cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prostate implant reconstruction with discrete tomography

We developed a discrete tomography method for prostate implant reconstructions using only a limited number of X-ray projection images. A 3D voxel volume is reconstructed by back-projection and using distance maps generated from the projection images. The true seed locations are extracted from the voxel volume while false positive seeds are eliminated using a novel optimal geometry coverage model. The attractive feature of our method is that it does not require exact seed segmentation of the X-ray images and it yields near 100% correct reconstruction from only six images with an average reconstruction accuracy of 0.86 mm (std=0.46mm).
Machine learning for the activation of contraflows during hurricane evacuation

Contraflows are a critical part of an emergency evacuation plan. In most cases, a contraflow lane reversal will double the capacity of key evacuation routes. The Contraflow plan for the evacuation of southeast Louisiana during a hurricane threat uses a typical schedule for the activation of contraflows based on the predicted time of landfall. This work will apply machine learning techniques using real-time traffic data to schedule the activation of contraflows. Optimizing the Contraflow plan should increase the effectiveness of the evacuation plan by increasing the flow of evacuation traffic based on demand and retaining the availability of incoming traffic until contraflow lanes are needed. These techniques could be applied to other locations, including those without an existing evacuation plan.
Influence of Sex Pheromones on Mating Behavior and Populations of Virginia Pine Sawfly

Rise and decline in populations of Neodiprion pratti (Dyar) have been attributed most frequently to the influence of natural control factors. However, data obtained from 1963 through 1970 indicate that population densities are due to the sex attractiveness of the female sawfly. It was shown that the female emits a potent sex pheromone which was apparently necessary for mating. Unmated females oviposited only 17% of their egg potential, whereas mated females oviposited more than 90% of their total egg complement. Severe tree defoliation occurred when more than 50% of the females mated.
Nonlinearity in Stochastic Processes: What it is and Why it Matters

Our purpose in writing this book is to make available a “nonlinearity toolkit” which provides the time series community with convenient, consistent access to a selection of the best tools available for statistically detecting nonlinearity in the generating mechanism of a given time series. Heretofore, these tests have been scattered through the literature, with computer codes implementing a few of the tests being transmitted informally from one person to another. As a result, workers in this area have often had to choose between either using the particular test(s) for which they had code or “reinventing the wheel” and writing their own computer codes. Consequently, it is not surprising that little testing for nonlinearity is done and that the testing which is done more often than not employs a rather arbitrarily selected and extremely narrow range of tests. The comparability, replicatability, and overall quality of the results have thereby suffered.
NM23/Nucleoside diphosphate kinase as a transcriptional activator of c-myc.

Expression of the nm23 gene has been correlated with a variety of cellular mechanisms including tumor metastasis (Steeg et al. 1988; Nakayama et al. 1992, 1993), neoplastic development (Zynick et al. 1993), normal development and differentiation (Dearolf et al. 1988; Biggs et al. 1988, Wallet et al. 1990; Yamashiro et al. 1994), proliferation (Keim et al. 1992; Ohneda et al. 1994), and cell motility (Kantor et al. 1993). All nm 23 genes encode the metabolic enzyme nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK), whose principal known function is to provide nucleoside triphosphate precursors for DNA and RNA synthesis. It has been proposed that NM23/NDPK proteins contain additional biochemical activities, for neither the developmental function of the Drosophila NM23/Awd protein (Biggs et al. 1988; Lascu et al. 1992), or the metastasis suppression effect of human NM23 (Sastre Garau et al. 1992; Steeg et al. 1993) correlates directly with NDPK levels or its activity.
Primary and intermediate packages

The choice of packaging for any specific pharmaceutical product is dependent on the following principal factors: • the nature of the product itself — its chemical activity, moisture sensitivity, effect of oxygen and its compatibility with possible packaging materials • the type of patient — e.g. child, elderly adult, male or female, ethnic origin • the form of the dose — free flowing granules, aqueous solution, cream, ointment, inhalation, etc. method and site of administering the medication — oral, topical, parenteral, ear, eye, nose, skin, etc. Whether a dispensing device is to be used, e.g. syringe, dropper, etc. method of distribution — ethical through pharmacies and hospitals, or OTC through retail outlets capacity of the packaging needed — small bulk for pharmacies, OPD, unit dose, etc. required shelf life and likely sales areas.
3,3,3-Trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilane (TFPTMS) Sol-Gel-Coated Aluminum Specimens: Influence of Sol-Gel Preparation Medium on Coating Properties

Coating a component/structure is, arguably, the most common corrosion protection method, with organic barrier coatings being the most widely used variant. Many concerns have been raised about these coatings; for example, they are not biodegradable and emit volatile organic compounds. Thus, there is interest in a new generation of organic barrier coatings. This type of coating is the subject of the present study, which involved 1) application of coatings prepared from 3,3,3-trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilane (TFPTMS) sol-gel, using both an organic solvent (ethanol solution) and an aqueous solution, to Al specimens; and 2) characterization of the coatings. The influence of sol-gel preparation medium (ethanol solution versus aqueous solution) and post-coating treatment method (drying versus curing) on an assortment of coating properties, such as corrosion resistance in NaCl solution and contact angle in water, was determined. The most corrosion-resistant coating was obtained using an aqueous TFPTMS sol-gel and curing of the coated specimen at 105°C for 24 h.
Simultaneous polygyny by a male Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapilla) in central Texas

ABSTRACT Although polygyny is common and regular among a small proportion of North American songbirds, some socially monogamous passerines may also exhibit occasional polygyny. We present evidence for only the second documented case of polygyny within the Vireonidae and the first documentation for polygyny in the endangered songbird the Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapilla). We located two simultaneous nests being tended by the same color-banded male vireo in a territory adjacent to an unpaired male. We suspect that differences in territory quality, rather than male quality, unbalanced sex ratios, or asynchronous settlement, were drivers of polygyny in this example.
Maximizing Cardiovascular Event Reduction by Expanding and Intensifying the Targets.

Article, see p 798 Hypertension is a leading risk factor for death and disability-associated life years in the United States.1 The US prevalence of hypertension using a conventional definition of hypertension, systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, is at epidemic proportions and continues to increase alongside the prevalence of modifiable lifestyle factors for high blood pressure, such as physical inactivity, high-sodium diets, obesity, tobacco use, and alcohol use.2 Despite our tremendous scientific understanding of the cardiovascular risk factors that predispose to adverse health outcomes, pinpointing the blood pressure for optimal risk reduction continues to evolve and be debated. Although it has been well established that a linear relationship exists between elevations in systolic blood pressures >110 to 115 mm Hg and cardiovascular events in every age group,3 most blood pressure guidelines have focused on blood pressure-lowering treatment in those patients meeting conventional hypertension definitions. National and international blood pressure awareness, treatment, and control campaigns have been aimed exclusively at patients with blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg. By targeting such patients, where it was commonly perceived that the majority of cardiovascular events were occurring, it was hoped that the majority of preventable cardiovascular events could be most effectively addressed. Yet taking a more expansive view beyond which patients are at highest risk to one that accounts for which patients constitute the majority of cardiovascular events, a different perspective emerges. For the entire population, ≈450 000 Americans die each year from cardiovascular diseases secondary to chronic elevations in systolic blood pressure >110 to 115 mm Hg, with many cardiovascular events occurring in individuals with blood pressures above optimal but below conventional hypertension definition.1,4 The recent landmark SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) provided strong evidence that the undertreatment of high blood pressure for patients with …
Basilar Artery Lateral Displacement May Be Associated with Migraine with Aura.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To determine if structural features of the vertebrobasilar arterial system are related to migraine. BACKGROUND Alterations in cerebral vascular structure and function have been associated with migraine, possibly mediated by hypoperfusion and/or endothelial dysfunction triggering cortical spreading depression. Vessel tortuosity, in particular, has been associated with both altered hemodynamics and endothelial function. Symptoms of migraine with aura often localize to the occipital cortex, and evidence supports the localization of a migraine generator to the brainstem, suggesting that the vertebrobasilar system may be of particular relevance. METHODS We performed a post-hoc exploratory analysis of data collected in a prospective, observational, case-control study enrolling migraine with aura (MWA), migraine without aura (MwoA), and control subjects in a 1:1:1 ratio. 3T high-resolution MR angiography was used to assess vascular structure, and arterial spin labeled perfusion MRI to measure interictal cerebral blood flow (CBF). White matter lesions were assessed using T2/FLAIR. Vertebral and basilar artery (BA) diameters and BA total lateral displacement were measured. RESULTS 162 subjects were included (52 control/52 MWA/ 58 MwoA). Mean age was 33 ± 6 years, and 78% were female. BA diameter was similar across groups (3.6 ± 0.6 mm in all 3 groups). BA displacement was similar in MwoA (5.1±3.0 mm) and controls (4.9±3.1 mm), but tended to be greater in MWA (6.3±3.8 mm, p=0.055 vs. controls). BA displacement increased with age (p<0.001) was greater in men vs. women (6.6±4.2 vs. 5.1±3.0, p=0.02) and with increased migraine frequency (p=0.03). In multivariate analysis, BA displacement was significantly greater in MWA subjects (p=0.02), with older age (p=0.003), and in men (p=0.046). In regression analysis adjusted for age and sex, BA displacement remained significantly greater with increasing migraine frequency (p=0.02). There was no association between BA displacement and interictal posterior cerebral artery territory CBF or overall white matter lesions. CONCLUSIONS Basilar artery lateral displacement may be associated with MWA as well as headache frequency. This association does not appear to be mediated by cerebral hypoperfusion.
Chemo-morphological coupling during serpentine heat treatment for carbon mineralization

Abstract One of the safest and permanent routes for potentially capturing and storing CO2 is via carbon mineralization which involves converting CO2 into environmentally benign and thermodynamically stable calcium and magnesium carbonates. One of the most abundant Mg-bearing minerals in the world suitable for carbon mineralization is serpentine (Mg3Si2O5(OH)4). To enhance the reactivity of serpentine with CO2, dehydroxylation by heating to temperatures in the range of 600 °C–700 °C was proposed. To establish a fundamental structural and morphological basis for the enhanced reactivity of serpentine (e.g. lizardite) on heating to temperatures in this range, in-operando synchrotron multi-scale X-ray scattering measurements were performed, with complementary analyses of the changes in the porosity, particle size, and surface morphology. The detailed transformation of lamellar serpentine to a pseudo-amorphous state on heating to temperatures in the range of 600 °C–700 °C, and the subsequent conversion to denser crystalline phases such as Al2.35Si0.64O4.82 (mullite), SiO2 (cristobalite), Mg2SiO4 (forsterite), and Fe0.3Mg0.7(SiO3) (enstatite) was determined from the wide and small angle X-ray scattering measurements. Increasing roughness of the pore-solid interface on heating to 700 °C followed by enhanced smoothness due to the formation of crystalline phases at higher temperatures was established from the combined ultra small and small angle X-ray scattering measurements. The transformation of lamellar lizardite to its pseudo-amorphous state corresponded to an increase in the porosity and surface area, while the formation of crystalline phases reduced the porosity and surface area while increasing the particle size.
AUA Guidelines on Stress Urinary Incontinence: What Is New in the Guidelines?

Stress urinary incontinence is a prevalent condition that can have a detrimental impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. Once judicious assessment of degree of bother the symptoms are causing a patient is performed, it is crucial to incorporate appropriate counseling and patient education as part of symptom management. Treatment modalities have evolved over the last several decades, and both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options should be discussed. This review highlights the recently published guidelines update from the American Urological Association (AUA) and the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) for recommendations regarding the workup and treatment of stress urinary incontinence and a comprehensive overview of outcomes. A new set of guidelines addressing surgical options for female stress incontinence based upon a widespread literature and abstract search that spanned from January 2005 to September 2016 was recently published by the AUA and SUFU. This extensive undertaking highlights systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, and observational studies in an effort to reflect the evolution of anti-incontinence therapies. This review focuses on the new changes from the recent guidelines for surgical management of stress urinary incontinence. As part of today’s contemporary landscape of patient-centered healthcare, emphasis is placed on patient counseling and outlining patient expectations, with communication and early intervention playing a large role in surgical management.
The etiopathogenesis of prostatic cancer with special reference to environmental factors.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the possible role of environmental factors in the etiology of human prostatic cancer. It also discusses the importance of environmental factors in human prostatic carcinogenesis relative to that of other factors. The first and major indications that environmental factors are involved in prostatic carcinogenesis were derived from descriptive epidemiologic studies. Therefore, the descriptive epidemiology of prostatic cancer is reviewed in the chapter and animal systems that may be helpful in studying prostatic carcinogenesis are discussed. In addition, the involvement of the endocrine system in prostatic carcinogenesis is reviewed with emphasis on studies in healthy populations that differ in risk for prostatic cancer and on animal studies. An attempt is made to develop an etiological hypothesis of human prostatic carcinogenesis and to identify promising areas for future research efforts to further elucidate the etiopathogenesis of prostatic cancer in man. Also, an attempt is made to integrate all this information and to develop a hypothesis of the etiopathogenesis of human prostatic cancer.
The Lower Thoracic Advancement Technique in Breast Reconstruction

This technique, which uses local tissues, allows a modest supplementation of prethoracic skin coverage and creation of a stable, well-defined inframammary fold. With placement of a subpectoral implant, there is progressive expansion of the inferior and lateral skin coverage, resulting in progressively more natural ptotic shape. This expansion also allows subsequent increases in implant volume if appropriate. Advantages include good match of skin color and texture, confinement of donor site scarring to the relatively inconspicuous inframammary fold area, and relative ease of performance.
Advancing STEM Education Through TEMP: Geometric Probabilities

In the preceding chapters, the computational experiment approach was used to explore different models studied at the secondary level under the assumption that these models depend on one or more parameters. In the case of algebraic/trigonometric equations it was shown that depending on the value of parameter (or parameters), different types of solutions may realize. As an algebraic/trigonometric equation with a parameter may be considered as a mathematical model the behavior of which depends on the parameter, one can assume that not only the parameter varies but, in addition, its variation may depend on random factors. Therefore, one can talk about the likelihood of the event that a solution of a certain type realizes. A geometrization of problem solving in the context of equations with parameters made possible by graphing software tools leads to the construction of regions in the space of parameters the dimension of which depends on the number of parameters involved. When parameters are chosen at random, one can interpret the corresponding likelihood by measuring regions from where parameters responsible for a certain type of solution are selected.
Technical Writing: A Practical Guide for Engineers, Scientists, and Nontechnical Professionals, Second Edition

Technical Writing: A Practical Guide for Engineers, Scientists, and Nontechnical Professionals, Second Edition enables readers to write, edit, and publish materials of a technical nature, including books, articles, reports, and electronic media. Written by a renowned engineer and widely published technical author, this guide complements traditional writer’s reference manuals on technical writing through presentation of first-hand examples that help readers understand practical considerations in writing and producing technical content. These examples illustrate how a publication originates as well as various challenges and solutions. The second edition contains new material in every chapter including new topics, additional examples, insights, tips and tricks, new vignettes and more exercises. Appendices have been added for writing checklists and writing samples. The references and glossary have been updated and expanded. In addition, a focus on writing for the nontechnical persons working in the technology world and the nonnative English speaker has been incorporated. Written in an informal, conversational style, unlike traditional college writing texts, the book also contains many interesting vignettes and personal stories to add interest to otherwise stodgy lessons.
High-fat diet affects pregestational adiposity and glucose tolerance perturbing gestational placental macronutrient transporters culminating in an obese offspring in wild-type and glucose transporter isoform 3 heterozygous null mice.

Abstract We examined the effect of a high-fat diet (HFD) vs. control diet (CD) upon pregestational and gestational wild-type (wt) and glucose transporter (glut)3 heterozygous (glut3+/−) female mice and observed an increase in pregestational body weights, white adiposity (wt > glut3+/−), circulating cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins, with glucose intolerance in both genotypes. The HFD-exposed offspring displayed reduced birth weight with catch up to CD-fed in wt vs. an increased birth weight persisting as such at weaning by day 21 in glut3+/− mice. To decipher the mechanism behind this genotype-specific difference in the HFD offspring's phenotype, we first examined placental macronutrient transporters and noted HFD-induced increase in CD36 in wt with no change in other FATPs, sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporters and system L amino acid transporter in both genotypes. In contrast, while placental Glut1 increased in both the genotypes, only Glut3 increased in the glut3+/− genotype in response to HFD. Hence, we next assessed glut3+/− embryonic (ES) cells under differing stressors of low glucose, hypoxia and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. Reduced Glut3-mediated glucose uptake in glut3+/− vs. wt ES cells culminated in deficient growth. We conclude that maternal HFD affects the in utero growth potential of the offspring by altering placental CD36 and Glut1 concentrations. In contrast, a differential effect on placental Glut3 concentrations between glut3+/− and wt genotypes is evident, with an increase occurring in the glut3+/− genotype alone. Deficient Glut3 in ES cells interferes with glucose uptake, cell survival and growth being further exaggerated with low glucose, hypoxia and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation.
Is research on professional identity formation biased? Early insights from a scoping review and metasynthesis.

Objective Despite a recent surge in literature identifying professional identity formation (PIF) as a key process in physician development, the empiric study of PIF in medicine remains in its infancy. To gain insight about PIF, the authors examined the medical literature and that of two other helping professions. Methods The authors conducted a scoping review and qualitative metasynthesis of PIF in medicine, nursing and counselling/psychology. For the scoping review, four databases were searched using a combination of keywords to identify empiric studies on PIF in trainees. After a two-step screening process, thematic analysis was used to conduct the metasynthesis on screened articles. Results A total of 7451 titles and abstracts were screened; 92 studies were included in the scoping review. Saturation was reached in the qualitative metasynthesis after reviewing 29 articles. Conclusion The metasynthesis revealed three inter-related PIF themes across the helping professions: the importance of clinical experience, the role of trainees' expectations of what a helping professional is or should be, and the impact of broader professional culture and systems on PIF. Upon reflection, most striking was that only 10 of the 92 articles examined trainee's sociocultural data, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age and socio-economic status, in a robust way and included them in their analysis and interpretation. This raises the question of whether conceptions of PIF suffer from sociocultural bias, thereby disadvantaging trainees from diverse populations and preserving the status quo of an historically white, male medical culture.
Linkage between retinal ganglion cell density and the nonuniform spatial integration across the visual field.

The ability to integrate visual information over space is a fundamental component of human pattern vision. Regardless of whether it is for detecting luminance contrast or for recognizing objects in a cluttered scene, the position of the target in the visual field governs the size of a window within which visual information is integrated. Here we analyze the relationship between the topographic distribution of ganglion cell density and the nonuniform spatial integration across the visual field. The extent of spatial integration for luminance detection (Ricco’s area) and object recognition (crowding zone) are measured at various target locations. The number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) underlying Ricco’s area or crowding zone is estimated by computing the product of Ricco’s area (or crowding zone) and RGC density for a given target location. We find a quantitative agreement between the behavioral data and the RGC density: The variation in the sampling density of RGCs across the human retina is closely matched to the variation in the extent of spatial integration required for either luminance detection or object recognition. Our empirical data combined with the simulation results of computational models suggest that a fixed number of RGCs subserves spatial integration of visual input, independent of the visual-field location.
Abstract P364: Validity of Self-Reported Cardiovascular Disease Risk From Survey Questions

Introduction: Simple questionnaires with dichotomous responses evaluating atherosclerotic risk factors are frequently used to assess cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in research and clinical setti...
How do activities conducted while commuting influence mode choice? Using revealed preference models to inform public transportation advantage and autonomous vehicle scenarios

Abstract From early studies of time allocation onward, it has been acknowledged that the “productive” nature of travel could affect its utility. Currently, at the margin an individual may choose transit over a shorter automobile trip, if thereby she is able to use the travel time more productively. On the other hand, recent advancements toward partly/fully automated vehicles are poised to revolutionize the perception and utilization of travel time in cars, and are further blurring the role of travel as a crisp transition between location-based activities. To quantify these effects, we created and administered a survey to measure travel multitasking attitudes and behaviors, together with general attitudes, mode-specific perceptions, and standard socioeconomic traits (N = 2229 Northern California commuters). In this paper, we present a revealed preference mode choice model that accounts for the impact of multitasking attitudes and behavior on the utility of various alternatives. We find that the propensity to engage in productive activities on the commute, operationalized as using a laptop/tablet, significantly influences utility and accounts for a small but non-trivial portion of the current mode shares. For example, the model estimates that commuter rail, transit, and car/vanpool shares would respectively be 0.11, 0.23, and 1.18 percentage points lower, and the drive-alone share 1.49 percentage points higher, if the option to use a laptop or tablet while commuting were not available. Conversely, in a hypothetical autonomous vehicles scenario, where the car would allow a high level of engagement in productive activities, the drive-alone share would increase by 1.48 percentage points. The results empirically demonstrate the potential of a multitasking propensity to reduce the disutility of travel time. Further, the methodology can be generalized to account for other properties of autonomous vehicles, among other applications.
A survey of antimicrobial resistance in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from the Chesapeake Bay and adjacent upper tributaries

In recent years, the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AR) in the healthcare setting as well as the environment has been recognized as a growing public health problem. The Chesapeake Bay (CB) and its upper tributaries (UT) is a large and biologically diverse estuary. This pilot study evaluated the presence of AR of gram-negative bacteria isolated from water samples collected at various sites of the Chesapeake Bay. Bacterial organisms were identified and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Ninety-two distinctly different gram-negative bacteria were identified; Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Serratia marcescens, and Escherichia coli were most often isolated. Serratia marcescens was more frequently isolated in samples from the UT compared to the CB. Antimicrobial resistance was more frequently detected in organisms from the CB by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Antimicrobial resistance to ampicillin, imipenem, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol were the most frequently observed resistance patterns. ACT-1, CMY, and SHV genes were the most frequently detected resistance genes, with predominance in organism isolated from the CB. The results from this study emphasize the importance for further developing comprehensive surveillance programs of AR in bacterial isolates in the various environments, such as recreational and other water systems.
Intermolecularly selective [4+4] photocycloaddition of 2-pyridone mixtures

Abstract 4-Alkoxy-2-pyridones do not undergo [4+4] photodimerization but will react with other 2-pyridones to yield highly functionalized cyclooctadienes with differentiated functional groups.
Portal Hypertensive Cholangiopathy, Which Masquerades as an Acute Portal Vein Thrombosis:

Portal hypertensive cholangiopathy is a rare complication of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction and portal cavernoma. It is usually asymptomatic but may be associated with jaundice, biliary colic...
A Class of Definite Boundary Problems

Antedating the work of Morse on the extension of the Sturmian theory to self-adjoint differential systems, Bliss [2] considered a real two-point boundary problem which in terms of an n-dimensional vector function y(t) = (yα(t)), (α = l,…, n), may be written as $$ (a)y'(t) = A(t)y(t) + \lambda B(t)y(t),\quad t \in \left[ {a,b} \right].(b)s\left[ y \right] \equiv My(a) + Ny(b) = 0. $$ (1.1) For such a system he introduced the concept of “self-adjointness under a real non-singular transformation z = T(t)y”, and considered in detail a special class of such problems which he called “definitely self-adjoint”. This class of problems included the so-called accessory boundary problem for a non-singular simple integral variational problem involving no auxiliary differential equations as restraints, but included the accessory problem for a variational problem of Lagrange or Bolza type only in case the condition of identical normality held.
Catching the elusive persistent and mobile organic compounds: Novel sample preparation and advanced analytical techniques

Abstract Persistent and Mobile Organic Compounds (PMOCs) are emerging pollutants in the environment that have only been rarely detected in previous years due to the lack of analytical techniques available for their analysis. These compounds, being very polar, are able to spread through the surface waters, and reach groundwaters and drinking water sources. The challenges in the analysis of these compounds in water include their poor extraction efficiencies from environmental matrices and weak retention in conventional chromatographic columns. As a result, the toxicity and environmental fate of PMOCs are largely unknown. This review will examine recent developments in sorbent and chromatographic column technologies, and other sample preparation strategies that will enable analysis of PMOCs and advance our knowledge on their fate and transport in the environment. In addition, analysis of these compounds in water via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) are discussed in this review.
Acute Stroke During Pregnancy and Puerperium.

Abstract Background Acute stroke during pregnancy or within 6 weeks of childbirth is devastating for the mother and her family, yet data regarding incidence and contemporary trends are very limited. Objectives This study sought to investigate the incidence and outcomes of acute stroke and transient ischemic attack during pregnancy or within 6 weeks of childbirth in a large database. Methods The National Inpatient Sample was queried to identify women age ≥18 years in the United States with pregnancy-related hospitalizations from January 1, 2007, to September 30, 2015. Temporal trends in acute stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic)/transient ischemic attack incidence and in-hospital mortality were extracted. Results Among 37,360,772 pregnancy-related hospitalizations, 16,694 (0.045%) women had an acute stroke. The rates of acute stroke did not change (42.8 per 100,000 hospitalizations in 2007 vs. 42.2 per 100,000 hospitalizations in 2015; ptrends = 0.10). Among those with acute stroke, there were increases in prevalence of obesity, smoking, hyperlipidemia, migraine, and gestational hypertension. Importantly, in-hospital mortality rates were almost 385-fold higher among those who had a stroke (42.1 per 1,000 pregnancy-related hospitalizations vs. 0.11 per 1,000 pregnancy-related hospitalizations; p Conclusions In this contemporary analysis of pregnancy-related hospitalizations, acute stroke occurred in 1 of every 2,222 hospitalizations, and these rates did not decrease over approximately 9 years. The prevalence of most stroke risk factors has increased. Acute stroke during pregnancy and puerperium was associated with high maternal mortality, although it appears to be trending downward. Future studies to better identify mechanisms and approaches to prevention and management of acute stroke during pregnancy and puerperium are warranted.
MTFR2 regulates mitochondrial fission and impacts spindle integrity during mitosis

Previously we reported that mitochondrial fission regulator 2 (MTFR2, also termed DUFD1 or FAM54A) is co-transcribed with core centromere/kinetochore components, indicating a possible role in mitosis regulation. Here we show that human MTFR2 is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein and participates in DRP1 dependent mitochondrial fission. Multiple MTFR2 variants identified in cancer samples are defective in triggering mitochondrial fission. Inducible MTFR2 depletion caused prolonged mitotic duration and increased chromosome mis-segregation, resulting in multi-nucleated daughter cells. MTFR2 knockout cells accumulated spindle defects, producing either multipolar spindles or short oscillating spindles due to loss of astral microtubules. MTFR2 is phosphorylated during mitosis. The phosphorylation mutant, as well as the cancer variants, failed to correct the prolonged mitotic duration. MTFR2 knockout also rendered cells more resistant to apoptosis caused by taxol treatment. As overexpressing MFN1 or DRP1-K38A also caused spindle defects, we conclude that mitochondrial fragmentation during mitosis ensures spindle integrity and chromosomal stability, and MTFR2 plays a critical role in bridging proper mitochondrial fission and chromosome segregation.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Delta-Like 4 Within a Multinucleated Niche Cell Maintains Muscle Stem Cell Diversity

Summary The quiescent muscle stem cell (QSC) pool is heterogeneous and generally characterized by the presence and levels of intrinsic myogenic transcription factors. Whether extrinsic factors maintain the diversity of states across the QSC pool remains unknown. The muscle fiber is a multinucleated syncytium that serves as a niche to QSCs, raising the possibility that the muscle fiber regulates the diversity of states across the QSC pool. Here we show that the muscle fiber maintains a continuum of quiescent states, through a gradient of Notch ligand, Dll4, produced by the fiber and captured by QSCs. The abundance of Dll4 captured by the QSC correlates with levels of the SC identity gene, Pax7. Niche-specific loss of Dll4 decreases QSC diversity and shifts the continuum, towards more proliferative and committed states. We reveal that fiber-derived Mindbomb1 (Mib1), an E3 ubiquitin ligase activates Dll4 and controls the spatial localization of Dll4. In response to injury, with a Dll4-replenished niche, the normal continuum and diversity of SC pool is restored, demonstrating bi-directionality within the SC continuum. Our data shows that a post-translational mechanism controls spatial heterogeneity of Notch ligands in a multinucleated niche cell to maintain a continuum of diverse states within the SC pool during tissue homeostasis.
Acquisition and discrimination of appetitively and aversively conditioned heart rate responses in rhesus monkeys.

This report describes the acquisition of a conditional heart rate response to both classical aversive and appetitive conditioning in eight rhesus monkeys(Macaca mulatta). The behavioral paradigm consisted of two discrete one minute tones followed by the corresponding unconditional stimuli,i.e., electric shock or Purina monkey chow. A third tone followed by neither food nor shock served as a discriminative stimulus (DS). The conditional heart rate responses developed in two phases. The first phase was characterized by similar responses to both conditional stimuli and the DS. Control heart rate rose during this period. During the second phase, control heart rate decreased (five animals), the DS response disappeared, and different conditional heart rate patterns to food and shock emerged. The existence of distinct conditional response patterns indicates probable differences in the autonomic nervous regulation of the heart during aversive and appetitive conditioning.
Using Interculturally Aware Teaching Methods

Teaching interculturally was not addressed in BEST PRACTICES FOR LEGAL EDUCATION. Legal scholars have studied how legal pedagogy both reflects the values and approaches of dominant groups within legal academia (i.e., privileged white men), and also how these approaches to teaching can alienate students — such as women, students of color, and gender and sexually diverse students, among others — who do not share all of the dominant group’s traits. However, more research is required to help law teachers fully understand the extent to which the structures of legal education affect non-dominant groups and how legal education may be changed to address such impact. This section explores why the use of interculturally aware teaching methods is a best practice for law teachers, and provides general suggestions for how to do so. The section below on intercultural effectiveness for lawyers and the preceding section on humanizing legal education provide more detailed suggestions relevant to using interculturally aware teaching methods. Chapter 1 is available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2637100 Chapter 2 is available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2637068 Chapter 3 is available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2637102 Chapter 4 is available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2637490 Chapter 5 is available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2637495 Chapter 6 is available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2637499 Chapter 7 is available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2637541 Chapter 8 is available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2637544 The content of this SSRN posting is material that was published in the book Building on Best Practices: Transforming Legal Education in a Changing World, Maranville, et al., Lexis Nexis 2015. The content has been posted on SSRN with the express permission of Lexis Nexis and of Carolina Academic Press, publisher of the book as of January 1, 2016.
O manuseio de arma de fogo: estado da arte e perspectivas aplicadas na avaliação psicológica

A violencia tem feito parte da historia da maioria dos lugares no mundo atualmente e o Brasil segue a mesma tendencia. Essa realidade faz com que algumas pessoas procurem se armar por se sentirem inseguras e busquem a arma de fogo como uma forma de protecao. As legislacoes que regulamentam a area de armamento vem ao longo dos anos buscando um maior controle, entretanto a partir de 2019 e possivel perceber uma abertura e certo incentivo ao uso de armas de fogo. E embora o posicionamento sobre possuir uma arma como forma de garantir seguranca traga divergencia de opinioes, esse fato tem contribuido para o aumento da procura pela obtencao de registro e porte de arma de fogo no Brasil. Dentre as avaliacoes psicologicas compulsorias mais realizadas no Brasil esta a avaliacao psicologica para porte de arma que tem como finalidade verificar se a pessoa possui caracteristicas compativeis para o trabalho armado ou posse e manuseio de arma de fogo. Contudo, a area apresenta ainda muitas fragilidades como: estudos na area ainda sao escassos, inexistencia de instrumentos sugeridos pela Instrucao normativa da Policia Federal no 78/2014 para avaliar determinados construtos psicologicos, capacitacao dos profissionais para aplicacao, correcao e analise dos resultados, elaboracao de documentos, remuneracao e entrevista devolutiva ao candidato. E necessario que o profissional esteja devidamente capacitado, atualizado e aja dentro dos preceitos eticos elencados pela regulamentacao da area para que suas conclusoes sejam cientificamente embasadas e tragam seguranca para a sua pratica profissional.
Novel Cascade Classifier Using Multiresolution Progressive Learning for Device-Free Indoor Localization

Indoor localization of human objects has many important applications nowadays. Here, we propose a new multiresolution device-free indoor localization scheme using wireless radio frequency (RF) fingerprints. In our proposed new device-free approach, all transceiver devices are fixed in an indoor environment, so human targets do not need to carry any transceiver device with them. First, the indoor geometry is divided into several zones, and then, the received signal strength indicators measured by the receiving antennas are input features to our designed innovative machine learning model to identify within which zone the target is. Our proposed machine learning model, i.e., a multiresolution random forest classifier, is composed of a cascade architecture, which integrates and distills learned results over various zoning resolutions. The proposed new multiresolution approach greatly outperforms the existing random forest classifier. The average Euclidean distance error resulting from our proposed new technique is 1.0376 m.
Division, discord, and democracy: A forum on the 2020 U.S. Presidential campaign

This forum examines the rhetoric of the 2020 U.S. presidential contest, assessing the health of U.S. democracy in the wake of the vicissitudes of the Trump era. The election of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and the defeat of Donald Trump amidst a global pandemic and following a summer of racial reckoning after the high-profile police killing of George Floyd, among others, created a divisive campaign environment that, as in 2016, included attacks against women, immigrants, and people of color. The essays illustrate the resilience of racist, sexist, and xenophobic rhetoric in political culture—even during a campaign cycle that resulted in progressive change. The authors' reflections reveal how even when we try to disrupt these rhetorical currents in our politics, they persist: in the dismantling of presidential rhetorical norms;in how we understand democracy;in the selection of vice presidential running mates;and in rhetorical responses to disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Quarterly Journal of Speech is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
A DXA Whole Body Composition Cross-Calibration Experience: Evaluation With Humans, Spine, and Whole Body Phantoms

New densitometer installation requires cross-calibration for accurate longitudinal assessment. When replacing a unit with the same model, the International Society for Clinical Densitometry recommends cross-calibrating by scanning phantoms 10 times on each instrument and states that spine bone mineral density (BMD) should be within 1%, whereas total body lean, fat, and %fat mass should be within 2% of the prior instrument. However, there is limited validation that these recommendations provide adequate total body cross-calibration. Here, we report a total body cross-calibration experience with phantoms and humans. Cross-calibration between an existing and new Lunar iDXA was performed using 3 encapsulated spine phantoms (GE [GE Lunar, Madison, WI], BioClinica [BioClinica Inc, Princeton, NJ], and Hologic [Hologic Inc, Bedford, MA]), 1 total body composition phantom (BioClinica), and 30 human volunteers. Thirty scans of each phantom and a total body scan of human volunteers were obtained on each instrument. All spine phantom BMD means were similar (within 1%; <-0.010 g/cm2 bias) between the existing and new dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry unit. The BioClinica body composition phantom (BBCP) BMD and bone mineral content (BMC) values were within 2% with biases of 0.005 g/cm2 and -3.4 g. However, lean and fat mass and %fat differed by 4.6%-7.7% with biases of +463 g, -496 g, and -2.8%, respectively. In vivo comparison supported BBCP data; BMD and BMC were within ∼2%, but lean and fat mass and %fat differed from 1.6% to 4.9% with biases of +833 g, -860 g, and -1.1%. As all body composition comparisons exceeded the recommended 2%, the new densitometer was recalibrated. After recalibration, in vivo bias was lower (<0.05%) for lean and fat; -23 and -5 g, respectively. Similarly, BBCP lean and fat agreement improved. In conclusion, the BBCP behaves similarly, but not identical, to human in vivo measurements for densitometer cross-calibration. Spine phantoms, despite good BMD and BMC agreement, did not detect substantial lean and fat differences observed using BBCP and in vivo assessments. Consequently, spine phantoms are inadequate for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry whole body composition cross-calibration.
A cyclic universe approach to fine tuning

Abstract We present a closed bouncing universe model where the value of coupling constants is set by the dynamics of a ghost-like dilatonic scalar field. We show that adding a periodic potential for the scalar field leads to a cyclic Friedmann universe where the values of the couplings vary randomly from one cycle to the next. While the shuffling of values for the couplings happens during the bounce, within each cycle their time-dependence remains safely within present observational bounds for physically-motivated values of the model parameters. Our model presents an alternative to solutions of the fine tuning problem based on string landscape scenarios.
Neutron skyshine calculations with the integral line-beam method

Recently developed line- and conical-beam response functions are used to calculate neutron skyshine doses for four idealized source geometries. These calculations, which can serve as benchmarks, are compared with MCNP calculations, and the excellent agreement indicates that the integral conical- and line-beam method is an effective alternative to more computationally expensive transport calculations.
Gametogenesis in the green algaOedogonium cardiacum

Spermiogenesis in the macandrous, filamentous green algaOedogonium cardiacum is described at the ultrastructural level. The formation of the flagellar apparatus is similar to that in zoosporogenesis. Centrioles, appearingde novo in extranuclear, electron dense material, proliferate into two rows around the nucleus. Rootlet templates concurrently form between adjacent centrioles. The two rows migrate to the side of the cell and expand into a ring configuration. The centrioles (more correctly, basal bodies) extrude flagella while rootlet microtubules extend from the rootlet templates. Other components of the flagellar apparatus, including the fibrous ring and striated fibers, also form at this time. The flagellar apparatus of a mature sperm cell resembles that of a zoospore except the components are fewer in number and some are less well developed. A heterogeneous population of Golgi bodies in differentiating spermatids either contribute vesicles to the dome of the sperm cell, or else package and secrete extracellular products which are postulated to play a role in the release of sperm from the sperm packet.