cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Accurate Jitter Estimation Technique for Efficient High Speed I/O Testing

This paper describes a technique for estimating total jitter that, along with a loopback-based margining test, can be applied to test high speed serial interfaces. We first present the limitations of the existing estimation method, which is based on the dual-Dirac model. The accuracy of the existing method is extremely sensitive to the choice of the fitting region and the ratio of deterministic jitter to random jitter. Then, we propose a high-order polynomial fitting technique and demonstrate its value for a more efficient and accurate total jitter estimation at a very low Bit-Error-Rate level. The estimation accuracy is also analyzed with respect to different numbers of measurement points for fitting. This analysis shows that only a very small number (i.e., 4) of measurement points is needed for achieving accurate estimation.
Instability of a gravity-modulated fluid layer with surface tension variation

Gravity modulation of an unbounded fluid layer with surface tension variations along its free surface is investigated. The stability of such systems is often characterized in terms of the wavenumber, α and the Marangoni number, Ma. In (α, Ma) parameter space, modulation has a destabilizing effect on the unmodulated neutral stability curve for large Prandtl number, Pr, and small modulation frequency, Ω, while a stabilizing effect is observed for small Pr and large Ω. As Ω → ∞ the modulated neutral stability curves approach the unmodulated neutral stability curve. At certain values of Pr and Ω, multiple minima are observed and the neutral stability curves become highly distorted. Closed regions of subharmonic instability are also observed. In (1/Ω, g1Ra)-space, where g1 is the relative modulation amplitude, and Ra is the Rayleigh number, alternating regions of synchronous and subharmonic instability separated by thin stable regions are observed. However, fundamental differences between the stability boundaries occur when comparing the modulated Marangoni–Benard and Rayleigh–Benard problems. Modulation amplitudes at which instability tongues occur are strongly influenced by Pr, while the fundamental instability region is weakly affected by Pr. For large modulation frequency and small amplitude, empirical relations are derived to determine modulation effects. A one-term Galerkin approximation was also used to reduce the modulated Marangoni–Benard problem to a Mathieu equation, allowing qualitative stability behaviour to be deduced from existing tables or charts, such as Strutt diagrams. In addition, this reduces the parameter dependence of the problem from seven transport parameters to three Mathieu parameters, analogous to parameter reductions of previous modulated Rayleigh–Benard studies. Simple stability criteria, valid for small parameter values (amplitude and damping coefficients), were obtained from the one-term equations using classical method of averaging results.
Synovial cysts of the lumbar spine: Diagnosis, surgical management, and pathogenesis: Report of eight cases

BACKGROUND Synovial cysts are uncommon extradural degenerative lesions associated with symptoms of lower back pain and radiculopathy. Most of these lesions occur in the lumbar spine at the L4-5 level and to a lesser extent at the L5-S1 and L3-4 levels. METHODS A retrospective study involving eight patients seen by the neurosurgery service from January 1, 1989, to May 30, 1994, was analyzed. The type, duration, and distribution of symptoms were evaluated, along with the patient's age and sex. All patients had lumbosacral spine x rays and magnetic resonance imaging. Four had a computed tomography-myelogram of the lumbar spine. All patients underwent a laminectomy or hemilaminectomy and cyst excision, and all were followed for a minimum of 1 year. The presence of a synovial cyst was confirmed by histopathology. RESULTS Of the eight patients, seven had dramatic pain relief with five having complete resolution of pain. The single care of persistent pain was found to be due to scar tissue at the operative site. All five cases of preoperative lower extremity weakness showed complete resolution. Dysesthesia was either unchanged or decreased. CONCLUSIONS Surgery is a safe, effective treatment for patients with lumbar synovial cysts and is the treatment of choice for these lesions.
Computed tomography of the liver: A review

Abstract The following literature review includes most of the observations reported until the spring of 1978. In view of the rapid evolution of body CT, it is reasonable to expect that additional material on hepatic CT will have appeared by the time this manuscript comes to publication. Unfortunately, this is not avoidable. We have attempted to illustrate the observations reported in the literature with selected cases from our own experience.
Alteration of Neuronal Firing Properties after In Vivo Experience in a FosGFP Transgenic Mouse

Identifying the cells and circuits that underlie perception, behavior, and learning is a central goal of contemporary neuroscience. Although techniques such as lesion analysis, functional magnetic resonance imaging, 2-deoxyglucose studies, and induction of gene expression have been helpful in determining the brain areas responsible for particular functions, these methods are technically limited. Currently, there is no method that allows for the identification and electrophysiological characterization of individual neurons that are associated with a particular function in living tissue. We developed a strain of transgenic mice in which the expression of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) is controlled by the promoter of the activity-dependent gene c-fos. These mice enable an in vivo or ex vivo characterization of the cells and synapses that are activated by particular pharmacological and behavioral manipulations. Cortical and subcortical fosGFP expression could be induced in a regionally restricted manner after specific activation of neuronal ensembles. Using the fosGFP mice to identify discrete cortical areas, we found that neurons in sensory-spared areas rapidly regulate action potential threshold and spike frequency to decrease excitability. This method will enhance our ability to study the way neuronal networks are activated and changed by both experience and pharmacological manipulations. In addition, because activated neurons can be functionally characterized, this tool may enable the development of better pharmaceuticals that directly affect the neurons involved in disease states.
Working relationships: assessing the need for media to support close personal relationships at work

Some prior media research has questioned the ability of electronic media to support relationships. This could be a serious impediment to distributed work. However other research indicates that we have few close personal relationships in our life outside work. This study describes a series of questionnaires in which we extended research on relational depth to work. We find, as expected, that few working relationships are closely personal. Thus, even if media are inadequate in their ability to support close relationships, this may not be a serious concern in real organizations. We view this study, as a small step in a long term program to study work relationships and media. >
A finite-difference time-domain method applied to anisotropic material

The popularity of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method stems from the fact that it is not limited to a specific geometry and it does not restrict the constitutive parameters of a scatterer. Furthermore, it provides a direct solution to problems with transient illumination, but can also be used for harmonic analysis. However, researchers have limited their investigation to materials that are either isotropic or that have diagonal permittivity, conductivity, and permeability tensors. The authors derive the necessary extension to the FDTD equations to accommodate nondiagonal tensors. Excellent agreement between FDTD and exact analytic results is obtained for a one-dimensional anisotropic scatterer. >
Enhanced waveform interpolative coding at low bit-rate

This paper presents a high quality enhanced waveform interpolative (EWI) speech coder at low bit-rate. The system incorporates novel features such as optimization of the slowly evolving waveform (SEW) for interpolation, analysis-by-synthesis (AbS) vector quantization (VQ) of the SEW dispersion phase, dual-predictive AbS quantization of the SEW, efficient parameterization of the rapidly-evolving waveform (REW) magnitude, and VQ of the REW parameter, a special pitch search for transitions, and switched-predictive analysis-by-synthesis gain VQ. Subjective tests indicate that the 2.8 kb/s EWI coder's quality exceeds that of G.723.1 at 5.3 kb/s, and it is slightly better than that of G.723.1 at 6.3 kb/s.
Thinking Outside the Box...Inside the Box.

We consider an oblique approach to cutting regions out of a flat rectangular sheet and folding to make a maximum volume container. We compare our approach to the traditional approach of cutting out squares at each vertex of the sheet.
A stochastic model of fatigue crack propagation under variable-amplitude loading

Abstract This paper presents a stochastic model of fatigue crack propagation in ductile alloys that are commonly encountered in mechanical structures and machine components of complex systems (e.g. aircraft, spacecraft, ships and submarines, and power plants). The stochastic model is built upon a deterministic state-space model of fatigue crack propagation under variable-amplitude loading. The (non-stationary) statistic of the crack growth process for center-cracked specimens is obtained as a closed form solution of the stochastic differential equations. Model predictions are in agreement with experimental data for specimens fabricated from 2024-T3 and 7075-T6 aluminum alloys and Ti-6Al-4 V alloy subjected to constant-amplitude and variable-amplitude loading, respectively. The stochastic model of crack propagation can be executed in real time on an inexpensive platform such as a Pentium processor.
The Impact of Differential Assessments on the Property Tax

. This paper is focused on the interaction between property tax revenue and assessment policy in New York City between 1961 and 1971. It examines the observed changes in real rates at which different types of property are taxed and examines possible rationales for the different real rates of taxation applied to properties of different types.
The role of modeling in software engineering education

In traditional engineering disciplines students are introduced to modeling as a tool for studying/checking the feasibility, functionality, trade-offs, features, design and construction pitfalls, cost analysis, etc. of a system. Physical and/or mathematical models are built to better understand the artifacts to be designed and constructed. In the design, development and maintenance of software systems, constructing a model is not a standard preliminary activity. This is primarily because it is not something software engineers are used to doing and there have not been sufficiently powerful software system modeling tools or techniques available. It is usually impossible b build a physical model of a software system, so any model must be mathematical in nature. The mathematical fundamentals required for constructing models of software systems will be introduced, and it will be shown how they can be used in an undergraduate software engineering or computer science curriculum to introduce students to the importance of modeling.
Two‐phase critical flow of steam‐water mixtures

Critical flow of two-phase steam-water mixtures in annuli was studied, with a cylindrical test section 0.574 in. in diameter with an axially centered rod, 0.187 or 0.375 in. OD, as a pressure probe. Pressure taps on the wall and the center rod permitted an accurate determination of the pressure profile over the entire length of the section, and, in cases where a movable probe was used, a short distance into the downstream exhaust chamber. Results were correlated by plotting the ratio of the observed critical mass velocity to the theoretical critical mass velocity for homogeneous flow as a function of quality. Exit pressures were found to be lower than most values previously reported. The ratio G/sub o//G/sub TH/ was found to be independent of the probe diameter, the manner of upstream steam-water mixing, and, for test sections greater than 9 in. in length, the test section length. Since probe diameter had no observable effect on G/sub o//G/sub TH/, the correlation may be applicable to full bore pipes near 1/2 in. in diameter. In the range of qualities from 2 to 15% the critical G/sub o//G/sub TH/ ratio was depressed with increasing exit (throat) pressure, but at other qualities no pressuremore » dependency was noted. The effect of changing the downstream exhaust chamber pressure was found to influence the exit pressure but to have little effect on the observed critical mass velocity. Addition of surface active agents to the steam-water mixture did not affect the mass velocity but did result in increased exit pressure. (auth)« less
Coverings of the smallest Paige loop

By investigating the construction of the split Cayley generalized hexagon, H(2), we get that there do not exist five distinct hexagon lines each a distance two apart from each other. From this we prove that the smallest Paige loop has a covering number of seven and that its automorphism group permutes these coverings transitively.
The Extended iSelf: The Impact of iPhone Separation on Cognition, Emotion, and Physiology

This study uniquely examined the effects on self, cognition, anxiety, and physiology when iPhone users are unable to answer their iPhone while performing cognitive tasks. A 2 x 2 within-subjects experiment was conducted. Participants (N = 40 iPhone users) completed 2 word search puzzles. Among the key findings from this study were that when iPhone users were unable to answer their ringing iPhone during a word search puzzle, heart rate and blood pressure increased, self-reported feelings of anxiety and unpleasantness increased, and self-reported extended self and cognition decreased. These findings suggest that negative psychological and physiological outcomes are associated with iPhone separation and the inability to answer one's ringing iPhone during cognitive tasks. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Properties of a reactive‐graphitic‐carbon‐nanofibers‐reinforced epoxy

Our previous studies showed that herringbone graphitic GNFs surface-derivatized with reactive linker molecules bearing pendant primary amino functional groups capable of binding covalently to epoxy resins. Of special importance, herringbone GNFs derivatized with 3,4′-oxydianiline (GNF-ODA) were found to react with neat butyl glycidyl ether to form mono-, di-, tri-, and tetra-glycidyl oligomers covalently coupled to the ODA pendant amino group. The resulting reactive GNF-ODA (butyl glycidyl)n nanofibers, r-GNF-ODA, are especially well suited for reactive, covalent incorporation into epoxy resins during thermal curing. Based on these studies, nanocomposites reinforced by the r-GNF-ODA nanofibers at nanofiber loadings of 0.15–1.3 wt% were prepared. Flexural property of cured r-GNF-ODA/epoxy nanocomposites were measured through three-point-bending tests. Thermal properties, including glass transition temperature (Tg) and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for the nanocomposites, were investigated using thermal mechanical analysis. The nanocomposites containing 0.3 wt% of the nanofibers gives the highest mechanical properties. At this 0.3-wt% fiber loading, the flexural strength, modulus and breaking strain of the particular nanocomposite are increased by about 26, 20, and 30%, respectively, compared to that of pure epoxy matrix. Moreover, the Tg value is the highest for this nanocomposite, 14°C higher than that of pure epoxy. The almost constant change in CTEs before and after Tg, and very close to the change of pure epoxy, is in agreement with our previous study results on a chemical bond existing between the r-GNF-ODA nanofibers and epoxy resin in the resulting nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:605–611, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Early Impact of Fontan Operation on Enteric Protein Loss.

Background Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a challenging complication after a Fontan operation. Subclinical enteric protein loss may precede development of overt PLE. We evaluated the acute effects of Fontan circulation on enteric protein loss and mesenteric vascular resistance. Methods A prospective cohort study was performed evaluating enteric protein loss in children undergoing Fontan operations. Stool alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) concentration was measured in the preoperative, early postoperative, and intermediate postoperative (3–9 months) periods. The intestinal circulation was characterized by Doppler-derived resistance indices of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and serum albumin and protein levels were obtained. Results We enrolled 33 participants at a median age at operation of 3.0 years (interquartile range [IQR], 2.5–3.3 years). No clinical PLE was observed. Six of the 93 stool samples obtained had elevated A1AT levels (>54 mg/dL), with 2 abnormal samples at each of the 3 time points. Two of the 5 participants with elevated stool A1AT values had significant hemodynamic disturbances requiring intervention (junctional bradycardia or tricuspid stenosis). There was no difference in SMA resistance in the preoperative versus early postoperative periods ( p = 0.9). Serum albumin levels were lower in the early postoperative period compared with the preoperative period (3.2 mg/dL [{IQR}, 2.9–3.5] versus 4.1 mg/dL; IQR, 3.4–4.5; p = 0.01) but did not correlate with abnormal stool A1AT concentration or SMA resistance indices. Conclusions The Fontan operation does not commonly result in acute development of increased enteric protein loss. However, increased enteric protein loss may occur in children before or after a Fontan operation, particularly when hemodynamic disturbances are present.
Vectorial Ekeland Variational Principles: A Hybrid Approach

This paper proposes a hybrid approach in establishing vectorial versions of Ekeland’s variational principle. It bases on both the nonlinear scalarization functional in Tammer (Gerth) and Weidner’s nonconvex separation theorem [14] from a scalarization approach and Bao and Mordukhovich’s iterative scheme in [5] from a variational approach. Examples are provided to illustrate improvements of new results.
U.S. Census Procedures: A Backdrop for Consideration of Ethnic and Racial Issues in Health Education Programming

Abstract It is an important competency of health educators that they be able to: “Obtain health-related data about social and cultural environments.” Accordingly, health educators routinely use race or ethnicity as a population descriptor for target audiences and as a means for determining relative risk for disease, disability, or injury. Research recommendations or program development based on race and/or ethnicity usually show no consideration of the ambiguous nature of the terms. However, it is the ambiguous use of these and related terms by the U.S. Bureau of the Census that is cited in this article to demonstrate the need for health educators to frame health education issues in a historical and contextual manner in order to develop plans and reach educational goals with persons from various racial and ethnic groups. Hypothesized case examples are presented to illustrate the need for focused perspectives that include historical and contextual application of race and ethnicity in health education progr...
A postoperative nutritional consult improves bariatric surgery outcomes.

Abstract Background Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity. Guidelines for optimizing postoperative care are emerging, and roles of the surgeon and registered dietician (RD) have opportunities for coordination. Objectives The study objective was to better define the appropriate guidelines for postoperative care by investigating whether a combined surgeon and RD follow-up for the initial postoperative visit within 2 to 6 weeks after surgery improves patient outcomes. Setting The setting was an accredited bariatric hospital in an academic setting. Methods A retrospective analysis of a prospective database was performed on patients who underwent bariatric surgery and were followed up by either a surgeon alone or by a surgeon and RD for initial postoperative visit. Results There were 302 patients in the surgeon follow-up group and 268 in the RD follow-up. Patients in the RD follow-up group had significantly fewer readmissions due to dietary-related problems (9 versus 0; P = .004), more favorable 3-month change in serum thiamine (−30.5 versus−4.04; P = .002), high-density lipoprotein (−3.42 versus−1.67; P = .053), and triglycerides (−17.5 versus−31.5; P = .03), and trended lower number of minor complications (16 versus 6; P = .08). No significant differences in percent excess weight loss were observed at all time points after surgery. Multivariate logistic models controlling for demographic features found that RD follow-up predicted 3-month increase in thiamine (odds ratio=2.49; P P = .01), and decrease in total cholesterol (OR = 1.58; P = .03) and triglycerides (OR = 1.55; P = .03). Conclusions Follow-up with a surgeon and RD for the initial postoperative visit may help improve patient outcomes.
An Investigation of User Interface Features of Crowdsourcing Applications

We investigated the user interface features of seven different types of crowdsourcing applications, which were classified along three dimensions of task type: (1) Task Structure: does the task have a well-defined solution? (2) Task Interdependence: can the task be solved by an individual or does it require a community of problem solvers? (3) Task Commitment: what level of resources is required to perform the task? Our initial investigation revealed a number of differences in the seven categories including: site searchability, online credentialing, community building features, gamification, mobility, and the use of wiki software.
Trade-Offs of Using Adjuncts

Arnone, Michael, Sara Hebel, Jonathan Margulies, and Peter Schmidt. 2003. "Outlook for Higher Education in the 50 State Legislatures." The Chronicle of Higher Education, January 3, A22 ff. Hovey, Harold A. 1999. State Spending for Higher Education in the Next Decade: The Battle to Sustain Current Support. San Jose, CA: National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. Jones, Dennis. 2003. "State Shortfalls Projected Throughout the Decade: Higher Ed Budgets Likely to Feel Continued Squeeze." In The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education Policy Alert (February). Schmidt, Peter. 2004. "Surge in State Tax Revenues May Herald Relief for Public Colleges." The Chronicle of Higher Education: Today's News, June 18.
Remarks On A Known Example of A Monotone Continuous Function

(1929). Remarks On A Known Example of A Monotone Continuous Function. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 36, No. 5, pp. 255-264.
Ultrastructural Markers in Circulating Lymphocytes of Subjects at Risk for AIDS

One hundred random lymphocytes in each of 168 buffy coat preparations from 59 subjects at risk for AIDS (50 homosexuals, 7 hemophiliacs, and 2 combined, all with T4:T8 ratios of ≤1.2) were screened for the presence of ultrastructural markers, “tubuloreticular structures” (TRS), and “test tube and ring-shaped forms” (TRF). Twenty-six (44%) of the subjects were TRS positive (71 specimens) and 12 (20%) were TRS/TRF positive (34 specimens). TRF were only observed in TRS-positive specimens. There was an inverse relationship between the incidence and abundance of markers and the T4:T8 ratios, i.e. , mean T4:T8 ± SE for TRS-negative, TRS-positive, and TRS/TRF-positive subjects were 0.59 ± 0.05, 0.42 ± 0.05, and 0.19 ± 0.06, respectively. Markers were present for as long as 16 months before AIDS was diagnosed in four subjects and before the appearance of features suggestive of AIDS in two others. The assessment of TEM markers in peripheral blood lymphocytes is a simple method for screening at-risk subjects in whom AIDS is likely to develop.
An 80-Year-Old Woman With Progressive Shortness of Breath and a Mediastinal Mass.

An 80-year-old woman from Iran presented to our institution for evaluation of insidious onset of dyspnea and progressive hypoxemia. She had a history of hypertension, COPD attributed to secondhand smoke, and an unprovoked pulmonary embolus that was treated with lifelong anticoagulation. In addition, she had a history of latent TB status posttreatment with isoniazid 10 years prior. One year ago, home oxygen therapy was started at 4 L/min via nasal cannula, and because of her decline, her son had brought her to the United States 3 months earlier for medical help. After a contrast-enhanced thoracic CT scan followed by a nondiagnostic thoracentesis, another hospital informed her that she likely had inoperable lung cancer. She presented to our institution for a second opinion.
Visual Interpretations and Humanistic Interfaces

Review of Johanna Drucker, Graphesis: Visual Forms of Knowledge Production , Cambridge, MA: Harvard UP, 2014. 215 pp. ISBN 978-0-674-72493-8 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_4-2_14
The ‘Fat’ Female Body, by Samantha Murray

In The ‘Fat’ Female Body, Samantha Murray challenges the contemporary cultural and social anti-fat discourse and medicalization of “obesity.” When Murray’s book was initially published in 2008, she...
Subacute effects of cervicothoracic spinal thrust/non-thrust in addition to shoulder manual therapy plus exercise intervention in individuals with subacromial impingement syndrome: a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial pilot study.

AbstractObjectives: To determine the subacute effects of cervicothoracic spinal thrust/non-thrust in addition to shoulder non-thrust plus exercise in patients with subacromial pathology.Methods: This was a randomized, single blinded controlled trial pilot study. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01753271) and reported according to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials requirements. Patients were randomly assigned to either shoulder treatment plus cervicothoracic spinal thrust/non-thrust or shoulder treatment-only group. Primary outcomes were average pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and physical function (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index) at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and patient discharge.Results: 18 patients, mean age 43.1(15.8) years satisfied the eligibility criteria and were analyzed for follow-up data. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in both pain and function at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and discharge. The between-group differences for changes in pain or ph...
Multiscale mapping of frequency sweep rate in mouse auditory cortex

Functional organization is a key feature of the neocortex that often guides studies of sensory processing, development, and plasticity. Tonotopy, which arises from the transduction properties of the cochlea, is the most widely studied organizational feature in auditory cortex; however, in order to process complex sounds, cortical regions are likely specialized for higher order features. Here, motivated by the prevalence of frequency modulations in mouse ultrasonic vocalizations and aided by the use of a multiscale imaging approach, we uncover a functional organization across the extent of auditory cortex for the rate of frequency modulated (FM) sweeps. In particular, using two-photon Ca2+ imaging of layer 2/3 neurons, we identify a tone-insensitive region at the border of AI and AAF. This central sweep region behaves fundamentally differently from nearby neurons in AI and AII, responding preferentially to fast FM sweeps but not to tones or bandlimited noise. Together these findings define a second dimension of organization in the mouse auditory cortex for sweep rate complementary to that of tone frequency.
The effects of injectable trace minerals on growth performance and mineral status of Angus beef steers raised in a natural feedlot program

To evaluate the effects of an injectable trace mineral (TM) on TM status and growth of feedlot steers raised in a Certified Angus Beef Natural system, 168 certified natural Angus steers (359 ± 36.6 kg), blocked by initial BW into pens of 6 head, received a sterilized saline (SAL, n = 84) or Multimin90 (ITM, n = 84) injection (1.47 mL/100 kg of BW). Steers were grown on a corn silage–based diet for 56 d and transitioned, and on d 84 they began a dry-rolled corn–based finishing diet. On d 84 steers were assigned equally within treatment, SAL or ITM, to receive a second injection, making 4 total treatments: (1) d 0 SAL, d 84 SAL (SAL/SAL, n = 42); (2) d 0 SAL, d 84 ITM (SAL/ITM, n = 40); (3) d 0 ITM, d 84 SAL (ITM/SAL, n = 40); and (4) d 0 ITM, d 84 ITM (ITM/ITM, n = 42). Liver Cu and Se concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.01), and liver Zn concentrations tended (P = 0.07) to be greater in ITM versus SAL steers on d 14. Liver Zn and Mn were not different on d 98 (P ≥ 0.64). Liver Cu (P = 0.02) and Se (P < 0.001) concentrations were greater in SAL/ITM and ITM/ITM on d 98. Injectable TM had no effect on growing or finishing BW or G:F (P ≥ 0.14). Steers had adequate TM status throughout the trial, likely explaining the lack of performance differences due to TM treatment.
Correlates and Significance of Elevation of Cardiac Biomarkers Elevation Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

The Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 recommends cutoff levels of cardiac troponin of >15 and of creatine kinase MB (CKMB) of >5 of the upper limit of normal (ULN) as markers of periprocedural myocardial infarction. We aimed to evaluate the correlation of these cutoffs with the survival rate in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) through the femoral access. Patients who underwent TAVI were classified according to the postprocedural peak marker level of >15 and >5 ULN for troponin and CKMB, respectively. Baseline characteristics were compared, and the impact of these markers on a 1-year survival rate was assessed. Of 474 patients who underwent TAVI, 77% had a peak troponin level of >15 ULN, whereas only 8% had a CKMB level of >5 ULN. Factors associated with troponin and CKMB elevations differed except for the preserved ejection fraction, which was associated with the elevation of both markers. Patients with troponin elevations had higher rates of postprocedure conduction defects (p = 0.001), whereas patients with CKMB had higher rates of bleeding (p 15 ULN had no impact on the 1-year survival rate (p = 0.52); however, patients with a CKMB level of >5 ULN had increased mortality (p = 0.008), which remained significant in the multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 2.02, p = 0.035). Troponin level and CKMB had a good correlation (r = 0.7), and a troponin level of 75 ULN was linked with a CKMB level of >5 ULN. In conclusion, cardiac markers differ in their peak levels above the ULN after TAVI. Careful attention should be taken for patients who underwent TAVI with a CKMB level of >5 ULN, as this is the only biomarker independently associated with survival rate.
Potential Synergistic Effects of Stem Cells and Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds

In recent years, extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived biomaterials have been used as scaffolds to help regenerate diseased or damaged tissues. These biomaterials are prepared by decellularization of a tissue of interest by chemical or physical removal of the cellular components. The goal of the decellularization process is to remove cells without disturbing tissue-specific composition, growth factor content, and, in some cases, the mechanical properties. As decellularization can be achieved without significantly affecting the native architecture of the tissue or organ of interest, it provides a scaffold material with native-like composition and structure. ECM scaffolds promote constructive remodeling through several mechanisms that include chemotactic properties, growth factor release, and modulation of the immune response. Constructive remodeling by ECM scaffolds relies, in part, on the recruitment of neighboring or circulating cells to the wound site. However, this is a relatively lengthy process, and the...
Association of JNC-8 and SPRINT Systolic Blood Pressure Levels With Cognitive Function and Related Racial Disparity

Importance The Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC-8) recommended treating systolic blood pressure (SBP) to a target below 150 mm Hg in older adults, whereas data from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) suggested that a SBP level of lower than 120 mm Hg decreases cardiovascular event rates. Target SBP guidelines have not addressed the potential that black patients may have greater morbidity and mortality from hypertension, especially with regard to cognitive outcomes. The association of these discordant SBP targets with cognition and differences by race have not been systematically evaluated in the same population. Objectives To assess the long-term outcomes of the various recommended SBP levels and to determine if racial differences exist based on long-term cognitive trajectories. Design, Setting, and Participants A total of 1657 cognitively intact older adults receiving treatment for hypertension were studied from 1997 to 2007 in the Health Aging and Body Composition study. Data analysis was conducted from October 1, 2016, to January 1, 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures Cognition was assessed using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MSE) 4 times and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) 5 times. At each visit, participants were classified as having an SBP level of 120 mm Hg or lower, 121 to 139 mm Hg, 140 to 149 mm Hg, or 150 mm Hg or higher based on the mean SBP level of 2 seated readings. Mixed models assessed the association of SBP levels with 10-year cognitive trajectories. The impact of race was tested using a race interaction term. Results During the 10-year study period, among the 1657 individuals (908 women and 784 black patients; mean [SE] age, 73.7 [0.1] years), there was a differential decrease in 3MSE and DSST scores by the SBP levels, with the greatest decrease in the group with SBP levels of 150 mm Hg or higher (adjusted decrease was 3.7 for 3MSE and 6.2 for DSST) and the lowest decrease in the group with SBP levels of 120 mm Hg or lower (adjusted decrease was 3.0 for 3MSE and 5.0 for DSST) ( P P = .03) and –0.07 in white patients and –0.13 in black patients for DSST ( P = .05). Conclusions and Relevance For patients 70 years of age or older receiving treatment for hypertension, a SPRINT SBP level of 120 mm Hg or lower was not associated with worsening cognitive outcome and may be superior to the JNC-8 target for cognition. Lower SBP treatment levels may result in improved cognition in black patients.
A Comparison of Two Procedures for Assessing Preference in a Classroom Setting

The purpose of this study was to compare a method of assessing preference within a large group format to individual preference assessments. Individual preference assessments were conducted by presenting an array of four edible stimuli to a participant and allowing the participant to select a preferred stimulus, with stimuli removed from the array based on selection criteria. Group preference assessments were conducted in a classroom of 19 students, with all students responding simultaneously to a prompt to identify a preferred stimulus using Plickers—unique Quick Response code cards that are read by an accompanying smartphone app. During the group procedure, stimuli in the array were restricted on the individual participant level. Results indicated that the group procedure was a valid and rapid method of assessing preference within a group of individuals. Although additional research is required, practitioners and researchers may consider use of Plickers as a promising means of evaluating preference within a group setting.
Compact Intrinsically Switchable FBAR Filters Utilizing Ferroelectric BST

Intrinsically switchable thin film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) filters based on ferroelectric barium strontium titanate (BST) are presented. A 1.5-stage $\pi$ -network intrinsically switchable FBAR filter unit cell with a 3-dB fractional bandwidth of 3% at 2 GHz is systematically designed, simulated, and fabricated. The minimum insertion loss (IL) for the filter unit cell is 2.25 dB, representing the lowest IL reported for BST bulk acoustic wave filters to date, which is mainly due to its high $Q \times K_{t}^{2}$ BST resonators. Two 1.5-stage filter unit cells are connected in series to form a 2.5-stage filter, providing more than 25 dB of out-of-band rejection and OFF-state isolation between the input and the output ports. The measured input third-order intercept point (IIP3) of the 2.5-stage filter is 47 dBm. Furthermore, the footprint of the fabricated filters is notably small, due to the high permittivity of BST.
Welcome to the Sitcom School: A Globalized Outlook for the Study of Television History

Extending back the insight offered by the emerging framework of global television formats, this article examines the production and public reception of the first Israeli sitcom, Krovim-Krovim, produced by Israeli Educational Television (IETV) between 1982 and 1986. As the first fullblown Israeli series and a show modeled on the globally popular sitcom formula, Krovim-Krovim was simultaneously celebrated for its Israeliness and condemned as a potential source of Western ‘cultural contamination’. The concerns converging around Krovim-Krovim in 1980s Israel are representative of a larger global trend in that period that witnessed ‘the second wave of globalization’. The simplistic media imperialism scenario that still dominates scholarship of these trends fails to grasp the complexities typifying the process of globalization. Representing as they do simultaneous standardization and heterogenization of form and content across borders, global television formats seems to embody these complexities. By reevaluating IETV’s sitcom production as an early case of format adaptation this article demonstrates the promises of this fresh outlook for the study of historical as well as contemporary trends in television globalization. By foregrounding the perspective of ‘local’ producers and critics, this article explores the cultural significance of format adaptation for marginal and belated broadcast systems - like 1980s Israeli television.
Zero Tolerance, Domestic Militarization, and the War Against Youth

from providing for people's welfare, protecting the environment, and expand? ing the realm of public goods, it relies more heavily on its militarizing functions and the criminal justice system as a model for how to manage and contain populations within a wide range of public spheres. In this sense, the prison industrial complex can best be understood as a model for enforcing the criminalization of social problems, policing communities, punishing and contain? ing students of color, and redefining the state as a force for domestic militarization. Following Loi'c Wacquant (2002:55-56), I argue that the role of the prison, unlike any other time in the history of the United States, "has been elevated to the rank of main machine for 'race making.'" The overgrown carceral system has become one of the most important institutions of symbolic production for equating black youth with the culture of criminality and defining the urban public school as a training ground for legitimating the models of authority and punishment that legitimate the regime of race-based incarceration. Specifically, I take up this issue by focusing on the appropriation and application of zero tolerance policies in the public schools.
Inpatient Goals-of-Care Conversations Reduce Intensive Care Unit Transfers in High-Risk Patients

Despite an aging population and an increase in the prevalence of chronic severe illness, many patients will not have end-of-life care discussions with their outpatient physicians. This very likely contributes to considerable hospital utilization toward the end of life, without any clear benefit. At our medical center, we noticed a very high rate of floor-to-intensive care unit (ICU) transfers for patients with life-limiting illness and poor prognosis. We initiated a quality assessment and improvement project aimed at increasing goals-of-care conversations for high-risk patients early in their hospital stays. Patients were identified using a risk assessment score combined with presence of life-limiting illness and alerting the inpatient attending physician to the patient's severity of illness. Inpatient attending physicians were encouraged to expeditiously initiate and document goals-of-care discussions with their patients and families or to consult palliative care. Patient data were extracted retrospectively from high-risk patients prior to and during the intervention period. Analysis showed a significant increase in overall goals-of-care discussions and a significant reduction in floor-to-ICU transfers during initial admission. There was no change in mortality at 1 year, but there was a trend toward more in-home deaths for those patients who died within the year. Early inpatient goals-of-care conversations may reduce ICU utilization at index hospitalization and may reduce overall health-care utilization near the end of life.
Photogrammetry-based structural damage detection by tracking a visible laser line:

Researches on photogrammetry have received tremendous attention in the past few decades. In this paper, a photogrammetry-based structural damage detection method is developed, where a visible laser line is projected to a surface of a structure, serving as an exterior feature to be tracked. A laser-line-tracking technique is proposed to track the projected laser line on captured digital images. Modal parameters of a target line corresponding to the projected laser line can be estimated by conducting experimental modal analysis. By identifying anomalies in curvature mode shapes of the target line and mapping the anomalies to the projected laser line, structural damage can be detected with identified positions and sizes. An experimental investigation of the damage detection method was conducted on a damaged beam. Modal parameters of a target line corresponding to a projected laser line were estimated, which compared well with those from a finite element model of the damaged beam. Experimental damage detection results were validated by numerical ones from the finite element model.
Frequency of Iron Application Influences Bermudagrass Tolerance to Herbicides

Abstract Postemergence herbicides used for weed control in bermudagrasses (Cynodon spp.) often cause turf injury. A field experiment was initiated to determine the effect of multiple foliar-iron (F...
Cognitive Theory of the Moving Image

This chapter provides an overview of cognitive theory of the moving image, considering it as an approach rather than a methodology. It traces the history and institutional affiliations of cognitive theory, then focuses on the kinds of experiences the moving image media afford viewers, and the design elements that foster those experiences. It distinguishes between “cold” and “hot” cognition and discusses the sense in which cognitive theory can be said to be naturalistic. The chapter goes on to discuss narrative comprehension, cognition and embodiment, character engagement (together with sympathy and empathy), mood and emotion, and finishes with a discussion of new directions for cognitive theory. Along the way, the chapter also discusses objections to the approach.
Oxytocin during breastfeeding and maternal mood symptoms

This study aimed to quantify the relationship between postpartum depression and anxiety, oxytocin, and breastfeeding. We conducted a longitudinal prospective study of mother-infant dyads from the third trimester of pregnancy to 12 months postpartum. A sample of 222 women were recruited to complete the Beck Depression Inventory II and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-state subscale, participate in observed infant feeding sessions at 2 and 6 months postpartum, and provide venous blood samples during feeding. Maternal venous oxytocin levels in EDTA-treated plasma and saliva were determined by enzyme immunoassay with extraction and a composite measure of area under the curve (AUC) was used to define oxytocin across a breastfeeding session. Linear regression was used to estimate associations between postpartum depression and anxiety as predictors and oxytocin AUC during breastfeeding as the outcome at both 2 and 6 months postpartum. Mixed models accounting for correlations between repeated oxytocin measures were used to quantify the association between current depression and/or anxiety symptoms and oxytocin profiles during breastfeeding. We found no significant differences in oxytocin AUC across a feed between depressed or anxious women and asymptomatic women at either 2 or 6 months postpartum. Repeated measures analyses demonstrated no differences in oxytocin trajectories during breastfeeding by symptom group but possible differences by antidepressant use. Our study suggests that external factors may influence the relationship between oxytocin, maternal mood symptoms, and infant feeding.
Laparoscopy improves failure to rescue compared to open surgery for emergent colectomy.

Emergent colectomy is performed in thousands of Americans each year and carries significant morbidity and mortality. Although laparoscopy has gained favor in the elective setting, its impact on failure to rescue has not been studied on a population level for emergent colectomy. The purpose of this study was to compare failure to rescue following laparoscopic versus open colectomy in the emergency setting. This was a retrospective cohort study of The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Adult patients undergoing emergent colectomy between 2005 and 2018 were selected and stratified into laparoscopic or open surgery groups using the Current Procedural Terminology codes. Propensity matching was performed based on the demographic and comorbidity data. Main outcomes were failure to rescue, mortality, overall morbidity, individual complications, and length of hospital stay. After matching, 11,484 cases were included for analysis, of which 3829 were laparoscopic. Overall, open colectomy conferred higher odds of failure to rescue (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.42–2.08), mortality (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.44–2.07), and morbidity (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.60–1.88) vs laparoscopic cases. Open surgery significantly increased the risk of nearly all measured postoperative complications including return to operating room (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.08–1.45), ventilator use > 48 h (OR 2.43, 95% CI 2.03–2.93), and septic shock (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.97–2.80). Hospital length of stay was shorter for patients undergoing laparoscopic (10.4 days) vs open (12.3 days) colectomy (p < 0.0001). This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic approach for emergent colectomy vs open surgery. Laparoscopy was associated with improved complications rates, mortality, and failure to rescue, indicating that it is a promising option to improve patient outcomes during emergent colectomy.
Predicting post-stroke aphasia from brain imaging.

Stroke can lead to debilitating consequences, including loss of language. An important goal of stroke research is to use machine learning to predict outcomes and response to therapy. A new study compares different approaches to predicting post-stroke outcomes and highlights the need for systematic optimization and validation to ultimately translate scientific insights to clinical settings.
Implementing Software Safety on the Space Shuttle Cockpit Avionics Upgrade (CAU) Project: A PRA Case for an Initial Qualitative Approach

The Cockpit Avionics Upgrade (CAU) is to improve space shuttle safety by enhancing crew situational awareness, decreasing crew workload during critical flight periods, and doing much of the deductive reasoning to provide abort flight management and enhanced caution and warning. This new“glass cockpit” is scheduled to fly in 2006. The enhanced displays will not fly the shuttle; however the CAU subsystem displays will assist the crew to fly the shuttle via the Shuttle General Purpose Computers (GPCs) [1].