cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Whither non-English European public health journals?

In today’s globalizing market of scientific publications, the size of the readership and the purchasing power of the readers determine much of a journal’s language policy. Unlike China, a single nation-state with its 1.3 billion people, Europe, a continent with its many nation-states and 730 million people, is home to a few dozen languages. The need to communicate across political and cultural boundaries had always facilitated certain languages to emerge as a lingua franca in Europe’s history, be they Greek and Latin in the classical and medieval periods, or English and French in the modern era. In the recent decades, English emerged as the lingua franca to meet this need in scientific communications, both intra-European and extra-European. The further integration of the European Union will further facilitate this trend. The publication in English of Eurosurveillance by the European Centre for Disease Control and growing outputs of intra-European collaboration in public health research that are published in English are just two examples. Such is the emerging trend in journal publishing: ‘international’ journals ‘go English’; local/national journals remain ‘vernacular’. Another reason for this trend is the rise of bibliometrics and its tie with academic promotion and funding allocation. From university ranking by newspapers and funding allocation by funding bodies to the evaluation of individuals’ academic performance by universities, the academic world is increasingly relying on (if not obsessed with) bibliometrics. No doubt, bibliometrics, with its quantitative approach and easy-to-use figures, appeals to both researchers and administrators alike, as it provides the decision-makers with an aura of objectivity and measurability that is much revered in our scientific communities. Nevertheless, the ‘obsession’ with bibliometrics, and its associated misuse, makes the survival of non-English language journals increasingly difficult. Major databases are alleged to be biased toward publications in English and those published in developed countries. …
Madame Curie above the fold: Divergent perspectives on Curie’s visit to the United States in the American press:

On May 11, 1921, the world’s most famous female scientist, Marie Curie, began a 10-week tour of the United States. Curie’s biographers have argued that instead of portraying Curie as a scientist, the American press’ emphasis on Curie’s role as a mother, widow, and healer created a mythic Curie with traditional female virtues that served to make this unconventional woman less threatening to traditional values. This article complicates that approach by considering coverage outside the daily press, such as magazines, which emphasized Curie’s accomplishments as a scientist. Tracing the development of Curie’s story in the press, the article offers insight into the way coverage of Curie’s trip both shaped and was shaped by notions of women’s place in science and American society.
A Law of the Iterated Logarithm for the Sample Covariance Matrix

For a sequence of independent identically distributed Euclidean random vectors, we prove a law of the iterated logarithm for the sample covariance matrix when o(log log n) terms are omitted. The result is proved under the hypothesis that the random vectors belong to the generalized domain of attraction of the multivariate Gaussian law. As an application, we obtain a bounded law of the iterated logarithm for the multivariate t-statistic.
Resting state functional connectivity in the human spinal cord

Functional magnetic resonance imaging using blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast is well established as one of the most powerful methods for mapping human brain function. Numerous studies have measured how low-frequency BOLD signal fluctuations from the brain are correlated between voxels in a resting state, and have exploited these signals to infer functional connectivity within specific neural circuits. However, to date there have been no previous substantiated reports of resting state correlations in the spinal cord. In a cohort of healthy volunteers, we observed robust functional connectivity between left and right ventral (motor) horns, and between left and right dorsal (sensory) horns. Our results demonstrate that low-frequency BOLD fluctuations are inherent in the spinal cord as well as the brain, and by analogy to cortical circuits, we hypothesize that these correlations may offer insight into the execution and maintenance of sensory and motor functions both locally and within the cerebrum.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02812.001.
Milk Fat with Increased Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Abstract Milk fat with increased polyunsaturated fatty acids was produced by feeding cows a diet containing a formaldehyde-treated safflower oil-casein particle. This treatment protected the linoleic acid of the safflower oil from hydrogenation in the rumen, and the linoleic acid content of the milk increased from 3% to 35% of the total fatty acids. Total milk production was not altered, but fat content of the milk increased 1.0 to 1.5 percentage units.
PdZnAl catalysts for the reactions of water-gas-shift, methanol steam reforming, and reverse-water-gas-shift

Abstract Pd/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts were studied for water-gas-shift (WGS), methanol steam reforming, and reverse-water-gas-shift (RWGS) reactions. WGS activity was found to be dependent on the Pd:Zn ratio with a maximum activity obtained at approximately 0.50, which was comparable to that of a commercial Pt-based catalyst. The catalyst stability was demonstrated for 100 h time-on-stream at a temperature of 360 °C without evidence of metal sintering. WGS reaction rates were approximately 1st order with respect to CO concentration, and kinetic parameters were determined to be Ea = 58.3 kJ mol−1 and k0 = 6.1 × 107 mol−1. During methanol steam reforming, the CO selectivities were observed to be lower than the calculated equilibrium values over a range of temperatures and steam/carbon ratios studied while the reaction rate constants were approximately of the same magnitude for both WGS and methanol steam reforming. These results indicate that although Pd/ZnO/Al2O3 are active WGS catalysts, WGS is not involved in methanol steam reforming. RWGS rate constants are on the order of about 20 times lower than that of methanol steam reforming, suggesting that RWGS reaction could be one of the sources for small amount of CO formation in methanol steam reforming.
A Method for Truncation Compensation for Pinhole Tomography

We investigate the effect of multiple circular orbits offset transaxially to improve truncation artifacts. A simulated phantom was placed at a distance from a pinhole collimator that ensured transaxial truncation for the projections. To compensate this truncation, two pinhole scans were then simulated with the axes of rotation (AOR) shifted symmetrically about the central ray. In effect, each scan is used to view half of the object, and the two halves are combined using an OSEM reconstruction. SPECT phantom simulations were performed to compare the dual-orbit approach to a traditional single-orbit acquisition. Further evaluation of the dual-orbit approach with point sources showed that the dual-orbit scan provided higher sensitivity than the single orbit-scan with no loss in resolution. We conclude that the resolution-noise tradeoff for small-field-of-view cameras can be improved with the dual scan procedure.
Multiparameter Radar Observations of Time Evolution of Convective Storms: Evaluation of Water Budgets and Latent Heating Rates

One advantage of dual-polarization radars is the ability to differentiate between water and ice phases in storms. The application of difference reflectivity ( ZDP) in the analysis of mixed-phase precipitation is presented. Here, ZDP analysis is used to obtain the fraction of water and ice in mixed-phase precipitation. The techniques developed are applied to data collected on 9 August 1991 during the Convection and Precipitation Electrification experiment. Time series of storm total liquid and ice water contents are computed. The liquid and ice water contents are used in a water budget equation to obtain the net latent heating of the convective storm. It is shown that the latent heating profile shows good correlation with the updraft and electric field increases in the time evolution of the storm.
New data for old questions

large-scale patterns of change in the variety of life on earth. One deceptively simple measure of global biodiversity is the total count of species or supraspecific taxa that have been described from each subinterval of the Phanerozoic record. These tallies usually are obtained from data compilations based on extensive literature searches supplemented with examination of collections in museums (Sepkoski 1993; Alroy et al. 2001). Such measures of global biodiversity dynamics are probably not meaningless, but it is difficult to understand what they mean. The number of taxa alive on Earth at any one time is a function of innumerable ecological factors acting at the full range of temporal and spatial scales (Willis and Whittaker 2002). Changes in global richness might result from increasing local richness as local communities become more complex (Valentine 1969; Bambach 1977). At the regional scale, changing oceanographic conditions, climate, and the relative positions of continents and shallow seas might alter global taxonomic diversity by changing the size and arrangement of biogeographic units (Valentine 1970). Therefore, the best hope for understanding global diversity patterns is to collect information on local assemblages. These hierarchically organized data can then be integrated to test alternate hypothetical mechanisms of change. Data compiled as the endpoints of stratigraphic or geographic ranges are useless for this purpose. This has been known at least since Bambach (1977) explored patterns of change in alpha diversity of level-bottom marine communities. Compiling lists of local assemblages is also the key to assessing the effects of an imperfect record. The actual distribution of fossils is
Investigation of Factors Affecting Technical Infancy of Akpu Processing in Delta State, Nigeria

The study examined the factors affecting technical inefficiency of akpu processing in Delta State. Data were obtained from 285 farmers involved in akpu processing in the State using a structured questionnaire. The information generated was coded and analyzed using stochastic frontier production function methodology. The estimated results show that age (b = 0.250) and household size (-0.270) were positively related to inefficiency of akpu processors while education (b = -1.020) and processing experience (-0.260) were negatively related to inefficiency of akpu processors. Education was 10 percent (critical t = 1.533) level of significance.
Floral evolution in Lithospermum (Boraginaceae): independent origins of similar flower types

In Lithospermum (Boraginaceae), floral diversity is quite large, with variation in individual quantitative and qualitative traits as well as suites of floral characteristics. The present study utilizes phylogenetic, morphometric and developmental methodologies to investigate patterns of floral evolution, of individual and suites of traits, in the genus and among related genera. The evolutionary patterns of eight quantitative and five qualitative traits were reconstructed, and morphometrics and the evolution of floral morphospace were examined in the genus. Floral developmental patterns were established with light and scanning electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analyses provided evidence that derived flower types have each evolved multiple times, with differences in the manner in which these flower types arose. Floral morphospace has increased throughout the evolution of Lithospermum. Floral developmental patterns and cell lengths of floral organs at anthesis provided evidence that, in Lithospermum, an increase in the length of the sexual organs of flowers involves both longer cells and a greater number of mitotic divisions, but an increase in the length of the corolla is primarily a result of a larger number of cell divisions. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, ●●, ●●–●●.
Innate Immunity and Saliva in Candida albicans–mediated Oral Diseases:

The oral cavity is a unique niche where Candida albicans infections occur in immunocompetent as well as immunosuppressed individuals. Here we critically review the significance of human innate immune response in preventing oral candidiasis. One important line of defense against oropharyngeal candidiasis is the oral microbiota that prevents infection by competing for space and nutrients as well as by secreting antagonistic molecules and triggering local inflammatory responses. C. albicans is able to induce mucosal defenses through activation of immune cells and production of cytokines. Also, saliva contains various proteins that affect C. albicans growth positively by promoting mucosal adherence and negatively through immune exclusion and direct fungicidal activity. We further discuss the role of saliva in unifying host innate immune defenses against C. albicans as a communicating medium and how C. albicans overgrowth in the oral cavity may be a result of aberrations ranging from microbial dysbiosis and salivary dysfunction to epithelial damage. Last we underscore select oral diseases in which C. albicans is a contributory microorganism in immune-competent individuals.
Ubiquitous computing

Ubiquitous computing takes computation from the desktop environment and moves it into every area of our lives. Instantaneous information and computation will be distributed over an array of small wireless networked devices. These can be embedded in daily artifacts such as appliances, light switches, stereos, cellular phones, and watches. This capability will revolutionize computation, allowing it to take place anywhere and at any time. Rather than accessing data only via a monitor and keyboard, one might access data via voice-activated commands and view it on a neighboring wall. Computation will be everywhere. Such technology will allow doctors to access medical histories during surgery uninhibited or help an architect inspect blueprint changes on site. For such a revolution to occur, however, an infrastructure and affordable technology needs to be established. This presentation will consist of a history of ubiquitous computing and an examination of current research developments. Advancing battery technology, wireless protocols (Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, and LTE), applications, current examples, and social implications will be discussed.
Continuous-Moment Sum Rules and Absorptive Regge Cuts in the Process π − p → η n

The Regge-pole model with absorptive corrections is applied together with the continuous-moment sum rules (CMSR) to the process ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\eta}n$. It is found that a good fit to both the low-and high-energy scattering cross sections and the polarization at several values of the momentum transfer $t$ can be obtained by including Regge absorptive cuts and three Regge poles corresponding to the ${A}_{2H}(1315)$, the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}_{N}(1016)$, and possibly a pole with the same trajectory parameters as the pion conspirator (${\ensuremath{\pi}}_{c}$) found in previous studies of pion photoproduction.
Comparison of Traps and Development of a Two-Stage Sampling Plan for Smokybrown Cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattidae) Outdoors

Four commercial sticky traps were compared with jar traps for sampling smokybrown cockroaches, Periplaneta fuliginosa (Serville), outdoors. Lo-Line and Raid Roach Traps caught more cockroaches than jar traps, whereas the Mr. Sticky and Roach Motel caught 1 for jar traps, Raid Roach Trap, and Lo-Line trap. Estimating cockroach catch typical of Alabama ( 20 traps with a precision of 0.25 (i.e., standard error as a proportion of the mean). Taylor's power law was also used as a predictor for within-house (i.e., pooled within-house) and between-house catch variances. Coefficients for these predictors are presented that can be used in a fixed-precision 2-stage sampling plan to estimate cockroach catch from large areas.
Epidemiological and Clinical Analysis of 166 Kala-azar Cases

Objective To analyze epidemiological and clinical characteristics of kala-azar and provide evidence to reduce the misdiagnosis of the disease.Methods The rk39 dipstick was used,as for those with positive results,the data of epidemiology,incidence,clinical manifestation,etiology,accessory examination and medical records were collected for retrospective analysis,and free antimonials treatment was given.Results All the cases had the history of living in epidemic areas in transmission seasons.The disease occurred all the year round.Most patients in non-epidemic areas had been to Jiuzhaigou county,Heishui county,Gansu province,Xinjiang Province.There were more male cases than female cases.The patients under 16 years old accounted for 35.09% in epidemic areas,the patients aged≥16 years for 97.85% in non-epidemic areas.The shortest course of the disease was 7 days,while the longest was 2 years.The main clinical symptoms included long-term irregular fever(100.00%),progressive liver(98.00%) and spleen swelling(83.33%),whole blood cell reducing(mainly on white blood cells)and globulin increasing(93.18%).The positive coincidence rate of rk39 dipstick and bone marrow biopsy was 100.00%.The detection rate of rk39 dipstick was obviously higher than bone marrow biopsy(P0.01).Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen health education about kala-azar prevention and control among the people in epidemic area.The early diagnosis of kala-azar depends on the awareness of epidemiological history of the patients and the detections by rk39 dipstick and bone marrow biopsy.
Design and research on disk typed magnetic rheologic driving mechanism

Utilizing the controllable characteristics of magnetic rheologic liquid,let the magnetic rheologic technique be applied to the electro-mechanical drive and the controlling system.On the basis of expounding the working principle of magnetic rheologic driving mechanism,its moment model was established and a theoretical analysis has been carried out over the influence of structural parameters on the dynamic quality of mechanism,power loss and range of speed regulation etc..Theoretical analysis showed that to design reasonably the structural parameters of mechanism would be favourable to minimize the power loss of mechanism,raise the range of speed regulation and improve the dynamic quality of mechanism.
Contribution of edema to the sensitization of high-threshold mechanoreceptors of the goat palatal mucosa.

1. Carrageenan has been shown to alter transduction capacities of high-threshold mechanoreceptors of the goat palatal mucosa. Assessments were made of the contributions of carrageenan-induced edema to the sensitization of mechanonociceptors (mechanically insensitive afferents) and intense pressure receptors of the palatal mucosa of the goat. The degree of edema was assessed by measurement of changes in tissue compliance produced by carrageenan. The impact of a simulated edema on both dynamic and static aspects of transduction were examined. The following observations were made. 2. Tissue compliance of the ventral zone of the incisal papilla (IP) was decreased after carrageenan treatment (0.042-0.014 mm/g). Tissue compliance changes were large for small displacements ( 1.4 mm), there was an exponential relationship between displacement and reactive force, and the compliance was unchanged. The exponential component may have represented the contribution of the maxillary bone compliance measures. 3. A simulated edema was created to assess the effects of edema on afferent reactivity. Saline was used to create the simulated edema by using changes in tissue compliance as a means of matching simulated to carrageenan-induced edema. An analysis of linear and exponential phases of saline or carrageenan-induced changes in tissue compliance indicated that saline injections produced a good approximation of the changes in linear properties, but diverged from a match of the exponential phase of carrageenan edema. 4. Assessments were made of modifications in nociceptor reactivity after simulated edema or retested controls (n = 47). There was little indication that edema influenced quantitative aspects of either static or dynamic force transduction. Mechanonociceptors, but not intense pressure receptors, sensitized after repeated intense stimulation (mean decline of dynamic activation threshold of 42 +/- 16 g/mm2, mean +/- SE). Artificial edema did not further contribute to this sensitization. 5. Qualitative features of stimulus transduction were modified by simulated edema. Eleven of 17 afferents without initial static or dynamic transduction capacity acquired the capacity after artificial edema. 6. Although most aspects of force transduction were unaffected by artificial edema, displacement transduction was considerably shifted. Artificial edema decreased the threshold and shifted the displacement range over which nociceptors transduced dynamic and static aspects of force (threshold decreased from 1,894 +/- 229 to 1,456 +/- 194 microns; range decreased 239 +/- 99 microns). 7. It was concluded the contribution of edema to allodynia and hyperalgesia is best understood in terms of its contribution to population-coding mechanisms that are brought about by changes in transmission properties.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Antioxidants in Pecan Nut Cultivars [ Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch]

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an insight into the potential of using pecan nuts to promote health and prevent diseases. Pecan kernels are sources of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and many other bioactive substances, also called phytochemicals, which are known to provide health benefits. Regarding the vitamins and minerals, pecan kernels are a good source of vitamins A and E, the B vitamins, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. The phytochemical constituents in defatted pecan kernels were investigated in six cultivars chosen for their commercial relevance. The main fatty acids found in the lipid fraction of pecan kernels were oleic (over 60%), linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and linolenic. The presence of high contents of phenolic compounds, tocopherol, and monounsaturated fatty acid suggest several health benefits. Phenolic compounds have been reported to protect against atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and viral infections and to act as general antioxidants. The prevention of several chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, and inflammation, have been associated with the intake of tannins. In general, tannins are known to have certain health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-allergy, antihypertensive, and antitumor, as well as antimicrobial activities. However, pecans can become toxic when they get moldy.
Metabolic and Endocrine Changes During Sleep

Hormones are chemical mediators (peptides and neurotransmitters) that are transported in the bloodstream, and their effects are widespread throughout the body and play important roles in sleep-wake regulation. The release of most hormones, including sex hormones, stress hormones, and metabolic hormones, is under the control of the brain's hypothalamus. They are released via the pituitary gland, with the notable exception of melatonin, which is released by the pineal gland. Pineal melatonin is a hormone of great importance for the circadian organization of sleep regulation. These hormonal control centers are special gland-like brain structures. Residing inside the brain, they have the special ability to communicate widely with the body via the portal systems of the brain. In addition, hormones produced by fat and the gut, respectively, are involved with the feedback and regulation of energy metabolism and are influenced by sleep.
Monstrosity, performance, and race in contemporary culture

When I was young, I was warned of monstrous encounters. When I was young, I was told tales of monsters taking little kids, monsters touching neighbors, monsters breaking into homes, stealing, rapin...
What is the role of novel thrombopoietic agents in the management of acute leukemia

The role of novel thrombopoietic agents in the management of acute leukemia is a tale of two molecules, romiplostim and eltrombopag. Both are thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists with somewhat different mechanisms of action. Romiplostim is a peptide TPO receptor agonist that activates the TPO receptor by binding to it just like TPO. Eltrombopag is a nonpeptide TPO receptor agonist that activates the TPO receptor by binding to the transmembrane domain. Both TPO receptor agonists increase platelet counts in healthy humans and in those with immune thrombocytopenia. This review focuses on the potential these agents may have in supportive care of patients with acute leukemia.
Posterior fossa syndrome: Review of the behavioral and emotional aspects in pediatric cancer patients

Medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood, occurs in the posterior fossa, the part of the intracranial cavity that contains the brainstem and the cerebellum. The cerebellum is involved in many complex aspects of human behavior and function, and when it is disrupted or insulted, this can lead to significant sequelae in children with posterior fossa tumors. A constellation of impairing and distressing symptoms, including mutism, ataxia/hypotonia, and emotional lability, develops in approximately 25% of children after the surgical resection of posterior fossa tumors. These symptoms may impede treatment and frequently require intervention in order for children to be able to participate in their care. The eventual recovery of speech occurs for most, but with slowly improving dysarthria over many months. Behavioral changes and emotional lability also occur. This phenomenon has been classified differently by different investigators over the past 35 years. For the purposes of this article, the term posterior fossa syndrome is used to refer to the neuropsychiatric and behavioral features that compose this condition. The current review summarizes the development of the clinical understanding of this phenomenon with a focus on near- and long-term psychosocial and psychiatric implications. Also, clinical examples of the presentation, management, and lasting implications of this syndrome are provided. This review is intended to be a resource for clinicians who treat affected children. Cancer 2017;123:551-559. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Boussinesq global modes and stability sensitivity, with applications to stratified wakes

For the Boussinesq equations, we present a theory of linear stability sensitivity to base flow density and velocity modifications. Given a steady-state flow with small density variations, the sensitivity of the stability eigenvalues is computed from the direct and adjoint global modes of the linearised Boussinesq equations, similarly to Marquet et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 615, 2008, pp. 221–252). Combinations of the density and velocity components of these modes reveal multiple production and transport mechanisms that contribute to the eigenvalue sensitivity. We present an application of the sensitivity theory to a stably linearly density-stratified flow around a thin plate at a angle of attack, a Reynolds number of 30 and Froude numbers of 1, 8 and . The global mode analysis reveals lightly damped undulations pervading through the entire domain, which are predicted by both inviscid uniform base flow theory and Orr–Sommerfeld theory. The sensitivity to base flow velocity modifications is primarily concentrated just downstream of the bluff body. On the other hand, the sensitivity to base flow density modifications is concentrated in regions both immediately upstream and immediately downstream of the plate. Both sensitivities have a greater upstream presence for lower Froude numbers.
Gliovascular Targets in Traumatic CNS Injury

The modern understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for cerebral edema and microvascular failure has given rise to the notion that the blood–brain barrier and its support cells, including endothelium, astrocytes, microglia, and pericytes, comprise a functional ensemble, termed the gliovascular unit, that plays a crucial role in secondary injury responses following traumatic injury to the central nervous system. This chapter provides an overview of the gliovascular unit as it relates to the pathological states encountered following trauma. In addition, this chapter briefly reviews a number of gliovascular molecules that have been identified as playing important roles in the response to trauma and that hold promise as therapeutic targets.
Outcomes after total hip arthroplasty in young patients with osteonecrosis of the hip

BackgroundOsteonecrosis of the hip is a clinical, radiographic, and pathologic entity that commonly affects young patients. This study evaluates long-term implant survival and patient-reported outc...
Big data dreams: A framework for corporate strategy

Abstract The phenomenon of big data—large, diverse, complex, and/or longitudinal data sets—is having a stark influence on organizational strategy making. An increase in levels of data and technological capabilities is redefining innovation, competition, and productivity. This article contributes to both practical strategic application and academic research in the strategic management domain by presenting a framework that identifies how big data improves functional capabilities within organizations, shapes entirely new industries, and is a key component of innovative and disruptive strategies used by learning organizations to diversify and break down barriers of traditionally defined industries. This framework provides an appropriate basis for internal corporate strategy discussions that surround big data investments by explaining how firms create value through various approaches. In addition, we offer guidance for how firms might derive their own big data approach through the merits of aligning data strategy aspirations with data strategy authenticity.
FADTTSter: accelerating hypothesis testing with functional analysis of diffusion tensor tract statistics

Functional Analysis of Diffusion Tensor Tract Statistics (FADTTS) is a toolbox for analysis of white matter (WM) fiber tracts. It allows associating diffusion properties along major WM bundles with a set of covariates of interest, such as age, diagnostic status and gender, and the structure of the variability of these WM tract properties. However, to use this toolbox, a user must have an intermediate knowledge in scripting languages (MATLAB). FADTTSter was created to overcome this issue and make the statistical analysis accessible to any non-technical researcher. FADTTSter is actively being used by researchers at the University of North Carolina. FADTTSter guides non-technical users through a series of steps including quality control of subjects and fibers in order to setup the necessary parameters to run FADTTS. Additionally, FADTTSter implements interactive charts for FADTTS' outputs. This interactive chart enhances the researcher experience and facilitates the analysis of the results. FADTTSter's motivation is to improve usability and provide a new analysis tool to the community that complements FADTTS. Ultimately, by enabling FADTTS to a broader audience, FADTTSter seeks to accelerate hypothesis testing in neuroimaging studies involving heterogeneous clinical data and diffusion tensor imaging. This work is submitted to the Biomedical Applications in Molecular, Structural, and Functional Imaging conference. The source code of this application is available in NITRC.
Association Between Radiologic Incidental Findings and Resource Utilization in Patients Admitted With Chest Pain in an Urban Medical Center.

Background Increasing use of testing among hospitalized patients has resulted in an increase in radiologic incidental findings (IFs), which challenge the provision of high-value care in the hospital setting. Objective To understand impact of radiologic incidental findings on resource utilization in patients hospitalized with chest pain. Design Retrospective observational cross sectional study. Setting Academic medical center. Participants Adult patients hospitalized with principal diagnosis of chest pain. Measurements Demographic, imaging, and length of stay (LOS) data were abstracted from the medical charts. We used multiple logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with radiologic IFs and negative binomial regression to evaluate the association between radiologic IFs and LOS. Results 1811 consecutive admissions with chest pain were analyzed retrospectively over a period of 24 months; 376 patients were included in the study after exclusion criteria were applied and readmissions removed. Of these, 197 patients (52%) had 364 new radiologic IFs on imaging; most IFs were of minor (50%) or moderate clinical significance (42%), with only 7% of major significance. Odds of finding radiologic IFs increased with age (adjusted odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.06) and was associated with a 26% increase in LOS (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.07-1.49). Conclusion Radiologic IFs were very common among patients hospitalized with chest pain of suspected cardiac origin and independently associated with an increase in the LOS. Interventions to address radiologic IFs may reduce LOS and, thereby, support high-value care. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2017;12:323-328.
Déjà vu for U.S. nuclear waste.

With the arrival of the 115th U.S. Congress, the House of Representatives began hearings on the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2017. The legislation restarts Yucca Mountain as a repository for highly radioactive waste. In 1987, Congress amended the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, selecting Yucca Mountain, Nevada, as the only site to be studied, expecting the repository to open in 1998. It did not. Over the past 30 years, not much has changed. But going forward—or not—with Yucca Mountain will not address the systemic problems of the U.S. nuclear waste program, and this may well lead to continued failure.
GCL and CUL3 Control the Switch between Cell Lineages by Mediating Localized Degradation of an RTK.

Summary The separation of germline from somatic lineages is fundamental to reproduction and species preservation. Here, we show that Drosophila Germ cell-less (GCL) is a critical component in this process by acting as a switch that turns off a somatic lineage pathway. GCL, a conserved BTB (Broad-complex, Tramtrack, and Bric-a-brac) protein, is a substrate-specific adaptor for Cullin3-RING ubiquitin ligase complex (CRL3 GCL ). We show that CRL3 GCL promotes PGC fate by mediating degradation of Torso, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and major determinant of somatic cell fate. This mode of RTK degradation does not depend upon receptor activation but is prompted by release of GCL from the nuclear envelope during mitosis. The cell-cycle-dependent change in GCL localization provides spatiotemporal specificity for RTK degradation and sequesters CRL3 GCL to prevent it from participating in excessive activities. This precisely orchestrated mechanism of CRL3 GCL function and regulation defines cell fate at the single-cell level.
Complex Integration and Analyticity

In this chapter we take up the complex integral calculus. In Section 1 we introduce complex line integrals, and in Section 2 we develop the complex integral calculus, emphasizing the analogy with the usual one-variable integral calculus. In Section 3 we lay the cornerstone of the complex integral calculus, which is Cauchy’s theorem. The version we prove is an immediate consequence of Green’s theorem. In Section 4 we derive the Cauchy integral formula and use it to show that analytic functions have analytic derivatives. Each of the final four sections features a “named201” theorem. In Section 5 we prove Liouville’s theorem. In Section 6 we give a version of Morera’s theorem that provides a useful criterion for determining whether a continuous function is analytic. Sections 7 and 8, on Goursat’s theorem and the Pompeiu formula, can be omitted at first reading.
Rational Imprecision: Information-Processing, Neural, and Choice-Rule Perspectives

Abstract Recent advances in neuroscience suggest a utility-like calculation is involved in how the brain makes choices, and that this calculation may use a computation known as divisive normalization. While this tells us how the brain makes choices, it is not immediately evident why the brain uses this computation or exactly what behavior is consistent with it. In this paper, we address both of these questions by proving a three-way equivalence theorem between the normalization model, an information-processing model, and an axiomatic characterization. The information-processing model views behavior as optimally balancing the expected value of the chosen object against the entropic cost of reducing stochasticity in choice. This provides an optimality rationale for why the brain may have evolved to use normalization. The axiomatic characterization gives a set of testable behavioral statements equivalent to the normalization model. This answers what behavior arises from normalization. Our equivalence result unifies these three models into a single theory that answers the “how”, “why”, and “what” of choice behavior.
Right Heart Failure in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients of diverse causes. Although advances in the understanding of pathology of pulmonary arterial hypertension have led to novel therapies, there is no cure for many forms of PH. Right ventricular function is a major determinant of prognosis in severe PH. The diagnosis of right heart failure is a clinical one but is supported by imaging and catheterization modalities. This chapter will discuss diagnosis of right ventricular failure in children, imaging of the right ventricle, and acute and chronic therapeutic options.
Experimental investigation of wake-induced aeroelastic limit cycle oscillations in tandem wings

Abstract This paper aims to experimentally investigate multi-body aeroelastic wing–wake interactions to quantify how structural properties dictate vortex energy transfer. The paper examines three different components needed to study this phenomenon; first, single wing aeroelastic response and wake characteristics; second, flutter boundary characteristics of tandem aeroelastic wings with wing–wake interactions; third, limit cycle behavior and wake frequency content in tandem oscillating wings. Single wing and tandem wing–wake studies conducted through hot-wire anemometer sweeps downstream of the trailing edge find dominant frequency content and wake velocity profiles. Pitch stiffness on the downstream wing is varied to be less than or equal to that of the upstream wing. It is hypothesized that pitch stiffness modulates the sensitivity of the wing to incoming vortex disturbances thus changing vortex energy transfer to the wing. The experimental results showed that the limit cycle and transient response of the downstream wing in tandem configuration are dependent on its pitch stiffness, while the aeroelastic stability and flutter point of the downstream wing is dictated by the upstream wing. In addition, the wake frequency content in tandem configuration demonstrates strong dependence on downstream wing pitch stiffness. The results show that highest wake energy transfer occurs when the downstream wing pitch stiffness is less than pitch stiffness of the upstream wing.
Palliative Care for Patients with Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Palliative care plays an important role along the disease continuum for patients with advanced lung cancer. Mastery of core palliative care clinical skills, such as symptom management, prognostication, communication, decision making, and transition of care, would allow oncologists to better serve patients and families. Common symptoms in lung cancer patients, such as dyspnea, pain, fatigue, cough, hemoptysis, anorexia, cachexia, depression, and anxiety, can usually be managed effectively. For patients with severe symptoms or psychosocial distress, early involvement of the palliative care team is essential.
Topological and directional fuzzy query for spatial objects with indeterminate boundaries

For many years, spatial querying has been of interest for the researchers in the GIS community. Any successful implementation and long-term viability of the GIS technology depends on the issue of accuracy of spatial queries. In order to improve the accuracy and quality of spatial querying, the problems associated with the areas of fuzziness and uncertainty need to be addressed. There has been a strong demand to provide approaches that deal with inaccuracy and uncertainty in GIS. In this paper, firstly a strategy for topological and directional fuzzy spatial querying under uncertainty is discussed for objects with determined boundaries and then it is extended to cover objects with indeterminate boundaries. In this strategy, type-2 fuzzy set theory is utilized to deal with objects with indeterminate boundaries.
What does zoning have to do with local food systems

This paper investigates the extent to which local governments use zoning ordinances to support local food systems. An audit tool was created that comprised five food system elements and a total of 24 land use items that could be included in a zon­ing ordinance. Using this tool, the author examined 104 zoning ordinances in Wisconsin to determine if they include any of these 24 items. Zoning ordi­nances from rural and urban areas and from com­munities that had evidence of local food systems and those that did not were selected for this study. The findings indicate that there is wide variation in how zoning ordinances address local food systems. There are also significant differences between rural and urban communities and between communities with a focus on local food systems and those with­out. Communities have an opportunity to include more land use items that support local food systems within their zoning ordinances than currently exist.
Characterizing Serpinb2 as a Modulator of TCDD-Induced Suppression of the B Cell.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlordibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is an environmental pollutant that can cause various toxic effects, including chloracne, metabolic syndrome, and immune suppression. Most of the toxicity a...
Immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAEs): extraction from FDA drug labels and comparative analysis

Objectives Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have dramatically improved outcomes in cancer patients. However, ICIs are associated with significant immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and the underlying biological mechanisms are not well-understood. To ensure safe cancer treatment, research efforts are needed to comprehensively detect and understand irAEs. Materials and methods We manually extracted and standardized irAEs from The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug labels for six FDA-approved ICIs. We compared irAE profile similarities among ICIs and 1507 FDA-approved non-ICI drugs. We investigated how irAEs have differential effects on human organs by classifying irAEs based on their targeted organ systems. Finally, we identified broad-spectrum (nontarget-specific) and narrow-spectrum (target-specific) irAEs. Results A total of 893 irAEs were extracted. 31.4% irAEs were shared among ICIs as compared to the 8.0% between ICIs and non-ICI drugs. irAEs were resulted from both on- and off-target effects: irAE profiles were more similar for ICIs with same target than different targets, demonstrating the on-target effects; irAE profile similarity for ICIs with the same target is less than 50%, demonstrating unknown off-target effects. ICIs significantly target many organ systems, including endocrine system (3.4-fold enrichment), metabolism (3.7-fold enrichment), immune system (3.6-fold enrichment), and autoimmune system (4.8-fold enrichment). We identified 21 broad-spectrum irAEs shared among all ICIs, 20 irAEs specific for PD-L1/PD-1 inhibition, and 28 irAEs specific for CTLA-4 inhibition. Discussion and conclusion Our study presents the first effort toward building a standardized database of irAEs. The extracted irAEs can serve as the gold standard for automatic irAE extractions from other data resources and set a foundation to understand biological mechanisms of irAEs.
Association between Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Cognitive Impairment as Measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.

Background It is currently unclear whether primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) affects neurological functions outside of vision, such as cognition. Objective This study examined the association between POAG and cognitive impairment in African Americans. Methods Masked interviewers administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to patients enrolled in the Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) study at the Scheie Eye Institute. Cases were further assessed for retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and visual field (VF) loss. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to compare mean MoCA score between cases and controls and to assess the association between POAG severity and MoCA score. Results A total of 137 patients completed the MoCA, including 70 cases and 67 controls. The mean age ± SD was 68.7 ± 11.2 years for cases and 65.7 ± 10.4 years for controls (p = 0.11). The mean MoCA total score (out of 30 points) was 20.3 among POAG cases and 21.3 among controls (mean difference = -1.03, 95% confidence interval, CI = -2.54 to 0.48, p = 0.18). After adjusting for age, gender, education level, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking status, the mean difference in the MoCA total score between cases and controls was -0.64 (95% CI = -1.72 to 0.45, p = 0.25). Among cases, more VF loss was associated with lower total MoCA score for mean deviation (adjusted linear trend p = 0.02) and VF index (adjusted linear trend p = 0.03). There was no significant association between average RNFL thickness and total MoCA score. Conclusions POAG cases and controls had similar neurocognitive function as measured by the MoCA. Among POAG cases, worse VF loss was associated with lower MoCA. Future studies are needed to further elucidate the clinical effect of neuropathy in POAG.