cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 963: Bioactive tomato components antagonize the androgen regulation of epithelial cell turnover in the mouse prostate

Introduction: Testosterone is a critical regulator of prostate function and carcinogenesis. Inhibition of testosterone action is an approach for prostate cancer prevention. We hypothesize that consumption of tomato phytochemicals may have a protective impact during prostate carcinogenesis via inhibition of androgen signaling in the prostate epithelium. Methods: Four week-old C57/BL6 male mice (n=84) were fed either: AIN93-G diet as a control, AIN93-G with10% tomato powder (0.02 g LYC/Kg diet) or AIN93-G with 10% LYC beadlets (0.40 g LYC/Kg diet). At eight weeks of age, mice were randomized among three endocrine treatments: intact control, castration, or castration + testosterone repletion (2.5 mg testosterone propionate/Kg body weight/mouse/day by subcutaneous osmotic minipumps starting 7 days after castration). At 10 weeks of age, blood was collected for carotenoid analysis by HPLC and tissues were collected for evaluating prostate epithelial cell proliferation index (Ki67), apoptosis index (ApopTag), and other biomarkers. Results: Dietary intakes did not differ among groups. However, the estimated LYC consumption was 0.00 mg/d for controls, 1.13 mg/d in LYC fed mice, and 0.06 mg/d in tomato fed mice (P Conclusion: LYC absorption in mice is limited and similar blood concentrations are achieved over a wide range of dietary intake from either pure LYC or tomato components. Mice consuming tomato powder or LYC show reduced prostate epithelial proliferation in response to testosterone. Tomato powder is a more potent enhancer of apoptotic cascades in response to androgen deprivation. Bioactive components in tomatoes in addition to LYC may influence prostate biology and participate in the inhibition of prostate carcinogenesis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 963.
Effect of Whisker Distribution on the Densification and Microstructures of AI2O3-Si3N4 Composites

This study focuses on (1) the co-dispersion behaviors of dissimilar phases exhibiting different surface chemistry in ceramic suspensions and (2) the effect of local whisker distribution on matrix densification. Si 3 N 4 whiskers and Al 2 O 3 powders are mixed and slipcast in aqueous solution. Local whisker clusters are observed and remain stable even after prolonged sintering. High shear-rate agitation of the composite suspension does not eliminate the whisker agglomeration. Surface pre-treatment of whiskers, such as acid/base-washing, effectively reduces the clustering and sintered flaw size. From SEM observation it is found that the matrix powder densifies highly inhomogeneously because of the constraint imposed by the reinforcement. Matrix powder is inhibited from diffusing into “inter-whisker” voids.
Hypersonic three-dimensional boundary layer transition on a cone at angle of attack

The process of transition in three-dimensional hypersonic boundary layers is highly complex. For a cone at angle of attack, rst mode, second mode, and cross ow instabilities are commonly present and can contribute to laminar breakdown. Based on recent experiments conducted in the Purdue Boeing/AFOSR Mach 6 quiet tunnel, two direct numerical simulations of a 7:0 half angle sharp cone in Mach 6 ow at an angle of attack of 6:0 were completed in order to investigate the e ect of surface roughness on the cross ow instability. A digital lter approach was employed to generate the randomly distributed surface roughness in order to model actual surface characteristics commonly observed on experimental models. These simulations were generated on appropriately resolved grids using a high-order, low-dissipation scheme that has been developed at the University of Minnesota and incorporated into the computational uid dynamics solver US3D. Comparisons of the experimental observations were made with the direct numerical simulations.
Abstract 879: A functional promoter polymorphism (−1362G>T) of IL-6 gene is associated with the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck

Interleukin-6, an immunoregulatory cytokine, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of human cancers, and the IL-6 levels have been shown to be associated with tumor progression in human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Because the presence of polymorphisms in the non-coding gene regulatory region may affect transcriptional regulation of IL-6, we hypothesized that such genetic variants of IL-6 might contribute to susceptibility to SCCHN. To assess the association between IL-6 polymorphisms and SCCHN risk, two independent IL-6 promoter SNPs, -1362 G>T (rs2069827) and -597 G>A (rs1800797), the latter being in nearly complete linkage disequilibrium with -173 C>G (rs1800795), were genotyped in 1,092 non-Hispanic White SCCHN patients and 1,126 age-and sex-matched cancer-free controls. After adjustment for age, sex, and smoking and drinking status, a significantly higher risk was observed for the -1362GT+TT genotypes (adjusted OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.01-1.62), compared with those carrying the -1362GG homozygotes, but not for the -597G>A SNP. Additional functional experiment demonstrated that the IL-6 SNP -1362 G-to-T allelic change was associated with an increased promoter activity in human head and neck cell lines, supporting the hypothesis that genetic polymorphism influencing IL-6 transcription may play a role in human SCCHN carcinogenesis. We conclude that the IL-6 promoter -1362 G>T (rs2069827) polymorphism is functional, modulating susceptibility to SCCHN among non-Hispanic Whites. Larger studies are needed to validate our findings. (Supported by NIH grants R01CA131274, R01ES011740 and P30 CA016672) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 879. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-879
Investigation On One Food Poisoning Event Of Vibrio Parahaemolyticus Caused By A Funeral Dinner In Rural Areas

Objective To analyze the causes of the vibrio parahaemolyticus food poisoning event caused by a funeral dinner in rural areas,and provide evidence for the prevention of such sudden ones.Methods Through field epidemiological investigation,residual food,the vomited matter,excrement and anal swab of the patients,the anal swab of the cooks were all collected,sampled and tested.Results A total of 39 cases were reported in this event,the result of a case control study showed that dried beef was the questionable food,and vibrio parahaemolyticus were isolated and cultured in 6 patients' anal swab,residual dried beef and residual vegetarian chicken by laboratory.Conclusion This event of vibrio parahaemolyticus food poisoning was due to the food pollution in residents' home dinner.
Cytoskeletal and Adhesion Dynamics are Coupled to Matrix Deformation in 3D Cell Migration

The generation and coordination of cellular traction forces play important roles in cell migration and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and hence in the development and repair of biological tissues. Historically, models for how cells generate and sense mechanical force have been derived from observations of cells adhering to two-dimensional (2D) surfaces. Here we sought to understand how the insights garnered from studies of cellular motility in 2D might apply to cell migration and traction force generation in more biologically realistic, 3D environments. We embedded primary human fibroblasts in a 3D fibrin matrix, and used multicolor, time-lapse confocal microscopy to simultaneously image matrix deformation induced by cellular traction and the dynamics of the actomyosin cytoskeleton and cell-matrix adhesions. We observed that traction forces were transduced to the matrix through contractile actomyosin fibers coupled to paxillin-rich adhesions. Spatial decomposition of the matrix deformation tensors, as quantified using digital volume correlation (DVC), revealed that cell-generated matrix deformations were largely tangential to the cell surface. Within protrusions, matrix deformations occurred in both the retrograde and anterograde directions relative to the protrusion tip. Automated tracking of paxillin-rich adhesions revealed persistent movements in both the retrograde and anterograde directions, with apparent slippage between adhesions and the underlying matrix. We tracked actin motion using both photoactivatable mCherry-actin and via automated particle tracking of alpha-actinin-EGFP puncta. These data revealed simultaneous anterograde and retrograde cytoskeletal motion within individual protrusions. In addition, the actin cytoskeleton moved at velocities higher than those of proximal paxillin plaques or proximal ECM. Together, these data suggest that a modified version of the molecular clutch model of cytoskeletal force transmission, which was originally developed to describe cell migration on flat surfaces, can be applied to understand cell migration in some 3D contexts.
General solution to nonlinear optical quantum graphs using Dalgarno–Lewis summation techniques

We develop an algorithm to apply the Dalgarno–Lewis (DL) perturbation theory to quantum graphs with multiple connected edges. We use it to calculate the nonlinear optical hyperpolarizability tensors for graphs and show that it replicates the sum over states computations but executes 10 to 50 times faster. DL requires only knowledge of the ground state of the graph, eliminating the requirement to determine all possible degeneracies of a complex network. The algorithm is general and may be applied to any quantum graph.
Keeping Secondary Transporters under Control: Lessons from a Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger

Secondary-active transporters catalyze the translocation of substances across biological membranes, driven by the electrochemical gradient of one of the transported species, typically Na+ or H+. The mechanism of these transporters has been widely rationalized as a conformational cycle (alternating-access model) that exposes substrate binding sites within the protein to one or the other side of the membrane (or none), but not both simultaneously. The electrochemical gradient drives the cycle in one direction but is not required to interconvert between different conformational states (as opposed to voltage-gated ion-channels). However, active transport does require that the interconversion between outward and inward facing states occur only upon binding of specific substrates, and in uniquely defined stoichiometries. The physical basis of this mechanism of conformational control, however, remains to be established. Here, we address this central question for a prokaryotic homolog of the cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, NCX_Mj, which transports either three Na+ or one Ca2+ across the membrane. Specifically, we determine how Na+/Ca2+ recognition by the transporter outward-facing state reshapes its conformational free-energy landscape, which we examine via enhanced-sampling molecular-dynamics simulations and crystallographic titration experiments. Our results demonstrate that only upon binding of three Na+ or one Ca2+ can the protein adopt a state occluded to both sides of the membrane, which necessarily precedes the transition to the inward-facing conformation. Binding sites depletion and/or H+ binding, by contrast, eradicates the occluded state population, and induces the opening of hydrated access pathways connecting these sites to the surrounding solution. Interestingly, water in these pathways is markedly polarized, in part explaining the large energetic cost associated with occlusion. This study provides clear evidence that it is by inducing or precluding the formation of occluded, dehydrated states that substrate recognition controls the alternating-access transition in secondary transporters.
The effects of prenatal metformin on obesogenic diet-induced alterations in maternal and fetal fatty acid metabolism

Maternal obesity may program the fetus and increase the susceptibility of the offspring to adult diseases. Metformin crosses the placenta and has been associated with decreased inflammation and reversal of fatty liver in obese leptin-deficient mice. We investigated the effects of metformin on maternal and fetal lipid metabolism and hepatic inflammation using a rat model of diet-induced obesity during pregnancy. Female Wistar rats (6–7 weeks old) were fed normal or high calorie diets for 5 weeks. After mating with normal-diet fed males, half of the high calorie-fed dams received metformin (300 mg/kg, daily); dams (8 per group) continued diets through gestational day 19. Maternal and fetal livers and fetal brains were analyzed for fatty acids and for fatty acid metabolism-related gene expression. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc testing. When compared to control-lean maternal livers, obesogenic-diet-exposed maternal livers showed significantly higher saturated fatty acids (14:0 and 16:0) and monounsaturated fatty acids (16:1n7 and 18:1n9) and lower polyunsaturated (18:2n6 and 20:4n6 [arachidonic acid]) and anti-inflammatory n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (18:3n3 and 22:6n3 [docosahexaenoic acid]) (p < 0.05). Metformin did not affect diet-induced changes in maternal livers. Fetal livers exposed to the high calorie diet showed significantly increased saturated fatty acids (18:0) and monounsaturated fatty acids (18:1n9 and 18:1n7) and decreased polyunsaturated fatty acids (18:2n6, 20:4n6 and 22:6n3) and anti-inflammatory n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, along with increased gene expression of fatty acid metabolism markers (Fasn, D5d, D6d, Scd1, Lxrα). Metformin significantly attenuated diet-induced inflammation and 18:1n9 and 22:6n3 in fetal livers, as well as n3 fatty acids (p < 0.05). Prenatal obesogenic diet exposure significantly increased fetal liver IFNγ levels (p < 0.05), which was reversed by maternal metformin treatment (p < 0.05). Consumption of a high calorie diet significantly affected maternal and fetal fatty acid metabolism. It reduced anti-inflammatory polyunsaturated fatty acids in maternal and fetal livers, altered gene expression of fatty acid metabolism markers, and induced inflammation in the fetal livers. Prenatal metformin attenuated some diet-induced fatty acid changes and inflammation in the fetal livers without affecting maternal livers, suggesting that maternal metformin may impact fetal/neonatal fatty acid/lipid metabolism.
Connecting cancer biology and clinical outcomes to imaging in KRAS mutant and wild-type colorectal cancer liver tumors following selective internal radiation therapy with yttrium-90

To determine whether pathologic colorectal tumor KRAS mutation status is correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) by imaging after selective internal radiation therapy with Yttrium-90 (SIRT Y90) for metastatic colorectal cancer in the liver (mCRC). This was an IRB approved, HIPAA compliant retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients with unresectable mCRC with documented KRAS mutation status treated at a single center from 2002 to 2013 with SIRT Y90 were investigated. Treatment response was compared between KRAS wild-type (wt) and mutant (mut) using an anatomic tumor response criteria based on RECIST 1.0. Kaplan–Meier estimation and Cox regression analysis were used to measure progression-free survival (PFS) and to assess independent prognostic factors for PFS. 82 of 186 patients met review criteria. 33 (40.2%) patients were identified as KRAS mut. PFS was longer in KRAS wt (median 166 days [95% CI 96–258 days]) vs. mut (median 91 days [95% CI 79–104 days], p = 0.002). KRAS mut patients were 1.48 times more likely to progress at first follow-up imaging than wt (95% CI 1.06–2.08, p = 0.024). Univariate analysis identified high pre-SIRT Y90 INR, KRAS wt, any use of anti-EGFR therapy, and post-SIRT Y90 chemotherapy as prognostic factors for longer PFS. In multivariate analysis, only KRAS wt was an independent prognostic factor for longer PFS (RR: 1.80 [95% CI 1.08–2.99], p = 0.024). Longer PFS is associated with KRAS wt vs. mut following SIRT Y90.
Estuarine fish behavior around slotted water control structures in a managed salt marsh

Estuaries are composed of multiple interconnected habitat types used by transient fish species during their period of estuarine residency. Structural marsh management restricts habitat connectivity and impedes the movement of fishes among these habitat types by limiting access via water control structures (WCSs) between the managed area and the rest of the estuary. While some general information on fish passage rates is available, species-specific information on passage through WCSs is lacking for salt marsh fishes. We monitored tagged fishes from March 2012 through November 2013 using passive integrated transponder antenna arrays at two identical WCSs in the Calcasieu Lake estuary, Louisiana, USA, to assess the effect of slotted WCSs on fish behavior. A total of 420 individuals of 15 species was tagged and released at the WCSs; of these, 145 individuals representing 11 species were later detected at the WCSs. Five species comprised most (93%) of the detected individuals: Elops saurus (n = 60), Mugil cephalus (n = 43), Sciaenops ocellatus (n = 20), Pogonias cromis (n = 7), and Ariopsis felis (n = 5). Passage rates were low, with most of the observed fishes (n = 80) passing only once through the structures. Other than E. saurus, which was only observed migrating out of the managed marsh, no clear pattern in swimming direction was observed for the other species. Detected species were all present primarily during the summer and fall, however, diel activity at the structures varied by species. The WCSs in our study area appeared to attract and congregate fishes, functioning more like ecological hotspots, rather than simply facilitating fish passage.
High-Temperature Acoustic Fluid Velocity Sensor Development

Abstract There are numerous challenges to developing sensors for high-temperature and high-pressure hydrocarbon reservoir fluid analysis applications in the downhole environment. These challenges include material selection as well as processes for manufacturing, testing, and verification of the sensors. We were tasked with developing sensors for the analysis of subsurface formation fluid samples that required reliable operation up to 38,000 psi (262 MPa) and 450° F (232° C). This paper focuses on the technical challenges and our solution for one such sensor that measures the sound speed of the sampled formation fluid. The core of our acoustic transducer is a piezoelectric crystal, which serves as the acoustic transmitter and receiver. This paper-thin, coin-shaped crystal has even thinner silver electrodes deposited on both of its faces. Numerous wire-to-electrode bonding methods were investigated, which included soldering, sintering, and epoxying, the latter of which proved successful.
Factors Influencing Bacterial Adhesion

Bacterial adhesion is a very complicated process which is affected by many factors, including some characteristics of the bacteria, the chemical and physical nature of the target material surface, and factors in the bacterial suspension medium including the physical conditions of the medium and the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, serum proteins, or bactericidal substances. In addition, the methods used for material-bacteria interaction and for detection and/or quantitation of bacterial adherence will affect the results. A better understanding of the unique behavior of certain bacteria, the surface characteristics of the material, and the relevant environment would make it possible for one to control the adhesion process by changing these factors. This chapter will address the interaction of bacteria with material surfaces, especially the factors affecting bacterial adhesion to surfaces. Several review articles with similar topics have previously been published, including the ones authored by Neu and Marshall,102 Merritt,91 and An and Friedman.6 This chapter will not address the wealth of information on bacterial coaggregation, adherence of one type of microorganism to another, or adherence of bacteria to mammalian cells or tissue in a fluid or in vivo environment. Rather, this chapter will attempt to address these interactions when they occur on a material surface, either in vivo or in vitro. Intact mammalian tissue will not be considered a material in this analysis. However, tissue that has been processed (engineered) as a material substrate will be considered a material.
Gaussian Process Regression for Sensorless Grip Force Estimation of Cable-Driven Elongated Surgical Instruments

Haptic feedback is a critical but a clinically missing component in robotic minimally invasive surgeries. This paper proposes a Gaussian process regression (GPR) based scheme to address the gripping force estimation problem for clinically commonly used elongated cable-driven surgical instruments. Based on the cable-driven mechanism property studies, and surgical robotic system properties, four different GPR filters were designed and analyzed, including one GPR filter with two-dimensional inputs, one GPR filter with three-dimensional inputs, one GPR unscented Kalman filter (UKF) with two-dimensional inputs, and one GPR UKF with three-dimensional inputs. The four proposed methods were compared with the dynamic model based UKF filter on a 10 mm gripper on the Raven II surgical robot platform. The experimental results demonstrated that the four proposed methods outperformed the dynamic model based method on precision and reliability without parameter tuning. And surprisingly, among the four methods, the simplest GPR Filter with two-dimensional inputs has the best performance.
Retrosynthesis, Stereochemistry, and Conformations

The total synthesis of complex molecules demands a thorough knowledge of reactions that form carbon-carbon bonds, as well as those that change one functional group into another. The largest number of chemical reactions used in a synthesis involve the manipulation of functional groups. Further, the synthesis of a molecule is rarely successful unless all aspects of chemical reactivity, functional group interactions, conformations, and stereochemistry are well understood.
Efficacy of Topical Analgesics in Pain Control for Corneal Abrasions: A Systematic Review

Corneal abrasions are one of the most common ocular injuries seen in the emergency department. While most patients with corneal abrasions complain of excruciating pain, permanent sequelae may develop if not managed properly. The use of topical antibiotics and other standards of treatment have greatly reduced the incidence of complications. However, there is still a lack of consensus regarding the proper management of pain in corneal abrasions. Proposed analgesics for the control of corneal abrasion pain include topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), topical anesthetics, and topical cycloplegics. For this review, ten published randomized controlled trials were identified, focusing on the efficacy and safety of different topical analgesics used in treating corneal abrasions. Six of the trials focused on topical NSAIDs, three on topical anesthetics, and one on topical cycloplegics. There were mixed results regarding the efficacy of topical analgesics in reducing pain in patients with corneal abrasions. This review of the literature revealed that topical NSAIDs produced reductions in pain symptoms, whereas topical anesthetics and cycloplegics did not demonstrate significant improvements in either healing rates or pain control. Thus, this evidence supports the use of topical NSAIDs in the standard management of corneal abrasions. Unfortunately, the power of these studies is largely limited by small sample sizes. Larger studies must be conducted before topical analgesics can be recommended or discouraged for pain management in corneal abrasions. However, based on this review of the literature, the use of topical NSAIDs does not appear to complicate wound healing, and thus remains a safe option in patients desiring medical treatment.
Do Community Engagement Efforts Reduce Extremist Rhetoric on Social Media

Over the past few years, efforts at countering violent extremism (CVE) have increased around the world. In the United States, much of the focus has been on community engagement -- programs aiming to reduce radicalization by empowering local communities to identify warning signs of extremism before individuals engage in violence. The emphasis on community engagement is rooted in the idea that local knowledge held by families, neighbors, and friends is crucial for countering radicalization. Understanding whether engaging communities is effective is of paramount importance, especially with the rising accessibility of extremist materials on the Internet and social media. However, to date, there has been little systematic study of the effectiveness of community engagement programs in reducing radicalization in the United States. This paper uses new geo-located data on the online behavior of Islamic State supporters and their followers on Twitter, along with information on community engagement activities held by the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties during the Obama Administration from 2014 to 2016, to examine whether community engagement events are associated with reductions in pro-ISIS content on Twitter in these localities. The findings show that community engagement activities are followed by a decrease in online pro-ISIS rhetoric, especially in areas that have held a large number of these events.
Abstract WP208: Albuminuria, But Not eGFR, Predicts Stroke Risk In Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality independent of common vascular risk factors. The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study is a large, multicenter, longitudinal study of patients with CKD. Using this cohort, we aimed to better understand how CKD influences stroke risk. We hypothesized that worsened renal function would be associated with an increased risk of stroke and that this would be independent of other vascular risk factors. Methods: Baseline measures of renal function were collected 3 months after an initial screening visit for each CRIC participant who were then contacted every 6 months to identify possible stroke events. Medical records were reviewed by 2 independent vascular neurologists. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for future stroke events in patients with CKD. The study had 80% power to detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.87 for a 50% prevalent binary predictor. Results: Among 3939 subjects followed for a median of 4.0 years, there were 101 stroke events. Decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a common marker of renal dysfunction, was not associated with a risk of stroke (eGFR 30-60 mL/min/m 2 : HR 1.3 (95%CI 0.6-2.7); 15-29 mL/min/m 2 : HR 1.08 (0.5-2.5), 30 mg/day, another marker of kidney dysfunction, was associated with an increased risk of stroke. As albuminuria worsened, the risk of stroke increased. In a multivariate analysis, albuminuria was a predictor of future stroke (30-299 mg/day: HR 1.9 (95% CI 1.03-3.4); 300-999 mg/day: 2.4(1.3-4.6); >1000 mg/day: HR 2.9 (1.6-5.5) independent of Framingham risk score (HR 1.01 (1.0-1.03)), a composite marker of cardiovascular disease risk, or diabetes (HR 1.3 (0.8-2.0)). Conclusions: Albuminuria is a strong predictor of stroke in patients with CKD. Albuminuria may be a modifiable risk factor with important implications for long-term stroke risk in this population.
God pictures in Korean contexts: the ownership and meaning of shaman paintings, by Laurel Kendall, Jongsung Yang and Yul Soo Yoon, Honolulu, HI, University of Hawai’i Press, 2015, ix + 176 pp., US$54.00 (cloth), ISBN: 978 082 484764 7

In God Pictures in Korean Contexts, Laurel Kendall, Jongsung Yang, and Yul Soo Yoon explore the multiple valences and social trajectories, both the sacred and the profane, of shaman paintings (musi...
The Processing of Sign Language: Evidence from Aphasia

Each year in the United States roughly 80,000 persons suffer an acquired aphasia ( Brody, 1992 ). Some small percentage of these cases involves deaf individuals whose primary means of communication is a visual-manual language; in the United States, this is likely to be American Sign Language (ASL). Studies of sign language aphasia have advanced our understanding of the contributions of symbolic, motoric, and linguistic processes in human language. Importantly, these studies have helped alert the medical profession to the potential effects of this malady in the deaf population. This chapter provides an overview of the effects of left-and right-hemisphere damage in users of signed languages, and explores the theoretical implications of these findings. One aim of this chapter is to document the current status of the field and to foreshadow issues that are likely to be of interest in future studies.
Feasibility of Impulse Response Test for Characterizing Railway Ballasts

AbstractThe contamination of ballast (a.k.a. ballast fouling) because of the intrusion of clay, rock dust, coal dust, or any other agent accelerates track degradation and affects the stability of t...
GPU-Based Iterative Medical CT Image Reconstructions

The algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) is an iterative algorithm for CT (i.e., computed tomography) image reconstruction that delivers better image quality with less radiation dosage than the industry-standard filtered back projection (FBP). However, the high computational cost of ART requires researchers to turn to high-performance computing to accelerate the algorithm. Alas, existing approaches for ART suffer from inefficient design of compressed data structures and computational kernels on GPUs. Thus, this paper presents our CUDA-based CT image reconstruction tool based on the algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) or cuART. It delivers a compression and parallelization solution for ART-based image reconstruction on GPUs. We address the under-performing, but popular, GPU libraries, e.g., cuSPARSE, BRC, and CSR5, on the ART algorithm and propose a symmetry-based CSR format (SCSR) to further compress the CSR data structure and optimize data access for both SpMV and SpMV_T via a column-indices permutation. We also propose sorting-based global-level and sorting-free view-level blocking techniques to optimize the kernel computation by leveraging different sparsity patterns of the system matrix. The end result is that cuART can reduce the memory footprint significantly and enable practical CT datasets to fit into a single GPU. The experimental results on a NVIDIA Tesla K80 GPU illustrate that our approach can achieve up to 6.8x, 7.2x, and 5.4x speedups over counterparts that use cuSPARSE, BRC, and CSR5, respectively.
Letter by Hochman and Maron Regarding Article, "'Faith Healing' and 'Subtraction Anxiety' in Unblinded Trials of Procedures: Lessons From DEFER and FAME-2 for End Points in the ISCHEMIA Trial."

We recognize and value the open discourse surrounding the design and conduct of clinical trials. Recent discussion of the ISCHEMIA trial (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical and Invasive Approaches) has focused mostly on a change that amended the protocol to include additional components in the primary end point in 2017. The primary aim is to test whether an early invasive strategy has incremental value beyond optimal medical therapy for patients with stable ischemic heart disease and moderate–severe ischemia on clinically meaningful cardiovascular outcomes. Of note, the grant application funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in 2011 was based on the current 5-component primary end point. However, we sought and received approval to implement the study protocol with a primary end point of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction and to specify that a change to include resuscitated cardiac arrest and hospitalization for unstable angina or heart failure would be made in the event it became necessary to preserve power of the trial. The trial was designed to optimize precision around point estimates for the outcomes deemed most important to patients and clinicians, allowing them to make personalized decisions about their care, guided by robust …
Don't tax you, don't tax me, tax the fella behind the tree : Partisan and turnout effects on tax policy

Although recent literature has shown substantial effects of party and lower-class mobilization on welfare and other policies, effects on tax policies have been weak and inconsistent. This research reexamines partisan and turnout effects on tax policy in States using a more appropriate measure of turnout. The research relies on regression analyses of a tax-progressivity measure used and reported by D. R. Morgan. While previous analyses of tax progressivity have used only a presidential-level measure of turnout, this analysis relies on an average-turnout measure, based on elections for president, U.S. senator, U.S. representative, and governor. The effects of political variables (turnout, party, and party competition) on tax progressivity are clearer in models using an average-turnout measure. As with redistributive spending, tax policies that are more favorable to the lower socioeconomic classes exist in States in which parties are in serious competition with one another, in which the public responds to that competition with increased participation at the polls, and in which Democrats have an edge in the number of voters and in the number of elected officials
Subarachnoid Blood Converts Neurally Evoked Vasodilation to Vasoconstriction in Rat Brain Cortex

The matching of blood flow to regional brain function, called functional hyperemia or neurovascular coupling, involves the coordinated activity of neurons, astrocytes, and parenchymal arterioles. Under physiological conditions, localized neuronal activation leads to elevated astrocyte endfoot Ca2+ and vasodilation, resulting in an increase in cerebral blood flow. In this study, we examined the impact of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on neurovascular coupling. SAH model rats received two injections of autologous blood into the cisterna magna 24 h apart. Cortical brain slices from SAH model animals were prepared 4 days after the initial blood injection. Arteriolar diameter and astrocyte endfoot Ca2+ were simultaneously measured using two-photon microscopy. As expected, neuronal activity evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS) caused an elevation in endfoot Ca2+ and vasodilation in brain slices from control animals. However, in brain slices from SAH animals, EFS induced a similar increase in astrocyte endfoot Ca2+ that caused arteriolar constriction rather than vasodilation. Vasoconstriction was observed in approximately 90% of brain slices from SAH animals in response to EFS, with 40% exhibiting a sustained vasoconstriction, 30% exhibiting a transient vasoconstriction ­(diameter restored within 1 min after EFS), and 20% responded with a biphasic response (brief vasodilation followed by ­vasoconstriction). This inversion of neurovascular coupling may play a role in the development of neurological deficits following SAH.
A comparative study of protein and free amino acid contents in some important ancient wheat lines

In this study, protein content and amino acid compositions of some selected ancient wheat lines (forty-nine emmer wheat (Triticum turgidum dicoccum) and thirty-six einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.) ...
Appropriate statistical methods are available to handle biases encountered in blinded, independent, central review (BICR) determined progression-free survival.

While overall survival (OS) has traditionally been the standard evaluation for a new treatment in oncology since it is easily obtained and unambiguous, the endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) is appealing due to the shortened observation time required to determine treatment efficacy, smaller sample size requirements and no confounding due to subsequent treatments. For many cancers, PFS has been demonstrated to be a valid measure of surrogacy for OS and an acceptable trial endpoint from regulatory agencies (1).
Knowledge-based cyber-physical systems for assembly automation

Current assembly systems are handling the increased requirements for mass customization with difficulties and need to be updated with new approaches and technologies. Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) a...
Characterization of Silicon Expitaxial Films

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the characterization of silicon epitaxial films in very large scale integration (VLSI) technology. Characterization of silicon epitaxial films focuses on two major aspects, namely, the process and the materials. The process characterization includes the vapor-phase growth and related process technologies, including the impurity transport phenomena associated with the growth. Among process technologies, low-pressure and temperature epitaxy are being explored for high-speed VLSI circuit applications. The materials characterization techniques described are based on various types of fundamental materials properties such as electrical, physical, optical, and crystallographic. A continuous search by device designers for non-destructive characterization has resulted in the demand for several in-line characterization techniques based on these properties. Among electrical properties, particular attention is paid to the measurement of electrically active dopant concentration in the epitaxial layers. Optical properties of silicon such as photoluminescence and infrared reflectance have recently been used in conjunction with the electrical and physical characterization techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, a recently developed technique, allows the measurement of submicron epitaxial films with high speed, accuracy, and precision. Electrical activity of crystallographic defects, both intrinsic and extrinsic, is detrimental to device quality and performance. Measurement techniques for low-level metallic impurities that have emerged recently can be used as in-line characterization techniques to monitor epitaxial quality. Applications of defect-delineation techniques such as optical microscopy, X-ray topography, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy are also discussed in the chapter. Much more can be learned as epitaxial-growth processes change in the near future.
Leadership as a Reflection of Who We Are: Social Identity, Media Portrayal, and Evaluations of Hillary Clinton in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election

The 2016 U.S. Presidential election presented a unique opportunity to study gender and leadership. Using the social identity theory of leadership (Hogg 2001) as a guiding framework, we sought to understand the effect of social identities—gender and political affiliation—on voters’ evaluations of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in this election. We surveyed 440 participants’ attitudes toward female leaders, political affiliation, level of media exposure, and their evaluations of Clinton’s charisma and effectiveness in Study 1. Results indicate that female voters, those with favorable attitudes toward female leaders, and Democrats were more likely to support Clinton; these relationships were strengthened by media exposure. Contrary to predictions, gender attitudes and political affiliation did not have a significant interaction effect on evaluations of Clinton. In Study 2, we conducted a content analysis of the media’s portrayal of Clinton on both ends of the political spectrum. Our findings revealed that partisan news outlets with opposite political leanings did significantly differ in their portrayal of Clinton’s prototypicality and competence as a leader. As a result, media coverage acted to magnify the role of political affiliation in voters’ evaluations of Clinton’s suitability for the highest political office. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Substantial Clinical Benefit Using PROMIS CAT in Cervical Spine Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to establish minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) thresholds for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) in cervical spine pathology. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA PROMIS enables improved psychometric properties with reduced questionnaire burden through computer adaptive testing. Despite studies showing good correlation with "legacy" outcome measures, literature on the clinical significance of changes in PROMIS scores is scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult patients undergoing cervical spine surgery at a single institution between 2016 and 2018 were prospectively enrolled. Patients completed questionnaires [Short Form-36 (SF-36), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analogue Scale Arm/Neck, and PROMIS Pain Interference (PI) and Physical Function (PF)] preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. MCID was calculated using distribution-based and SCB using anchor-based methods. The SF-36 Health Transition Item was utilized as an anchor with the cutoff values chosen using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS There were 139 patients meeting inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 56.4 years and diagnoses of myelopathy (n=36), radiculopathy (n=48) and myeloradiculopathy (n=49). There were significant improvements in PROMIS PF, PROMIS PI, NDI, and SF-36 preoperatively to postoperatively (P<0.001). The test-retest reliability of all tests was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients=0.87-0.94). PROMIS, SF-36, and NDI were all correlated with the anchor question (|r|=0.34-0.48, P<0.001). MCIDs were 8.5 (NDI), 11.1 (SF-36 Physical Component Score), 9.7 (SF-36 Mental Component Score), 4.9 (PROMIS PI), and 4.5 (PROMIS PF). SCB was 13.0 (NDI), 24.0 (SF-36 Physical Component Score), 11.8 (SF-36 Mental Component Score), 6.9 (PROMIS PI), and 6.8 (PROMIS PF). MCIDs were greater than standard error of measurement for all measures. CONCLUSIONS We report MCID of 4.9 (PI) and 4.5 (PF) and SCB of 6.9 (PI) and 6.8 (PF). These data support the use of PROMIS computer adaptive tests in cervical spine patients and provide important reference as PROMIS reporting becomes more widespread in the literature.
Protective parenting practices among mothers living with HIV and their adolescent children: a qualitative study.

Growing up with a mother living with HIV (MLH) is a unique experience for adolescents. Children in these families often thrive; however, many also exhibit behavioral health problems including HIV r...
A new sixth-order approximation for nonlinear two-point boundary value problems: application of single-step alternating group explicit iteration method to engineering problems

We report a new three-point compact sixth-order approximation for the solution of nonlinear two-point boundary value problems $$ {-}w^{\prime\prime} + f\left( {t,w} \right) = 0 $$, subject to natural boundary conditions prescribed at two end points. We also discuss the application of single-step alternating group explicit (SAGE) iteration method to the nonlinear difference equation as a computational tool. The error analysis of the SAGE iteration method is discussed briefly. We have compared the results obtained by using the proposed SAGE iteration method with the results obtained by corresponding two-step alternating group explicit iteration method to demonstrate experimentally the superiority of the proposed method.
Assessing Livelihood Vulnerability of Farmers’ in Backward Regions of India

Agriculture in Bundelkhand region is highly vulnerable to risks and uncertainties. Marginal and small farmers among all farm groups are most vulnerable to the effects of climatic variability. The impact of extreme weather events and natural resources on which farmers are dependent aggravates their vulnerability. The present study uses field surveyed data and IPCC- vulnerability approach, to assess the livelihood vulnerability status of two districts of Bundelkhand region, India. Data was collected using a multistage sampling technique including 200 households. The study concluded that 90% of farmers perceived (exposed) that Kharif season remained hotter and frequencies of droughts have increased over the last five years. Sample households were also highly sensitive due to lack of basic amenities. The lower adaptive capacity due to agriculture as a sole income source, lack of non-farm employment opportunities, monoculture and income diversification and illiteracy are responsible for livelihood vulnerability in the region. From the policy perspective, water conservation through rainwater harvesting, construction of new ponds and check dams would be a possible solution to the present water crisis in the region.
Dedekind sums s(a, b) and inversions modulo b

We introduce the inversion polynomial for Dedekind sums fb(x) = ∑ xinv(a, b) to study the number of s(a, b) which have the same value for a given b. We prove several properties of this polynomial and present some conjectures. We also introduce connections between Kloosterman sums and the inversion polynomial evaluated at particular roots of unity. Finally, we improve on previously known bounds for the second highest value of the Dedekind sum and provide a conjecture for a possible generalization. Lastly, we include a new sufficient condition for the inequality of two Dedekind sums based on the reciprocity formula.
Comparing Russian, Chinese and American Soft Power Use: A New Approach

The soft power literature has indicated that American soft power use has been declining while Russian and Chinese soft power use has been increasing. Until now, the only way scholars could test suc...
Key Anatomical Clarifications for the Marginal Mandibular Branch of the Facial Nerve: Clinical Significance for the Plastic Surgeon.

BACKGROUND The marginal mandibular branch (MMBr) of the facial nerve is the least likely to recover from injury due to infrequent anastomosis with other branches. The MMBr has been described as coursing superior to the inferior border of the mandible. However, studies have reported variations in its location in embalmed and fresh specimens. It has been postulated that the embalming process may effect its anatomic position. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to re-evalulate the location of the MMBr relative to the inferior border of the mandible in both fresh and embalmed cadavers, and investigate variation in its position with sex, side of the face, and age. METHODS Superficial fascial planes were dissected to reveal the MMBr and its anatomic relations. Distance between the most inferior branch of the MMBr and the antegonial notch were measured bilaterally. The most inferior position of the MMBr between the antegonial notch and gonion was measured. Fresh heads were used as a comparison, with an additional measurement taken of the distance between the MMBr and the gonial angle. RESULTS The MMBr was located inferior to the border of the mandible (90.3%) more often than above (9.6%). No significant differences were found between fresh and embalmed cadavers, sex, side of body, or age (P > 0.05). No significant difference was found between intact cadavers and fresh heads (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study confirms and describes reliable landmarks for safety zones for the MMBr during plastic and reconstructive surgery of the lower face and upper neck. These data add reliability to studies that have investigated nerve locations in embalmed cadavers.