 042, 043, 044, V08, and 079.53. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality rate, and the secondary outcome the in-hospital complication rate of HSCT. Outcomes were assessed by means of univariate, multivariate regression and matched-pair analysis. Results A total of 39517 patients who underwent HSCT were identified. Among these, 108 patients had HIV infection. There were no differences in in-hospital mortality rates or rates of intubation, sepsis, bacteremia, or graft-vs-host disease between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients after allogeneic or autologous HSCT. In allogeneic HSCT, HIV-positive patients had a significantly higher incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial and cytomegalovirus infection than HIV-negative patients. Conclusion Although HIV-positive patients may have a higher risk of certain opportunistic infections, they are not at higher risk of serious in-hospital complications of HSCT. Allogeneic and autologous HSCT can be safely performed in HIV-positive patients.
Engagement Matters: Student Perceptions on the Importance of Engagement Strategies in the Online Learning Environment.

Student engagement increases student satisfaction, enhances student motivation to learn, reduces the sense of isolation, and improves student performance in online courses. This survey-based research study examines student perception on various engagement strategies used in online courses based on Moore’s interaction framework. One hundred and fifty five students completed a 38-item survey on learner-to-learner, learner-to-instructor, and learner-to-content engagement strategies. Learner-to-instructor engagement strategies seemed to be most valued among the three categories. Icebreaker/introduction discussions and working collaboratively using online communication tools was rated the most beneficial engagement strategy in the learner-to-learner category, whereas sending regular announcements or e-mail reminders and providing grading rubrics for all assignments was rated the most beneficial in learner to instructor category. In the student-content category, students mentioned working on real world projects and having discussions with structured or guiding questions were the most beneficial. This study also analyzed age, gender, and online learning years of experience differences on their perception of engagement strategies. The results of the study have implications for online instructors, instructional designers, and administrators who wish to enhance engagement in the online courses.
Are Sporadic Eosinophilic Solid and Cystic Renal Cell Carcinomas Characterized by Somatic Tuberous Sclerosis Gene Mutations

Eosinophilic solid and cystic renal cell carcinomas (ESC RCC) is a rare, unique tumor type not yet included in the World Health Organization classification of renal neoplasia. Separately, RCCs found in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) have recently been categorized into 3 morphologic groups: RCC with a tubulopapillary architecture separated by smooth muscle stroma, chromophobe-like, and eosinophilic-microcytic type. The third classification has been identified in ∼11% of TSC-associated RCC and have histology identical to ESC RCCs. The sporadic form of ESC RCC, not associated with TSC, have only been characterized on the cytogenetic level and the full molecular underpinnings have yet to be examined. Using next-generation sequencing we present 2 cases of sporadic ESC RCC in patients without clinical features of tuberous sclerosis, which demonstrate pathogenic somatic TSC2 gene mutations. These mutations are without other alterations in any other genes associated with RCC, suggesting that sporadic ESC RCC may be characterized by somatic tuberous sclerosis gene mutations (TSC2).
Toward a Shared Services Model for the Delivery of Public Affairs Education

This article examines the feasibility of online course sharing among Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs accredited by the Network of Schools of Public ...
Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors with Selective Internal Radiation Therapy

The pathophysiology of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) is discussed and the differences in types of tumors within this broad category are highlighted. While carcinoid is the most common of the NETs, the general principles of treatment can be extrapolated to the NETs in general. The chemotherapy treatments have not been historically very effective and the major treatment is surgery with removal of the primary as well as debulking metastases. This regimen only occurs in a small minority of patients since the disease has metastasized to the liver in 90 % of cases. Unresectable disease can be treated with modern chemotherapy for small cell cancer with reasonable results but loco-regional treatment of the liver disease is the primary treatment utilized. While ablative therapies can treat one lesion at a time, most patients benefit from having a regional approach to their treatment. Use of 90Yttrium beads has been demonstrated to not only be safe and effective but also to permit significant quality of life since the treatments are performed on an outpatient basis.
Safety Verification Using Barrier Certificates with Application to Double Integrator with Input Saturation and Zero-Order Hold

It is desirable to increase the control sample period in cyber-physical systems such that the available processing power and data transfer are minimized. In this paper, a safety verification technique is proposed which allows a trade-off between the size of the sample period and the convergence rate. The proposed technique is applied to a double integrator with input saturation and zero-order hold. An expression for the control law and an explicit relationship between sample period and control parameters are presented. It is shown that the proposed control law drives all state trajectories initiated in the safe set to the origin without violating safety criteria as long as the sample period remains sufficiently small. Moreover, if the control signal is bounded between the proposed limits, it is shown analytically that a pilot-based configuration also remains in the safe set. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is verified using numerical simulations.
Cultural Consistency and Counselor Credibility

Observers viewed a simulated counseling tape where the approach to counseling was either consistent with or discrepant from the client's cultural norms and values. Those viewing the culturally cons...
Gland-preserving surgery for salivary stones and the utility of sialendoscopes.

BACKGROUND Sialoendoscopy is the standard treatment for sialolithiasis; however, some patients may be unlikely to benefit from an endoscopic approach. This study assesses predictors of failure in the endoscopic management of sialoliths. METHODS Patients treated for sialolithiasis from 2012 to 2017 at two centers were stratified into 3 groups: successful interventional sialendoscopy, incisional sialolithotomy, and gland excision. Patient, disease, and surgical factors were compared. RESULTS Interventional sialendoscopy was attempted in 156 of 206 cases and successful for 42 (27%). Endoscopically retrieved calculi were smaller (4.96 mm) compared to incisional sialolithotomy (7.90 mm). Nonendoscopic approaches were required more often in submandibular cases 87% (P ≤ .005). Palpable stones were present in 74% of incisional sialolithotomies (P < .001). Submandibular location (OR 3.50, 1.53-7.98), palpability (OR 2.74, 1.21-6.18), CT localization (OR 3.05, 1.32-7.10, P = .010), and increased diameter (OR 1.25, 1.09-1.44) were predictive of incisional management. CONCLUSION Stone size/location, CT-localization, and palpability were predictive of calculi that require an incisional approach. If these factors are recognized, the surgeon can consider proceeding directly to incisional sialolithotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.
Identification and investigation of possible ultra-low Q value β decay candidates

Among the wide energy range of β decays, there can exist decays with Q values as low as a few hundred eV. These decays can occur when the parent decays to a excited state in the daughter nucleus. Such decays have been called “ultra-low” Q value β decays. Their application is mainly twofold: (1) they are of interest as potential candidates for neutrino mass determination experiments, and (2) they provide a testing ground for theoretical studies of atomic interference effects in the nuclear decay process. In this work we have identified a number of such potential candidates by analyzing the most recent atomic mass and nuclear energy level data. To determine if an ultra-low Q value β decay branch is energetically allowed for these candidates, more precise and accurate data for the Q value of the ultra-low decay branch is needed. In most cases, this requires more precise atomic mass measurements for the parent and/or daughter atoms. These requirements can be met using Penning trap mass spectrometry.
Older Adults as Makers of Custom Electronics: Iterating on Craftec

Researchers have designed technologies for and with older adults to help them age in place, but there is an opportunity to support older adults in creating customized smart devices for themselves through electronic toolkits. We developed a plan for iterating on Craftec - one of the first electronic toolkits designed for older adults - informed by the results of a participatory design workshop and user evaluation. We focused on supporting older adults to create exemplar artifacts, such as medication adherence systems. We contribute the exemplars and the current plan for components of the Craftec system as a way to support older adults to design technology for themselves.
Efficient Epileptic Seizure Prediction Based on Deep Learning

Epilepsy is one of the world's most common neurological diseases. Early prediction of the incoming seizures has a great influence on epileptic patients’ life. In this paper, a novel patient-specific seizure prediction technique based on deep learning and applied to long-term scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings is proposed. The goal is to accurately detect the preictal brain state and differentiate it from the prevailing interictal state as early as possible and make it suitable for real time. The features extraction and classification processes are combined into a single automated system. Raw EEG signal without any preprocessing is considered as the input to the system which further reduces the computations. Four deep learning models are proposed to extract the most discriminative features which enhance the classification accuracy and prediction time. The proposed approach takes advantage of the convolutional neural network in extracting the significant spatial features from different scalp positions and the recurrent neural network in expecting the incidence of seizures earlier than the current methods. A semi-supervised approach based on transfer learning technique is introduced to improve the optimization problem. A channel selection algorithm is proposed to select the most relevant EEG channels which makes the proposed system good candidate for real-time usage. An effective test method is utilized to ensure robustness. The achieved highest accuracy of 99.6% and lowest false alarm rate of 0.004 ${{{\bf h}}^{ - 1}}$ along with very early seizure prediction time of 1 h make the proposed method the most efficient among the state of the art.
Molecular Phylogenetic Position of Hoplonympha natator (Trichonymphea, Parabasalia): Horizontal Symbiont Transfer or Differential Loss?

Hoplonympha natator is an obligate symbiont of Paraneotermes simplicicornis (Kalotermitidae), from southwestern North America. Another Hoplonympha species inhabits Hodotermopsis sjostedti (Archotermopsidae), from montane Southeast Asia. The large phylogenetic and geographical distance between the hosts makes the distribution of Hoplonympha puzzling. Here, we report the phylogenetic position of H. natator from P. simplicicornis through maximum likelihood and Bayesian analysis of 18S rRNA genes. The two Hoplonympha species form a clade with a deep node, making a recent symbiont transfer unlikely. The distribution of Hoplonympha may be due to an ancient transfer or strict vertical inheritance with differential loss from other hosts.
Robotic Orthogonal Implantation of Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) Depth Electrodes in the Mesial Temporal Lobe: Case Series.

Background Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is a closed-loop neurostimulation modality for treating intractable epilepsy in patients who are not candidates for resection. In the past, implantation of depth electrodes was done through a transoccipital approach that transverses the hippocampus. There have been no descriptions of orthogonal approaches to RNS electrode placement. Objective To describe our initial experience with placing RNS depth electrodes using an orthogonal approach to target the short axis of the mesial temporal lobe. Methods Presurgical work-up included magnetic resonance imaging, video electroencephalography, and neuropsychological testing. During the procedure, patients were placed with their heads in a neutral position. Electrodes were placed via stereotactic robotic assistance using a unilateral orthogonal approach targeting the amygdala or hippocampus. Patients who underwent RNS electrode implantation via orthogonal approach were identified. Multiple variables were collected, including age, disease onset, complications, follow-up, semiology, and seizure reduction. Results There were 8 patients who underwent RNS electrode placement with orthogonal approach. The mean age and follow-up were 44.8 and 1.2 yr, respectively. There were 4 patients with at least 1-yr follow-up. Of them, 1 was seizure free and 2 experienced over 50% reduction in seizures. There were no complications associated with electrode implantation. Conclusion The initial experience using an orthogonal approach for depth electrode placement for RNS implantation was described. The potential advantages may include better safety, accuracy, and positioning in comparison to a transoccipital approach.
CHALLENGES IN SMALL KNEE ARTHROSCOPY: A QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE PEDIATRIC CADAVERIC EXPERIENCE:

Background:Arthroscopy may be utilized for treatment of septic arthritis of the pediatric knee, with success reported in ages from 3 months to 12 years. There is limited data on the ability to arth...
The Influence of Obesity on the Operative and Non-Operative Management of Pediatric Extremity Fractures

Purpose: Childhood obesity remains a growing concern in the United States. Past studies have shown that obese children are more likely to sustain a fracture and exhibit higher rates of subsequent morbidity and mortality compared to non-obese children. The current study utilizes a national pediatric inpatient hospital database to determine whether a co-morbid diagnosis of obesity influences the operative management of pediatric extremity fractures. Methods: Children between the ages of 0 and 17 in the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) from 1997 to 2012 were included in this …
The Controversy over Contemplation and Contemplative Prayer: A Historical, Theological, and Biblical Resolution:

The topic and practice of contemplative prayer has become a major controversy in Evangelical spirituality. For those critical of the spiritual formation movement in general, contemplative prayer is...
Graph Neural Networks for COVID-19 Drug Discovery

Deep learning has led to major advances in fields like natural language processing, computer vision, and other Euclidean data domains. Yet, many important fields have data defined on irregular domains, requiring graphs to be explicitly modeled. One such application is drug discovery. Recently, research has found that using graph neural network (GNN) models, given enough data, can perform better than using human-engineered fingerprints or descriptors in predicting molecular properties of potential antibiotics.We explore these state-of-the-art AI models on predicting desirable molecular properties for drugs that can inhibit SARS-CoV-2. We build upon the GNN models with ideas from recent breakthroughs in geometric deep learning, inspired by the topologies of the molecules. In this poster paper, we present an overview of the drug discovery framework, drug-target interaction framework, and GNNs. Preliminary results on two COVID-19 related datasets are encouraging, achieving a ROC-AUC of 0.72 for FDA-approved chemical library screened against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.
#Scamdemic, #Plandemic, or #Scaredemic: What Parler Social Media Platform Tells Us about COVID-19 Vaccine

This study aims to understand public discussions regarding COVID-19 vaccine on Parler, a newer social media platform that recently gained in popularity. Through analyzing a random sample (n = 400) of Parler posts using the hashtags #COVID19Vaccine and #NoCovidVaccine, we use the concept of echo chambers to understand users’ discussions through a text analytics approach. Thematic analysis reveals five key themes: reasons to refuse the COVID-19 vaccine (40%), side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine (28%), population control through the COVID-19 vaccine (23%), children getting vaccinated without parental consent (5%), and comparison of other health issues with COVID-19 (2%). Textual analysis shows that the most frequently used words in the corpus were: nocovidvaccine (348); vaccine (264); covid (184); covid19 (157); and vaccines (128). These findings suggest that users adopted different terms and hashtags to express their beliefs regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Further, findings revealed that users used certain hashtags such as “echo” to encourage like-minded people to reinforce their existing beliefs on COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and vaccine acceptance. These findings have implications for public health communication in attempts to correct false narratives on social media platforms. Through widely sharing the scientific findings of COVID-19 vaccine-related studies can help individuals understand the COVID-19 vaccines efficacy accurately.
Alternative Strategies for Multi-Stress Tolerance and Yield Improvement in Millets

Millets are important cereal crops cultivated in arid and semiarid regions of the world, particularly Africa and southeast Asia. Climate change has triggered multiple abiotic stresses in plants that are the main causes of crop loss worldwide, reducing average yield for most crops by more than 50%. Although millets are tolerant to most abiotic stresses including drought and high temperatures, further improvement is needed to make them more resilient to unprecedented effects of climate change and associated environmental stresses. Incorporation of stress tolerance traits in millets will improve their productivity in marginal environments and will help in overcoming future food shortage due to climate change. Recently, approaches such as application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) have been used to improve growth and development, as well as stress tolerance of crops. Moreover, with the advance of next-generation sequencing technology, genome editing, using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) system are increasingly used to develop stress tolerant varieties in different crops. In this paper, the innate ability of millets to tolerate abiotic stresses and alternative approaches to boost stress resistance were thoroughly reviewed. Moreover, several stress-resistant genes were identified in related monocots such as rice (Oryza sativa), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and maize (Zea mays), and other related species for which orthologs in millets could be manipulated by CRISPR/Cas9 and related genome-editing techniques to improve stress resilience and productivity. These cutting-edge alternative strategies are expected to bring this group of orphan crops at the forefront of scientific research for their potential contribution to global food security.
Anti-Integrability for 3-Dimensional Quadratic Maps

We study the dynamics of the three-dimensional quadratic diffeomorphism using a concept first introduced thirty years ago for the Frenkel-Kontorova model of condensed matter physics: the anti-integrable (AI) limit. At the traditional AI limit, orbits of a map degenerate to sequences of symbols and the dynamics is reduced to the shift operator, a pure form of chaos. Under nondegeneracy conditions, a contraction mapping argument can show that infinitely many AI states continue to orbits of the deterministic map. For the 3D quadratic map, the AI limit that we study is a quadratic correspondence whose branches, a pair of one-dimensional maps, introduce symbolic dynamics on two symbols. The AI states, however, are nontrivial orbits of this correspondence. The character of these orbits depends on whether the quadratic takes the form of an ellipse, a hyperbola, or a pair of lines. Using contraction arguments, we find parameter domains for each case such that each symbol sequence corresponds to a unique AI state. In some parameter domains, sufficient conditions are then found for each such AI state to continue away from the limit to become an orbit of the original 3D map. Numerical continuation methods extend these results, allowing computation of bifurcations and obtaining orbits with horseshoe-like structures and intriguing self-similarity. We conjecture that pairs of periodic orbits in saddle-node or period doubling bifurcations have symbol sequences that differ in exactly one position.
Composite Enterprise in India

Combination ventures involving a Western firm, Indian Government and sometimes including domestic private capital are perhaps the most novel form which has yet appeared on the Indian development scene. These undertakings are foreign and domestic mixed enterprises, i.e., combinations of public and private capital, one party of which originates abroad. Because of the dual character and implications flowing from these unusual combinations, it was felt desirable to originate the term “composite enterprises/’ This term will serve to set them off from the domestic type already covered. A number of projects of this kind have so far appeared in India. Mixtures from nearby Ceylon and Burma are also worthy of note. The following pages will give some examples of such enterprises.
Progress in ion beam research at Sandia National Laboratories

Significant progress has been made recently in ion-beam production and focusing in both radial focusing and extraction geometries. Experiments on Sandia's Particle Beam Fusion Accelerator (PBFA) II have demonstrated efficient ion-beam generation, with 0.6 MJ of ions produced with 80% ion efficiency on experiments at the 3/4 energy level. With the flashover ion sources presently used on PBFA II, approximately half of the ion are protons. Horizontal FWHM proton focuses of approximately 5 mm have been obtained at diode voltages of over 5 MV. Experiments have revealed a linear scaling of FWHM with anode-cathode gap. Experiments and simulations have provided important information on the effects of both solenoidal and self-field focusing in the diode. Extraction diode experiments have been conducted in support of Sandia's light ion version of the US Department of Energy's Laboratory Microfusion Facility (LMF). Results from diode experiments on the 0.7-TW Mite accelerator together with an improved understanding of diode operation provide a reasonable path to a 30-MV, 1.2-MA LMF module. >
Bird Song: Steroid Hormones and Plasticity

In many species of birds, males sing to court females and to defend territories or nest sites, whereas females sing little, if at all. This behavioural sex difference is paralleled by sexual dimorphisms in neural and peripheral structures involved in song production. In adulthood, singing is generally activated by gonadal steroids, such as testosterone, but the role that these hormones play in the natural development of the structural and functional sex differences is at present an intriguing mystery. Keywords: zebra finch; oestrogen; canary; aromatase; sex difference
Statements of core values and corporate codes of ethics for IT related firms

The ethical use of information technology is an increasing concern for all organizations. This is especially true for information technology organizations. In this paper we review a simple model of the ethical decision making process with emphasis on the role that statements of core values and corporate codes of ethics can fulfill in helping create an ethical decision making environment within an organization. We review the web sites of fifty Information technology firms to observe the extent to which corporate web sites are used to communicate the code of ethics. Also, the components of the statements of core values for eleven IT firms are discussed and an overview of the corporate codes of ethics for five IT firms is provided.
An enhanced channel estimation algorithm for OFDM: combined EM algorithm and polynomial fitting

Estimating a channel that is subject to frequency selective Rayleigh fading is a challenging problem in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system. We propose an enhanced channel estimation algorithm that combines the EM-based algorithms proposed previously and a least squares polynomial fitting (LSPF) approach. The combined algorithm can efficiently estimate the channel response of an OFDM system operating in an environment with multipath fading and additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The algorithm can improve the channel estimate obtained from the EM-based algorithms by polynomial fitting. Simulation results show that the bit error rate (BER) as well as the mean square error (MSE) of the channel can be improved by the algorithm. In particular, with these additional computations and demodulation delay, the MSE can be made smaller than the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB).
Alae nasi activation (nasal flaring) decreases nasal resistance in preterm infants.

The effect of alae nasi activation on nasal resistance in a group of healthy preterm infants was measured. Alae nasi activity was determined via the alae nasi electromyogram obtained from skin surface electrodes during both active and quiet sleep. Nasal resistance was calculated from airflow measured with a mask pneumotachograph and transnasal pressure drop obtained by simultaneous measurement of nasal pressure via a catheter inserted in one nostril and mask pressure. The percentage of breaths accompanied by phasic alae nasi activity was higher during active sleep than during quiet sleep (43% +/- 10% v 14% +/- 6%; P less than .005), and hypercapnic stimulation (4% CO2 inhalation) significantly increased the incidence of phasic alae nasi activity to comparable levels in both sleep states (82% +/- 8% in active sleep and 82% +/- 9% in quiet sleep). Elevation of tonic alae nasi activity also occurred more frequently during active sleep (P less than .05). The presence of either phasic or elevated tonic alae nasi activity decreased nasal resistance by 23% +/- 4% during active sleep and 21% +/- 3% during quiet sleep. This reduction in nasal resistance resulted in either a lower transnasal pressure during inspiration, a higher peak inspiratory airflow, or a combination of the two. Alae nasi activity may be an important mechanism that facilitates ventilation by reducing nasal resistance, and it may help stabilize the upper airway by preventing the development of large negative pharyngeal pressure during inspiration.
THE SUBSTANCE VIEW: A CRITIQUE (PART 2)

In my initial critique of the substance view, I raised reductio-style objections to the substance view's conclusion that the standard human fetus has the same intrinsic value and moral standing as the standard adult human being, among others. In this follow-up critique, I raise objections to some of the premises invoked in support of this conclusion. I begin by briefly presenting the substance view as well as its defense. (For a more thorough presentation, see the first part of my critique.) I then raise objections to three claims involved in the substance view's defense: the claim that the standard human fetus's intrinsic value and moral standing is a function of its potentiality; the claim that the standard human fetus's intrinsic value and moral standing is a function of its essential properties; and the claim that it is the possession of the basic potential for rational moral agency that best accounts for the wrongness of killing the standard human fetus, among others.
Some observations on the generalized conjugate gradient method

As we have seen, if systems of the form Mz=d are “easy” to solve, then GCG is better than CSP. If not, then CSP is superior. Of course, it is not clear that either method is the best possible for this class of problems.
TrkB expression at the neuromuscular junction is reduced during aging.

Introduction: Full-length tyrosine kinase B (TrkB.FL) and truncated TrkB (TrkB.t1) receptors are colocalized with acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at the neuromuscular junction. We have recently shown that reduced TrkB expression leads to age-related alterations in AChR structure, neurotransmission failure, and muscle weakness. Methods: We investigated whether TrkB expression is reduced in the soleus muscle during aging. Results: TrkB protein expression was decreased in senescent (24-month-old) compared with 3–12-month-old mice. Loss of TrkB expression was concurrent with age-related changes in AChR morphology. Changes in mRNA levels did not correlate with protein expression, because TrkB.FL copy number was increased in the senescent soleus. No change was seen in TrkB.t1 levels. Conclusions: The results suggest that reduced TrkB expression during aging may result from reduced TrkB.FL mRNA translation or increased TrkB protein turnover. Thus, maintaining adequate TrkB signaling is a potential therapeutic tool to improve muscle function during senescence. Muscle Nerve 47: 532–538, 2013
Cardiac Surgery: Operative Techniques

The cardiac anesthesiologist must be familiar with the surgical procedure in order to prepare appropriate hemodynamic interventions when they are necessary. In this chapter, we will describe the basic surgical techniques for coronary artery bypass grafting, ventricular aneurysmectomy, mitral and aortic valve replacements, and congenital reparative procedures, including those for atrial and ventricular septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, and transposition of the great vessels. The reader is referred to a surgical text for more detailed descriptions of these and other procedures.
Linear analysis and solution of neutron transport problems

Abstract Modern operator techniques are used to give a rigorous analysis and solution of the time independent isotropic linear transport equation for infinite and semi-infinite media. The theory utilizes von Neumnan spectral theory and is presented both in L2 and in spaces of Holder continuous functions.
Shaping Judicial Law in the Post-World War II Period: When Is Labor's Legal Mobilization Successful?

The authors examine the circumstances in which labor is successful in the federal appellate courts when it has filed unfair labor practice charges against employers. They specifically focus on legal disputes concerning union organizing. Few studies have examined the role of class dynamics in shaping judicial law, even when labor law is studied. They find evidence that two strategies used by class actors influence judicial lawmaking. The greater the degree to which workers mobilize the law, the more likely they are to win union organizing cases in the federal courts. However, the greater the degree to which employers are organizationally mobilized, the less likely it is that judicial outcomes will favor labor. The authors also find that legal precedent matters in judicial decision making. They conclude that class dynamics are important in judicial lawmaking. However, they also conclude that, to a degree, judicial decisions also remain autonomous from class dynamics
Expression of TPM1κ, a Novel Sarcomeric Isoform of the TPM1 Gene, in Mouse Heart and Skeletal Muscle.

We have investigated the expression of TPM1α and TPM1κ in mouse striated muscles. TPM1α and TMP1κ were amplified from the cDNA of mouse heart by using conventional RT-PCR. We have cloned the PCR amplified DNA and determined the nucleotide sequences. Deduced amino acid sequences show that there are three amino acid changes in mouse exon 2a when compared with the human TPM1κ. However, the deduced amino acid sequences of human TPM1α and mouse TPM1α are identical. Conventional RT-PCR data as well as qRT-PCR data, calculating both absolute copy number and relative expression, revealed that the expression of TPM1κ is significantly lower compared to TPM1α in both mouse heart and skeletal muscle. It was also found that the expression level of TPM1κ transcripts in mouse heart is higher than it is in skeletal muscle. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the expression of TPM1κ in mammalian skeletal muscle.
ON THE INDEPENDENCE OF SYSTEMATICS

— Before the publication of On the Origin of Species the standing patterns of natural history—common plan, homology, ontogenetic parallelism, and the hierarchy of groups — were taken as indications of a biological order that had not yet been understood. Darwin covered all of these in chapter 13 of the Origin, arguing that his theory was the first to provide a reasonable explanation for the existence of such patterns. Since Darwin took these relations to be established by previous biology, and used them as evidence for the explanatory power of his theory, he was clearly of the opinion that they were independent of that theory. Although several modern figures have argued to the contrary, it seems that Darwin was right. The patterns listed above are recoverable from observation without reference to evolutionary theory, which theory may then be applied to provide an account of the processes by which they may have come about. That aspect of systematics concerned with the identification of the empirical patterns evidently constitutes a study prior to and independent of theories of process.
Determination of cosmogenic Ca-41 in a meteorite with tandem accelerator mass spectrometry

The first use of tandem accelerator mass spectrometry (TAMS) to measure the content of Ca-41 in a natural sample, the iron Bogou meteorite, is reported. Ca in the samples was extracted by hydroxide precipitation and purified by means of a caution exchange resin (AG 50W-X8). After adding 4 percent ammonium oxide, the precipitate was ignited to CaO in a quartz vial at about 1100 C. The Ca-41/Ca ratios were determined following acceleration by alternate measurements of the Ca-40 beam current in an image Faraday cup. Ca-41 particles were also measured using a gas counter. The measured Ca-41/Ca ratio was 3.8 + or -0.6 x 10 to the 12th, which corresponds to a Ca-41 activity of 6.9 + or -1.1 d.p.m. per kg. Calculation of the half-life of Ca-41 in the Bogou meteorite yielded an age of 103,000 years.
DOMINANT INFLUENCE OF ELECTRON INERTIA ON ION CYCLOTRON-WAVE GENERATION IN PLASMA.

Electron inertia is predicted to have a dominant influence on ion cyclotron-wave propagation as the wave frequency approaches the ion cyclotron frequency. This influence should effect a reduction in the Stix coil coupling to a plasma column as the plasma density is lowered. Experimental coupling measurements, taken over an appropriate range of plasma density (2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{10}$ to 2.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{12}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$) on the Model-C stellarator, demonstrate the validity of the theoretical conclusion.
Reactions to Interpersonal Evaluative Feedback1

Self-enhancement approaches to self-concept provide a perspective for identifying motivational factors likely to be affected by interpersonal evaluative feedback. The main hypothesies were that in contrast to positive feedback, negative feedback would lead to higher self-esteem, lower perceptions of task importance, and lower perceptions of control over an evaluator's reactions. Students received a lesson on solving analogies from a teacher (confederate), and then took a test on analogies. After reviewing the student's test, the teacher conveyed either positive feedback, negative feedback, or no feedback. Consistent with a self-enhancement perspective, recipients of negative feedback increased their global self-esteem, placed less importance on succeeding at the task, and felt less control over the teachers' reactions. Implications for understanding the role of interpersonal evaluative feedback in motivation and self-esteem, and self-enhancing responses to threats more generally are discussed.
Peering into the secrets of food and agricultural co-products

Scanning electron microscopy is a useful tool for understanding food contamination and directing product development of food and industrial products. The current trend in food research is to produce foods that are fast to prepare and/or ready to eat. At the same time, these processed foods must be safe, high quality and maintain all or most of the nutritional value of the original whole foods. Minimally processed foods, is the phrase used to characterize these "new" foods. New techniques are needed which take advantage of minimal processing or processing which enhances the fresh properties and characteristics of whole foods while spending less time on food preparation. The added benefit coupled to less cooking time in an individual kitchen translates to an overall energy savings and reduces the carbon emissions to the environment. Food processing changes the microstructure, and therefore, the quality, texture and flavor, of the resulting food product. Additionally, there is the need to reduce waste, transportation costs and product loss during transportation and storage. Unlike food processing, structural changes are desirable in co-products as function follows form for food packaging films and boxes as well as for building materials and other industrial products. Thus, the standard materials testing procedures are coupled with SEM to provide direction in the development of products from agricultural residues or what would otherwise be considered waste materials. The use of agricultural residues reduces waste and adds value to a currently underutilized or unutilized product. The product might be biodegradable or compostable, thus reducing landfill requirements. Manufacturing industrial and packaging products from biological materials also reduces the amount of petroleum products currently standard in the industry.
Parametric error modeling and software error compensation for rapid prototyping

This paper is motivated by the need for a generic approach to evaluate the volumetric accuracy of rapid prototyping (RP) machines. The approach presented in this paper is inspired in large part by the techniques developed over the years for the parametric evaluation of coordinate measuring machine (CMM) errors. In CMM metrology, the parametric error functions for the machine are determined by actual measurement of a master reference artifact with known characteristics. In our approach, the RP machine is used to produce a generic artifact, which is then measured by a master CMM, and measurement results are used to infer the RP machine's parametric error functions. The results presented demonstrate the feasibility of such an approach on a two‐dimensional model.
High-Resolution Mid-Infrared Imaging of the Asymptotic Giant Branch Star RV Bootis with the Steward Observatory Adaptive Optics System

We present high-resolution (~01), very high Strehl ratio (0.97 ± 0.03) mid-IR adaptive optics (AO) images of the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star RV Boo utilizing the MMT adaptive secondary AO system. RV Boo was observed at a number of wavelengths over two epochs (9.8 μm in 2003 May and 8.8, 9.8, and 11.7 μm in 2004 February) and appeared slightly extended at all wavelengths. While the extension is very slight at 8.8 and 11.7 μm, the extension is somewhat more pronounced at 9.8 μm. With such high Strehl ratios, we can achieve superresolutions of 01 by deconvolving RV Boo with a point-spread function (PSF) derived from an unresolved star. We tentatively resolve RV Boo into a 016 FWHM extension at a position angle of 120°. At a distance of 390 pc, this corresponds to a FWHM of 60 AU. We measure a total flux at 9.8 μm of 145 ± 24 Jy for the disk and star. Based on a dust thermal emission model for the observed IR spectral energy distribution and the 9.8 μm AO image, we derive a disk dust mass of 1.6 × 10-6 M☉ and an inclination of 30°-45° from edge-on. We discuss whether the dust disk observed around RV Boo is an example of the early stages in the formation of asymmetric structure in planetary nebulae.
Reliable GPS-based timing for power systems: A multi-layered multi-receiver architecture

Synchronized voltage and current phasor measurements provided by phasor measurement units (PMUs) have the potential to augment power system monitoring, control, and protection functions. PMUs use the Global Positioning System (GPS) to synchronize measurements across a wide geographical area. Unfortunately, low-received-power, unencrypted civil GPS signals are vulnerable to jamming and spoofing attacks. Accidental receiver malfunction can also lead to incorrect position/time solutions. This paper presents a multi-layered multi-receiver architecture that hardens GPS-based timing against jamming, spoofing, and receiver errors. Our architecture integrates eight countermeasures in all layers of receiver signal and data processing; most of the countermeasures exploit the static and networked nature of time reference receivers. We define five threat models, and qualitatively analyze the effectiveness of each countermeasure against each threat model. The analysis demonstrates that the redundant, independent but complementary countermeasures provide high reliability and robustness.
Trapped-ion motion in helium II

We present the results of a series of experiments on the mobility of negative ions trapped on quantized vortex lines in superfluid helium. Trapped-ion mobilities were measured as a function of temperature, pressure, and He3 concentration. Some of the experimental data have been previously reported.1,2 The temperature and pressure dependence of trapped-ion mobilities is qualitatively different than that of free ions. The He3 data strongly suggest that the negative ion bubble does not become deformed on the vortex line. We present a model for a vortex line having a central “core” of normal fluid extending over a distance of several angstroms surrounded by a “tail,” a region of excess roton density whose momenta are predominantly aligned opposite to the direction of circulation of the superfluid. This model is used to calculate the drag on a negative ion trapped on a vortex line. The model appears to account for the experimental results satisfactorily.
Long-term air medical services system performance using APACHE-II and mortality benchmarking.

Objective. Air medical transport programs have been in existence for two decades. During this time, no outcome measures have been developed for these services. The authors examined severity scoring and mortality data from their air medical service to characterize its performance and to identify trends in acuity and mortality over a 15-year period. Methods. APACHE-II scores derived at the time of transport and hospital mortality data have been concurrently recorded in the flight database for adult transports since 1986. The authors analyzed these data and examined the correlation between APACHE-II score at the time of transport and hospital mortality for the 15-year period 1986-2001. Results. 13,808 adult transports were identified. APACHE data were available for 8,204 patients (59%) and mortality for 10,845 (79%), respectively. The number of transports increased from 935 to 1,231 per year. Mean APACHE-II for all patients was 11.6 ± 8.4. Overall mortality was 22%. Both patient acuity and mortality were tre...