cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A large-scale study of web password habits

We report the results of a large scale study of password use andpassword re-use habits. The study involved half a million users over athree month period. A client component on users' machines recorded a variety of password strength, usage and frequency metrics. This allows us to measure or estimate such quantities as the average number of passwords and average number of accounts each user has, how many passwords she types per day, how often passwords are shared among sites, and how often they are forgotten. We get extremely detailed data on password strength, the types and lengths of passwords chosen, and how they vary by site. The data is the first large scale study of its kind, and yields numerous other insights into the role the passwords play in users' online experience.
Targeted DNA Sequencing from Autism Spectrum Disorder Brains Implicates Multiple Genetic Mechanisms

Single nucleotide variants (SNVs), particularly loss-of-function mutations, are significant contributors to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. Here we report the first systematic deep sequencing study of 55 postmortem ASD brains for SNVs in 78 known ASD candidate genes. Remarkably, even without parental samples, we find more ASD brains with mutations that are protein-altering (26/55 cases versus 12/50 controls, p = 0.015), deleterious (16/55 versus 5/50, p = 0.016), or loss-of-function (6/55 versus 0/50, p = 0.028) compared to controls, with recurrent deleterious mutations in ARID1B, SCN1A, SCN2A, and SETD2, suggesting these mutations contribute to ASD risk. In several cases, the identified mutations and medical records suggest syndromic ASD diagnoses. Two ASD and one Fragile X premutation case showed deleterious somatic mutations, providing evidence that somatic mutations occur in ASD cases, and supporting a model in which a combination of germline and/or somatic mutations may contribute to ASD risk on a case-by-case basis.
How to Do Business in the New Vietnam

Business opportunities in Vietnam are plenty and Japan as well as many European countries have been exploiting them successfully -- the key to success is the willingness to understand the Vietnamese business environment. With adequate preparation and foresight, American businessmen could soon do business with Vietnam as they do with China.
Search for the Hidden Punishments: An Alternative Approach to Studying Alternative Sanctions

Most existing studies of sentencing focus on the decision of whether or not to incarcerate a convicted individual. However, many cases do not involve incarceration, and there is a considerable amount of freedom to mete out alternative sanctions as part of a sentencing decision. This study addresses this gap in the literature by investigating the patterns of sentences among those individuals not sentenced to prison. This study used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify unobserved “classes” based on packages of sentences, which may involve both jail and non-incarceration alternative sanctions imposed on defendants not sentenced to prison. This study also demonstrates the potential use of LCA by (1) comparing and contrasting the results of LCA and the sentence severity scale approach, and (2) investigating how class membership could be explained by legal and extralegal characteristics of the cases. LCA identified four latent classes among individuals who were not sentenced to prison, two of which could not be differentiated by the severity scale approach. Regression models demonstrated that legal variables were better at explaining the incarceration decision, whereas extralegal variables were better at explaining some of the margins between the classes. Compared with the incarceration models and severity scales, LCA revealed variations that could not be detected by either of the approaches. LCA also has the potential to be a helpful tool in future analysis of sentencing decisions utilizing large-scale, administrative datasets.
Episodic hypoxia enhances late hypoxic ventilation in developing rat: putative role of neuronal NO synthase

Nitric oxide (NO) is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR). Furthermore, neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) activity in the developing rat correlates with the magnitude ...
Cooperative nutrient accumulation sustains growth of mammalian cells

The coordination of metabolic processes to allow increased nutrient uptake and utilization for macromolecular synthesis is central for cell growth. Although studies of bulk cell populations have revealed important metabolic and signaling requirements that impact cell growth on long time scales, whether the same regulation influences short-term cell growth remains an open question. Here we investigate cell growth by monitoring mass accumulation of mammalian cells while rapidly depleting particular nutrients. Within minutes following the depletion of glucose or glutamine, we observe a growth reduction that is larger than the mass accumulation rate of the nutrient. This indicates that if one particular nutrient is depleted, the cell rapidly adjusts the amount that other nutrients are accumulated, which is consistent with cooperative nutrient accumulation. Population measurements of nutrient sensing pathways involving mTOR, AKT, ERK, PKA, MST1, or AMPK, or pro-survival pathways involving autophagy suggest that they do not mediate this growth reduction. Furthermore, the protein synthesis rate does not change proportionally to the mass accumulation rate over these time scales, suggesting that intracellular metabolic pools buffer the growth response. Our findings demonstrate that cell growth can be regulated over much shorter time scales than previously appreciated.
Allocating Protection Resources to Facilities When the Effect of Protection is Uncertain

We study a new facility protection problem in which one must allocate scarce protection resources to a set of facilities given that allocating resources to a facility only has a probabilistic effect on the facility’s post-disruption capacity. This study seeks to test three common assumptions made in the literature on modeling infrastructure systems subject to disruptions: 1) perfect protection, e.g., protecting an element makes it fail-proof, 2) binary protection, i.e., an element is either fully protected or unprotected, and 3) binary state, i.e., disrupted elements are fully operational or non-operational. We model this facility protection problem as a two-stage stochastic program with endogenous uncertainty. Because this stochastic program is non-convex we present a greedy algorithm and show that it has a worst-case performance of 0.63. However, empirical results indicate that the average performance is much better. In addition, experimental results indicate that the mean-value version of this model, i...
Vitamin D-dependent rickets type II

Abstract Studies were done to determine the cause for hypocalcemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, osteomalacia and osteitis fibrosa cystica in a 22-year-old black woman. The patient had normal ser...
Characterizing Pharmacy Part-Time Practice

Abstract Objectives (1) To characterize pharmacists who work part-time and compare them with pharmacists who work a secondary part-time job (moonlighters) with respect to their motivations for working in a part-time job, and (2) to identify the set of characteristics that best describes pharmacists engaged in each of the part-time work arrangements under study. Design A five-page questionnaire was mailed to 3,002 licensed pharmacists nationwide. Two follow-up surveys were sent to nonrespondents at the fifth and ninth weeks from the original mailout to ensure an adequate response rate. Results The net response rate was 57% (n = 1,637). Assessment of the sample did not detect any potential nonresponse bias. Sixty-eight percent of the respondents reported working full time, 13% were moonlighters, 14% were part-timers, and 5% were part-timers in more than one job. Reasons for working part-time were analyzed for the moonlighter and part-timer subsamples. A principal components analysis revealed that both groups have distinct motivations for selecting their chosen work arrangement. Conclusion This study provides some insight into those factors affecting pharmacists' decisions to engage in two different types of part-time work. Since pharmacists' alternative work schedules can have repercussions on the quality of pharmacy being practiced, further research on pharmacists' work arrangement choices should provide useful information for work force-related endeavors.
Effects of 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene on RNA polymerase in isolated mammary gland cell nuclei.

SummaryA method for isolation of mammary gland cell nuclei was described. DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity in isolated mammary gland nuclei was measured in rats fed a single dose of DMBA. In female rats, there was a significant inhibition of Mn2+-(NH4)2SO4-activated RNA polymerase activity within 24 hr after the feeding of DMBA. Inhibition continued for 2 days, but thereafter, the enzyme activity rose significantly above the control value. In contrast, RNA polymerase activity was not depressed in male rats treated with DMBA.
Reactions of professors to retirement: A comparison of retired faculty from three types of institutions

Dorfman et al. (1982) compared the professional activities of retired professors from liberal arts colleges, a comprehensive university, and a major research university. This companion piece based on the same survey compares the professors' reactions to retirement. Results show that a majority of faculty from all types of institutions plan for retirement, are positive about retirement, and give suggestions for institutional retirement policy. The retired professors recommend the following: (1) help in planning, (2) more information about retirement, (3) support for continued work, (4) gradual retirement. Major differences among institutions are the following: (1) comprehensive university faculty plan for retirement more than do faculty from the other institutions, (2) faculty from both universities begin financial planning at a younger age than do faculty from the liberal arts colleges, (3) research university faculty miss work and like having time to spend on professional activities more than do faculty from the other institutions.
Role of Ions in Bias Enhanced Nucleation of Diamond

Recent research on carbon nitride thin films grown using pulsed laser deposition combined with atomic beam techniques is reviewed. the composition, growth mechanism and phases of these films have been systematically investigated. the nitrogen composition was found to increase to a limiting value of 50% as the fluence was decreased for laser ablation at both 532 nm and 248 nm wavelengths. Time of flight mass spectroscopy investigations of the ablation products have shown that the fluence variations affect primarily the yield of the carbon reactant. these experiments demonstrate that the overall film growth rate determines the average nitrogen composition, and furthermore, suggest that a key step in the growth mechanism involves a surface reaction between carbon and nitrogen. INfrared spectroscopy has been used to assess the phases present in the carbon nitride thin films as a function of the overall nitrogen content. these measurements have shown that a cyanogen-like impurity occurs in films with nitrogen compositions greater than 30%. Studies of thermal annealing have shown, however, that this impurity phase can be eliminated to yield a single phase C2N material. IN addition, systematic studies of the electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of the carbon nitride films are discussed.
Rational Design of “Heat Seeking” Drug Loaded Polypeptide Nanoparticles That Thermally Target Solid Tumors

This paper demonstrates the first example of targeting a solid tumor that is externally heated to 42 °C by "heat seeking" drug-loaded polypeptide nanoparticles. These nanoparticles consist of a thermally responsive elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) conjugated to multiple copies of a hydrophobic cancer drug. To rationally design drug-loaded nanoparticles that exhibit thermal responsiveness in the narrow temperature range between 37 and 42 °C, an analytical model was developed that relates ELP composition and chain length to the nanoparticle phase transition temperature. Suitable candidates were designed based on the predictions of the model and tested in vivo by intravital confocal fluorescence microscopy of solid tumors, which revealed that the nanoparticles aggregate in the vasculature of tumors heated to 42 °C and that the aggregation is reversible as the temperature reverts to 37 °C. Biodistribution studies showed that the most effective strategy to target the nanoparticles to tumors is to thermally cycle the tumors between 37 and 42 °C. These nanoparticles set the stage for the targeted delivery of a range of cancer chemotherapeutics by externally applied mild hyperthermia of solid tumors.
Roundtable on Outrage, Scholarship, and the Law in India A Response

When the lawsuit from Dina Nath Batra hit the fan, and I believed (and said) that the law was the true culprit, my feeling was that Mr. Batra was doing what he thought was right: there will always be people with such opinions, and they have a right to express them. They should not, however, have the right to suppress other peoples’ opinions, and Indian Penal Code 295A was what gave them that right. The articles in this volume finally spell out beyond any shadow of a doubt the role that this law has played before (Adcock), during (Pennington), and after (Viswanath) my clash with Mr. Batra. These articles have also cleared up two widespread misunderstandings. First, my book was never banned, for it never reached the courts or the Indian government. There was just a lawsuit, and then an out-ofcourt agreement between two private parties, the Batra brigade and the publishers. Second, Penguin Random House did agree to pulp all remaining copies, but—as it turned out—not a single book was destroyed; all extant copies were quickly bought up from the bookstores. The words “banned” and “pulped,” however, continued to be used to fan the flames of media indignation. And the tendency to blame Penguin for everything has also persisted.
Paired self-compensated spin-lock preparation for improved T1ρ quantification.

Abstract Purpose Spin-lock (SL) imaging allows quantification of the spin–lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame (T1ρ). B0 and B1 inhomogeneities impact T1ρ quantification because the preparatory block in SL imaging is sensitive to the field heterogeneities. Here, a modified preparatory block (PSC-SL) is proposed that attempts to alleviate SL sensitivity to field inhomogeneities in scenarios where existing approaches fail, i.e. high SL frequencies. Methods Computer simulations, phantom and in vivo experiments were used to determine the effect of field inhomogeneities on T1ρ quantification. Existing SL preparations were compared with PSC-SL in different conditions to assess the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Results Phantom experiments and computer modeling demonstrate that PSC-SL provides superior T1ρ quantification at high SL frequencies in situations where the existing SL preparation methods fail. This result has been confirmed in pre-clinical neuro and body imaging at 7 T. Conclusion PSC-SL complements existing methods by increasing the accuracy of T1ρ quantification at high spin-lock frequencies when large field inhomogeneities are present. A-priory information about the experimental conditions such, as field distribution and spinlock frequency are useful for selecting an appropriate spin-lock preparation for specific applications.
A Systems View: The Role of Art in Education.

A child mapped out her life on concentric rings of felt and paper. As she transcribed and placed her memories onto these expanding circles, she actively recalled her rapt encounter with a cross-sec...
Effects of reduced in utero and post-weaning nutrition on milk yield and composition in primiparous beef cows

Development and long-term retention of replacement beef females in a semi-arid environment are of a major concern for extensive livestock producers. Furthermore, the demand of not only producing a thriving, healthy calf, but having sufficient milk to support that first calf is essential. To address this issue, we conducted a 3-year study measuring milk production and milk constituent yields in primiparous beef heifers (n=48; 16/year reared under two different feeding regimens) raising steer calves. Cows received 1.8 or 1.2 kg/day winter supplementation for ~80 day before parturition and their heifer calves were then randomly assigned to heifer development treatments that provided ad libitum (AL) or 80% (less than ad libitum (LAL)) of ad libitum feed post weaning. Heifers developed on the AL treatment also received 1.8 kg/day winter supplementation for life, whereas heifers developed on the LAL treatment received 1.2 kg/day winter supplementation for life. Milk production of primiparous cows was measured with a portable milking machine every other week from days 27 to 125 postpartum. Milk yield for the 125-day lactation period was calculated from area under the lactation curve approximated by trapezoidal summation. The ANOVA model included in utero winter nutrition, post-weaning heifer development treatment, year and their interaction. Heifers subjected to the AL treatment reached peak milk yield ~12.3 day later (P=0.02) than heifers receiving LAL treatment. In addition, an in utero nutrition×post-weaning heifer treatment×year interaction existed (P⩽0.04) for milk peak yield, average daily milk yield (kg/day) and nutrient composition (protein, lactose, fat, solids non-fat, g/day). These interactions manifest as changes in magnitude and rank across the 3 years of the study. Livestock production in extensive environments is subject to variations in seasonal precipitation patterns and quality and quantity of grazeable forage and these fluctuations have a large impact on milk yield. In summary, the gestational nutritional environment of a heifer's mother may interact with the heifer's nutrient consumption during post-weaning growth and the current year to trigger variation in year-to-year milk production.
Overview of the Project WIND Data

Four phases of Project WIND (Wind in Non-uniform Domains) were successfully conducted in and about the Sacramento River valley of northern California during the period beginning June 1985 and ending October 1987. Project WIND is a cooperative field study conducted by United States Army Laboratories and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The objective was to collect a comprehensive, meteorological diffusion and dispersion database over complex terrain including land use such as vegetation domains; this would be used to evaluate and improve select meso- and micrometeorological deposition, diffusion, and dispersion models. The Army Laboratories collected all of the meteorological and diffusion data and the Forest Service collected deposition datasets.
ACR Appropriateness Criteria Staging of Testicular Malignancy

Testicular cancer represents only 1% of all malignancies occurring in men. However, it is the most frequent malignancy in men between the ages of 20 and 34 years, accounting for 10% to 14% of cancer incidence in that age group. In most instances, the diagnosis of testicular tumors is established with a carefully performed physical examination and scrotal ultrasonography. Tumor markers are useful for determining the presence of residual disease. Cross-sectional imaging studies (CT, MRI) are useful in determining the location of metastases. Chest radiography and CT are used to assess pulmonary disease. Fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) PET scans have slightly higher sensitivity than CT, but their role in staging testicular cancer has not been determined in a large study. FDG PET may play a role in the follow-up of higher stage seminoma after chemotherapy. Bone scans are useful in the absence of FDG PET scans and should be used when bone metastases are suspected. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances in which evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
Augmenting corporate R&D with networked micro innovation teams

Continuous innovation is key to a company's growth. The current models for corporate research and development are not suited for evaluating small scale emerging technology and trends. Networked micro innovation teams fill that gap and augment corporate R&D expenditure but using employee volunteers to identify and evaluate innovative concepts. These teams provide competitive advantages to the companies which develop them. The basic structure of corporate research and development has not changed despite radical changes in how ideas and technologies emerge in the market [1]. There is ample opportunity for companies to create internal innovation teams which evaluate emerging technologies and trends at a smaller scale than is practical with the traditional R&D departments. There are few studies among the legion about R&D which consider very small, or micro, innovations. Technology now enables a different approach to identifying and testing opportunities at a drastically smaller, cheaper scale than. In the past, innovative R&D departments have created autonomous islands free from bureaucracy or traditional management in order to address specific goals. Lockheed Martin's skunk work [2] and Alphabet's X lab (formerly Google[x]) are examples of innovation incubators outside the formal R&D process [3]. Creating separate laboratories which operate under separate rules can be useful pursuing auditions goals and for time and capital intensive projects, however, even these looser structures are overkill for the needs of some projects. To fill this gap, companies should create micro innovation teams which function as a network of local, decentralized teams. For example, buying an Oculus rift to explore its capabilities is an act too small for either a traditional or skunk works-style corporate R&D department. Yet, there are many opportunities for open innovation available to companies if they have the ability to conduct rapid and small-scale experimentation.
Forced motions design for aerodynamic identification and modeling of a generic missile configuration

Abstract This article is focused on the design of forced motions and developing models that can accurately and rapidly predict the aerodynamic stability derivatives of air vehicles over a wide range of air speeds using time-accurate computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations. The test case is a generic missile configuration known as the Army–Navy (basic) Finner (ANF) missile. Longitudinal stability coefficients are available from a combination of free-flight and wind tunnel tests for Mach numbers in range of 0.5–4.5. Estimating stability derivatives of this vehicle requires a large number of static and dynamic CFD simulations using a brute-force approach. The present study instead uses a single forced motion to estimate vehicle's stability derivatives over a wide range of speed regimes. The results of this study show that identification of aerodynamic coefficients from time-accurate simulation of the forced motions requires significantly less computational time. A new aerodynamic model is also proposed that captures the aerodynamic coefficients' dependence on the angle of attack, pitch rate, time rate of change of angle of attack, and Mach number including the transonic region. The results presented show that the model predictions agree well with experimental data and those calculated from a brute-force approach. The methods of this work could reduce the computational cost of estimating stability derivatives up to 90%.
Improved multiparametric MRI discrimination between low-risk prostate cancer and benign tissues in a small cohort of 5α-reductase inhibitor treated individuals as compared with an untreated cohort

The purpose of this study was to determine whether 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) affect the discrimination between low-grade prostate cancer and benign tissues on multiparametric MRI (mpMRI). Twenty men with biopsy-proven Gleason 3 + 3 prostate cancer and 3 T mpMRI were studied. Ten patients (Tx) had been receiving 5-ARIs for at least a year at scan time. Ten untreated patients (Un) were matched to the treated cohort. For each subject two regions of interest representing cancerous and benign tissues were drawn within the peripheral zone of each prostate, MR measures evaluated, and cancer contrast versus benign (contrast = (MRTumor − MRHealthy)/MRHealthy) calculated. Decreased cancer contrast was noted on T2-weighted images: 0.4 (Un) versus 0.3 (Tx). However, for functional MR measures, a better separation of cancerous and benign tissues was observed in the treated group. Cancer contrast on high-b diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was 0.61 (Un) versus 0.99 (Tx). Logistic regression analysis yielded higher AUC (area under the curve) values for distinguishing cancerous from benign regions in treated subjects on high-b DWI (0.71 (Un), 0.94 (Tx)), maximal enhancement slope (0.95 (Un), 1 (Tx)), peak enhancement (0.84 (Un), 0.93 (Tx)), washout slope (0.78 (Un), 0.99 (Tx)), Ktrans (0.9 (Un), 1 (Tx)), and combined measures (0.86 (Un), 0.99 (Tx)). Coefficients of variation for MR measures were lower in benign and cancerous tissues in the treated group compared with the untreated group. This study's results suggest an increase in homogeneity of benign and malignant peripheral zone prostatic tissues with 5-ARI exposure, observed as reduced variability of MR measures after treatment. Cancer discrimination was lower with T2-weighted imaging, but was higher with functional MR measures in a 5-ARI-treated cohort compared with controls.
Ultrasound‐guided lumbar plexus block in children and adolescents using a transverse lumbar paravertebral sonogram: Initial experience

Background The clinical reliability and reproducibility of ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus blocks is not established in pediatric populations. We present the results of a combined nerve stimulation ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus block using the vertebral body, transverse process, and psoas muscle as landmarks on a transverse lumbar paravertebral sonogram with mid-axillary transducer placement, "shamrock method," in children and adolescents. Aims Our primary objective was to determine the rate of achieving sensory changes in the lumbar plexus distribution. Secondary outcomes were performance time, reliability of echo-landmarks, measures of patient comfort, and complications. Methods We reviewed prospectively collected quality assurance data and electronic medical records of 21 patients having major orthopedic surgery with lumbar plexus block catheter for postoperative analgesia. Results Twenty-one patients were studied with mean age and weight (SD, range) of 13.6 years (3.8, 6-18) and 49.3 kg (18.6, 19.2-87.6). Surgical procedures included periacetabular osteotomy, pelvic osteotomy, and proximal femoral osteotomy. Mean volume of 0.5 mL/kg (0.05) 0.2% ropivacaine produced thermal sensory changes to femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves in 20/21 (95% CI 0.76 to >0.99) and 19/21 (95% CI 0.70-0.99) patients. Identification of transverse process (TP), vertebral body (VB), and psoas muscle (PM): 21/21 (95% CI 0.86-1.0). Average block performance time was 9:08 minutes (2:09, 2-13). Average opioid consumption (SD) in operating room, postanesthesia care unit, 0-12 and 12-24-hour periods were 0.17 mg/kg (0.08), 0.08 mg/kg (0.06), 0.06 mg/kg (0.06), and 0.06 mg/kg (0.05). Median pain score by severity category in postanesthesia care unit: (0-3) 66.7%, (4-6) 28.5%, (>7) 4.8%; 0-12 hours: (0-3) 76.2%, (4-6) 19.0%, (>7) 4.8%; 12-24 hours: (0-3) 57.2%, (4-6) 42.8%, (>7) 0%. No complications were recorded. Conclusion Ultrasound guidance using lateral imaging of transverse process, vertebral body, and psoas muscle allows practitioners to reach the nerves of the lumbar plexus and achieve sensory block in pediatric patients with a high success rate.
Deep learning angiography (DLA): three-dimensional C-arm cone beam CT angiography generated from deep learning method using a convolutional neural network

Current clinical 3D-DSA requires the acquisition of two image volumes, before and after the injection of contrast media (i.e. mask and fill scans). Deep learning angiography (DLA) is a recently developed technique that enables the generation of mask-free 3D angiography using convolutional neural networks (CNN). In this work, the quantitative performance of DLA as a function of the number of layers in the deep neural network and the DLA inference computation time are investigated. Clinically indicated rotational angiography exams of 105 patients scanned with a C-arm conebeam CT system using a standard 3D-DSA imaging protocol for the assessment of cerebrovascular abnormalities were retrospectively collected. More than 185 million labeled voxels from contrast-enhanced images of 43 subjects were used as training and testing dataset. Multiple deep CNNs were trained to perform DLA. The trained DLA models were then applied in a validation cohort consisting of the remaining image volumes from 62 subjects and accuracy, sensitivity, precision and F1-scores were calculated for vasculature classification in relevant anatomy. The implementation of the best performing model was optimized for accelerated DLA inference and the computation time was measured under multiple hardware configurations. Vasculature classification accuracy and 95% CI in the validation dataset were 98.7% ([98.3, 99.1] %) for the best performing model. DLA inference user time was 17 seconds for a throughput of 23 images/s. In conclusion, a 30-layer DLA model outperformed shallower networks and DLA inference computation time was demonstrated not be a limiting factor for current clinical practice.
Role of computed tomography angiography for HeartMate II left ventricular assist device thrombosis.

Introduction Device thrombosis is one of the most devastating complications of HeartMate II left ventricular assist devices. The purpose of this study is to assess the anatomical properties that the inflow and outflow computed tomography angiography provides in assessing for left ventricular assist device thrombosis, as well as their impact on clinical management and postoperative outcomes. Methods Between April 2010 and December 2016, 22 patients who received a HeartMate II left ventricular assist device implantation were readmitted for suspected device thrombosis and underwent a computed tomography angiography for workup. Left ventricular assist device-associated anatomy was assessed, including outflow abnormality on computed tomography angiography (contrast filling defect), inflow abnormalities on computed tomography angiography (space at inflow, M-I angle), and inflow abnormalities on chest X-ray (inflow angulation, pump pocket depth). Results Computed tomography angiography revealed an outflow filling defect in three patients (14%) resulting in change in surgical approach from subcostal pump exchange to resternotomy pump and outflow graft exchange. Inflow graft malpositioning was identified in four patients, with the inflow abutting the left ventricular wall and obstructing the cannula opening. On computed tomography angiography assessment, mean space at inflow was 5.3 ± 1.6 mL and M-I angle was 35.6° ± 6.6°. Chest X-ray evaluation revealed mean inflow angle and pump pocket depth of 75.7° ± 13.4° and 110.2 ± 26.6 mm, respectively. Conclusion Computed tomography angiography provides a noninvasive assessment of the outflow graft and inflow cannulas in left ventricular assist device patients. Findings on computed tomography angiography reveal possible mechanical etiologies of thrombosis and may be useful for determining the surgical management of device thrombosis patients.
Subwavelength Optical Focusing in Scattering Media with Optically Detectable Magnetic Resonance

We introduce a new wavefront shaping technique guided by optically detectable magnetic resonance (ODMR). We present subwavelength light focusing in scattering media with our ODMR-guided wavefront shaping, which paves the way for subwavelength quantum sensing in deep-tissue.
Incorporating Human Interaction into Stair Egress with an Application to Minimum Stair Width

Recently, this journal published an article (Peacock et al. in Fire Technol 53:845–871, 2017) describing a study done by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Engineering Laboratory. That article provides a description of data collected during fire drill evacuations of 11 office buildings and 3 residential buildings throughout the United States. A total of 32 stairs were observed. These data were analyzed with two goals in mind: to present the self-exciting Hawkes point process as a means to capture occupant interactions in stair exit processes, and to use this point process representation to derive a minimum stair width determination that compensates for human interaction. By way of accomplishing these goals, it is shown by modeling occupant exit times as a point process more information than flow rate is extracted. This additional information resides in the process’s intensity function, i.e., the instantaneous exit rate of occupants through a stair exit, which has units of persons per unit time. For example, it is shown that the following behavior is captured by a Hawkes intensity. When a slow moving occupant on a stair is met, occupants behind either decrease their speed and follow that occupant or move to pass the occupant. Our results indicate that a larger minimum stair width would help accommodate movement in stairs caused by these types of interactions. By modeling the exit process as a Hawkes point process and using hydraulic model equations, we derived a point estimate 1.308 m for minimum stair width and a 95% confidence interval [1.193 m, 1.334 m] bounding minimum stair width, whereas the normative minimum stair width value set by the U.S. building code is 1.12 m.
Altered States of Consciousness: Functional and Organic Brain Syndromes

I wish to propose that there is no longer any legitimacy in the use of the terms functional and organic in referring to disorders of the psyche or the soma. The use of these and other terms in attempting to separate the etiology of behavior is becoming archaic in the light of both biological and psychological investigations of the mental and somatic disorders. Previously, the utility of this differentiation had merit in alerting the physician to etiological factors that would benefit from specific therapeutic interventions of a medical and/or surgical nature as distinct from those that would merit a psychological approach. The dichotomy between disorders of the psyche and of the soma has rapidly blurred in the past quarter century. In approaching any disorder, we are obligated to seek out both somatic and psychological factors affecting that entity. Regardless of the temporal and sequential relationships affecting the disorder, both psychological and biological as well as social factors will influence the manifestation of behavior identified in each of these domains. When the course of behavior is assigned to only one of these, neglect of attention to the others will result in less than optimal therapy. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in behavior ascribed to the mental disorders.
Overview of Double-Stranded RNA Replication In Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

There are five families of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, called L-A, L-BC, M, T, and W. Of these, L-A, L-BC, and M are found in intracellular virus-like particles (VLPs). Their replication is controlled by over 40 chromosomal genes; some (called MAK genes) promote dsRNA replication or maintenance, others (called SKI genes) negatively control dsRNA replication. Extensive genetic interactions among the dsRNAs and the chromosomal genes are known. The VLPs containing dsRNA produce a message (+) strand RNA copy in vitro, while the VLPs containing a (+) strand synthesize a (-) strand copy to make dsRNA. The genes MAK10 and PET18 (= MAK31 + MAK32) are necessary for the structural stability of L-A dsRNA-containing particles, but not of those containing L-A (+) strand RNA. The M1 VLPs can have either one or two M1 dsRNA molecules per particle, a fact that we explain by a sort of “head-full” hypothesis. [D] (for disease) is a new cytoplasmic genetic element which, when introduced into a ski ‒ M1 strain, makes the strain unable to grow at 20°C or at 37°C. [D] is not located on L-A, L-BC, M, or W dsRNA. Element [D] is heat-curable, and chromosomal mutants unable to maintain [D] (mad ‒) have been isolated. They can maintain M1 and L-A. [B] is a cytoplasmic genetic element which suppresses the usual need of M1 for MAK11 and several other MAK genes. Element [B] is not located on L-A or M and is distinct from [D].
Liberalization with Protection: Import Management in Korea (with Emphasis on Rice)

Classic discussions of trade liberalization often deal with the implications of reducing tariffs or expanding import quotas. Of course, as soon as we take one step away from the textbook or chalkboard, we face a world of ingenious instruments that governments have devised to protect local capitalists from foreign capitalism. This chapter examines some of those ingenious instruments.
Effect of irradiation and antimicrobials on the growth and survival of Listeria monocytogenes and quality of ready-to-eat turkey meat products

vi CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 Dissertation Organization 4 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 5 Part I. Listeria Monocytogenes and Food Safety 5 Part II. Irradiation and Preservatives on the Quality of Meat Products 32 References 45 CHAPTER 3. THE ROLE OF DIETARY VITAMIN E IN EXPERIMENTAL LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES INFECTIONS IN TURKEYS 73 Abstract 73 Introduction 74 Materials and Methods 75 Results 79 Discussion 81 Acknowledgements 82 References 82 CHAPTER 4. EFFECT OF IRRADIATION ON THE QUALITY OF TURKEY HAM DURING STORAGE 90 Abstract 90 Introduction 90 Materi al s and Methods 91 Results and Discussion 94 Conclusions 96 Acknowledgement 97 References 97 CHAPTER 5. INFLUENCE OF IRRADIATION AND STORAGE ON THE QUALITY OF READY-TO-EAT TURKEY BREAST ROLLS 106 Abstract 106 Introduction 107 Materials and Methods 107
The Role of Prospect Theory in the Perceived Moral Reprehensibility of Strategic Mortgage Default

Defaulting on a mortgage is widely viewed as being immoral, but no prior study has examined the intervening roles of Prospect Theory and default intent. We find that the public is significantly more accepting of a defaulting borrower who earns a zero or negative return on his investment than one who earns a positive return. This moral viewpoint changes significantly when the default is strategic in nature. Defaulters are judged significantly less harshly by those who more so blame the lender for the current financial crisis, those who have previously strategically defaulted, and males. When asked to suggest a “morally appropriate” settlement offer to lenders to resolve the distressed debt, beyond the prospect theory and default intent remaining significant, we further find that those who more so blame the lender, those who view their home as more of an investment rather than a consumption good, those who have previously strategically defaulted, those with lower income levels, and minorities suggest significantly lower settlement offers.
Effect of index-based livestock insurance on herd offtake: Evidence from the Borena zone of southern Ethiopia

Abstract When weather shocks strike in agrarian economies, households may often utilize offtake of their productive livestock as a major risk coping strategy. However, a distressful asset offtake could lead to difficulties in recovering after the shock; consequently, the macro economy of a subsistence agriculture-dependent country could remain slow for an extended period. In this paper, we analysed the effect of index-based livestock insurance on the herd offtake behaviour of herders in the Borena zone, which is the southernmost area of Ethiopia, using three rounds of panel data. Using fixed effect model analysis, our results shows that households that purchased index-based livestock insurance coverage are less likely to offtake their herds. Empirically, this finding appeared to have a positive and significant effect on reducing the herd offtake behaviour of the households. This finding suggests that the coverage can help in reducing the fear and worry of the herding households regarding the possible incidence of covariate herd loss. Consequently, distressful herd offtake can be reduced, thereby sustaining the household’s economic growth.
RACIAL VIOLENCE, EMOTIONAL FRICTION, AND EPISTEMIC ACTIVISM

Using Iris Marion Young’s framework, this essay looks at racial violence as one of the many “faces” of racial oppression (which also include exploitation, marginalization, powerlessness, and cultur...
High Mobility Group Box 1 Mediates TMAO-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction.

The intestinal microbe-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The molecular mechanisms of how TMAO induces atherosclerosis and CVDs’ progression are still unclear. In this regard, high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1), an inflammatory mediator, has been reported to disrupt cell–cell junctions, resulting in vascular endothelial hyper permeability leading to endothelial dysfunction. The present study tested whether TMAO associated endothelial dysfunction results via HMGB1 activation. Biochemical and RT-PCR analysis showed that TMAO increased the HMGB1 expression in a dose-dependent manner in endothelial cells. However, prior treatment with glycyrrhizin, an HMGB1 binder, abolished the TMAO-induced HMGB1 production in endothelial cells. Furthermore, Western blot and immunofluorescent analysis showed significant decrease in the expression of cell–cell junction proteins ZO-2, Occludin, and VE-cadherin in TMAO treated endothelial cells compared with control cells. However, prior treatment with glycyrrhizin attenuated the TMAO-induced cell–cell junction proteins’ disruption. TMAO increased toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression in endothelial cells. Inhibition of TLR4 expression by TLR4 siRNA protected the endothelial cells from TMAO associated tight junction protein disruption via HMGB1. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that HMGB1 is one of the important mediators of TMAO-induced endothelial dysfunction.
Hormone Therapy in Menopause.

As longevity expands, women are spending a third of their existence in menopause and beyond. The vast majority suffer from symptoms that negatively impact their quality of life. Systemic vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are the classic cluster affecting 80% of peri- and post-menopausal women. Once thought to be relatively brief, they sometimes persist more than 10 years. Compelling, yet enigmatic, is the recent finding that women with bothersome and long VMS compared with age-matched peers often have worst underlying preclinical markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Characterization of a Bio‐sourced, Fluorescent, Ratiometric pH Indicator with Alkaline pK a

Utilizing organisms as sources of fluorophores relieves the demand for petroleum feedstock in organic synthesis of fluorescent products, and endophytic fungi provide a promising vein for natural fluorescent products. We report the characterization of a pH-responsive fluorophore from an endophytic fungus isolated from sand pine. The endogenous fluorescence of the live organism was measured using fluorescence microscopy. Computational interpretation of the spectra was accomplished with time-dependent density functional theory methods. The combined use of experimental and theoretically predicted spectra revealed the pH equilibria and photoexcited tautomerization of the natural product, 5-methylmellein. This product shows promise both as a stand-alone pH-indicating fluorophore, with alkaline pKa , and as "green" feedstock for synthesis of custom fluorophores.
Optimized System for On-Route Fast Charging of Battery-Electric Shuttle Buses

Electrifying cars, buses, and trucks is an attractive means of reducing energy use and emissions because it involves more efficient drivetrain components and minimal restructuring of the transportation network. Transit buses, driving fixed routes, help minimize driver range anxiety by properly sizing energy storage systems. A major challenge to fully electrifying transit buses is providing the amount of energy they consume in a day of driving. To enable a full day of operation without charging, batteries need to be large, which could be expensive and heavy. This work utilizes real-world transit bus data used in a battery-electric drivetrain model to co-optimize charger locations, charger power levels, and vehicle battery sizes.
Ligament of Treitz: Anatomy, Relevance of Radiologic Findings, and Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this article is to discuss the anatomy, embryonic origin, normal variants, and various attachments of the ligament of Treitz. We also describe the pathologic processes that develop along the ligament of Treitz and the role of cross-sectional imaging in identifying these conditions. CONCLUSION. The ligament of Treitz, also known as the suspensory ligament of the duodenum, is an important anatomic landmark in the abdomen. It is essential that radiologists understand the anatomic attachments, normal variants, and various pathologic conditions involving the ligament of Treitz as well as the role of cross-sectional imaging in the assessment of these conditions.
National Disaster Management Act, 2010 of Pakistan: A Review

Introduction: Pakistan has suffered from the worst ever natural and artificial disasters in its history since the start of this century. These disasters caused widespread loss of life, property, and resources; moreover, a high level of social and psychological imbalance was also experienced. The only law available in the country to handle disaster situations was response-oriented, and in the aftermath of the Kashmir earthquake in 2005, the government was forced to review its laws dealing with disasters. To provide a complete spectrum of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) at national level, National Disaster Management Ordinance (NDMO) was promulgated in 2006. NDMO was ratified by the parliament naming it as National Disaster Management Act (NDM Act), 2010 of Pakistan with the purpose to reduce the risks and manage the future disaster situations effectively and efficiently. The purpose of this paper is to review in detail the (NDM Act), 2010 of Pakistan and ascertain the limitations with a view to proffer necessary recommendations. Methods: The study is based on secondary data and detail review of NDM Act 2010, of Pakistan. Discussion: The detail study of NDM Act, 2010 reveals that the Act was either prepared in haste or by a team lacking the requisite expertise on the subject due to certain glaring ambiguities within the contents of various sections. Initially the Act appears to be reactive in nature as there is no mention of disaster risk reduction measures. Lack of accountability mechanism makes the implementation phase susceptible to deviant workplace behaviors. Details of financial allocations for the lower level disaster management authorities (district, union and town), who are the initial responders have been missed out. Conclusion: Owing to lack of political and economic constraints supplemented with corruption, the effectiveness of policies and plans formulated under the guidelines of NDM Act, 2010 will always remain doubtful. Thus, the early revision of NDM Act, 2010 of Pakistan is recommended.