cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A monotonie image-space algorithm for joint PET image reconstruction and motion estimation

Motion compensation in PET imaging has become more and more important for obtaining high-resolution images. PET emission image and patient motion can be estimated simultaneously from gated data through a joint estimation framework. The resulting optimization problem, however, is challenging to solve. We propose an efficient algorithm for joint estimation by using the optimization transfer with the expectation maximization (EM) surrogate function. Each iteration of the algorithm consists of three separable steps: a gated image reconstruction by the EM update, motion estimation by image registration and image fusion with motion compensation. This algorithm resembles an empirical image-space approach, but guarantees to converge monotonically. Results from a computer simulation showed the proposed algorithm is faster than an existing monotonic gradient algorithm and is more stable than its nonmonotonic variant.
Short Interfering RNA Inhibits Rift Valley Fever Virus Replication and Degradation of Protein Kinase R in Human Cells

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen causing severe outbreaks in humans and livestock in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Human infections are characterized by fever, sometimes leading to encephalitis, retinitis, hemorrhagic fever and occasionally death. There are currently no fully licensed vaccines or effective therapies for human use. Gene silencing mediated by double-stranded short interfering RNA (siRNA) is a sequence-specific, highly conserved mechanism in eukaryotes, which serves as an antiviral defence mechanism. Here, we demonstrate that siRNA duplexes directed against the RVFV nucleoprotein can effectively inhibit RVFV replication in human (MRC5 cells) and African green monkey cells (Vero E6 cells). Using these cells, we demonstrate that individual or complex siRNAs, targeting the RVFV nucleoprotein gene completely abrogate viral protein expression and prevent degradation of the host innate antiviral factor, protein kinase R (PKR). Importantly, pre-treatment of cells with the nucleoprotein-specific siRNAs markedly reduces the virus titer. The antiviral effect of the siRNAs was not attributable to interferon or the interferon response effector molecule, protein kinase R. Thus, the antiviral activity of RVFV nucleoprotein-specific siRNAs may provide novel therapeutic strategy against RVFV infections in animals and humans.
Rheology, hydration, and strength evolution of interground limestone cement containing PCE dispersant and high volume supplementary cementitious materials

Abstract The aim of this paper is to elucidate fundamental composition-reaction-property correlations in blended binder systems prepared with Portland-limestone cement (PLC) and high volume of aluminosilicate supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). An extensive investigation involving coordinated experiments and numerical simulations was carried out to quantify synergistic interactions between PLC and SCM (i.e., fly ash and slag), and benchmark them against corresponding blended ordinary Portland cement (OPC) systems. The study was carried out on mortars provisioned with optimum dosages of polycarboxylate ether (PCE) dispersant to improve fluidity and achieve enhanced particle packing. The results indicate that in spite of incorporating PCE at high dosages, PLC systems consistently show greater hydration kinetics compared to their OPC counterparts on account of their higher specific surface area. The SCMs are more effective in terms of improving strength in PLC systems as compared to OPC systems. This superiority of the PLC systems over OPC systems is attributed to enhanced particle packing and the carbonate-rich chemistry of PLC which allows enhanced formation of space-filling carboaluminate hydrates. Further, the results are consolidated to develop reliable correlations between hydration kinetics, rheological properties, and strength evolution for OPC-SCM and PLC-SCM systems. These correlations provide insights into optimizing binder formulation and proportioning.
The Effects of Manipulating Worry and Happiness on the Experience of Acute Pain and Worry about Pain

The empirical and clinical study of the relationship between emotions and pain has a long history. In the current study, participants rated pain intensity and worry about pain during noxious stimulation before and after they were asked to recall past events associated with worry, happiness, or pain. Participants in the worry condition evidenced increases in both pain intensity and worry about pain, and those in the happiness condition evidenced decreases in pain intensity and worry about pain, in response to the noxious stimulation. Asking participants to recall a physically painful episode had no significant effect on either pain intensity or pain-related worry. The effects of the emotion manipulation on pain were eliminated when the changes in worry about pain were controlled. The results are discussed in reference to the two-factor theory of pain and how the findings could inform clinical decisions.
Efficient and flexible location management techniques for wireless communication systems

We consider the problem of managing the information required to locate users in a wireless communication system, with a focus on designing and evaluating location management techniques that are efficient, scalable, and flexible. The three key contributions of this paper are: (1) a family of location management techniques, HiPER (for Hierarchical ProfilE Replication), that efficiently provide life-long (non-geographic) numbering with fast location lookup; (2) Pleiades, a scalable event-driven wireless system simulator with realistic calling and mobility patterns derived from several months of real traffic traces; and (3) multi-day simulations comparing our proposed location management techniques with current and previously proposed techniques on a realistic geographical and network topology.
Framing a Classroom Intervention Study in a Middle-School Algebra Environment

It has become a tradition in the field of mathematics education that before a researcher outlines the research design for a study, he or she should outline a theoretical framework for the investigation which is about to be conducted. Then, after research questions are stated, and the design of the study is described, the investigation takes place. The data gathering, data analyses, and interpretation are guided by the theoretical framework and conclusions are couched in terms of, and seen in the light of, the theoretical framework. There are many mathematics education researchers who regard this theory-based process as sacrosanct, as absolutely essential for high-quality research. In the first part of this chapter it is argued that the traditional “theoretical-framework” process just described is flawed, that it can result in important aspects of data being overlooked, and that it can lead to incorrect, or inappropriate, conclusions being made. It is argued that the first thing that needs to be done in a mathematics education research investigation is to identify, in clearly stated terms, the problems for which solutions are to be sought. Having done that, historical frameworks—which have only occasionally been taken seriously by mathematics education researchers—should be provided. Then, having identified the problems and having provided a historical framework, a design-research approach ought to be adopted whereby a theory, or parts of a theory, or a combination of parts of different theories, are selected as most pertinent to the problems which are to be solved. This chapter identifies three main problems: (a) “Why do so many middle-school students experience difficulty in learning algebra?” (b) “What theoretical positions might be likely to throw light on how that problem might be best solved?” (c) “In the light of answers offered for (a) and (b), what are the specific research questions for which answers will be sought in subsequent chapters of this book?”
Africa and the Philosophy of Democratic Governance

Ikuenobe examines the philosophical nature and justification of democracy, and the normative foundation of good governance. Although theoretically, democracy is considered a good form of government, its Western liberal and multi-party incarnations in Africa have not produced the kind of good governance that exists in Western democracies. Ikuenobe critically explores the problems with democratic governance in Africa and uses this as a backdrop to raise the question of whether, practically, Western multi-party democracy is a good, or the best, form of government for many post-colonial African states, given some of their unique natures and situations. The chapter analyzes the uniqueness of African states and provides a plausible diagnosis of the causes of bad or improper democratic governance in Africa. Ikuenobe examines whether the reliance on traditional African communal structures, value systems, and attitudes could achieve the democratic outcomes of mutual responsibility, common good, accountability, solidarity, caring, and human welfare. Ikuenobe, in conclusion, also examines some proposals for achieving democratic accountability and transparency, which include a free press, an independent judiciary, and democratic education.
Association between mammographic breast density and histologic features of benign breast disease

Over 40% of women undergoing breast screening have mammographically dense breasts. Elevated mammographic breast density (MBD) is an established breast cancer risk factor and is known to mask tumors within the dense tissue. However, the association of MBD with high risk benign breast disease (BBD) is unknown. We analyzed data for 3400 women diagnosed with pathologically confirmed BBD in the Mayo Clinic BBD cohort from 1985–2001, with a clinical MBD measure (either parenchymal pattern (PP) or Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (BI-RADS) density) and expert pathology review. Risk factor information was collected from medical records and questionnaires. MBD was dichotomized as dense (PP classification P2 or DY, or BI-RADS classification c or d) or non-dense (PP classification N1 or P1, or BI-RADS classification a or b). Associations of clinical and histologic characteristics with MBD were examined using logistic regression analysis to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of 3400 women in the study, 2163 (64%) had dense breasts. Adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI), there were positive associations of dense breasts with use of hormone therapy (HT), lack of lobular involution, presence of atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH), histologic fibrosis, columnar cell hyperplasia/flat epithelia atypia (CCH/FEA), sclerosing adenosis (SA), cyst, usual ductal hyperplasia, and calcifications. In fully adjusted multivariate models, HT (1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5), ALH (1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.2), lack of lobular involution (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.1, compared to complete involution), fibrosis (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.9–2.6) and CCH/FEA (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.6) remained significantly associated with high MBD. Our findings support an association between high risk BBD and high MBD, suggesting that risks associated with the latter may act early in breast carcinogenesis.
Effects of Chronic Opioid Use on Sleep and Wake

Chronic use of opioids negatively affects sleep on 2 levels: sleep architecture and breathing. Patients suffer from a variety of daytime sequelae. There may be a bidirectional relationship between poor sleep quality, sleep-disordered breathing, and daytime function. Opioids are a potential cause of incident depression. The best therapeutic option is withdrawal of opioids, which proves difficult. Positive airway pressure devices are considered first-line treatment for sleep-related breathing disorders. New generation positive pressure servo ventilators are increasingly popular as a treatment option for opioid-induced sleep-disordered breathing. Treatments to improve sleep quality, sleep-related breathing disorders, and quality of life in patients who use opioids chronically are discussed.
Early-life skin microbiota in hospitalized preterm and full-term infants.

The infant skin microbiota may serve as a reservoir of bacteria that contribute to neonatal infections and stimulate local and systemic immune development. The objectives of our study were to characterize the skin microbiota of preterm and full-term infants during their birth hospitalization and describe its relationship to the microbiota of other body sites and the hospital environment. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 129 infants, including 40 preterm and 89 full-term infants. Samples were collected from five sites: the forehead and posterior auricular scalp (skin upper body); the periumbilical region, inguinal folds, and upper thighs (skin lower body); the oral cavity; the infant’s immediate environment; and stool. Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and enteric Gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia and Enterobacter dominated the skin microbiota. The preterm infant microbiota at multiple sites had lower alpha diversity and greater enrichment with Staphylococcus and Escherichia than the microbiota of comparable sites in full-term infants. The community structure was highly variable among individuals but differed significantly by body site, postnatal age, and gestational age. Source tracking indicated that each body site both contributed to and received microbiota from other body sites and the hospital environment. The skin microbiota of preterm and full-term infants varied across individuals, by body site, and by the infant’s developmental stage. The skin harbored many organisms that are common pathogens in hospitalized infants. Bacterial source tracking suggests that microbiota are commonly exchanged across body sites and the hospital environment as microbial communities mature in infancy.
Measurements of phytol in estuarine suspended organic matter

The unsaturated isoprenoid alcohol phytol is a constituent of the major chlorophyll species a and b and, as such, should be useful as an estimator for chlorophyll values. A method for the extraction of phytol from estuarine suspended organic matter and analysis by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) is described. Comparisons of the GLC method for phytol-chlorophyll analyses and a spectrophotometric chlorophyll method indicate that the GLC method gives values in good agreement with the spectrophotometric procedure. Similar trends in suspended chlorophyll values were observed in Narragansett Bay (Rhode Island, USA) water samples using the GLC method and a fluorometric procedure. The results of these studies indicate that the GLC method provides reliable analyses of chlorophyll and, although more time-consuming, has the advantage that other organic species can be analyzed in the same sample, thus providing additional information on its chemical composition.
Suggestions to Parents about Common Behavior Problems in a Pediatric Primary Care Office

Studies by Clarke-Stewart (1978) and Schroeder and Wool (1979) have shown that the pediatrician is the professional most parents initially contact when they have concerns about their child’s development or behavior. How pediatricians have managed these concerns has varied with their perceived role and interest in this area, their skills, and their time limitations. The pediatric psychologist would appear to have much to offer parents and pediatricians in primary health care settings (Wilson, 1964).
Nucleic Acids and Induction of Antibody Synthesis in Inhibited Systems

The effects of radiation (Taliaferro et al., 1964) and various drugs (Gabrielsen and Good, 1967) on the immune response have demonstrated that the mechanism of antibody synthesis follows the same course as most of the other proteins in that the induction of antibody synthesis is associated with nucleic acid synthesis.
Patient outcome following 2 different stress imaging approaches: a prospective randomized comparison.

Objectives The study sought to prospectively compare patient outcome after stress real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE) versus conventional stress echo (CSE), where contrast is used to optimize wall motion (WM) analysis. Background Myocardial perfusion imaging with RTMCE may improve the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD), and predict patient outcome. Methods Patients with intermediate to high pre-test probability referred for dobutamine or exercise stress echocardiography were prospectively randomized to either RTMCE or CSE. Definity contrast was used for CSE only when endocardial border delineation was inadequate (63% of studies). Studies were interpreted by either an experienced contrast reviewer (R1; n = 1257), or 4 Level 3 echocardiographers (R2) with basic contrast training (n = 806). Death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and revascularizations were recorded at follow-up. Results Follow-up was available in 2,014 patients (median 2.6 years). Mean age was 59 ± 13 years (53% women). An abnormal RTMCE was more frequently observed than an abnormal CSE (p l 0.001), and more frequently resulted in revascularization (p = 0.004). Resting WM abnormalities were also more frequently seen with RTMCE (p l 0.01), and were an independent predictor of death/nonfatal MI (p = 0.005) for RTMCE, but not CSE. The predictive value of a positive study, whether with CSE or RTMCE, was significant for both R1 and R2 reviewers in predicting the combined endpoint, but R1 was better than R2 at predicting patients at risk for death or nonfatal MI. Conclusions Perfusion imaging with RTMCE improves the detection of CAD during stress echocardiography, and identifies those more likely to undergo revascularization following an abnormal study.
On a generalization of margin-based discriminative training to robust speech recognition.

Recently, there have been intensive studies of margin-based learning for automatic speech recognition (ASR). It is our believe that by securing a margin from the decision boundaries to the training samples, a correct decision can still be made if the mismatches between testing and training samples are well within the tolerance region specified by the margin. This nice property should be effective for robust ASR, where the testing condition is different from those in training. In this paper, we report on experiment results with soft margin estimation (SME) on the Aurora2 task and show that SME is very effective under clean training with more than 50% relative word error reductions in the clean, 20db, and 15db testing conditions, and still gives a slight improvement over conventional multi-condition training approaches. This demonstrates that the margin in SME can equip recognizers with a nice generalization property under adverse conditions.
Fast Protocol for DNA Extraction from Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissues

This chapter describes step-by-step a fast protocol to obtain a crude extract of genomic DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue for PCR analysis. The time required for the procedure is approximately 1.5 h with an overnight incubation. This method may be applied for either entire tissue sections or microdissected FFPE tissues. The protocol is based on the method described by Higuchi (1989, Stockton Press, New York), with modifications concerning the deparaffinization steps and the tissue recovery. For the described method, a tissue section (3–5 µm thickness) containing about 1 cm2 area is required for the basic protocol. Additional information is given when dealing with smaller tissue samples resulting from microdissections. After cutting, the tissue is deparaffinized, followed by proteolytic treatment with Proteinase K. The DNA can be quantitated photometrically and used directly for PCR analysis.
Muscle metaboreflex control of cardiac output and peripheral vasoconstriction exhibit different latencies

Experiments were designed to determine 1) the mechanisms mediating metaboreflex-induced increases in systemic arterial pressure (SAP) in response to total vascular occlusion of hindlimb blood flow [e.g., increases in cardiac output (CO) vs. peripheral vasoconstriction] and 2) whether the individual mechanisms display differential latencies for the onset of the responses. Responses were observed in seven dogs performing steady-state treadmill exercise of mild and moderate workloads (3.2 km/h at 0% grade and 6.4 km/h at 10% grade). Differential latencies were exhibited among CO, nonischemic vascular conductance (NIVC; conductance to all nonischemic vascular beds), and renal vascular conductance (RVC), with peripheral vasoconstriction significantly preceding metaboreflex-mediated increases in CO. In addition, the latencies for SAP were not different from those for NIVC or RVC at either workload. During the lower workload there were small increases and then subsequent decreases in CO before the metaboreflex-induced increase in CO, which did contribute somewhat to the initial increases in SAP. However, the increases in CO mediated by the metaboreflex occurred significantly later than the initial increases in SAP. Therefore, we conclude that the substantial metaboreflex-mediated pressor responses that occur during the initial phase of total vascular occlusion during mild and moderate exercise are primarily caused by peripheral vasoconstriction.
Flowrate Dependence of Particle Shedding from a Gas Delivery Line

Particle count measurements have been made on filtered N2 passed through a 30 ft section of 0.18″ i.d., 316L stainless steel tubing that had seen extended service as a delivery line for dry HCl. Experiments of two hours duration were run in sequence at N2 flowrates of 0.14, 0.33, 0.43 and 1.0 CFM. The corresponding flow Reynolds numbers were 1200, 2900, 3800 and 8800. A PMS Model LAS-X particle counter tallied particles within a 0.3 1pm exit sample stream over 10 minute time intervals. Counts were made for fifteen equistep size classes between 0.17 and 0.62 urn, as well as for all particles ›0.62 μm.
Wavefront control for minimization of speckle coupling into a fiber injection unit based on the electric field conjugation algorithm

A fiber injection unit situated in the focal plane behind a coronagraph feeding a high resolution spectrograph can be used to couple light from an exoplanet to obtain high resolution spectra with improved sensitivity. However, the signal-to-noise ratio of the planet signal is limited by the coupling of starlight into the single mode fiber. To minimize this coupling, we need to apply a control loop on the stellar wavefront at the input of the fiber. We present here a wavefront control algorithm based on the formalism of the Electric Field Conjugation (EFC) controller that accounts for the effect of the fiber. The control output is the overlap integral of the electric field with the fundamental mode of a single mode fiber. This overlap integral is estimated by sending probes to a deformable mirror. We present results from simulations, and laboratory results obtained at the Caltech Exoplanet Technology Lab’s transmissive testbed. We show that our approach offers a significant improvement in starlight suppression through the fiber relative to a conventional EFC controller. This new approach improves the contrast of a high contrast instrument and could be used in future missions.
Platforms for GHz Microplasma-Material Studies

Split-ring resonators and a dielectric-loaded, double-ridge waveguide are developed as platforms for studying plasmamaterial interactions when igniting and sustaining plasmas using microwaves. Split-ring resonators have been studied extensively in the past as devices for microplasma formation using microwaves 1. Here, we utilize simulations to inform the design of rings. In order to expedite materials studies, we study screen-printing as a method for producing split-ring resonators which resonate at 2.7GHz. The effects of different materials on plasma generation and plasma damage are explored in Ar and air plasmas.
Tufa precipitation from Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) over geotextile: Mechanism, composition, and affecting parameters

Abstract One of the limiting factors of using RCA as a construction material has previously been related to the generated tufa despite its acceptable mechanical properties. Studies conducted in the mid-90s seem to overestimate the potential of such formations; whereas, more recent studies tend to underestimate such depositions from RCA. However, a comprehensive study to understand the chemical mechanisms and resulting chemical composition of pure RCA tufa had not been carried out. This paper discusses the results of an analytical study that combines both the findings from experimental and theoretical geochemistry to demonstrate the conditions that result in tufa precipitation, the associated mineral compositions, and what these differences in mineral compositions may mean for the construction. The precipitation experiments were conducted using Plummer et al. reaction vessel. Based on the observations from these experiments, the findings showed that the chemical reactions and the formation of tufa depend on different precipitation mechanisms. The theoretical evaluations showed that Garrels-Mackenzie (progressive evaporation) model can be successfully used to interpret observations from the experiments. The results of this analytical study confirm that in most construction conditions calcium sulfate minerals are more likely to precipitate from RCA than calcium carbonate minerals. This finding would mean that the precipitated deposition from RCA may be seasonal due to the higher solubility constant of calcium sulfate. For practical implications in construction, a one-point leach test and geochemical analysis method is suggested to estimate the characteristics of potential tufa formations from different RCA sources.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE THERMAL INACTIVATION OF THE ORGANISM OF Q FEVER IN MILK.1

Q Fever is an infectious disease of man. Cattle, sheep and goats, who for the most part suffer inapparent infections with the organism, are the important sources of infection for man. These animals shed the organism in their milk. This manuscript reports on the cooperative studies designed to determine the times and temperatures needed to eliminate the causative rickettsiae, Coxiella burnetii, from cows milk. It is reported that the present minimum standard of pasteurization by the vat method of 143° F. for 30 minutes is inadequate, but the temperature of 145° F. for 30 minutes will eliminate the organism. The pasteurization of milk according to the present standards for HTST equipment of 161° F. for 15 seconds seems adequate to destroy C. burnetii.
Omnivergent Stereo

The notion of a virtual camera for optimal 3D reconstruction is introduced. Instead of planar perspective images that collect many rays at a fixed viewpoint, omnivergent cameras collect a small number of rays at many different viewpoints. The resulting 2D manifold of rays is arranged into two multiple-perspective images for stereo reconstruction. We call such images omnivergent images, and the process of reconstructing the scene from such images omnivergent stereo. This procedure is shown to produce 3D scene models with minimal reconstruction error, due to the fact that for any point in the 3D scene, two rays with maximum vergence angle can be found in the omnivergent images. Furthermore, omnivergent images are shown to have horizontal epipolar lines, enabling the application of traditional stereo matching algorithms, without modification. Three types of omnivergent virtual cameras are presented: spherical omnivergent cameras, center-strip cameras and dual-strip cameras.
The unpredictability of seasonal variations in serum vitamin D levels in children with asthma and/or rhinitis.

Abstract Background Some studies have showed that seasonality is an important determinant of vitamin D (vitD) status. Objective We evaluated whether there are differences in individual trends of serum vitD level over one year in asthmatic and rhinitic children. Materials and methods Ninety-two asthmatic and rhinitic paediatric patients were followed up for one year and their serum vitD level was detected at three-month intervals, once in each season. Results We observed higher vitD levels at the end of summer and lower at the end of winter. However, the individual seasonal trend was very variable and unpredictable. If it is true that in a given season the majority of patients followed one direction (increase or decrease of serum vitD levels), nevertheless a substantial percentage behaved differently and unpredictably. For example, at the end of spring, 70% of patients showed an increase in serum vitD levels, but 30% showed a decrease. In addition, five individuals had a value ≥50 ng/ml in September and showed serum vitD levels ≥30 ng/ml throughout the year; 16 patients presented vitD value ≥40 ng/ml in September and always had ≥20 ng/ml in the other months. Conclusions The wide and unpredictable variability of the individual trend of serum vitD levels should be taken into account before deciding whether or not a drug supplementation is appropriate.
The Impact of Physician Demographic Characteristics on Perceptions of Their Attire.

Background and objectives Few studies address the impact of physician attire on ratings of personality characteristics in the presence of varied physician demographic characteristics (gender, racial/ethnic background). Even fewer have examined the boundaries of acceptable physician attire, given recent loosening of societal standards of dress. Methods Using an online survey methodology, adult participants (N=505; 45% medical professionals) were recruited. Participants rated target photos depicting a male and female individual from three ethnic/racial categories each dressed in business casual (with and without a white coat) or in professional attire (with and without a white coat) on a number of personality characteristics. General willingness to have physicians wear certain apparel items was also queried, as was the importance/acceptability of specific clothing items and appearance choices. Responses were analyzed by gender, age, ethnicity, and profession of respondent. Results Both business casual and professional attire were rated highly. A name tag had the highest ratings for importance of wear. The results for wearing a white coat were not as consistent as earlier studies as physicians were perceived as warmer and kinder when not wearing a lab coat, particularly with professional attire. However, female Caucasian physicians were rated most positively when wearing a lab coat. Consistent with previous studies, attire that was too casual (jeans, t-shirts) was rated negatively. Conclusions The current study supports the notion that rules of attire are changing, even in the physician's office. Name tags were perceived to be crucial in medical settings, and casual clothing should be avoided. Despite often being considered a defining component of a physician's "uniform," the white lab coat may not be a universal positive and perhaps even a negative for some physicians.
Patrisse Khan-Cullors’s And When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir: storytelling as Black feminist counter-attack on mis-labelling of Black identity

In this essay, I analyze co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement Patrisse Khan-Cullors’s herstory as shared in her book (coauthored with Asha Bandele) When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black ...
Working with a Surgical Assistant

The surgeon and assistant must establish expectations and methods before operating together, agreeing upon verbal and non-verbal cues. Clarification should be requested when in doubt. Cross-training of surgical staff is encouraged to avoid novice assistants when a primary assistant is absent. Give feedback after a procedure where an assistant or surgeon performed problematically. Do not let frustrations build, rather, discuss them as soon as discretely possible. The surgeon’s and assistant’s hands should not be in the field simultaneously without prior explicit direction by the surgeon. Surgeons and assistants should always visualize instruments and tissue that they manipulate. Distracting conversation should be avoided, comforting the patient when necessary. Soft music is often an acceptable alternative.
Factors Related to Health Civic Engagement: Results from the 2018 National Survey of Health Attitudes to Understand Progress towards a Culture of Health

Civic engagement, including voting, volunteering, and participating in civic organizations, is associated with better psychological, physical and behavioral health and well-being. In addition, civic engagement is increasingly viewed (e.g., in Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Culture of Health action framework) as a potentially important driver for raising awareness of and addressing unhealthy conditions in communities. As such, it is important to understand the factors that may promote civic engagement, with a particular focus on the less-understood, health civic engagement, or civic engagement in health-related and health-specific activities. Using data from a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States (U.S.), we examined whether the extent to which individuals feel they belong in their community (i.e., perceived sense of community) and the value they placed on investing in community health were associated with individuals’ health civic engagement. Using data collected on 7187 nationally representative respondents from the 2018 National Survey of Health Attitudes, we examined associations between sense of community, valued investment in community health, and perceived barriers to taking action to invest in community health, with health civic engagement. We constructed continuous scales for each of these constructs and employed multiple linear regressions adjusting for multiple covariates including U.S. region and city size of residence, educational attainment, family income, race/ethnicity, household size, employment status, and years living in the community. Participants who endorsed (i.e., responded with mostly or completely) all 16 sense of community scale items endorsed an average of 22.8% (95%CI: 19.8–25.7%) more of the health civic engagement scale items compared with respondents who did not endorse any of the sense of community items. Those who endorsed (responded that it was an important or top priority) all items capturing valued investment in community health endorsed 14.0% (95%CI: 11.2–16.8%) more of the health civic engagement items than those who did not endorse any valued investment in community health items. Health civic engagement, including voting and volunteering to ultimately guide government decisions about health issues, may help improve conditions that influence health and well-being for all. Focusing on individuals’ sense of community and highlighting investments in community health may concurrently be associated with increased health civic engagement and improved community and population health.
Eotaxin-1/CCL11 correlates with left superior temporal gyrus in bipolar disorder: A preliminary report suggesting accelerated brain aging

Abstract Background Neuropsychiatric disorders have been linked to immune mechanisms. Altered peripheral levels of eotaxin-1/CCL11; a cytokine implicated in allergic reactions and aging process; have been reported in bipolar disorder (BD). Several brain areas, especially the temporal lobe, seem to display volume loss and accelerated aging in BD. This study aimed at exploring potential associations between eotaxins and brain volumes in patients with BD compared to controls. Methods Twenty-two euthymic patients with BD and 22 controls were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of eotaxin-1/CCL11, eotaxin-2/CCL24 and eotaxin-3/CCL26 were determined alongside brain volumes. Results There were no differences in the levels of eotaxins between patients and controls. A negative correlation was found between eotaxin-1/CCL11 levels and left-hemisphere's superior-temporal volume only in BD patients, which persisted with covariate adjusted model. Conclusion This study corroborates the emerging evidence of association between inflammation and brain volumes in BD. Our preliminary results also support the hypothesis of a possible role of eotaxin-1/CCL11 in accelerated brain aging in BD.
Computer animation body surface analysis of total skin electron radiation therapy dose homogeneity via Cherenkov imaging.

Purpose: Quality assurance (QA) of dose homogeneity in total skin electron therapy (TSET) is challenging since each patient is positioned in six standing poses with two beam angles. Our study tested the feasibility of a unique approach for TSET QA through computational display of the cumulative dose, constructed and synthesized by computer animation methods. Approach: Dose distributions from Cherenkov emission images were projected onto a scanned 3D body model. Topographically mapped surfaces of the patient were recorded in each of six different delivery positions, while a Cherenkov camera acquired images. Computer animation methods allowed a fitted 3D human body model of the patient to be created with deformation of the limbs and torso to each position. A two-dimensional skin map was extracted from the 3D model of the full surface of the patient. This allowed the dose mapping to be additively accumulated independent of body position, with the total dose summed in a 2D map and reinterpreted on the 3D body display. Results: For the body model, the mean Hausdorff error distance was below 2 cm, setting the spatial accuracy limit. The dose distribution over the patient’s 3D model generally matched the Cherenkov/dose images. The dose distribution mapping was estimated to be near 1.5 cm accuracy based upon a phantom study. The body model must most closely match at the edges of the mesh to ensure that high dose gradients are not projected onto the wrong location. Otherwise 2 to 3 cm level errors in positioning in the mesh do not appear to cause larger than 5% dose errors. The cumulative dose images showed regions of overlap laterally and regions of low intensity in the posterior arms. Conclusions: The proposed modeling and animation can be used to visualize and analyze the accumulated dose in TSET via display of the summed dose/Cherenkov images on a single body surface.
A City Divided: Race, Fear and the Law in Police Confrontations Chapter 1: The Incident

An African American teenager in Pittsburgh, walking in his neighborhood, encountered three plain clothes police officers. In less than a minute, this chance encounter turned violent with the young man injured and arrested. When pictures of his battered face hit the media days later, Pittsburgh is first shocked – but then quickly becomes divided. This excerpt is the first chapter of A City Divided: Race, Fear, and the Law in Police Confrontations (Anthem Press, 2020). The book tells the story of the case from the start to finish in federal court. In a case that foretold the fates of so many other black men after Ferguson, the author uses a deep knowledge of policing and the legal system, along with the latest social and psychological science concerning race, to explain why things went wrong on the street, how the legal system failed, and what we can do to prevent catastrophes like this one from happening again.
Higher Education for California Native Nation Building: A Retrospective on College Experience and Completion

The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the symbiotic relationship between Native nation-building and higher education in California (CA)—an understudied topic in Indian education....
Exchange Traded Notes: An Introduction

The first Exchange-Traded Note (ETN) was introduced in 2006. Since then, at least 64 other ETNs have been issued, with more announced. This financial security, which is growing in number and popularity, is often confused with Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and seems to be largely misunderstood by the general investing public and even by institutional investors and academicians. Since no academic work has been published on the subject, this article offers a seminal introduction to ETNs. It provides five basic categories of information: 1) descriptive information about ETNs, 2) fine print related to ETNs that we believe investors should understand before purchasing shares, 3) a few simple examples of ETNs that are available, 4) a simple analysis of how closely ETN market prices track their indicative values (something akin to NAV), and 5) a discussion of why ETNs may appeal to various investor classes. The authors believe this article will provide the catalyst for much future empirical work on these financial securities.
Allograft Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Patients Results in a Low Recurrence Rate of Patellar Dislocation or Subluxation at Midterm Follow-Up

Purpose To evaluate rates of recurrent instability in adolescent patients with medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction with allograft and associations of anatomic risk factors with complications. Methods A retrospective review identified patients of a single surgeon who underwent MPFL reconstruction with allograft for recurrent patellar instability with minimum 2-year follow-up. Surgical management was recommended after a minimum 6 weeks of nonoperative management and included MPFL reconstruction with gracilis allograft using a double-bundle technique. Preoperative radiographs were evaluated to assess physeal closure, lower-extremity alignment, trochlear morphology, and Insall-Salvati and Caton-Deschamps ratios. Magnetic resonance images were reviewed to evaluate the MPFL, trochlear morphology, and tibial tubercle trochlear groove distance (TT-TG). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize data. The primary outcome was recurrent instability. Results 20 patients (24 knees; 18 knees in 14 females and 6 knees in 6 males; average age 15.7 years; range 11.5 to 19.6) underwent MPFL reconstruction with allograft (mean ± standard deviation follow-up 5.2 ± 1.7 years; range 2.2 to 8.1). Physes were open in 9 knees. The Insall-Salvati ratio was 1.09 ± 0.16, and the Caton-Deschamps index was 1.17 ± 0.15. Preoperatively, 19 patients were noted to have trochlear dysplasia, and TT-TG was 15.3 ± 3.9 mm. Three of 4 knees (16.7%) with non–hardware-related complications had open physes: 3 (12.5%) had recurrent instability, 2 of which underwent subsequent operation, and 1 sustained a patella fracture after a fall, requiring open reduction and internal fixation. The average Insall-Salvati ratio of these 4 patients was 1.21 ± 0.20, Caton-Deschamps index was 1.18 ± 0.17, and TT-TG was 17.5 ± 3.3 mm, none of which were statistically different from the group without complications. There were no clinically noted growth disturbances postoperatively. Conclusions MPFL reconstruction using allograft tissue may be performed safely in the pediatric and adolescent population with good outcomes at midterm follow-up, few complications, and a low rate of recurrent instability. Level of Evidence IV, case series.
Low Temperature Wafer-To-Wafer Hybrid Bonding by Nanotwinned Copper

Three-dimensional heterogeneous integration is at the core of development for advanced package technology with transcending Moore's law, evolving several applications including mobile, HPCs and AI in practice in foreseeable future. Nowadays, copper material as redistribution layer or through silicon via had widely been applied into fan-out wafer level package, package-on-package interposer integration, and embedded multi-die interconnect bridge. Recently, nanotwinned copper has been reported with distinctive properties which have shown several benefits in domain of Cu to Cu direct bonding such as high surface diffusivity and mechanical properties. It has been successfully bonded at 200°C for 1 hour within film-to-film. For further advanced technologies including 3D IC, nt-Cu has shown a potential candidate toward bonding technology. In this paper, we have proposed wafer-to-wafer hybrid bonding by using a solderless structure of nt-Cu/SiO 2 hybrid structure. The nt-Cu/SiO 2 hybrid structure was fabricated by electroplating, CMP and followed by wafer to wafer bonding. In view of literature, CMP has played crucial role to control roughness which further affect bonding interface. This nt-Cu/SiO 2 hybrid structure with well controlled roughness with whole wafer flattened by CMP, which two step CMP process routes were conducted and achieved arithmetic average roughness of 0.3 nm with dishing 1 nm on nt-Cu. Sequentially, the nt-Cu/SiO 2 hybrid structure were bonded successfully with a significantly reduced bonding temperature of 200°C which depends critically on the -oriented Cu as well as continuous nt-Cu/SiO 2 bonding interface. After bonding process, the morphology and structure of nt-Cu/SiO 2 hybrid bonding wafers were analyzed with FIB-SEM and TEM to investigate the cross-sectional bonding interfacial circumstance followed by reliability test. It has been successfully passed TCT test and with pull strength over 10 MPa. Furthermore, the effective fabricated nt-Cu/SiO 2 with high strength and well interface can be bonded with low temperature wafer-to-wafer hybrid bonding have shown a great novel candidate for heterogonous integration for future advanced package technology.
Proposed Empirical-Mathematical Learning Model

Prior research findings were scrutinized to develop a modeling scheme to enhance math knowledge transfer. The modeling scheme proposed in this chapter is context-free since it is to provide a general framework for designing activities or lectures whose purpose is to activate students’ math conceptual knowledge and embrace it with scientific inquiry. Data for modeling processes can be generated from real, simulated, or hypothetical resources. Observation of experiment progress and its analyses will stem from covariational algebraic relationships. In addition to presenting the scheme, the task descriptions of its phases and internal links will also be discussed. This framework was deployed to several case studies included in Part III of the volume, and its effects on students’ skills of merging math with scientific inquiry were evaluated.
Combined inverse-designed metastructure with tunable couplers for forward-scattering computations

Here we describe a wave-based computing system for solving forward-scattering problems with arbitrary inputs, utilizing a hybrid network of inverse-designed metastructures and tunable directional couplers.
Evaluation of the SPLICE algorithm on the Aurora2 database.

This paper describes recent improvements to SPLICE, Stereobased Piecewise Linear Compensation for Environments, which produces an estimate of cepstrum of undistorted speech given the observed cepstrum of distorted speech. For distributed speech recognition applications, SPLICE can be placed at the server, thus limiting the processing that would take place at the client. We evaluated this algorithm on the Aurora2 task, which consists of digit sequences within the TIDigits database that have been digitally corrupted by passing them through a linear filter and/or by adding different types of realistic noises at SNRs ranging from 20dB to -5dB. On set A data, for which matched training data is available, we achieved a 66% decrease in word error rate over the baseline system with clean models. This preliminary result is of practical significance because in a server implementation, new noise conditions can be added as they are identified once the service is running.
Milstein, Cesar (1927–2002)

This article has no abstract. Keywords: Milstein, Cesar (monoclonal antibodies from hybridomas); hypoxanthine, aminopterin and thymidine (HAT)