cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of semantic localization accuracies between adult and pediatric DICOM CT images

Existing literature describes a variety of techniques for semantic annotation of DICOM CT images, i.e. the automatic detection and localization of anatomical structures. Semantic annotation facilitates enhanced image navigation, linkage of DICOM image content and non-image clinical data, content-based image retrieval, and image registration. A key challenge for semantic annotation algorithms is inter-patient variability. However, while the algorithms described in published literature have been shown to cope adequately with the variability in test sets comprising adult CT scans, the problem presented by the even greater variability in pediatric anatomy has received very little attention. Most existing semantic annotation algorithms can only be extended to work on scans of both adult and pediatric patients by adapting parameters heuristically in light of patient size. In contrast, our approach, which uses random regression forests ('RRF'), learns an implicit model of scale variation automatically using training data. In consequence, anatomical structures can be localized accurately in both adult and pediatric CT studies without the need for parameter adaptation or additional information about patient scale. We show how the RRF algorithm is able to learn scale invariance from a combined training set containing a mixture of pediatric and adult scans. Resulting localization accuracy for both adult and pediatric data remains comparable with that obtained using RRFs trained and tested using only adult data.
A low affinity GCaMP3 variant (GCaMPer) for imaging the endoplasmic reticulum calcium store

Endoplasmic reticulum calcium homeostasis is critical for cellular functions and is disrupted in diverse pathologies including neurodegeneration and cardiovascular disease. Owing to the high concentration of calcium within the ER, studying this subcellular compartment requires tools that are optimized for these conditions. To develop a single-fluorophore genetically encoded calcium indicator for this organelle, we targeted a low affinity variant of GCaMP3 to the ER lumen (GCaMPer (10.19)). A set of viral vectors was constructed to express GCaMPer in human neuroblastoma cells, rat primary cortical neurons, and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. We observed dynamic changes in GCaMPer (10.19) fluorescence in response to pharmacologic manipulations of the ER calcium store. Additionally, periodic calcium efflux from the ER was observed during spontaneous beating of cardiomyocytes. GCaMPer (10.19) has utility in imaging ER calcium in living cells and providing insight into luminal calcium dynamics under physiologic and pathologic states.
Calcium as a Limiting Factor in the Distribution of the Amphipod Gammarus pseudolimnaeus

Abstract The amphipod Gammarus pseudolimnaeus is abundant throughout most of the length of two small streams on the coastal plain of Virginia, but is absent from their upper reaches. The streams begin as very dilute springs but exhibit a downstream gradient of increasing dissolved ions and pH. Amphipods displaced upstream of their distribution limit in fine-mesh cages experienced rapid mortality compared to those maintained downstream of the limit, suggesting that neither interspecific competition nor predation explains the observed limit. General osmoregulatory failure during intermolt was not limiting; percent body-water content, a general gauge of osmotic stress, was not greater in amphipods closer to the distribution limit, nor did it increase in amphipods displaced above the limit. However, newly molted amphipods in water from above the distribution limit died more rapidly than those in water from below the limit. The addition of Ca+2 to water from above the limit increased postmolt survival to level...
Advancements in the use of speleothems as climate archives

Abstract Speleothems have become a cornerstone of the approach to better understanding Earth's climatic teleconnections due to their precise absolute chronologies, their continuous or semicontinuous deposition and their global terrestrial distribution. We review the last decade of speleothem-related research, building off a similar review by McDermott (2004), in three themes – i) investigation of global teleconnections using speleothem-based climate reconstructions, ii) refinement of climate interpretations from speleothem proxies through cave monitoring, and iii) novel, technical methods of speleothem-based climate reconstructions. Speleothem records have enabled critical insight into the response of global hydroclimate to large climate changes. This includes the relevant forcings and sequence of climatic responses involved in glacial terminations and recognition of a global monsoon response to climate changes on orbital and millennial time scales. We review advancements in understanding of the processes that control speleothem δ 13 C values and introduce the idea of a direct atmospheric pCO 2 influence. We discuss progress in understanding kinetic isotope fractionation, which, with further advances, may help quantify paleoclimate changes despite non-equilibrium formation of speleothems. This feeds into the potential of proxy system modeling to consider climatic, hydrological and biogeochemical processes with the objective of quantitatively interpreting speleothem proxies. Finally, we provide an overview of emerging speleothem proxies and novel approaches using existing proxies. Most recently, technical advancements made in the measurement of fluid inclusions are now yielding reliable determinations of paleotemperatures.
Early and Late Outcomes of Surgical Treatment in Carcinoid Heart Disease

Abstract Background Symptoms and survival of patients with carcinoid syndrome have improved, but development of carcinoid heart disease (CaHD) continues to decrease survival. Objectives This study aimed to analyze patient outcomes after valve surgery for CaHD during a 27-year period at 1 institution to determine early and late outcomes and opportunities for improved patient care. Methods We retrospectively studied the short-term and long-term outcomes of all consecutive patients with CaHD who underwent valve replacement at our institution between 1985 and 2012. Results The records of 195 patients with CaHD were analyzed. Pre-operative New York Heart Association class was III or IV in 125 of 178 patients (70%). All had tricuspid valve replacement (159 bioprostheses, 36 mechanical), and 157 underwent a pulmonary valve operation. Other concomitant operations included mitral valve procedure (11%), aortic valve procedure (9%), patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect closure (23%), cardiac metastasectomies or biopsy (4%), and simultaneous coronary artery bypass (11%). There were 20 perioperative deaths (10%); after 2000, perioperative mortality was 6%. Survival rates (95% confidence intervals) at 1, 5, and 10 years were 69% (63% to 76%), 35% (28% to 43%), and 24% (18% to 32%), respectively. Overall mortality was associated with older age, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and tobacco use; 75% of survivors had symptomatic improvement at follow-up. Presymptomatic valve operation was not associated with late survival benefit. Conclusions Operative mortality associated with valve replacement surgery for CaHD has decreased. Symptomatic and survival benefit is noted in most patients when CaHD is managed by an experienced multidisciplinary team.
"Matar a todos los tecatos", revivir los géneros modernos: gótico y splatterpunk en la literatura puertorriqueña actual

The literary works of Josue Montijo (Puerto Rico, 1975) –El killer (2007) and “Tu no jodes mas” (2013)– adapt to the Puerto Rican context the modern trope of the monster –namely, the serial killer, the torturer and the zombie. In this article, I study the ways in which Montijo legitimizes his work as part of the gothic and splatterpunk literary traditions.
Hierarchical Design for Connected Cruise Control

In this paper, we propose a hierarchical framework to reduce the design complexity of connected cruise control (CCC), which is used to regulate the longitudinal motion of a vehicle by utilizing wireless vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. A high-level controller is designed to generate desired motion of the CCC vehicle based on the motion of multiple vehicles ahead. A low-level controller is used to regulate the engine torque and select the appropriate gear to enable the vehicle to track the desired motion. To cope with external disturbances and uncertain physical parameters, we use an adaptive control strategy for the low-level controller. In a case study, we design a specific CCC algorithm by using the presented hierarchical framework. Numerical simulations are used to validate the analytical results and test the system performance.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Just say no! sounds right, but...

A review is provided of the results from the National Health Interview Survey of health-risk behavior among our nation's youth. The results indicate a high prevalence of risk taking among preteen and teenage girls and boys. Language: en
Dimension III: Habeas Corpus as an Instrument of Checks and Balances

This is the third article in a three-part project. The first was published as Habeas Corpus as a Common Law Writ, 46 Harv. C.R.-C.L. L. Rev. 591 (2011), http://ssrn.com/abstract=1754656.The second was published as Habeas Corpus as a Legal Remedy, 8 Northeastern University Law Journal 1 (2016), http://ssrn.com/abstract=2647615This article, based heavily on previously-unpublished archival sources, argues the following.“Separation of powers” differs from “checks and balances.” One protects individual liberty by allocating particular governmental powers to specific branches. The other protects individual liberty by having each branch restrain the others. Allocation of powers, enforced by judges, was an established feature of British government in the North American colonies. Checks and balances, though, was a new idea and its acceptance was not possible until the judicial branch established its republican legitimacy. Judicial independence got off to a rocky start in the new nation both because the judges were so closely identified with the Crown and because the common law they administered had no plainly visible democratic source. The result was rampant legislative interference with judicial decision-making. The notion of an independent judiciary that restrained the other branches was still aborning in 1807, when John Marshall stated in dicta in Ex Parte Bollman – quite wrongly as a matter of both British history and American constitutional law – that federal courts had no inherent authority to issue the writ of habeas corpus in the absence of legislation granting them that power. In succeeding decades, the shifting theoretical and institutional structure of checks and balances came to rest. After a period of struggle on multiple fronts, the judiciary reclaimed its pre-Independence institutional independence from the legislature and solidified a cultural expectation that executive officers would comply with judicial decisions.But the Supreme Court proved hesitant to repudiate Bollman’s dangerously flaccid view of the writ, notwithstanding that history and policy alike called upon it to take that step.Finally, in 2008 in Boumediene v. Bush – a landmark ruling that put it on the right side of history – the Court recognized habeas corpus as an instrument for the enforcement of checks and balances, and the power to issue it as inherent in the Article III judicial role. This welcome development dispelled a distorted vision of the past that held the potential to cloud clear thinking in facing the problems of the future, including those posed by the struggle against terrorism.
Icacina oliviformis (Icacinaceae): A close look at an underexploited food plant. III. Ecology and production

Data are presented on the ecology and production ofIcacina oliviformis (Poiret) Raynal in natural stands in northern Central African Republic. The species grows on a variety of soils and in numerous plant communities. It is fire adapted, and thrives when burned in the early dry season. The plant is primarily bee pollinated and has a number of pests that infest the stems and young fruits. Plant densities are high, with a maximum of ca. 5345 plants/ha in the study sites. Standing tuberous root biomass can be considerable, with a maximum of ca. 19904 kg/ha for the study sites. Seed yield in the sample sites was relatively low with a maximum of ca. 214 kg/ha. With proper management, yields of both seed and tuberous roots could be substantially increased.
Reproductive Ecology of Female Golden Crabs, Geryon fenneri Manning and Holthuis, from Southeastern Florida

ABSTRACT Examination of deep-water female golden crabs collected monthly from the southeastern coast of Florida indicates an annual reproductive cycle with a single batch of eggs produced each year. Oviposition begins in late August and continues through October with eggs retained for approximately 6 months until hatching during late February and March. Sizes of ovigerous females examined ranged from 96 to 147 mm carapace width (CW). Extruded eggs averaged 540 μm in diameter, increasing to between 580 and 600 μm prior to hatching. Fecundity estimates range from 131,000 to 347,000 eggs with brood size highly correlated to CW. Changes in gonopore margins associated with molting and the onset of ovarian activity indicate that size at sexual maturity is between 85 and 100 mm CW. Although sampling depth ranges were limited, Geryon fenneri may display similar segregation by sex and size with depth as other species of Geryon.
Singer's critique of the market

IN his 'Rights and the Market"' Peter Singer launches a series of objections against those he calls 'defenders of the market' (p. z2i), persons who oppose government intervention in the free exchange of goods and services. One of Singer's criticisms in particular deserves attention since, if it happened to be sound, it would show that defenders of the market are confused about the very thing they claim to prize most highly--namely, individual liberty. Singer's criticism takes the following form. Defenders of the market, he writes (ibid.), 'regard every law extending the range of choices formally open to people as an increase in their freedom, and every law diminishing this range of choice as a decrease in freedom.' Serious questions must arise concerning the accuracy of Singer's attributing this view to all defenders of the market; for example, a law which increases the range of choices formally open to some people may violate the rights of others and thus would not be sanctioned by a defender of the market such as Nozick.2 But setting these matters to one side, Singer disputes the view just characterized by arguing that situations can arise where a law can 'in one sense' diminish our range of choices without at the same time decreasing our freedom. The general type of case Singer has in mind is one in which the choices of an individual, considered in isolation from the choices other individuals might make, may be rational, but, when considered in conjunction with the choices of others, 'the cumulative effects may be disastrous for everyone' (ibid.) An individual's use of his/her private car may be like this. Considered in isolation, John's and Jane's use of their cars seems quite harmless; when considered in conjunction with the transportation choices of others, however, long
TO STUDY THE EFFECTS OF INTRASTROMAL CORNEAL RING GEOMETRY AND SURGICAL CONDITIONS ON THE POSTSURGICAL OUTCOMES THROUGH FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) is a transparent circular implant inserted in the cornea to provide structural support in an attempt to alleviate preexisting refractive errors. This is a surgical procedure whose success depends on control parameters such as, ICR geometry which includes ICR thickness and diameter, and surgical conditions which includes ICR implantation depth and diameter of corneal pocket. This research utilizes finite element (FE) analysis techniques to develop a high fidelity and computationally efficient three-dimensional axisymmetric cornea model to study the relative effects of ICR implant geometry and surgical conditions on the postsurgical shape of the cornea utilizing corneal apical displacement results. The FE analysis results indicate that ICR implantation reduces myopia, and the amount of myopic rectification is dependent on the control parameters which include ICR geometry and surgical conditions. The results show that an increase in ICR thickness leads to an increase in myopic rectification, whereas an increase in ICR radius leads to a decrease in myopic rectification. ICR implantation depth analysis results suggest that corneal depth of 40–75% provides steady myopic rectification. Corneal pocket diameter analysis revealed that smaller corneal pockets lead to increase in myopic rectification. Overall, the FE model results are in qualitative agreement with published clinical studies. Finally, the combined impact of the control parameters on myopic rectification was studied by conducting a sensitivity analysis and an equation relating myopic rectification with control parameters was developed utilizing simple linear regression analysis.
Legal Reason about Copyright of Musical Works in Network Circumstance——Talk to Rise From the MP3 Phenomenon

Internet is positive with the unprecedented speed to permeate people's life with scale , which changed people s life style. Also brought more new social problem , simultaneous Internet impact traditional copyright law. The thesis around MP3 debates a series of legal problem about musical copyright in network circumstance
Application of autoregressive integrated moving average model in forecasting of the monthly incidence rate in Baoji

Objective To set up a prediction model of the monthly incidence rate of bacillary dysentery in Baoji districts by applying autoregressive integrated moving average(ARIMA) model,and try to quantitatively reflect the epidemic characteristic of bacillary dysentery in Baoji districts.Methods ARIMA model was established based on the monthly incidence rate of bacillary dysentery of Baoji from January 2004 to December 2007.The monthly incidence rate of bacillary dysentery of Baoji from January 2004 to June 2010 was used to forecast the monthly incidence rate during July 2010 to December 2010.The forecast result was also assessed.Results The model of the monthly incidence rate of bacillary dysentery in Baoji was ARIMA(1,0,0)(0,1,1)12,in which the Auto-regressive(AR1) was 0.605(t=6.030,P0.001);the Seasonal Moving-Average(SMAl) was 0.779(t=3.471,P0.001);the statistics of Ljung-Box Q has no statistical significance(Ljung-Box Q(18)=8.503,P=0.932);and the residuals was the white noise,The mathematic function was: lnYt=0.605lnYt-1+0.799lnYt-12-0.12.The predicted monthly incidence ^rate of dysentery from July to December in 2010 consisted with the actual one,with the maximum absolute value of absolute error as 1.896,the minimum absolute value,0.039;the relative error,6.78%.There was little difference between the predicted value and the actual value,and the predictive effect of the model was good.Conclusions The ARIMA model can be used to reflect epidemic characteristic of bacillary dysentery in Baoji districts,and to forecast the future incidence rate.The model can predict the trends of the monthly incidence rate of bacillary dysentery.
The impact of mode of delivery on infant neurologic outcomes in myelomeningocele

Background Controversy exists regarding the optimal route of delivery for fetuses who are diagnosed prenatally with myelomeningocele. Current recommendations are based partly on antiquated studies with questionable methods. All studies that have been published to date suffer from nonstandardized outcome measures, selection bias, and small sample size. The larger studies are >15 years old. Objective The purpose of this study was to provide information for evidence-based decision-making regarding the impact of route of delivery on motor outcomes for pediatric patients with prenatally were diagnosed myelomeningocele in a well-defined retrospective cohort. Study Design Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for all neonates who had been diagnosed with a myelomeningocele at birth from 1995-2015 within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center system, as identified through the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Neurosurgery Department operative database. Records were matched with maternal records with the use of the Center for Assistance in Research that used eRecord. Data from 72 maternal-neonatal pairs were analyzed for multiple variables. The primary outcome measure was the difference between the functional and anatomic motor levels in the child at the age of 2 years, stratified by mode of delivery and presence or absence of labor. The sample size necessary to detect a difference between the groups with power of 0.8 and significance of .05 was calculated to be 52 subjects total (26 per group). Results Functional levels were slightly better than predicted by anatomic levels for all pediatric patient groups, regardless of mode of delivery or presence of labor. Anatomic levels were slightly lower (better), and defects were smaller for those infants who underwent vaginal delivery or a trial of labor, likely attributable to selection bias. Attempts to correct for this selection bias did not change the results. No other outcomes that were analyzed were associated significantly with mode of delivery or presence of labor. Conclusion No benefit to motor function from delivery by cesarean section or avoidance of labor was demonstrated statistically in this mother-infant cohort.
Financial Reporting and Municipal Bond Ratings

Given the "pervasive and powerful influence" of published ratings, an attempt was made to explain municipal bond ratings using information normally obtainable from financial reports. It appears that rating assignments are more closely associated with the flow of liquid financial resources from operations than the "total flow of resources" statement generated by current GAAP.
The role of elementary classroom discourse in the initial construction of student identities

Despite considerable sociolinguistic research on correlates of social identity in secondary schools, the initial discursive construction of social categories remains underexplored. A discourse analysis of third-grade lessons suggests teachers discursively position some students as weaker than others by framing their participation as tentative or reluctant, and are less likely to acknowledge such students' summonses and called-out contributions. Ultimately, we argue, students whose academic identity development is thus not nurtured and who are denied access to the discursive power to advance ideas may instead seek empowerment through resistance, developing oppositional relationships toward school and forming another generation of 'burnouts.'
SNAPPy solution for fighting drug-resistant bacteria

The discovery and use of antibiotics has changed the face of human medicine by dramatically reducing the severity and deadliness of infectious diseases. Unfortunately, the long-term use and misuse of these pharmaceuticals has created selective pressure on their targeted organisms, resulting in
Altruistic Corruption: The Downsian Bureaucrats Revisited

Classical Weberian public administration theorists envisioned large-scale government organizations dutifully managed by neutral and nonpartisan professionals as the best route to achieve societal g...
Rapid, specific detection of Salmonella Enteritidis in pooled eggs by real-time PCR.

An assay was developed for the specific detection of Salmonella Enteritidis in eggs with the use of an application of the fluorogenic 5' nuclease assay (TaqMan). In this assay, a segment of the gene sefA specific to Salmonella group D strains such as Salmonella Enteritidis was used. The amplification of the target gene products was monitored in real-time by incorporating a fluorescent dye-labeled gene-specific probe in the PCR reaction. This method correctly detected and distinguished Salmonella Enteritidis from nearly 50 of non-group D Salmonella and other non-Salmonella strains. Detection of the sefA gene was linear for DNA extracted from approximately 10 2 to 10 9 CFU/ml in phosphate-buffered saline and 10 3 to 10 8 CFU/ml in raw egg. In two trials, when applied to detection of Salmonella Enteritidis in homogenized egg pools and compared with conventional culture methods, the newly developed PCR method yielded a 100% correlation with results obtained by a conventional culture method. However, the PCR method required only 2 days, compared to the 5 days required by the culture method. The sensitivity of this assay was approximately less than 1 CFU/600 g of egg pool. The real-time PCR assay proved to be a rapid, highly sensitive test for detection and quantification of low concentrations of Salmonella Enteritidis in egg samples.
Responsiveness and Self-Disclosure

In recent years, the concept of responsiveness has been used in investigations of self-disclosure (e. g., Berg & Archer, 1980, 1983; Davis & Perkowitz, 1979), social exchange phenomena (e. g., Berg, Blaylock, Camarillo, & Steck, 1985; Clark & Mills, 1979; Kelley, 1979), and friendship formation (e. g., Berg & Clark, 1986; Berg & McQuinn, 1986). It is the intent of this chapter to explore the applicability of responsiveness to self-disclosure phenomena in a more extensive and systematic fashion than has been heretofore possible. In doing this, I will first review usages of the term responsiveness and the research that supports its existence as an independent construct. In so doing, a distinction will be made between two general forms of responsiveness: conversational responsiveness and relational responsiveness. The consequences of responsive action and the aspects of an action that lead to its being judged as responsive are then presented. Following this presentation of the concept of responsiveness, various aspects of self-disclosure and findings in the self-disclosure literature will be examined as they relate to responsiveness. Finally, the limitations of present findings dealing with responsiveness and self-disclosure will be noted, and directions for future investigation will be discussed.
Doing the Impossible

Would not the world be a far better place if humans could somehow control the weather? Not just better tracking of storms and disasters hurricanes and tornados, other natural disasters, the never ending snow or rain; drought conditions, starvation but preventing them or minimizing them. Don’t fool with Mother Nature we have been warned – but we must.
Saturation of Diamagnetic Response at THz Frequencies for Parallel Slabs Metamaterials

We present a transmission line theory to model diamagnetic response of metallic slabs metamaterials. The predicted magnetic susceptibility and magnetic resonance frequency (MRF) are compared to exact numerical simulations showing excellent agreement.
Impurities or a neutral Fermi surface? A further examination of the low-energy ac optical conductivity of SmB6

Abstract Recent experiments have uncovered evidence of low energy excitations in the bulk of SmB 6 that are perhaps associated with unconventional quasiparticles, bringing into question whether this Kondo “insulator” is truly insulating in the bulk. Recently, we demonstrated that SmB 6 possesses significant in-gap bulk ac conduction far in excess of typical disordered semiconductors. Whether such conduction is an intrinsic feature of SmB 6 , suggesting the formation of an exotic state, or residual conduction from impurities continues to be a topic of debate. Here, we further examine the origin of the ac optical conductivity of SmB 6 in light of recent experimental and theoretical developments. The optical conductivity of SmB 6 is shown to possess distinct regimes of either dominant free carrier or localized response contributions. The free carrier response is found to be in good qualitative agreement with previous literature, although quantitative differences are revealed and discussed. The localized response, which dominates at the lowest temperatures, is analyzed in the context of models of either in-gap impurity states or an exotic neutral Fermi surface. The charge density or effective mass of this low temperature in-gap conductivity is extracted through a conductivity sum rule analysis and found to be in general alignment with both models in the appropriate limits. Our results shed further light on the nature of the in-gap states of SmB 6 .
Trends in the Prevalence of Intraoperative Adverse Events at Two Academic Hospitals After Implementation of a Mandatory Reporting System.

BACKGROUND Anesthesia information management systems (AIMSs) have been effectively used to improve quality in anesthesia care, and have enabled the development of mandatory quality assurance (QA) reporting systems for adverse events (AEs). While this approach has been shown to increase event reporting over time, the long-term effect of such a system on quality is unknown. We investigated the trends in AE reporting over time after implementing AIMS-based mandatory reporting systems at 2 academic medical centers. METHODS At Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, AEs were retrieved after implementation of a mandatory QA process in 2013. These AEs were categorized as preventable and unpreventable. The rates of overall preventable and unpreventable AEs were analyzed over time. At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the rates of AEs were analyzed after establishing a mandatory QA process in 2002. Data were binned by quarter, and trends over time were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall test. RESULTS At Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, over a period of 2 years after implementation of a mandatory QA process, the documented AE rate decreased from 1.23% to 0.64% (P < .0001). This decrease occurred primarily in the group of preventable AEs, which declined from 1.01% to 0.52% (P = .014). The rate of unpreventable AEs was unchanged, from 0.22% to 0.12% (P = .12). At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, over a 7-year period after implementation, the AE rate decreased from 4.20% to 1.36% (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS After implementation of a mandatory QA process at 2 academic medical centers, documented AE rates decreased significantly. The decrease observed in preventable AEs, with unchanged rates of unpreventable AEs, demonstrates that mandatory reporting of intraoperative AEs was followed by a reduction in preventable intraoperative AEs. If our findings are replicated at other institutions and are shown to have a stronger trend compared with institutions where the implementation was not conducted, or there was a change from preimplementation trends, adding mandatory perioperative outcomes reporting in the AIMS may represent a valuable method to improve the overall safety of anesthesia.
Rationale, design, and baseline findings from a pilot randomized trial of an IVR-Supported physical activity intervention for cancer prevention in the Deep South: The DIAL study

Telephone-delivered interventions do not require frequent clinic visits, literacy, or costly technology and thus may represent promising approaches to promoting physical activity in the Deep South, a largely rural U.S. region, with generally lower physical activity, income, and education levels. Building on past Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system-based HIV studies and extensive formative research (11 focus groups on physical activity intervention needs/preferences in the Deep South), the resulting IVR-supported physical activity intervention is now being tested in a randomized controlled trial with a waitlist control. The sample (n = 63) includes mostly obese (Mean BMI = 30.1) adults (Mean age = 43 years) in Birmingham, AL. Both genders (55.6% male) and African Americans (58.7%) are well-represented. Most participants reported at least some college (92%), full time employment (63.5%), and household income <$50,000 per year (61.9%). Baseline physical activity (Mean = 39.6 min/week, SD = 56.4), self-efficacy, self-regulation, and social support were low. However, high physical activity enjoyment and outcome expectations bode well. Self-report physical activity was associated with physical activity enjoyment (r = 0.36) and social support (friends r = 0.25, p's < 0.05) at baseline. Consequently, these may be important variables to emphasize in our program. Depression and anxiety were negatively correlated with some early indicators of behavior change (e.g., physical activity self-regulation; r's = -0.43 and −0.46, respectively, p's < 0.01) and thus may require additional attention. Such technology-supported strategies have great potential to reach underserved populations and address physical activity-related health disparities in this region.
Neutral detergent fiber concentration of corn silage and rumen inert bulk influences dry matter intake and ruminal digesta kinetics of growing steers.

Corn silage with high NDF concentration has the potential to reduce DMI because it has a greater filling effect in the rumen than low-NDF corn silage. Our objective was to determine whether ruminal fill influences DMI to the same extent with low- or high-NDF corn silage-based diets. Eight ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (198 +/- 13 kg) were randomly assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design with 16-d periods. Treatments were diets containing corn silage from a normal hybrid (low-fiber; LF) or its male-sterile isogenic counterpart (high-fiber; HF), offered for ad libitum consumption to steers with or without rumen inert bulk (RIB). The LF and HF diets contained 33.8 and 50.8% dietary NDF, respectively. Rumen inert bulk was added at 25% of pretrial ruminal volume in the form of plastic-coated tennis balls filled with sand to achieve a specific gravity of 1.1 and a total volume of 7.5 L. No fiber level x inert bulk interactions were detected for DMI or NDF intake (P > 0.10), suggesting that DMI was limited to the same extent by physical fill at both levels of dietary fiber. Addition of RIB decreased DMI by an average of 10.7%, which was 65.5 g/L of added bulk. The HF diet depressed DMI by an average of 15.5%, increased NDF intake 27.1%, and reduced ruminal NDF turnover time by 21.0% compared to the LF diet (P 0.10). Addition of RIB also reduced ruminal NDF turnover time and amount of NDF in the rumen (11.8% and 20.7%, respectively; P 0.10). The HF treatment decreased digestibility of DM and GE (5.5 and 5.7%, respectively; P 0.10). The lack of reduction in digesta volume with addition of inert fill suggests that DMI of light-weight steers receiving corn silage-based diets within a wide range of NDF concentrations was not regulated by ruminal distension alone.
A Hybrid Method for the Resolution of the Gibbs Phenomenon

For the resolution of the Gibbs phenomenon, the inverse polynomial and the statistical filter methods were proposed independently. In this paper, we show how these two methods are different and similar, both mathematically and numerically. After comparing these methods, we propose a hybrid inverse polynomial and statistical filter method for the resolution of the Gibbs phenomenon.
Range-Free Localization Techniques

In wireless sensor networks, sensors are often deployed without a priori knowledge of their locations or sensor node locations can change during the lifetime of a network. However, location information is essential for a variety of reasons. Sensors monitor phenomena in the physical world and given the location of the sensors, it is then possible to estimate the location of the observed phenomenon. For example, chemical and humidity sensors deployed on a farm can provide information about soil moisture, crop health, and animal movement if the sensor locations are known. Accurate location information is also needed for various sensor network management tasks such as routing based on geographic information, object tracking, and providing location-aware services. Frequently, sensor node localization is performed using ranging techniques, where the distances between a sensor device and several known reference points are determined to derive the position of a sensor. However, the cost and limitations of the hardware needed for range-based localization schemes often make them poor choices for WSNs. Therefore, a variety of localization protocols have been proposed that attempt to avoid the use of ranging techniques with the goal to provide more cost-effective and simpler alternatives. These range-free localization techniques estimate a node’s position using either neighborhood information, hop counts from well-known anchor points, or information derived from the area a node is believed to reside in. This chapter introduces the basic concepts of range-free localization, surveys a variety of state-of-the-art localization techniques, compares qualitatively the characteristics of these protocols, and discusses current research directions in range-free localization.
The Role of Protein Kinase C and Marcks Protein Phosphorylation in Rat Cerebromicrovascular Endothelial Cell Proliferation Induced by Astrocyte-Derived Factors

Serum-free medium conditioned by rat cortical astrocytes was found to prevent apoptosis induced by growth factor-deprivation, accelerate DNA synthesis, induce transient activation of protein kinase C (PKC), and increase the endogenous phosphorylation of the PKC-specific substrate, the 85 kD MARCKS protein, in rat cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells (RCEC). The trophic and stimulatory factor(s) in astrocyte conditioned media (ACM) were heat-and trypsin-sensitive and found to have an apparent molecular weight greater than 10 kD. The potent PKC activator, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA), also stimulated RCEC proliferation, whereas the inhibition of PKC by staurosporine caused a concomitant loss in ACM-induced PKC translocation, MARCKS protein phosphorylation and DNA synthesis. These findings implicate PKC activation as a critical early event in cerebral endothelial cell proliferation triggered by astrocyte-derived mitogen(s).
Crime laboratory proficiency testing results, 1978-1991, II: Resolving questions of common origin

A preceding article has examined the origins of crime laboratory proficiency testing and the performance of laboratories in the identification and classification of common types of physical evidence. Part II reviews laboratory proficiency in determining if two or more evidence samples shared a common source. Parts I and II together review the results of 175 separate tests issued to crime laboratories over the period 1978 to 1991. Laboratories perform best in determining the origin of finger and palm prints, metals, firearms (bullets and catridge cases), and footwear. Laboratories have moderate success in determining the source of bloodstains, questioned documents, toolmarks, and hair. A final category is of greater concern and includes those evidence categories where 10% or more of results disagree with manufacturers regarding the source of samples. This latter group includes paint, glass, fibers, and body fluid mixtures. The article concludes with a comparison of current findings with earlier LEAA study results, and a discussion of judicial and policy implications.
Radiosurgical and Radiation Considerations for Residual, Recurrent and Malignant Spinal Cord Tumor

Radiation therapy has emerged as a viable option for the treatment of residual and recurrent intramedullary spinal cord tumors. Although the literature is limited owing largely to the low prevalence of primary spinal cord tumors, some evidence can be extrapolated from the treatment for residual and recurrent metastatic disease affecting the spinal cord. In this setting, radiation plays a crucial component in pain management, prevention of pathological fractures, and preventing neurological decline. The planning and implementation does necessitate a multidisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive strategy, which accounts for the complexity of metastatic disease to improve outcomes and minimize complication rates.
Existential interventions for adolescent suicidality: Practical interventions to target the root causes of adolescent distress

Abstract In this work we discuss common forms of treatment for suicidality and suicidality among adolescents. Vastly pervasive, crisis intervention-based treatment is found throughout nearly all suicidality treatments regardless of client age or intervention site. Crisis intervention-based approaches often overlook many crucial elements of suicidality in adolescents. We therefore explore elements of existential therapy and their potential merit in treatment for suicide among adolescents. These include existential angst and despair, meaninglessness and isolation. These elements are strong predictors of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents. While the common crisis-based treatment appropriately addresses immediate safety needs, it can neglect and even exacerbate the existential features that contribute to ongoing, long-term depression and suicidality. Finally, we present three principles of existential therapy with example interventions (theoretical) that can be flexibly applied in clinical settings with depressed and suicidal adolescents. An illustrative case study, which draws on our clinical experience, further details how this existential style might be applied in a typical clinical setting with a suicidal adolescent.
Air permeability, water penetration and water absorption to specify durability of eco-efficient concrete

The durability of eco-efficient, clinker reduced concrete is a key factor of its performance. In the presented study, different durability indicators of a newly developed eco-concrete composition (ECO) are tested versus standard normal concrete as reference (REF). The tested durability indicators are open porosity, water penetration depth, rate of water absorption by capillarity and two different methods of measuring air permeability (PermeaTORR AC device versus Testing bubble counter). The ECO mix and in particular its cementitious matrix is designed by a combined filler concept substituting Portland cement partially by properly selected limestone fillers of different grain sizes. The approach is based on a combination of particle packing optimization techniques and the reduction of water demand for certain flowability of the paste. Cement content is below the limits of traditional standards while w/c-ratio exceed such limits. While the performance of the eco-concrete in terms of workability and strength is at least equivalent to the standard mix, ecological impact indicators as global warming potential and embodied energy are substantially improved. Durability indicators overall show nearly equivalent performance of ECO and REF. In detail, the resulting air permeability coefficient tested with a bubble counter differs significantly from the coefficient tested by PermeaTORR.
What the Eyes Don't See, the Heart Does Grieve Over.

Introduction A 71 year old Peruvian woman presented with blurry vision and bilateral eye pain and had evidence of bilateral endophthalmitis on eye examination. Her past medical history was notable for multiple abdominal surgeries within the preceding months, including an incarcerated inguinal hernia repair which required an ileostomy placement, and cholecystitis requiring cholecystostomy tube placement. Over her multiple long hospitalizations, she developed bacteremia and fungemia on several occasions, with organisms including Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacteroides fragilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium, and Candida albicans. On exam, she was febrile and tachycardic. She had bilateral conjunctival injection, hypopyon, and severely decreased visual acuity. She also had a III/VI harsh holosystolic murmur at the apex. Her lungs were clear to auscultation. Transesophageal echocardiogram revealed severe mitral regurgitation and a 16 x 15 mm mitral valve vegetation and a perforated aneurysmal posterior mitral valve leaflet. The patient underwent bilateral vitrectomy and was treated with flucytosine and ambisome. Blood and vitreous humor cultures were obtained, but remained negative, likely due to being drawn after the patient had been empirically treated with antifungals and antibiotics. She continued to spike fevers and developed heart failure, but refused valve replacement surgery as she wished to return to her home country. Discussion A systemic source of infection should be sought in the presence of bilateral endophthalmitis. In our case, we suspected seeding from endocarditis or an intra-abdominal infection, given the patient history of multiple complicated abdominal surgeries and recurrent bacteremia and candidemia. Based on the vegetation's large size and bilateral endophthalmitis, we believed Candida was the most likely culprit. Additionally, eye lesions observed during surgery appeared consistent with fungal endophthalmitis. Candida is a rare but very morbid cause of infective endocarditis. Arterial embolization and metastatic infections such as endophthalmitis are more frequent in candidal endocarditis, likely due to the generally larger vegetation size. Valve replacement should be strongly considered regardless of other factors, as some studies have shown a mortality benefit for antifungals and surgery compared to antifungals alone. In cases in which valve replacement is not feasible, the patient should be kept on lifelong suppressive antifungal therapy.
Crohn’s disease: postsurgical

Abstract The majority of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) require surgical intervention for their lifelong disease. Various surgical modalities are performed for refractory inflammatory, stricturing, or fistulizing CD. Those surgical modalities include resection and anastomosis, strictureplasty, fecal diversion, and incision and drainage. Postoperative complications and disease recurrence are common. Accurate identification of the landmarks of the altered bowel anatomy, recognition of diseased conditions, and quantification of inflammation are critical for the management of postoperative complications and recurrent disease. Postsurgically altered anatomy and monitoring of recurrent CD in the small bowel are discussed in this chapter.
Gender differences in Epworth Sleepiness Scale revealed by paired patient–spouse scoring

Abstract Purpose Evaluation of daytime sleepiness in the clinical sleep practice is commonly performed by administering the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Our study investigates gender differences of ESS responses in patients (PTs) with a primary complaint of nighttime sleep disruption as they relate to ESS responses obtained from PTs' spouses (Ss). Methods One hundred and sixty-four patient–spouse (PT-S) pairs were recruited for the study and asked to independently complete ESS questionnaires consisting of 8 sleepiness scenarios (Q1–Q8). Descriptive summaries were frequencies and percentages for categorical data, and medians and quartiles for continuous variables. Differences between PT-S pairs and different data sets were evaluated using a two-tail independent T test and Wilcoxon's Rank Sum Test. All analyses were done in SAS for Windows 9.4. Results Eighty-five male and 75 female PTs were recruited for the study. Female PTs reported significantly higher total ESS scores than male PTs (12.16 vs 9.64, p Conclusions Significant gender differences were noted when PT-S ESS responses were compared. Demonstrated gender differences were further influenced by the PT's race.