cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated With Contraceptive Method Choice and Initiation in Adolescents and Young Women

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with uptake of contraceptive implants or intrauterine devices (IUDs) by adolescents and young women. Methods For this prospective cohort study, we recruited English-speaking female contraceptive initiators aged 14–24 years attending a Title X-supported, youth-focused clinic. Immediately prior to their visits, participants completed surveys assessing demographic and reproductive characteristics and awareness of, interest in, and intent to initiate specific contraceptive methods. Participants also answered questions about their social contacts' contraceptive experiences. Following the visit, participants reported the method initiated and the perceived importance of provider counseling. We used a multivariable regression model to ascertain factors associated with initiation of an IUD, an implant, or a short-acting reversible method. Results We enrolled 1,048 contraceptive initiators: 277 initiated short-acting methods, 384 IUDs, and 387 implants. High previsit personal acceptability of the method was associated with choosing that method for both implants and IUDs. Knowing someone who uses a specific method and likes it was predictive of personal acceptability of that method (IUD adjusted odds ratio: 10.9, 95% confidence interval: 3.8–31.1; implant adjusted odds ratio: 7.0, 95% confidence interval: 2.3–21.0). However, 10.4% of those initiating IUDs and 14.2% of those initiating implants had never heard of the method before their appointment. Even women with previsit intent to initiate a specific method found importance in contraceptive counseling. Conclusions Previsit personal acceptability, which was associated with social contacts' experiences, was the strongest predictor of specific method uptake in our study. However, counseling informed the decisions of those with low previsit awareness and supported patients with formed intent.
A competition-based analysis of French anticausatives

Some long-standing questions surrounding anticausatives in languages like French include whether the morphological marking (presence/absence of se) correlates with interpretational differences and/or different syntax. We examine the three anticausatives classes (optional se, obligatory se, no se) in three aspectual contexts and formulate a generalization whereby a default morphological form (reflexive-/non-reflexive-marked) can be identified for each context, plus an interpretive anti-blocking effect: if the lexicon does not provide the default form then the other form (regardless of morphology) preserves the aspectual interpretation of its transitive source. French anticausative se is tied to lexical aspect (rather than syntax), but the distribution is complex and non-transparent. We argue that the grammar allows bidirectional competition among forms and interpretations and the formalize analysis in Bidirectional OT (Superoptimality).
Abstract 331: Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy in Conjugation with Anti-inflammatory Small molecule enhances function of infarcted rat hearts.

The transplantation of human cardiospheres derived cells (hCDCs) in clinical Phase I trials involving adult ischemic patients, results in reduction in scar formation. But this therapy faces three major issues: low survival rate (1-5%) of the transplanted cells and limited ventricular ejection fraction improvement. One of the major causes of decreased hCDCs engraftment is the prolonged and sustained pro-inflammatory response after acute myocardial infarct (MI). Pro-survival cocktail has been used to overcome this problem but it has major disadvantages for human use as a multi-component mixture, it may change the function of the stem cells and this method depends on anti-apoptotic molecules which may have side effects on the overall cellular turnover. A drug screen in our laboratory has discovered potent anti-inflammatory small molecules, Celastrol (CEL), a quinone triterpene. Oral administration of CEL significantly reduced the MI induced inflammatory cytokines release IL-1β by 2.6±0.4 fold (p<0.05, n=5), ...
Telehealth and patient satisfaction: a systematic review and narrative analysis

Background The use of telehealth steadily increases as it has become a viable modality to patient care. Early adopters attempt to use telehealth to deliver high-quality care. Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of how well the telemedicine modality met patient expectations. Objective The objective of this systematic review and narrative analysis is to explore the association of telehealth and patient satisfaction in regards to effectiveness and efficiency. Methods Boolean expressions between keywords created a complex search string. Variations of this string were used in Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and MEDLINE. Results 2193 articles were filtered and assessed for suitability (n=44). Factors relating to effectiveness and efficiency were identified using consensus. The factors listed most often were improved outcomes (20%), preferred modality (10%), ease of use (9%), low cost 8%), improved communication (8%) and decreased travel time (7%), which in total accounted for 61% of occurrences. Conclusion This review identified a variety of factors of association between telehealth and patient satisfaction. Knowledge of these factors could help implementers to match interventions as solutions to specific problems.
VERTEBRATE RECORDS | Mid-Pleistocene of North America

Pleistocene vertebrate faunas from North America are abundant, taxonomically diverse, and widespread across much of the continent. These faunas thus provide a reasonably detailed and robust record of faunal change during an interval that witnessed numerous advances and retreats of glacial ice.
Cardiac natriuretic peptides promote adipose 'browning' through mTOR complex-1.

Abstract Objective Activation of thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and the ability to increase uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) levels and mitochondrial biogenesis in white fat (termed ‘browning’), has great therapeutic potential to treat obesity and its comorbidities because of the net increase in energy expenditure. β-adrenergic-cAMP-PKA signaling has long been known to regulate these processes. Recently PKA-dependent activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) was shown to be necessary for adipose ‘browning’ as well as proper development of the interscapular BAT. In addition to cAMP-PKA signaling pathways, cGMP-PKG signaling also promotes this browning process; however, it is unclear whether or not mTORC1 is also necessary for cGMP-PKG induced browning. Method Activation of mTORC1 by natriuretic peptides (NP), which bind to and activate the membrane-bound guanylyl cyclase, NP receptor A (NPRA), was assessed in mouse and human adipocytes in vitro and mouse adipose tissue in vivo. Results Activation of mTORC1 by NP-cGMP signaling was observed in both mouse and human adipocytes. We show that NP-NPRA-PKG signaling activate mTORC1 by direct PKG phosphorylation of Raptor at Serine 791. Administration of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) to mice induced Ucp1 expression in inguinal adipose tissue in vivo, which was completely blocked by the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that NP-cGMP signaling activates mTORC1 via PKG, which is a component in the mechanism of adipose browning.
Earthquakes as the Quintessential SCE: Methodology and Societal Resilience

This paper focuses on earthquakes as the most frequent type of SCE (short-term cataclysmic event) with signatures in the three main sources used to reconstruct the premodern environment, namely historical records, archaeological findings, and paleoclimate proxies. We examine methodological issues in archaeoseismology (including earthquake catalogs, statistics, and the measurement of societal resilience to earthquakes in premodern societies in the eastern Mediterranean), before investigating societal earthquake response in the region. The behavior of different groups within these societies, such as the central government or local elites, is assessed in this context. The regenerative or adaptive aspects of seismic events are demonstrated with consideration of their archaeological footprints. This paper concludes that complex societies in the Eastern Mediterranean during the past two millennia were largely resilient to earthquakes at the state-level, though local effects on the aspect and character of urban settlement could be more pronounced.
Bottom-up crack detection in concrete pavements using in-pavement strain sensors

Bottom-up crack may occur in concrete pavement with the increase of loads by traffic and environmental effect. Cracking in concrete pavements would produce serious damages in pavements since it induces water penetration in pavement structure and foundation. However, currently, most of the distress detection system available in market can only detect the surface cracks show up. Cracks hidden under the surface, especially, bottom-up cracks in pavements are very challenging to be detected. This paper introduces potentials to use in-pavement point sensors to detect the existence of bottom–up cracks and characterize them for future maintenance decisions. The stress intensity principal is used in this study to determine the locations and lengths of cracks. Upon validation, this study will significantly impact the current pavement detection practice to detect hidden bottom-up cracks.
An unusual etiology of hyperparathyroidism: robotic-assisted resection of a giant functional intrathymic parathyroid cyst

Parathyroid cysts (PCs) are relatively rare entities, with an even smaller proportion that functionally produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). Given associated hypercalcemia, often symptomatic, as well as potentially related osteoporosis and/or nephrolithiasis, resection of these functional cysts is often indicated. This case report details the management course for a patient who presented with primary hyperparathyroidism and was ultimately found to have a functional intrathymic PC. During initial workup, 4-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) of the neck demonstrated enlarged left upper and right lower parathyroid glands; however, the patient’s hyperparathyroid state persisted even after bilateral neck exploration and resection of these two glands. Subsequent postoperative imaging of the mediastinum revealed a large (11 cm) thymic cyst. The patient consequently underwent uneventful robotic-assisted thoracoscopic excision of the mediastinal cyst. Intraoperative blood PTH levels dropped from 734 pg/mL preoperatively to 86 pg/nL 10 minutes following resection, consistent with surgical cure by the Miami Criteria. At two months postoperatively, the patient’s serum total calcium (STC) was normal at 9.2 mg/dL. Final surgical pathology noted a 15-gram parathyroid gland, with cystic degeneration. As the robot becomes further integrated into the everyday practice of thoracic surgery, we believe this approach offers advantages over conventional video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for mediastinal resections. Advantages include better visualization and finer, more precise dissection, especially important in this case, given the proximity of vital structures and the small, but real, risk of parathyromatosis associated with intraoperative cyst rupture.
Igniting STEM in Kansas City

I am blessed to work for a company that gives 40 hours each year that I can spend doing community outreach. Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) activities specifically are my favorite way to spend these community outreach hours. With limited resources comes the desire to conserve or moreover plan a way to maximize the use of these valuable hours. The best way? Team up. Create an event called "Ignite." Invite a large number of middle school scholars, to talk and work with professionals to decide the courses the students will pursue in the future.
Evaluation of 2 breast cancer risk models in a benign breast disease cohort.

Background More than 1.5 million women per year have a benign breast biopsy resulting in concern about their future breast cancer (BC) risk. This study examined the performance of 2 BC risk models that integrate clinical and histologic findings in this population. Methods The BC risk at 5 and 10 years was estimated with the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) and Benign Breast Disease to Breast Cancer (BBD-BC) models for women diagnosed with benign breast disease (BBD) at the Mayo Clinic from 1997 to 2001. Women with BBD were eligible for the BBD-BC model, but the BCSC model also required a screening mammogram. Calibration and discrimination were assessed. Results Fifty-six cases of BC were diagnosed among the 2142 women with BBD (median age, 50 years) within 5 years (118 were diagnosed within 10 years). The BBD-BC model had slightly better calibration at 5 years (0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-1.21) versus 10 years (0.81; 95% CI, 0.70-1.00) but similar discrimination in the 2 time periods: 0.68 (95% CI, 0.60-0.75) and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.60-0.71), respectively. In contrast, among the 1089 women with screening mammograms (98 cases of BC within 10 years), the BCSC model had better calibration (0.94; 95% CI, 0.85-1.43) and discrimination (0.63; 95% CI, 0.56-0.71) at 10 years versus 5 years (calibration, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.94-2.25; discrimination, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.46-0.71) where discrimination was not different from chance. Conclusions The BCSC and BBD-BC models were validated in the Mayo BBD cohort, although their performance differed by 5-year risk versus 10-year risk. Further enhancement of these models is needed to provide accurate BC risk estimates for women with BBD.
Oropharyngeal cancer is no longer a disease of younger patients and the prognostic advantage of Human Papillomavirus is attenuated among older patients: Analysis of the National Cancer Database.

Abstract Objectives HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) patients have been observed to be younger than patients with HPV-negative OPC at diagnosis. We evaluated recent trends in age at OPC diagnosis, and whether older age attenuates the survival benefit of HPV-positive tumor status. Materials and methods Patients diagnosed with OPC from 2004 to 2014 represented in the National Cancer Database were included. HPV tumor status was available after 2010. Trends in age by calendar year were compared using linear regression. Overall survival was compared using Cox Proportional Hazards models. Results The mean age of OPC patients (N = 119,611) increased significantly from 2004 to 2014 (s = 0.21 years of age per calendar year, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.19–0.23). The increase in age from 2010 to 2014 was similar for HPV-positive (N = 21,880; s = 0.63, 95%CI = 0.53–0.72) and HPV-negative (N = 11,504; s = 0.59, 95%CI = 0.45–0.74) patients. Between 2010 and 2014, the proportion of OPCs that were HPV-positive increased significantly for all age groups, including for patients ≥70 years old (from 45% to 60%, ptrend Conclusion The age at OPC diagnosis is increasing for both HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients, and a rising proportion of older patients have HPV-positive tumors. These findings dispel the notion that HPV-positive OPC is a disease of younger patients, identify a growing elderly population of HPV-positive OPC patients with reduced survival, and have implications for evolving treatment paradigms.
Imaging assessment of a portable hemodialysis device: detection of possible failure modes and monitoring of functional performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility and limitations of various imaging modalities in the noninvasive assessment of a novel compact hemodialyzer under development for renal replacement therapy, with specific aim towards monitoring its f
Mutation as a Change in the Base Sequence of a DNA Cistron

Due to an inherent complementality which exists between the two base pairs, adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine, DNA is endowed with the unique property of being able to make an exact replica of itself before each cell division. Yet, if the mechanism of DNA replication were perfect and there was no room for mistakes, the creation of divergent living creatures from a common ancestor could not have happened.
Complications associated with the absorption of hysteroscopic fluid media.

Objectives To review the literature concerning complications resulting from absorption of hysteroscopic fluid distension media and to describe methods to treat and prevent these complications. Design All pertinent literature on fluid distension media used for endoscopy, as well as relevant reports concerning the management of fluid and electrolyte imbalance, was reviewed. Results The absorption of large volumes of electrolyte-free, low-viscosity fluid may result in volume overload with water intoxication. Volume overload may cause pulmonary edema, and water intoxication may lead to hyponatremia, hypo-osmolarity, and cerebral edema. In contrast, the absorption of dextran-70 may cause volume overload secondary to the oncotic effect of intravascular dextran. Dextran-70 has been associated with anaphylaxis and coagulation disorders. Treatment The use of diuretics is advocated. Urine output must be closely monitored. Judicious correction of electrolyte imbalance will prevent morbidity. Prevention Meticulous attention to intraoperative fluid balance is imperative. A multichannel hysteroscope is necessary to keep intrauterine pressure low. Extensive surgical procedures may need to be performed in stages. Conclusions Severe volume overload and electrolyte imbalance may result from fluid absorption during operative hysteroscopy. Most complications may be avoided by closely monitoring fluid balance intraoperatively.
Inverse structure problem for neutron-star binaries

Gravitational wave detectors in the LIGO/Virgo frequency band are able to measure the individual masses and the composite tidal deformabilities of neutron-star binary systems. This paper demonstrates that high accuracy measurements of these quantities from an ensemble of binary systems can in principle be used to determine the high density neutron-star equation of state exactly. This analysis assumes that all neutron stars have the same thermodynamically stable equation of state, but does not use simplifying approximations for the composite tidal deformability or make additional assumptions about the high density equation of state.
Intermittency, many-body scalings, and correlators in critical phenomena

It is shown in general that intermittency occurs in all critical phenomena where systems lose their characteristic scales. It is suggested that many-body scalings, which include imtermittency and correlator as two examples, should manifest themselves in a critical system. A critical system can be characterized by the linear dependence of many-body scaling indices upon order of moments. Such dependence distinguishes the continuous phase transition from cascading and branching processes.
A Synthetic Approach to Poly-γ-Glutamyl Analogs of Methotrexate

Methotrexate poly-γ-glutamates bearing two and three glutamate units above that present in methotrexate have been synthesized by extension of a previously described route by which the lower congener bearing one added glutamate unit was synthesized. Key steps in the sequence are the peptide coupling of N-[4-[[(benzyloxy)-carbonyl]methylamino]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid α-benzyl ester (5) with oligo-γ-L-glutamate benzyl esters, removal of blocking groups by catalytic hydrogenolysis, and introduction of the (2,4-diamino-6-pteridinyl)methyl grouping by alkylation with (6-bromomethyl)-2,4-pteridinediamine hydrobromide. Elaboration of the required oligo-γ-L-glutamate chain was achieved one unit at a time beginning with the coupling of L-glutamic acid dibenyl ester with t-butyloxy-carbonyl-L-glutamic acid α-benzyl ester (7) followed by selective removal of the t-butyloxycarbonyl grouping and another coupling step with 5 or 7 as required. Diphenylphosphoryl azide was used as the coupling reagent in each conversion producing a peptide linkage. Intermediates were obtained in pure form according to thin-layer chromatography and elemental analysis results, and the final target compounds were obtained in high purity as judged by thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, 1H NMR and mass spectral data, and elemental analysis results.
A vision-based monitoring approach for real-time control of laser origami cybermanufacturing processes

Abstract Laser origami processes that use sheet precursors offer considerable advantages over traditional powder based additive manufacturing for fast realization of functional complex shapes for custom manufacturing. An in-process monitoring tool that captures shape transformation in real time is necessary to assure cost and quality parity with mass production. Recent advances in optimal image correlations with Aruco markers and sparse regression formulations can lead to fast and accurate real-time process monitoring and quality assurance. We present a spatial regression approach to combine information from multiple low-resolution cameras for real-time monitoring of a laser-origami processes. Experimental investigations on an origami testbed at Texas A&M University suggest that the present approach can provide fast (delays of around 100 ms) and accurate (error rates NRSME
PSYCHIATRIC GENETIC COUNSELING: CHALLENGES IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Background Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have one of the highest estimates of heritability among psychiatric conditions. Genetic testing is now considered standard of care for diagnosis of ASD etiology, and is increasingly available, affordable, and offered to patients and their families. The 2013 American College of Medical Genetics Practice Guidelines estimates a genetic diagnostic yield of 30–40% in ASD cases, recommending Chromosome Microarray (CMA), single gene testing such as FMR1, as well as other testing such as metabolic studies. As of 2017, more than 20 academic and commercial laboratories have developed clinical genetic tests specific for ASD, which are being marketed as diagnostic testing to clinicians worldwide. However, these gene panels often have low clinical validity, and often include genes where the associations between the loci and ASD are unclear. Little is known regarding the practical experience of individuals with ASD undergoing genetic testing. Here, we present five illustrative cases and suggest standardized approaches for genetic counseling in ASD. Methods Since 2013, clinical genetic testing has been routinely offered to individuals with ASD in our Genetics clinic. The most common test offered was CMA, followed by FMR1 and whole exome sequencing. Through retrospective chart review, five representative cases were selected to highlight the diagnostic and counseling complexities. Results From 2013 to 2016, we provided genetic counseling to 29 individuals with ASD, resulting in at least a partial genetic diagnosis in 34% of cases, a variant of unknown significance in 10% of cases, and incidental findings in 7% of cases. We present five cases of nonsyndromic ASD with variable genetic testing results (1q21.1 deletion, 16p11.2 duplication, 15q13.3 duplication, AUTS2, 47, XYY) and discuss the genetic counseling issues for each. In our collective experience with these and other cases, we have found that diagnostic challenges include phenotypic and locus heterogeneity, variable expressivity, reduced penetrance, causative versus risk alleles, and changing genetic associations as research progresses. Psychosocial challenges include misleading information online, illness representation beliefs of patients and families, stigma, guilt and shame, and family communication. Discussion It is not enough to know that certain genetic factors are associated with ASD. Translating this information in a meaningful way for patients and families is the ultimate goal of all clinically-directed research. The reactions of the families described in this case series illustrate these challenges. We recommend standardizing informed consent for genetic testing in ASD, especially regarding the inherent uncertainties, and to include referral to a clinical genetic specialist if available. Careful and informed genetic counseling is crucial and may lead to improved coping and adaptation, and may reduce negative consequences of stigma and discrimination.
A choose your own adventure story: Conceptualizing depression in children and adolescents from traditional DSM and alternative latent dimensional approaches

For the past several decades, the phenomenon of depression largely has been defined, classified, and thus assessed and analyzed, according to criteria based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (now DSM5). A substantial body of knowledge on epidemiology, course, risk factors, correlates, consequences, assessment, and intervention for youth depression is based on this classical nosological approach to conceptualizing depression. Yet, recent structural and classification approaches, such as latent dimensional bifactor models (e.g., P factor model; Caspi et al., 2014) and hierarchical organizations (e.g., HiTOP; Kotov, Waszczuk, Krueger, Forbes, & Watson, 2017), have been proposed and supported as alternative options to characterize features of depression. This paper considers conceptualizations of depression among youth with a particular focus on validity: how important clinical outcomes and risks (genetic, neural, temperament, early pubertal timing, stress, and cognitive) relate to depression when ascertained via traditional DSM-defined depression versus more recent latent dimensional model approaches. The construct validity of depression, in terms of associations within respective nomological networks, varies by depression conceptualization. Clinical scientists and applied practitioners need to clearly think through the nature of what depression is and how the latent construct is conceptualized and measured. Conclusions reached for research, teaching, and evidence-based clinical work are affected and may not be the same across different conceptual and nosological organizational schemes.
Believability of evidence matters for correcting social impressions

To what extent are we beholden to the information we encounter about others? Are there aspects of cognition that are unduly influenced by gossip or outright disinformation, even when we deem it unlikely to be true? Research has shown that implicit impressions of others are often insensitive to the truth value of the evidence. We examined whether the believability of new, contradictory information about others influenced whether people corrected their implicit and explicit impressions. Contrary to previous work, we found that across seven studies, the perceived believability of new evidence predicted whether people corrected their implicit impressions. Subjective assessments of truth value also uniquely predicted correction beyond other properties of information such as diagnosticity/extremity. This evidence shows that the degree to which someone thinks new information is true influences whether it impacts implicit impressions.
Making media: Production, practices, and professions

“Irgendwas mit Medien,” – which translates “Something (that has to do) with media” – is a proverbial German phrase, typically invoked as mockery when young adults decide on a career in journalism, ...
Vestibular function in migraine-related dizziness: A pilot study

Migraine-related dizziness (MRD) refers to a disorder in which vestibular symptoms are an integral part of migraine symptomatology. The purpose of this study was to better define the pathophysiology of MRD, which is incompletely understood and to generate hypotheses regarding MRD by assessing the semicircular canal-ocular reflex, the otolith-ocular reflex, visual-vestibular interaction, vestibulo-spinal function, and visually induced postural sway. Subjects included five subjects with MRD, five subjects with migraine without dizziness, and five headache-free controls. Subjects with migraine were tested interictally. Results indicated that the mean gain of the semicircular canal-ocular reflex during both sinusoidal and constant velocity rotation was reduced in subjects with MRD. No changes were noted in the dynamics of the semicircular canal-ocular reflex. The otolith-ocular reflex, assessed with constant velocity OVAR, indicated that subjects with MRD showed a larger modulation component. No group differences were found in the bias component during constant velocity OVAR, nor in semicircular canal-otolith interaction or visual-vestibular interaction. Computerized dynamic posturography indicated that subjects with MRD demonstrated a surface-dependent pattern. Postural sway during optic flow indicated that subjects with MRD swayed more than the other subjects. We hypothesize that competing processes of serotonergic excitation and inhibition alter central vestibular pathways differently for semicircular canal vs. otolithic responses and for vestibulo-ocular vs. vestibulo-spinal pathways.
Optimal Design of Feedback-Interferometric Fiber Laser Sensors

Efficient first-principle simulation with self-consistence of the feedback-interferometric fiber laser sensor has been studied. The feedback-interferometric fiber laser sensor consists of a Distributed Bragg Reflectors/Distributed Feedback (DBR/DFB) fiber laser and an external feedback sensing element. The approach is self-consistent in that it effectively integrates the inter-dependence of the 980-nm pump/1550-nm laser powers and the rate equations of the Er/Yb co-doped fiber laser medium. The 1550-nm laser field is efficiently solved by Coupled Modes Theory (CMT) method while the solutions of the rate equations are obtained with the iterative Newton-Raphson method. Four types of external reflection schemes have been simulated: 1) without reflection at either side; 2) reflection at the pump side; 3) reflection at the remote side; and 4) reflections at both sides of the fiber laser. With the self-consistent simulation, the lasing wavelength and lasing signal power for various reflection schemes are obtained. In this investigation, the procedure to optimize the reflections to achieve optimal sensor sensitivity is demonstrated.
Assessment of Methodological Alternatives for Modeling the Spatiotemporal Crossing Compliance of Pedestrians at Signalized Midblock Crosswalks

AbstractAt the midblock crosswalks with either Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) or Traffic Control Signals (TCSs), pedestrians’ crossing compliance can be considered in terms of the space (crossing...
Am Anfang war das Wort? Wenn Welten kollidieren

Aus diskursanalytischer Perspektive diskutiert der Beitrag zunachst allgemein – unter Ruckgriff auf einige prominente religiose und literarische Textstellen – das Verhaltnis von Wort und Tat. Daraufhin wird Gesagtes und Gezeigtes fokussiert, das von verschiedenen Instanzen als provokant gewertet wurde und dem neben verschiedenen sprachlichen Handlungen auch morderische Taten entgegengesetzt wurden. Die herangezogenen exemplarischen Falle der Rushdie-Affare und der Konflikte um die Mohammed-Karikaturen aus dem franzosischen Satiremagazin Charlie Hebdo werden zum Anlass genommen, um die Frage nach der (Um-)Ordnung von Diskursen bzw. der Kontrolle von Sag- und Zeigbarkeiten zu stellen. Dabei zeigen sich strukturelle Ahnlichkeiten bei der Gegenuberstellung von solcherart diskursiven Interventionen, die auf explizit Religioses Bezug nehmen, und diskurspolitischen Bewegungen ohne religiose Bezuge, welche aufgrund struktureller Diskriminierung Anerkennung einfordern, wobei besonders die Verletzung von Gefuhlen als diskursdisziplinierendes Prinzip in der Aushandlung des Sag- und Zeigbaren herausgestellt werden kann.
Development of coupled two phase flow and geomechanics model to predict stress evolution in unconventional reservoirs with complex fracture geometry

Abstract Understanding stress changes associated with reservoir depletion is very important for developments of unconventional reservoirs such as completion of infill well. Fluid flow in reservoir often contains multiple phases mostly a mix of oil and water phase. Multiphase flow in porous media also involves in many applications including water injection. In this paper, we have upgraded our coupled fluid flow and geomechanics with Embedding Discrete Fracture Model (EDFM) to two phase flow using OpenFOAM, an open-source platform for CFD, in order to expand the model to wider range of applications including characterization of stress evolution associated with depletion of two-phase flow in unconventional reservoirs with complex fracture geometries. Coupled geomechanics and fluid-flow was developed based on well-known fixed-stress split, which is unconditionally stable and computationally efficient to simulate how stress changes during reservoir depletion. EDFM was coupled to the model to gain capability of simulating complex fracture geometries using structured grids. The two phase model is based on Implicit Pressure Explicit Saturation (IMPES) method. Validations of our single phase model and EDFM were conducted in our previous paper. Validation of two phase model was done against analytical solution of Buckley-Leverett and Capillary-gravity equilibrium problems. In addition, validation of EDFM part was conducted against local grid refinement. The model was used to run performance test on water injection-oil production problem with geomechanics and capillary effect. Non-planar fractures under production was also used to test for EDFM part. Finally, we applied our model in simulation of 3D multiple fractures under production in a fully 3D reservoir. The results indicate that created fracture geometries have a significant effect on stress distribution and reorientation induced by depletion. Characterization of stress evolution due to reservoir depletion in two phase flow will provide critical guidelines for optimization of completion designs especially in infill well drilling and further development in unconventional reservoirs.
The era of exploitation: 1535–1959

Abstract For over 400 years, humans have exploited Galapagos tortoises primarily for food and oil and secondarily for pets and scientific inquiry. This chapter provides a review of this exploitation history for tortoises from the discovery of the Islands in 1535 to the start of protection with the establishment of the Galapagos National Park in 1959. Significant periods of impact include the onset of whaling and sealing activities in the Pacific Ocean during the late 1700s to mid-1800s, the California Gold Rush years beginning in 1849, and the era of scientific collecting for museums, zoos, and private individuals in the late 1800s and early 1900s. As a result of this era of exploitation, three species of tortoise went extinct, two in the 1800s (on Floreana, Santa Fe Islands) and one in 2012 (on Pinta Island), with several others driven to the brink of extinction.
Cesarean section rates in a tertiary referral hospital in Beirut from 2018 to 2020: Our experience using the Robson Classification.

Objective This study aims to evaluate the cesarean section rate using the Robson Classification for the first time in Lebanon, at Hotel-Dieu de France University Hospital, a tertiary referral center in Beirut. Methods It is a routine medical record data that includes all live births from January 1st , 2018 to September 30th , 2020. The overall cesarean section rate, the size of each group, the cesarean section rate, absolute and relative contribution were calculated within each group. Results The overall cesarean section rate was 56.8%. The highest relative contribution to this rate came from Robson groups 5, 2 and 10 respectively. A decrease in cesarean rate was noted in 2020 among women admitted for induction of labor (groups 2 and 4) following the implementation of new department policies and the restrictions caused by the Covid-19 sanitary crisis. Conclusion More than 50% of the deliveries in our department were performed by cesarean sections. Strategies to reduce this rate should include stricter departmental policies for avoidance of unindicated primary cesarean sections and raising practitioners' and patients' awareness about trial of labor after cesarean section.
Effect of Stroke on Contralateral Functional Connectivity.

Introduction: Stroke can induce large-scale functional reorganization of the brain; however, the spatial patterns of this reorganization remain largely unknown. Methods: Using a large (N = 116) sam...
A viral genome packaging motor transitions between cyclic and helical symmetry to translocate dsDNA

Molecular segregation and biopolymer manipulation require the action of molecular motors to do work by applying directional forces to macromolecules. The additional strand conserved E (ASCE) ring motors are an ancient family of molecular motors responsible for diverse biological polymer manipulation tasks. Viruses use ASCE segregation motors to package their genomes into their protein capsids and provide accessible experimental systems due to their relative simplicity. We show by cryo-EM–focused image reconstruction that ASCE ATPases in viral double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) packaging motors adopt helical symmetry complementary to their dsDNA substrates. Together with previous data, our results suggest that these motors cycle between helical and planar configurations, providing a possible mechanism for directional translocation of DNA. Similar changes in quaternary structure have been observed for proteasome and helicase motors, suggesting an ancient and common mechanism of force generation that has been adapted for specific tasks over the course of evolution.
Predicting the Use of Managed Lanes Using Machine Learning

The use of managed lanes (MLs) is currently predicted using discrete choice models. However, recent research discovered that many travelers were not making choices in their use of MLs—they always used one set of lanes and never varied. Therefore, choice models may not be appropriate. This research examined if machine learning could be used to model ML use by travelers. Machine learning techniques were used to classify approximately 125,000 travelers who made approximately 3.5 million trips on the Katy Freeway over a 2-year period. Different machine learning models were able to classify travelers into those who always used MLs, always used toll-free general purpose lanes (GPLs), and those who used both types of lanes (choosers). Travel time savings, total number of trips made, and the start and end location of the trip were key predictors of the user class. Neural networks with LSTM could classify the trips conducted by choosers as ML trips or GPL trips based on the start and end location of the trips and the drivers’ travel history. A comparison with logit models showed that machine learning models performed better in classifying travelers and trips made by choosers. However, trends obtained from both models were same. This research has shown that a multi-level classification of travelers and machine learning techniques were able to predict real-world traveler choice on a ML facility. This may be an important first step in shifting travel models from how we think travelers are behaving to what is actually happening.
Inflamed brain: Targeting immune changes and inflammation for treatment of depression

Although there are a number of clinically effective treatments for depression, many patients exhibit treatment resistance. Recent clinical and preclinical studies reveal that peripheral and brain immune changes and inflammation are involved in the pathophysiology of depression. This 'Inflamed Brain' research provides critical clues for understanding of disease pathophysiology and many candidate molecules that are potentially useful for identifying novel drug targets for the treatment of depression. In this review, we will present clinical evidence on the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of depression. We will also summarize current clinical trials which test drugs targeting inflammation for the treatment of patients with depression. Furthermore, we will briefly provide preclinical evidence demonstrating altered immune system function and inflammation in stress-induced animal models and will discuss the future potential of inflammation-related drug targets. Collectively, inflammatory signatures identified in clinical and preclinical studies may allow us to stratify depressive patients based on biotypes, contributing to the development of novel mechanism-based interventions that target specific patient populations.
Individualized Antiretroviral Initiation Rules

In this chapter, TMLE is illustrated with a data analysis from a longitudinal observational study to investigate “when to start” antiretroviral therapy to reduce the incidence of AIDS-defining cancer (ADC), defined as Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or invasive cervical cancer, in a population of HIV-infected patients. A key clinical question regarding the management of HIV/AIDS is when to start combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), defined in the Department of Health and Human Services (2004) guidelines as a regimen containing three or more individual antiretroviral medications. CD4+ T-cell count levels have been the primary marker used to determine treatment eligibility, although other factors have also been considered, such as HIV RNA levels, history of an AIDS-defining illness (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1992), and ability of the patient to adhere to therapy. The primary outcomes considered in ART treatment guidelines described above have always been reductions in HIV-related morbidity and mortality. Until recently, however, guidelines have not considered the effect of CD4 thresholds on the risk of specific comorbidities, such as ADC. In this analysis, we therefore evaluate how different CD4-based ART initiation strategies influence the burden of ADC. We are analyzing ADC here since it is well established that these malignancies are closely linked to immunodeficiency.
Nonlinear waves in AdS/CFT correspondence

We calculate in the strong coupling and large N limit the energy emitted by an accelerated external charge in ${\cal N}=4$ SU(N) Yang-Mills theory, using the AdS/CFT correspondence. We find that the energy is a local functional of the trajectory of the charge. It coincides up to an overall factor with the Lienard formula of the classical electrodynamics. In the AdS description the radiated energy is carried by a nonlinear wave on the string worldsheet for which we find an exact solution.
Narrowing the digital divide: in search of a map to mend the gap

Although the actual digital divide is widening, the divide between the academic disciplines studying these issues has started to narrow. There is an increasing dialog between scholars in the social sciences and scholars in math, science, and engineering. Two recent contributions to that discourse are Jane Margolis and Allan Fischer's Unlocking the Clubhouse: Women and Computing (2002) and Joel Cooper and Kimberlee D. Weaver's Gender and Computers: Understanding the Digital Divide (2003). This paper contributes to the growing interdisciplinary dialog by sharing the perspectives of two books, and answers the question: Which book might be most valuable to a computer science educator in higher education who is seeking a map to mend the gap created by the digital divide?
Implicit Liquidity Premiums in the Disposition of RTC Assets

The Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) was created by congressional legislation passed in 1989, and was charged with, among other things, the orderly disposition of other real estate owned (OREO) p...
Imaging system QA of a medical accelerator, Novalis Tx, for IGRT per TG 142: our 1 year experience

American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) task group (TG) 142 has recently published a report to update recommendations of the AAPM TG 40 report and add new recommendations concerning medical accelerators in the era of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). The recommendations of AAPM TG 142 on IGRT are timely. In our institute, we established a comprehensive imaging QA program on a medical accelerator based on AAPM TG 142 and implemented it successfully. In this paper, we share our one-year experience and performance evaluation of an OBI capable linear accelerator, Novalis Tx, per TG 142 guidelines.
Could the perception of fitness account for many of the mental and physical health benefits of exercise

There is a great amount of professional confidence among researchers and clinicians alike that exercise improves both mental and physical health functioning. Interestingly, until recently, investigators had not seriously examined the possibility that some of the positive emotional results associated with exercise may occur because of psychological gains from the experience of trying to get fit or believing that one is fit rather than from an increase in aerobic physical fitness. Further, some research suggests that the perception of fitness is more closely associated with improvements in physical functioning than is aerobic physical fitness. Perhaps we have underestimated the role of our health beliefs as a useful intervention with or without resulting behavior change. Perhaps, for some health outcomes, it may be more healthful to think that you are fit than actually be fit.
Experimental Research in Dependable Computing at Carnegie Mellon University

This paper aims to capture the decades of experimental research, results and impact in the field of dependable computing and systems at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), starting from the 1970’s to the present day. This research has spanned a diverse array of topics, such as modeling, abstractions, testing, anomaly detection, trend analysis and distributed systems. We also present the current state of our dependability research at CMU, outlining the potential directions for our work in the decade to come.
A new seismically constrained subduction interface model for Central America

We provide a detailed, seismically defined three-dimensional model for the subducting plate interface along the Middle America Trench between Northern Nicaragua through to Southern Costa Rica. The model uses data from a weighted catalog of about 30,000 earthquake hypocenters compiled from nine catalogs to constrain the interface through a process we term the “Maximum Seismicity Method”. The method determines the average position of the largest cluster of microseismicity beneath an a priori functional surface above the interface. This technique is applied to all seismicity above 40 km depth, the approximate intersection of the hanging-wall Mohorovicic discontinuity, where seismicity likely lies along the plate interface. Below this depth, an envelope above 90% of seismicity approximates the slab surface. Because of station proximity to the interface, this model provides highest precision along the interface beneath the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, an area where marked geometric changes coincide with crustal transitions and topography observed seaward of the trench. The new interface is useful for a number of geophysical studies that aim to understand subduction zone earthquake behavior, geodynamic and tectonic development of convergent plate boundaries.
Extremal polyphase sequences

The unnormalized finite autocorrelation function C(/spl tau/) of the sequence A={a/sub k/}/sup n//sub k=1/ of complex numbers on with the unit circle is defined by C(/spl tau/)=/spl Sigma//sup n-/spl tau///sub k=1/a/sub k/a*/sub k+/spl tau//, with C(0)=n, C(-/spl tau/)=C*(/spl tau/), and |C(n-1)|=1, where z* denotes the complex conjugate of z. We seek the sequence of length n, for each n/spl ges/3, which minimizes the value of max/sub 1/spl les//spl tau//spl les/n-2/|C(/spl tau/)|, and the value T/sub n/=min/sub all sequences/ max/sub 1/spl les//spl tau//spl les/n-2/|C(/spl tau/)| for this minimizing sequence.