cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Charged particle equilibrium effects on the electron absorbed fraction in the extrathoracic airways

Estimates of the dose to the extrathoracic airway (nasal vestibule) from inhaled beta-emitting radionuclides, obtained using the respiratory tract model presented in Publication 66 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection, frequently predict that the basal cells in this region are the most highly irradiated tissues of the body. The dose to the basal cells is averaged over a layer of tissue 10 microm thick located at a depth of 40 microm into the airway assuming that charged particle equilibrium exists. Since the target (basal cell layer) is very small and thin (10 cm(2) area and 10 microm thickness), charged particle equilibrium does not exist. In this work the effect on the absorbed fraction of the lack of charged particle equilibrium is investigated.
Poisson approximation for significance in genome-wide ChIP-chip tiling arrays

Motivation: A genome-wide ChIP-chip tiling array study requires millions of simultaneous comparisons of hybridization for significance. Controlling the false positive rate in genome-wide tiling array studies is very important, because the number of computationally identified regions can easily go beyond the capability of experimental verification. No accurate and efficient method exists for evaluating statistical significance in tiling arrays. The Bonferroni method is overly conservative and the permutation test is time consuming for genome-wide studies. Result: Motivated by the Poisson clumping heuristic, we propose an accurate and efficient method for evaluating statistical significance in genome-wide ChIP-chip tiling arrays. The method works accurately for any large number of multiple comparisons, and the computational cost for evaluating P-values does not increase with the total number of tests. Based on a moving window approach, we demonstrate how to combine results using various window sizes to increase the detection power while maintaining a specified type I error rate. We further introduce a new false discovery rate control that is more appropriate in measuring the false proportion of binding intervals in tiling array analysis. Our method is general and can be applied to many large-scale genomic and genetic studies. Availability: http://www.stat.psu.edu/~yuzhang/pass.tar Contact: yuzhang@stat.psu.edu
Giant syphilitic aortic aneurysm: A case report and review of the literature

Thoracic aortic aneurysm formation is a known complication of late syphilis. Large aneurysms may cause symptoms via mass effect. When aneurysms compress the pulmonary artery, pulmonary arterial hypertension and right heart failure may result. We report the case of a 76-year-old man who presented with right heart failure secondary to an 11-cm syphilitic thoracic aortic aneurysm, and discuss the evolving epidemiology, complications, diagnosis and management of syphilitic aortitis.
An improved latching pulse design for dynamic sense amplifiers

A generalized optimal latching pulse for dynamic sense-amplifier design has been derived. The model equations account for threshold-voltage imbalance bit-line capacitance imbalance, current-gain imbalance, gate capacitance and intra-bit-line capacitive coupling effect, channel-length modulation, source-body effect, and temperature sensitivity in a unified manner. Computer simulations of the analytical equations, including those effects, are presented. The analytical results provide physical insight into sensing speed and the sensitivity of optimized waveforms in terms of process imbalances, device model parameters, and circuit design variables. A design implementation for fast sense-amplifier operation is also presented to demonstrate the utility of the model equations for practical application. >
Informational Efficiency: An Empirical Test In Asian Currency Crisis

In this paper, we examine whether the trading of the equities of the U.S. international lenders was informationally efficient when the IMF announced its term loan agreement concerning South Korea in late 1997. More specifically, we test whether the foreign exposure levels of different lenders can be distinguished and used by investors to rapidly price the lenders’ stocks proportionally according to the foreign exposure levels. A cross-sectional CAR regression model is used. The evidence indicates that the market is informationally efficient in trading the lenders’ equities during the IMF assistance of South Korea as investors incorporated the foreign exposure into pricing their bank equities rapidly and proportionally. There is a significant positive relationship between the banks' equity prices and their respective exposure levels on the event days. This relationship is not shown on the nonevent dates.
LOCOMOTOR PERFORMANCE AND ENERGETIC COST OF SIDEWINDING BY THE SNAKE CROTALUS CERASTES

Summary We measured the performance (burst speed and endurance) and the energetic cost of sidewinding locomotion for the viperid snake Crotalus cerastes. The linear scaling regressions relating log mass to log burst speed and log endurance have slopes of 0.29 and 1.01, respectively. Maximal burst speed observed for an individual snake (SVL=41.9cm, SVL is snout-vent length) was3.7kmh~ L . Adult snakes were able to match a tread speed of 0.5 km h" 1 for times ranging from 33 to more than 180 min, and at 0.7kmh~' endurance times ranged from 9 to 52 min. Rates of oxygen consumption increased linearly over a range of aerobically sustainable speeds (0.28-0.50kmh" 1 ), with a resulting net cost of transport (NCT) of 0.408mlO 2g~'km" 1 for eight snakes with a mean mass of HOg. Sidewinding of C. cerastes involves periodic movements with a frequency that increases linearly with mean forward speed. At 0.50 km h" 1 , the mean (N=8) mass-specific energetic cost per cycle of movement was 0.28 JulO2g" 1 cycle" 1 for sidewinding. The NCT and the cost per cycle of movement of C. cerastes sidewinding are significantly less than those of similar mass snakes (Coluber constrictor) performing either terrestrial lateral undulation or concertina locomotion. The NCT of C. cerastes sidewinding is also significantly less than that predicted for the terrestrial limbed locomotion of lizards of similar mass. Mean ^o 2max of C. cerastes (0.405 ml O2g~ 1 h~ 1 ) is only about half that reported for C. constrictor; however, the mean endurance at 0.60 km h" 1 (73 min) for sidewinding C. cerastes does not differ significantly from that reported for C. constrictor laterally undulating.
Using the modified Gaussian model to extract quantitative data from lunar soils

[1] The Lunar Soil Characterization Consortium (LSCC) has examined and characterized a suite of lunar soils with a wide range of compositions and maturities. The purpose of this study is to compare the Vis/NIR spectral properties of these lunar soils with their petrologic and chemical compositions using the modified Gaussian model (MGM) to obtain quantitative data about the character of relatively weak near-infrared absorption bands. Useful compositional information can be extracted from high-quality soil spectra using the MGM. The model had some difficulty fitting absorption bands in the 2 mm region of the lunar spectrum, but bands in the 1 and 1.2 mm regions provided physically realistic results. The model was able to distinguish high-Ca and low-Ca pyroxenes in the LSCC suite of lunar soils in the appropriate relative abundance. In addition, unexpected insights into the nature and causes of absorption bands in lunar soils were identified. For example, at least two distinct absorption bands are required in the 1.2 mm region of the spectrum, and neither of these bands can be attributed to plagioclase or agglutinates, but are found instead to be largely due to pyroxene.
Hypoxia Extends the Life Span of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells through Telomerase Activation

Chronic hypoxia induces smooth muscle cell proliferation and vessel wall remodeling in the vasculature of the lung. One well-characterized component of the hypoxic response is transcriptional activation of genes encoding vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) mitogens. We report here that chronic hypoxia can also prolong the growth of human VSMC by inducing telomerase activity and telomere stabilization. We demonstrate that hypoxia induced phosphorylation of the telomerase catalytic component (TERT) and sustained high levels of TERT protein expression in VSMC compared to normoxia. Furthermore, inhibition of telomerase shortened cell life span in hypoxic cultures, whereas constitutive expression of TERT extended the life span of cells under normoxic conditions. Our data indicate that hypoxic induction of telomerase activity could be involved in long-term growth of VSMC and may thus contribute to human vascular disorders.
The Distance-Decay Gravity Model Debate

The gravity model has been by far the most popular mathematical description of human spatial interaction. The purpose of this paper is not to review its usage in general (Carrothers, 1956; Tocalis, 1978), but only to discuss one statistical question; the difficulties associated with accurately estimating the tendency of trips to decrease as distance increases by use of ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models applied to observed data. This introductory section will outline the nature of the problem and of the debate that has developed in the last ten years.
Central vs. peripheral metabolic control of estrous cycles in Syrian hamsters. II. Glucoprivation

Estrous cycles in Syrian hamsters are inhibited by food deprivation or treatment with pharmacological inhibitors of intracellular glucose utilization (glucoprivic treatments). These same metabolic challenges increase neural stimulation in areas of the caudal brain stem thought to be involved in detection of metabolic signals. Experiment 1 was designed to examine whether vagally transmitted signals are important for glucoprivic effects on estrous cycles and on neural stimulation in the caudal brain stem. Vagotomized or sham-operated hamsters were treated with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) at a dose known to decrease cellular glucose utilization and inhibit estrous cycles (1,750 mg/kg). Vagotomized and sham-operated hamsters did not differ significantly in incidence of 2-DG-induced anestrus or in neural stimulation in the caudal brain stem, but the effects of 2-DG on estrous cycles and neural stimulation appeared to have been attenuated in vagotomized hamsters. In experiment 2, hamsters were injected intracerebroventricularly with 2-DG or glucose at doses that did not induce anestrus when injected systemically (125 and 250 mg/kg). Groups treated with intracerebroventricular injections of 2-DG showed a significantly higher incidence of anestrus than those treated with glucose. In experiment 3, effects of systemic injections of 2-DG were prevented by prior injection of glucose or fructose at the same concentration, indicating that 2-DG acts via effects on glucose metabolism, rather than via a nonspecific pharmacological effect or generalized stress response. Results of these experiments and those reported elsewhere (J. E. Schneider, A. J. Hall, and G. N. Wade. Am. J. Physiol. 272 (Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol, 41) R400-R405, 1997] are consistent with the notion that central glucoprivation is sufficient, whereas peripheral lipoprivation is not critical, for metabolic effects on estrous cycles.
Cooperative Game-based Learning in the English as a Foreign Language Classroom

Cooperative learning has been used in various settings across disciplines and has been shown to contribute to improving learning outcomes. With the recent development of new information and communication technologies there is a need to understand how these tools support or challenge existing principles of cooperative learning in the classroom. The present study sought to gain insights into the nature of cooperation between high school students to play an educational video game for learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL). It also aimed to elicit information on the perceived impact of the game on EFL learning outcomes. Forty-seven (47) high school students from Burkina Faso interacted with an educational video game designed for EFL learning over a period of four weeks and took part in focus-group interviews to discuss their experiences. The results of the study indicated that effective cooperation took place in various teams during gameplay. The majority of the participants reported that interacting with the game in small teams contributed to improving their EFL vocabulary and writing knowledge as well as their motivation. Recommendations are made for structuring cooperative game-based language learning. DOI: 10.2458/azu_itet_v2i2_bado
Corona-Discharge-Induced Stress Relaxation in Silicon Dioxide Films on Silicon

Variations in refractive index (density) with growth temperature are taken as a rough measure of residual compressive stress in dry SiO2 films. This paper presents experimental data regarding the relaxation of these stresses by a low-temperature (600–900°C) oxygen corona discharge process. For an initial oxide layer of 1100 A thickness grown at 800°C, relaxation is complete after a corona treatment of 10 minutes at -1µA. The dose of O− ions required is found to be about 1–1.5% of the total oxygen atoms in the initial layer. The difference in dose between oxide on 〈111〉 and 〈100〉 Si is found to be proportional to the respective density changes from the initial oxide to fully relaxed oxide.
Effect of Hepatic Blood Flow Occlusion on Electrolyte and Arterial Blood Gas during Hepatic Resection

Background : Lumbar plexus block was used not only for the proposal of lower limb surgery, but also for that of pain control in the pain clinic. The aim of our study was to evaluate the motor, sensory function and the anatomic parameters after posterior approach of the lumbar plexus block with the help of a nerve stimulator. Methods : 30 patients of low back pain radiating to lower extremities were randomized into two groups. We performed the psoas compartment block guided by C-arm fluoroscope. With the pateints in prone position, a 100 mm insulated needle was introduced at the surface of L5 transverse process. Stimulation of femoral nerve was used to optimize the needle placement at the center of lumbar plexus (Dancing Patella). 1% mepivacaine hydrochloride (0.2 ml/kg) solution in group 1 (n=11) and 0.5% mepivacaine hydrochloride (0.2 ml/kg) solution in group 2 (n=19) were then injected. We measured the minimal current, distance of puncture site from midline, distance from skin to transverse process, distance from skin to the point of maximal twitch, and distance from transverse process to the point of maximal twich. Motor and sensory functions were measured at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after procedure. Results : Anatomical parameters were as follows; distance of puncture site from midline was 42.6 5.6 mm, distance from skin to transverse process was 52.9 ± 7.0 mm, distance from skin to the point of maximal twitch was 68.8±5.6 mm, and distance from transverse process to the point of maximal twich is 15.9±3.9 mm. Difference in attenuated motor function(hip adduction, knee extension) was observed between two groups (P＜0.05). Hip adduction and knee extension were recovered 60 min after injection in group 1. In group 2, knee extension was attenuated above 2 hours. We observed significant hip flexion attenuation 90 and 120 min (group 1 and group 2, etc) after injection Sensory blockade was recovered 120 min after injection in both groups. Conclusions : It is suggested that above mentioned anatomical parameters would be useful for the safe blockade. We found that recovery of attenuated hip flexion is crucial for the discharge criteria of ambulating outpatient with the low back pain. (Korean J Anesthesiol 1999; 36: 422∼430)
The “L” Word Anti-liberal Campaign Rhetoric, Symbolic Ideology, and the Electoral Fortunes of Democratic Candidates

In recent years, the electorate has sorted along ideological lines. Republican identifiers have grown more likely to self-identify as conservatives. Democrats, however, have been slow to embrace the liberal label. And while many Americans are operationally liberal and express support for liberal policy positions, in symbolic terms, the American electorate is much more conservative in nature and appears reluctant to hew to the liberal label. The uneven nature of partisan sorting and the observed symbolic/operational divide have both been linked to Republican efforts at making “liberal” a dirty word, but researchers have yet to offer a direct test of the effects of exposure to anti-liberal rhetoric. In this study, I rectify this shortcoming using the 2004 University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW)/Brigham Young University (BYU) panel study coupled with data on the content of candidates’ campaign advertising from the Wisconsin Advertising Project. I find that exposure to anti-liberal campaign messages had a direct...
42 ADIPONECTIN RECEPTORS ARE NOT MODULATED BY SHORT-TERM THIAZOLIDINEDIONE THERAPY.

The fat-derived protein adiponectin enhances insulin action in rodents and its plasma levels are correlated with insulin sensitivity in humans. Adiponectin levels are reduced in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and increased by thiazolidinediones (TZDs) in concert with improved insulin action. Two adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) have recently been cloned. We examined the expression of these receptors in human adipose tissue and whether they are also regulated by TZDs. Gene expression was quantified by real-time rt-PCR in subcutaneous (Sub) and omental (Om) adipose tissue from 10 nondiabetic patients (7 F/3 M, age 38 x 3 years, BMI 31.6 ± 1.5 kg/m2, range 23-38) undergoing elective abdominal surgery. In a subgroup (n = 5), adipocytes and stromal cells were immediately separated by collagenase. RNA copy numbers (plasmid standard curves, normalized to GAPDH) of AdipoR1 were universally {223}10-fold higher than AdipoR2, and expression of AdipoR1 was similar in Sub and Om, while AdipoR2 expression was higher in Om. While adiponectin gene expression was specific to adipocytes, the receptors were expressed in both adipocytes and stromal cells (adipocytes:stromal cell ratio = 5:4). We then studied the effects of short-term pioglitazone (45 mg daily for 21 days) vs placebo on AdipoR1/R2 gene expression and insulin action (insulin clamp studies) in 11 T2DM subjects (9 M/2 F, age 49 ± 3 years, HbA1C 9.7 ± 0.7%, BMI 32 ± 2 kg/m2). There was no correlation between baseline insulin action and expression of AdipoR1/R2 in muscle or fat. While pioglitazone increased adiponectin expression 2-fold in Sub fat and improved both hepatic and peripheral insulin action, it did not affect expression of either receptor in fat or muscle. There were also no correlations between changes in insulin action and changes in receptor expression with pioglitazone in individual subjects. This was in contrast with a remarkably tight correlation (r2 = .93) between improved hepatic insulin action and increase in the active high-molecular-weight form of adiponectin. Conclusions Both adiponectin receptor subtypes are expressed in human fat, with AdipoR1 being much more abundant. Unlike adiponectin, the receptors are expressed in both adipocytes and stromal adipose cells and are not affected by TZDs. Additionally; receptor expression did not correlate with insulin action at baseline or in response to pioglitazone. Further study is warranted to determine the physiologic significance of these receptors in humans.
Environmental Fate and Effects of Dichloroacetamide Herbicide Safeners: “Inert” yet Biologically Active Agrochemical Ingredients

Safeners are included in many commercial herbicide formulations to selectively protect crops from injury induced by active ingredients. Despite their bioactivity, safeners are classified as inert from a regulatory perspective, and as such, safeners have received minimal attention in the peer-reviewed literature regarding their environmental fate and effects. Herein, we review what is known about the uses, physicochemical properties, environmental transformations, and (eco)toxicological effects of dichloroacetamide safeners, which represent one of the most commonly used safener classes (estimated use of >2 × 106 kg/year in the United States). We particularly highlight transformation pathways that may enhance biological activity and/or persistence; for example, limited studies suggest dichloroacetamides can transform via dechlorination into products with increased bioactivity. We also identify several research needs to improve our understanding of the environmental fate and potential risks of this overlooke...
Joint structural estimation of multiple graphical models

Gaussian graphical models capture dependence relationships between random variables through the pattern of nonzero elements in the corresponding inverse covariance matrices. To date, there has been a large body of literature on both computational methods and analytical results on the estimation of a single graphical model. However, in many application domains, one has to estimate several related graphical models, a problem that has also received attention in the literature. The available approaches usually assume that all graphical models are globally related. On the other hand, in many settings different relationships between subsets of the node sets exist between different graphical models. We develop methodology that jointly estimates multiple Gaussian graphical models, assuming that there exists prior information on how they are structurally related. For many applications, such information is available from external data sources. The proposed method consists of first applying neighborhood selection with a group lasso penalty to obtain edge sets of the graphs, and a maximum likelihood refit for estimating the nonzero entries in the inverse covariance matrices. We establish consistency of the proposed method for sparse high-dimensional Gaussian graphical models and examine its performance using simulation experiments. Applications to a climate data set and a breast cancer data set are also discussed.
The Impact of Emotions on Juror Judgments and Decision-Making

Emotions have not received a great deal of attention among psycholegal researchers, but interest in this area has grown during the past decade. In this chapter, the role of emotions in juror decision making is examined. In the first section of the chapter, the focus is on the basic theories surrounding emotions and judgments, as well as the degree to which the general theories of emotions and decision making are relevant to decisions made in the courtroom. Next, trial factors that may prompt specific emotional reactions from jurors are explored. In the third section of the chapter, psycholegal research that has examined the effect of jurors’ emotions on the decisions they make during trial is discussed. In the fourth section, potential moderators that might alter the relation between emotions and decisions are explored. Last, the limitations of the psycholegal research and the legal implications of the research are discussed.
3-D vertical solenoid inductors by electrodeposition techniques

On-chip spiral inductors suffer from substrate loss and parasitics, also have large footprints. This paper presents three-dimensional (3-D) vertical solenoid inductors by electro deposition technique. Metal ground shield inserted in the oxide layer to terminate electric field to enter inside substrate. Compared to on-chip spiral inductors, capacitive energy loss can be reduced about 60% and power loss about 90% in our proposed method.
From Kepler to Gibson

ABSTRACTWe argue that the idea of embodiment and the strategies for carrying out embodied approaches are some of the most prevalent and interdisciplinary legacies of early modern science. The idea of embodiment is simple: to explain the behavior of bodies, we must understand them as unified wholes in their environments. Embodied approaches eschew explanations in terms of qualitative descriptions of the intrinsic properties of bodies and promote explanation in terms of the interaction between bodies. This idea can be found in Kepler's optics, Descartes' physics, and Newton's physico-mathematics. The Senses Considered as Perceptual Systems (Gibson, 1966) is the culmination of this centuries-long embodiment movement which can be traced back to the 17th century.
Migration Maps with the News : Guidelines for ethical visualization of mobile populations

Maps showing immigration into Europe are a potential source of journalistic bias. Limited time and funding to create maps of migration can lead to dependence on data from institutions dedicated to ...
The Mammalian Circadian Clock Exhibits Chronic Ethanol Tolerance and Withdrawal-Induced Glutamate Hypersensitivity, Accompanied by Changes in Glutamate and TrkB Receptor Proteins.

BACKGROUND Alcohol tolerance and withdrawal-induced effects are criteria for alcohol use disorders listed by the DSM-V. Although tolerance and withdrawal have been studied over many decades, there is still uncertainty regarding mechanistic distinctions that characterize these different forms of ethanol (EtOH)-induced plasticity. Previously, we demonstrated that the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) circadian clock develops both acute and rapid tolerance to EtOH inhibition of glutamate-induced circadian phase shifts. Here, we demonstrate that chronic EtOH tolerance and withdrawal-induced glutamate hypersensitivity occur in vitro and that rapid tolerance, chronic tolerance, and glutamate hypersensitivity have distinct cellular changes. METHODS We use single-unit extracellular electrophysiological recordings to determine whether chronic tolerance to EtOH inhibition of glutamatergic phase shifts and withdrawal-induced glutamate hypersensitivity develop in the SCN. We use Western blotting to compare phosphorylation state and total expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits and associated proteins in the SCN after mice were exposed to varying EtOH consumption paradigms. RESULTS Chronic tolerance developed after a minimum of 8 days of 4 h/d EtOH access, as indicated by a decreased sensitivity to EtOH inhibition of glutamate-induced phase shifts. We also observed an increased sensitivity to glutamate-induced phase shifts in SCN tissue following withdrawal. We demonstrated an increase in the ratio of NR2B:NR2A NMDA receptor subunit expression after 21 days, but not after 10 days of EtOH drinking. This increase persisted during EtOH withdrawal, along with an increase in NR2B Y1472 phosphorylation, mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and phosphorylated TrkB. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that multiple tolerance forms and withdrawal-induced glutamate hypersensitivity occur in the SCN and that these different forms of EtOH-induced plasticity are accompanied by distinct changes in cellular physiology. Importantly, this study further demonstrates the power of using the SCN as a model system to investigate EtOH-induced plasticity.
Excited-State Dynamics of NADH and 1-N-Propyl-1,4Dihydronicotinamide

The reduced form of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is an important enzyme cofactor containing two chromophores — a dihydronicotinamide (lowest absorption band at 340 nm) and an adenine (absorption at 265 nm). Fluorescence of NADH has a λmax at 460 nm and has been used for in vivo assays of NADH. The photophysics of NADH has been extensively studied [1–9]. In room temperature aqueous solution, the fluorescence quantum yield is 0.02 and the lifetime ~ 0.40 ns [3–5]. Recently, biphotonic induced electron ejection by NADH has been reported [9]. NADH reportedly exists in aqueous solution in two conformations--extended and folded [3,5,10].
Prevalence and characteristics of unoperated patients with severe aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY Although aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the preferred therapy for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS), a substantial number of patients with indications for surgery do not undergo AVR. The study aim was to address, at multiple geographic locations and practice settings, the prevalence of unoperated patients with severe AS, and to explore potential barriers to intervention. METHODS The medical records at 10 centers of various size and geographic distribution were reviewed retrospectively to identify patients with clinically severe AS (echocardiography/Doppler mean gradient > or = 40 mm Hg, effective orifice area < 1.0 cm2, or an overall interpretation of severe AS; and no clinical contradiction of severe AS). Demographic, clinical and outcomes data were recorded, including referral to a cardiothoracic surgeon (CTS), performance of AVR, and rationale when no AVR was performed. RESULTS Of 952 patients who met the criteria for clinically severe AS, 497 (52%) were referred to a CTS for evaluation for AVR; subsequently, 395 patients (41%) underwent AVR and 557 (59%) were unoperated. Trends were similar across the institutions. Symptoms were present in 666 (79%) of 842 patients with available data, including 296 of 340 (87%) operated patients and 370 of 502 (74%) unoperated patients. Those patients referred to a CTS were younger, more often male, had higher aortic valve gradients, and more often were symptomatic. The dominant reasons cited for not undergoing AVR were comorbidities or high operative risk, advanced age or limited life expectancy, asymptomatic status, and patient or family refusal. The one-year survival was 94 +/- 2% for operated patients, and 69 +/- 3% for unoperated patients (66 +/- 3% for unoperated symptomatic and 78 +/- 5% for unoperated asymptomatic patients). CONCLUSION In this multicenter survey, only about one-half of the patients with severe AS were referred to a CTS, and only about 40% underwent AVR. Three-quarters of unoperated patients were symptomatic. Referral to a CTS appeared more likely in the setting of symptoms of angina rather than heart failure or syncope, and elevated echocardiographic gradient rather than low valve area. Many patients who likely could benefit from AVR do not undergo evaluation for the condition, and similar observations were made at multiple medical institutions.
Incorporating AR into a Multimodal UI for an Artificial Pancreas: The interdisciplinary nature of integrating augmented reality (AR), sound, and touch into a user interface (UI) for diabetes patients with embedded control systems for an artificial pancreas (AP)

This paper explores the emerging field of human-embedded medical technology and its accompanying need for innovative user experience (UX) design. Specifically, the paper argues that, in the medium term, augmented reality (AR) can effectively serve as one part of a multimodal user interface (UI) for diabetes patients with embedded control systems for an artificial pancreas (AP). The paper explores what types of cross-disciplinary information UX designers will need in order to incorporate AR into an effective multimodal interface for diabetes patients with an AP. Currently, researchers are developing methods to embed continuous glucose monitors (CGM), model predictive control (MPC) systems, and AP systems into diabetes patients to regulate their blood sugar levels [30]. Ideally, an embedded control in a wearable medical device would remove the need for users to interact with the system because the system would self-regulate. However, once embedded, not only will a physician/technician need to initialize and adjust the system, but, ethically and practically, patients will also need access to the system. In the medium-term future (5-10 years), AR-with its emphasis on cross-disciplinary design needs-shows promise for conveying visual information most effectively to the patient. This paper addresses the interdisciplinary nature of conveying user information for embedded medical devices because it demonstrates the need for UX designers to integrate recent advancements in healthcare research, medical technology, cross-disciplinary design theory (e.g. human factors and effective use theory), and the rapidly changing nature of human-computer interaction (HCI).
Machine Learning and Computer Vision-Enabled Traffic Sensing Data Analysis and Quality Enhancement

Abstract Traffic sensor data are essential for informed, scientific decision-making processes in traffic operation, pavement design, and transportation planning. In the current traffic detection infrastructure, inductance loop detectors and surveillance cameras are two commonly deployed sensors. In this study, a machine learning approach is developed to establish an artificial neural network (ANN) to better extract classified vehicle volumes from single-loop measurements. In addition, a set of computer vision-based algorithms are developed to extract background image from a video sequence, detect presence of vehicles, identify and remove shadows, and calculate pixel-based vehicle lengths for classification based on widely available surveillance camera signals. Machine learning and computer vision are two major artificial intelligent and advanced computing techniques, which can substantially revolutionize existing traffic sensing practices and theoretical foundations. The experimental tests indicated their favorable performance under various traffic operation scenarios. This chapter summarizes our continuous efforts in these promising areas, and contributes greatly to data-driven traffic science and application research.
A Glaucoma-Specific Brief Motivational Interviewing Training Program for Ophthalmology Para-professionals: Assessment of Feasibility and Initial Patient Impact.

ABSTRACTOur objective was to test the feasibility of, fidelity to, and initial impact of a brief, glaucoma-specific motivational interviewing (MI) training program for ophthalmic para-professionals...
Breast MRI radiomics for the pre-treatment prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in node-positive breast cancer patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate breast MRI radiomics in predicting, prior to any treatment, the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with invasive lymph node-positive breast cancer for 2 tasks: 1) prediction of pathologic complete response and 2) prediction of post- NAC lymph node (LN) status. Our study included 158 patients with 19 showing post-NAC complete pathologic response (pathologic TNM stage T0,N0,MX) and 139 showing incomplete response, 42 patients were post-NAC LN-negative and 116 were post-NAC LN-positive. Only pre-NAC MRIs underwent computer analysis, initialized by an expert breast radiologist indicating index cancers and metastatic axillary sentinel lymph nodes on DCE-MRI images. Forty-nine radiomic features were extracted, both for the primary cancers and for the metastatic sentinel lymph nodes. Since the dataset contained MRIs acquired at 1.5T and at 3.0T, we eliminated features affected by magnet strength as demonstrated in the Mann-Whitney U-test by rejection of the null-hypothesis that samples were selected from populations having the same distribution. ROC analysis was used to assess performance of individual features in the 2 classification tasks. Eighteen features appeared unaffected by magnet strength, of which only a single pre-NAC tumor feature outperformed random guessing in predicting pathologic complete response. On the other hand, 13 and 10 pre-NAC lymph node features were able to predict pathologic complete response and post-NAC LN-status, respectively, with as most promising feature the standard deviation within the LN at the first postcontrast DCE-MRI time-point (areas under the ROC curve: 0.79 (standard error 0.06) and 0.70 (0.05), respectively).
Biochemical assays for ghrelin acylation and inhibition of ghrelin O-acyltransferase

Ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) is an enzyme responsible for octanoylating and activating ghrelin, a peptide hormone that plays a key role in energy regulation and hunger signaling. Due to its nature as an integral membrane protein, GOAT has yet to be purified in active form which has complicated biochemical and structural studies of GOAT-catalyzed ghrelin acylation. In this chapter, we describe protocols for efficient expression and enrichment of GOAT in insect cell-derived microsomal fraction, HPLC-based assays for GOAT acylation activity employing fluorescently labeled peptides, and assessment of inhibitor potency against GOAT.
Multifaceted roles of TAK1 signaling in cancer

Context-specific signaling is a prevalent theme in cancer biology wherein individual molecules and pathways can have multiple or even opposite effects depending on the tumor type. TAK1 represents a particularly notable example of such signaling diversity in cancer progression. Originally discovered as a TGF-β-activated kinase, over the years it has been shown to respond to numerous other stimuli to phosphorylate a wide range of downstream targets and elicit distinct cellular responses across cell and tissue types. Here we present a comprehensive review of TAK1 signaling and provide important therapeutic perspectives related to its function in different cancers.
Gait asymmetry in glucocerebrosidase mutation carriers with Parkinson's disease.

Background GBA mutation carriers with PD (PD-GBA) are at higher risk of cognitive decline, but there is limited data regarding whether there are differences in gait dysfunction between GBA mutation and non-mutation carriers with PD. Objectives/Methods The primary aim of this study was to use quantitative inertial sensor-based gait analysis to compare gait asymmetry in 17 PD-GBA subjects, 17 non-mutation carriers with PD, and 15 healthy control subjects using parameters that had gait laterality and were markers of bradykinesia, in particular arm swing velocity and arm swing range of motion and stride length. Results Arm swing velocity was more symmetric in PD-GBA subjects vs. non-mutation carriers in the OFF state (12.5 +/- 8.3 vs. 22.9 +/- 11.8%, respectively, p = 0.018). In the ON-medication state, non-mutation carriers with PD, but not PD-GBA subjects, exhibited arm swing velocity (16.8 +/- 8.6 vs. 22.9 +/- 11.8%, p = 0.006) and arm range of motion (26.7 +/- 16.3 vs. 33.4 +/- 18.6%, p = 0.02) that was more asymmetric compared with the OFF-medication state. Conclusions In the OFF medication state, arm swing velocity asymmetry may be a useful parameter in helping to distinguish GBA mutation carriers with PD from non-mutation carriers.
THE ROLE OF CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE AND 18F-FDG CARDIAC PET IN MANAGEMENT OF CARDIAC SARCOIDOSIS

Cardiac sarcoidosis is often suspected in patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) who have characteristics of inflammatory cardiomyopathy on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac positron emission tomography (PET). In many instances these imaging modalities guide management prior to
West’s Self-Creation

I don’t think I really understood it when one of the administrators who hired me (I can’t remember his name) in Raymondville, Texas told me: “It takes five years to make an English teacher.” For me, it took four – or – after four I finally understood the pleasures of public school teaching. Though even after those four years, I still struggled and had to immerse myself in the community and students’ lives to achieve that pleasure.
PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT SHOULDER INSTABILITY: DOES INSURANCE STATUS PREDICT THE DEVELOPMENT OF BONY BANKART AND ENGAGING HILL-SACHS LESIONS?

Background:Pediatric and adolescent patients who undergo shoulder stabilization surgery have higher rates of failure than their adult counterparts. The impact of insurance status on intra-operative...
The Anthropocene: The One, the Many, and the Topological

Given the many discourses about markers for the Anthropocene, those peripheral to one’s academic niche might elicit indifference or even dismissal. Conversely, a shallow pluralism can take root in ...
Characterizing grapevine 3D inflorescence architecture using X-ray imaging and advanced morphometrics: implications for understanding cluster density.

Abstract Inflorescence architecture provides the scaffold on which flowers and fruits develop, and consequently is a primary trait under investigation in many crop systems. Yet the challenge remains to analyze these complex 3D branching structures with appropriate tools. High information content data sets are required to represent the actual structure and facilitate full analysis of both the geometric and topological features relevant to phenotypic variation in order to clarify evolutionary and developmental inflorescence patterns. We combined advanced imaging (X-ray tomography) and computational approaches (topological and geometric data analysis and structural simulations) to comprehensively characterize grapevine inflorescence architecture (the rachis and all branches without berries) among 10 wild Vitis species. Clustering and correlation analyses revealed unexpected relationships, for example pedicel branch angles were largely independent of other traits. We identified multivariate traits that typified species, which allowed us to classify species with 78.3% accuracy, versus 10% by chance. Twelve traits had strong signals across phylogenetic clades, providing insight into the evolution of inflorescence architecture. We provide an advanced framework to quantify 3D inflorescence and other branched plant structures that can be used to tease apart subtle, heritable features for a better understanding of genetic and environmental effects on plant phenotypes.
Etching with electron beam-generated plasmas: Selectivity versus ion energy in silicon-based films

In the ideal case, plasma-enhanced atomic layer etching enables the ability to not only remove one monolayer of material but also leave adjacent layers undamaged. This dual mandate requires fine control over the flux of species to ensure efficacy, while maintaining an often arduously low ion energy. Electron beam-generated plasmas are well-suited for etching at low ion energies as they are generally characterized by highly charged particle densities (1010–1011 cm−3) and low electron temperatures (<1.0 eV), which provide the ability to deliver a large flux of ions whose energies are <5 eV. Raising the ion energy with substrate biasing thus enables process control over an energy range that extends down to values commensurate with the bond strength of most material systems. In this work, we discuss silicon nitride etching using pulsed, electron beam-generated plasmas produced in argon-SF6 backgrounds. We pay particular attention to the etch rates and selectivity versus oxidized silicon nitride and polycrystalline silicon as a function of ion energy from a few eV up to 50 eV. We find the blanket etch rate of Si3N4 to be in the range of 1 A/s, with selectivities (versus SiO2 and poly-Si) greater than 10:1 when ion energies are below 30 eV.
Gaps in Public Awareness About BRCA and Genetic Testing in Prostate Cancer: Social Media Landscape Analysis.

Background: Genetic testing, particularly for BRCA1/2, is increasingly important in prostate cancer (PCa) care, with impact on PCa management and hereditary cancer risk. However, the extent of public awareness and online discourse on social media is unknown, and presents opportunities to identify gaps and enhance population awareness and uptake of advances in PCa precision medicine. Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize activity and engagement across multiple social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube) regarding BRCA and genetic testing for PCa compared with breast cancer, which has a long history of public awareness, advocacy, and prominent social media presence. Methods: The Symplur Signals online analytics platform was used to obtain metrics for tweets about (1) #BRCA and #breastcancer, (2) #BRCA and #prostatecancer, (3) #genetictesting and #breastcancer, and (4) #genetictesting and #prostatecancer from 2016 to 2020. We examined the total number of tweets, users, and reach for each hashtag, and performed content analysis for a subset of tweets. Facebook and YouTube were queried using analogous search terms, and engagement metrics were calculated. Results: During a 5-year period, there were 10,005 tweets for #BRCA and #breastcancer, versus 1008 tweets about #BRCA and #prostatecancer. There were also more tweets about #genetictesting and #breastcancer (n=1748), compared with #genetic testing and #prostatecancer (n=328). Tweets about genetic testing (12,921,954) and BRCA (75,724,795) in breast cancer also had substantially greater reach than those about PCa (1,463,777 and 4,849,905, respectively). Facebook groups and pages regarding PCa and BRCA/genetic testing had fewer average members, new members, and new posts, as well as fewer likes and followers, compared with breast cancer. Facebook videos had more engagement than YouTube videos across both PCa and breast cancer content. Conclusions: There is substantially less social media engagement about BRCA and genetic testing in PCa compared with breast cancer. This landscape analysis provides insights into strategies for leveraging social media platforms to increase public awareness about PCa germline testing, including use of Facebook to share video content and Twitter for discussions with health professionals.
Neonatal Heelstick Blood Culture

A new micro-heelstick blood culture technique was evaluated in 40 neonates who were believed to be clinically septic. Heelstick cultures were positive in 11 and peripheral venous cultures were positive in eight. All eight venous cultures had positive heelstick cultures. Heelstick blood cultures seem to be at least as sensitive as venous cultures.
Racial Politics and Campaign Strategy in South Africa's 2009 Election

AbstractSouth Africa's 2009 election featured competition between the ruling African National Congress (ANC), the steadily improving Democratic Alliance (DA), and the newly formed ANC splinter party, the Congress of the People (COPE). In 2009, national-level parties faced the same strategic imperative as in previous elections: to gain support among the Black majority. But the emergence of COPE had potentially important implications for election strategy. Competition was no longer only between the liberation party (the ANC) and the successor of an apartheid-era party (the DA). COPE had its own set of liberation-linked leaders that presented a new challenge to both the ANC and the DA. This paper examines the main parties' use of candidate lists, voter outreach, and campaign rhetoric to target the Black majority in 2009. It updates and expands previous studies of racial politics in South Africa, providing novel empirical data on the campaign tactics of the ANC, DA, and COPE.
Complications associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Results of the 1974 A/S/G/E survey.

The complications associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have been recently evaluated by the A/S/G/E research committee. Data were obtained on 3884 examinations with a total complication rate of 21.6/1000. Complications included pancreatitis (51 cases), cholangitis (25 cases), cardiopulmonary (4 cases), perforation (3 cases), bleeding (2 cases) and miscellaneous (9 cases). Five fatal complications were reported. Ductal obstruction demonstrated by ERCP should be relieved by prompt surgical intervention because of a high frequency of sepsis. ERCP has proven to be a valuable new addition in the clinical evaluation of a variety of pancreatic and biliary tract diseases. It is a procedure which may be associated with significant complications that must be carefully monitored and vigorously treated.
2-D Axisymmetric Line Transport

The methods used in the ALTAIR code for computing the transfer of spectral line radiation in two-dimensional axially-symmetric geometry are described. ALTAIR uses a variable- Eddington-tensor approach, in which the transfer equation of non-coherent line scattering is written in moment form, and the moments are closed with an assumed tensor relating the monochromatic pressure tensor and energy density; this Eddington tensor is obtained self-consistently using an accurate angle-dependent solution of the transfer equation. The finite element method for solving the moment system, and the discontinuous finite element method for solving the S n equation of transfer are described. Two applications of the method are discussed: line formation in uniform cylinders with different length-diameter ratios, and monochromatic transfer on an irregular x-y mesh (the Mordant test problem).