cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Upright Perception and Ocular Torsion Change Independently during Head Tilt

We maintain a stable perception of the visual world despite continuous movements of our eyes, head and body. Perception of upright is a key aspect of such orientation constancy. Here we investigated whether changes in upright perception during sustained head tilt were related to simultaneous changes in torsional position of the eyes. We used a subjective visual vertical (SVV) task, modified to track changes in upright perception over time, and a custom video method to measure ocular torsion simultaneously. We tested twelve subjects in upright position, during prolonged (~15min) lateral head tilts of 20 degrees, and also after the head returned to upright position. While the head was tilted, SVV drifted in the same direction as the head tilt (left tilt: -5.4±1.4 o and right tilt: +2.2±2.1 o). After the head returned to upright position, there was an SVV aftereffect with respect to the pre-tilt baseline, which was also in the same direction as the head tilt (left tilt: -3.9±0.6 o and right tilt: +2.55±1.0 o). Neither the SVV drift nor the SVV aftereffect were correlated with the changes in ocular torsion. Using the Bayesian spatial-perception model we show that the pattern of SVV drift and aftereffect in our results could be explained by a drift and an adaptation in sensory inputs that encode head orientation. The fact that ocular torsion (mainly driven by the otoliths) could not account for the perceptual changes suggests that neck proprioception could be the primary source of drift in upright perception during head tilt, and subsequently the aftereffect in upright position.
Is Made-in-USA Branding Strategy Effective? The Influence of Consumers' Brand Expectations

In spite of the potential impact of consumers’ existing brand schemas on the effectiveness of Made in USA branding efforts little empirical research exists on the topic. To fill this gap, we hypothesize that consumers’, perceived credibility (H1), attitude toward claim (H2), and attitude toward brand (H3) are highest for congruent claims, followed by incongruity resolution and least for incongruity non-resolution.
Abstract 4318: Dexamethasone variably protects triple negative breast cancer cells against paclitaxel depending on relative cellular levels of glucocorticoid receptor alpha

Introduction: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises 15-20% of all breast cancer cases and is unresponsive to the drugs used to treat ER+/PR+ or HER2+ breast cancers. The only treatment option for TNBC is chemotherapy with paclitaxel being a major component. However, many patients respond poorly and develop side effects that are routinely treated with dexamethasone. In certain cancers, dexamethasone attenuates chemotherapy response by inhibiting apoptosis or temporarily arresting cell growth. Dexamethasone9s actions are mediated through glucocorticoid receptor alpha (GR alpha), which is ubiquitous. Here we examine the protective effect of dexamethasone in TNBC cells and the relationship of this effect to variability in cellular GR alpha levels. Methods: GR alpha expression was measured in TNBC cell lines and related to dexamethasone9s ability to affect their growth and resistance to paclitaxel. Cell lines analyzed included those expressing low levels of GR alpha and recombinant cells in which GR alpha expression was ectopically restored. Results: A positive association was observed between endogenous GR alpha expression and dexamethasone9s ability to protect TNBC cells against paclitaxel. Overexpression of GR alpha in cells expressing low endogenous GR alpha conferred protection against paclitaxel in the presence of dexamethasone. In contrast to reported observations in other cancer cell types, dexamethasone increased cell proliferation and transcriptional activation of thymidylate synthase, an S-phase enzyme. These results suggest the use of dexamethasone may be one factor responsible for the poor response of TNBC patients to traditional chemotherapy and suggest using GR alpha expression level as a biomarker for predicting which TNBC patients should be given traditional chemotherapy. Citation Format: Roselyne Labbe, Cecilia Speyer, Miriam Bukhsh, Austin Belfiori, Rafa Khansa, Mudgha Patki, Manohar Ratnam, David Gorski. Dexamethasone variably protects triple negative breast cancer cells against paclitaxel depending on relative cellular levels of glucocorticoid receptor alpha. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4318. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4318
Abstract A65: Mechanisms of melanoma cell resistance to phagocytosis

Melanoma is notoriously resistant to apoptosis and to other cytolytic mechanisms used by immune cells; however, the mechanisms by which melanoma cells evade phagocytosis by the innate immune system are incompletely understood. Previous studies in our lab revealed that melanoma cells from human, mouse, and dog tumors display an evolutionarily conserved resistance to phagocytosis that was not observed in lymphoma cells or in other solid tumors from these three species. Blockade of CD47 to disable “don9t eat me” signals and doxorubicin treatment to enhance the “eat me” signals calreticulin and phosphatidylserine lead to small increases in melanoma cell phagocytosis in vitro . However, this increase did not appear to be biologically relevant, as combination chemo-immunotherapy did not consistently promote enhanced activation of antigen-specific T cells in the tumor draining lymph node or reduce tumor burden in the B16 melanoma model. From these studies, we concluded that melanoma cells display an evolutionarily conserved resistance to phagocytosis, which cannot be fully mitigated by modulation of known pro- and anti-phagocytic pathways. Therefore, we hypothesize that melanoma cells possess an uncharacterized mechanism of resistance to phagocytosis, such as expression of a soluble or membrane bound “don9t eat me” signal. To test for the presence of a soluble anti-phagocytic factor, we performed a series of assays in which human lymphoma (Raji) cells, shown to be readily phagocytosed by mouse macrophages, were placed in supernatant harvested from cultured human melanoma (M21) cells. Blockade of the known “don9t eat me” signal CD47 was achieved using a SIRPα; mimotope, CV1-G4, or an isotype control. Lymphoma cell phagocytosis by mouse macrophages and response to CD47 blockade were unaffected by the presence of melanoma cell supernatant, suggesting that a secreted factor is not responsible for resistance. To test for the presence of an uncharacterized, membrane-bound “don9t eat me” signal, we designed a siRNA panel containing 48 genes whose protein products are expressed on the cell surface of melanoma cells. In ongoing experiments, we are testing how knockdown of these proteins through RNA interference affects macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of melanoma cells and response to CD47 blockade. Citation Format: Katie L. Anderson, Kristin M. Snyder, Debra Lins, Kipp Weiskopf, Yoji Shimizu, Irving Weissman, Matthew Mescher, Jaime Modiano. Mechanisms of melanoma cell resistance to phagocytosis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2016 Oct 20-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2017;5(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A65.
NMO-Spektrum-Erkrankungen

Neuromyelitis optica-Spektrum-Erkrankungen (NMOSD) stellen eine seltene Subgruppe chronisch-entzundlicher ZNS-Erkrankungen dar. Trotz heterogener Verlaufe im Hinblick auf die Krankheitsaktivitat ist die Behinderungsakkumulation haufig aufgrund der Schwere einzelner Schubereignisse sehr stark ausgepragt. Nach Revision der Diagnosekriterien 2015 wurde der Begriff der NMO verlassen und stattdessen der Begriff NMOSD fur alle Entitaten vorgeschlagen. Klinisch leiden die Patienten am haufigsten unter Optikusneuritiden und transversen Myelitiden, jedoch sind Manifestationen an verschiedenen Lokalisationen des zentralen Nervensystems moglich (z. B. auch in Hirnstamm oder Hypothalamus). Neben Formen mit und ohne Nachweis von Aquaporin 4-Antikorpern wird seit einiger Zeit auch diskutiert, ob Erkrankungen mit Vorkommen von Antikorpern gegen Myelin-Oligodendrozyten-Glykoprotein (MOG) dem Spektrum der NMOSD zuzurechnen sind oder eine eigene Entitat darstellen. Aufgrund der hohen Krankheitsaktivitat dieser Erkrankungen ist eine konsequente Therapie indiziert. In Ermangelung zugelassener Therapien werden hierzu konventielle Immunsuppressiva oder monoklonale Antikorper mit antiinflammatorischen Effekten eingesetzt. Seit einiger Zeit sind 4 Substanzen in der fortgeschrittenen klinischen Erprobung.
Microcontact printing of tissue precursors via geometrically patterned shape-changing hydrogel stamps preserves cell viability and organization

In vitro fabrication of tissues is sought for developing platforms to screen candidate drugs and study tissue morphogenesis, and ultimately to regenerate damaged organs. In this study, a modified microcontact printing technique with patterned shape-shifting poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels was used to print organized 3T3 fibroblast tissue precursors to target surfaces coated with either fibronectin, collagen type I or poly-l-lysine. The patterned hydrogels directed cell-organization on the stamp, and a subsequent shape-shift of the hydrogel triggered instantaneous release of the tissue precursor from the stamp. It was observed that post printing, the tissue precursors underwent rapid repolarization with the emergence of focal adhesion complexes on a time-scale much faster compared to cells seeded by standard sedimentation. Moreover, a minimum stamp pressure was necessary for transfer, however, at stamp pressures above approximately 1 psi, cell viability was strongly compromised. To demonstrate the ability to print other cell types using this transfer printing technique, skeletal myoblast tissue precursors were also printed. These results suggest that tissue modules can be organized and transferred with intact pre-patterned morphologies from shape-changing hydrogel structures using a microcontact printing technique. This approach may enable the bottom-up construction of high cell density, scaffold-free tissues with programmed configuration down to the individual cell level.
Changes in resting blood flow in relation to amyloid deposition in older subjects: A cross-sectional analysis with joint frequency histogram

249 Objectives To understand changes in resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) in relation to amyloid deposition in normal aging and very mild dementia. Methods Participants of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (age: 80.3 years +/- 6.2) were studied with normal cognition (n=26) or mild cognitive impairment by clinical dementia rating of 0.5 (n=6). Each subject had one PET scan with Pittsburgh Compound B (PIB), an amyloid marker, and one [15O]water scan. Joint frequency histograms (JFHs) of PIB-BP (x-axis; 100 bins between -0.7 and 1.5) versus normalized CBF (y-axis; 50 bins between 30 and 80 ml/mg/min; cerebellum = 50) were constructed (voxel value = number of BP-CBF voxels within bin limits) on gray voxels. Summed JFHs were generated for low- and higher-PIB groups, separated by mean gray PIB-BP of 0.09. Results On summed JHFs, the low-PIB group showed a compact cluster with the highest intensity at CBF = 62 ml/min/ml and BP = -0.01, while the higher-PIB group showed an elongated cluster along x-axis. The majority of higher-BPI group voxels resided below the highest-intensity CBF of the low-PIB group, suggesting a generalized decrease in CBF in this group. However, the higher-PIB group showed no evidence of decrease in CBF along x-axis. Conclusions Observations with CBF-PIB joint frequency histograms indicated a slight decrease in CBF with amyloid accumulation in older subjects with normal cognition or very mild cognitive impairment. However, the higher-PIB group showed no further decrease in CBF as a function of amyloid deposition. The finding suggested a compensatory maintenance of CBF in this group to maintain brain functions.
On Self Tuning Regulators and the Least Squares Procedure

Abstract Practical experience with the minimum variance self tuning regulator using a variety of identification schemes has demonstrated the superiority of the least squares algorithm for this application. In this paper, it is demonstrated analytically that the least squares algorithm, when applied to the self-tuning-minimum-variance controller, yields a performance penalty not larger than that obtained when using other (possibly faster converging) identification algorithms. Furthermore, in the presence of colored noise, despite of the bias associated with the least squares estimates, it is shown that the resulting performance of the self tuning regulator is optimal. The approach to the analysis of the minimum variance STR is applied to other STRs.
Estimating detectability index in vivo: development and validation of an automated methodology

This study’s purpose was to develop and validate a method to estimate patient-specific detectability indices directly from patients’ CT images (i.e., in vivo). The method extracts noise power spectrum (NPS) and modulation transfer function (MTF) resolution properties from each patient’s CT series based on previously validated techniques. These are combined with a reference task function (10-mm disk lesion with −15 HU contrast) to estimate detectability indices for a nonprewhitening matched filter observer model. This method was applied to CT data from a previous study in which diagnostic performance of 16 readers was measured for the task of detecting subtle, hypoattenuating liver lesions (N=105), using a two-alternative-forced-choice (2AFC) method, over six dose levels and two reconstruction algorithms. In vivo detectability indices were estimated and compared to the human readers’ binary 2AFC outcomes using a generalized linear mixed-effects statistical model. The results of this modeling showed that the in vivo detectability indices were strongly related to 2AFC outcomes (p<0.05). Linear comparison between human-detection accuracy and model-predicted detection accuracy (for like conditions) resulted in Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients exceeding 0.84. These results suggest the potential utility of using in vivo estimates of a detectability index for an automated image quality tracking system that could be implemented clinically.
Assessing Airflow Sensitivity to Healthy and Diseased Lung Conditions in a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model Validated In Vitro

Computational models are useful for understanding respiratory physiology. Crucial to such models are the boundary conditions specifying the flow conditions at truncated airway branches (terminal flow rates). However, most studies make assumptions about these values, which are difficult to obtain in vivo. We developed a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of airflows for steady expiration to investigate how terminal flows affect airflow patterns in respiratory airways. First, we measured in vitro airflow patterns in a physical airway model, using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The measured and computed airflow patterns agreed well, validating our CFD model. Next, we used the lobar flow fractions from a healthy or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subject as constraints to derive different terminal flow rates (i.e., three healthy and one COPD) and computed the corresponding airflow patterns in the same geometry. To assess airflow sensitivity to the boundary conditions, we used the correlation coefficient of the shape similarity (R) and the root-mean-square of the velocity magnitude difference (Drms) between two velocity contours. Airflow patterns in the central airways were similar across healthy conditions (minimum R, 0.80) despite variations in terminal flow rates but markedly different for COPD (minimum R, 0.26; maximum Drms, ten times that of healthy cases). In contrast, those in the upper airway were similar for all cases. Our findings quantify how variability in terminal and lobar flows contributes to airflow patterns in respiratory airways. They highlight the importance of using lobar flow fractions to examine physiologically relevant airflow characteristics.
Virtual Agent Interaction Framework (VAIF): A Tool for Rapid Development of Social Agents

Creating an embodied virtual agent is often a complex process. It involves 3D modeling and animation skills, advanced programming knowledge, and in some cases artificial intelligence or the integration of complex interaction models. Features like lip-syncing to an audio file, recognizing the users' speech, or having the character move at certain times in certain ways, are inaccessible to researchers that want to build and use these agents for education, research, or industrial uses. VAIF, the Virtual Agent Interaction Framework, is an extensively documented system that attempts to bridge that gap and provide inexperienced researchers the tools and means to develop their own agents in a centralized, lightweight platform that provides all these features through a simple interface within the Unity game engine.
The Impact of Emotional Words on Listeners’ Emotional and Cognitive Responses in the Context of Advertisements:

The study examined how individual words occurring in mediated messages affect listeners’ emotional and cognitive responses. Scripts from actual radio advertisements were altered by replacing origin...
INFLUENCE OF THE SELECTED MINORITY GROUP ON GENTRIFICATION OF CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD EDGEWATER

As the world became more globalized place, big cities became social self-sustained eco-systems. Constant change of cities is an essential part of its charm, but also a possible problem. Changes of urban cities with worst connotation are gentrification and gentrification is the cause of segregation on so many levels. This paper analyzes what factors led to the process of gentrification of the Edgewater neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois (USA). The main goal is to discover the possible causes of a gentrification’s paths and its influence on changing urban neighborhoods. This paper uses the example of Edgewater and the influence of the LGBT community on the neighborhood gentrification. Using theories and methodology of urban sociology, it identifies Edgewater as a ‘gayborhood’, analyzes factors of the creation of such a community, its specific culture and symbolic representation. Finally, it questions the exploitation of this specific culture as a base for symbolic economy, growth machine and gentrification of the neighborhood.
Machine Learning: Defining Worldwide Cyclone Labels for Training

In this paper we present a procedure for labeling both tropical and extratropical cyclones. The procedure is developed based off of a set of strict heuristics for the purpose of creating a worldwide labeled dataset for cyclones. The heuristics are defined from time, pressure, vorticity, and gradient thresholds without an explicit terrain cut-off. The outputted labeled dataset provides a cyclone center and Region of Interest (ROI) for the area of the cyclone at some given time stamp and this is then applied to GOES 15 water vapor imagery for purposes of a training dataset in deep learning network applications.
Practical Considerations for the Assessment and Treatment of ADHD in Children with Epilepsy

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities in children with epilepsy, but it is under diagnosed and under treated which can impact the quality of life. Knowledge regarding ADHD characteristics, epilepsy-related risk factors, and associations with specific types of epilepsy provide a base for assessment. Epilepsy-related variables have not consistently predicted ADHD status, so screening and assessment for ADHD in children with epilepsy should be systematic and broad. Different assessment tools and techniques can be helpful including rating scales, diagnostic interviews, and neuropsychological testing. Treatment of ADHD with methylphenidate has been found to be safe and effective including in populations with uncontrolled seizures and coexisting intellectual disability. There are limited data on other medication and behavioral treatments. To improve assessment, diagnosis and treatment, medical provider knowledge, and practices, as well as family barriers to behavioral health should be targeted.
Meeting Geriatric Competencies: Are Internal Medicine Residency Programs in New Jersey Meeting Expectations for Quality Care in Older Adults:

There has long been recognition for improved education and training in aging and geriatrics. As the number of older individuals in the United States increases, with 20% being older than 65 years by...
Cilioretinal Artery Occlusion Associated with Optic Disc Edema

Purpose:This work investigates the clinical features of cilioretinal artery occlusion (CLRAO) in the setting of optic disc edema.Methods:A retrospective chart review of 3 patients with concomitant ...
Distinguishing Features of Young English Language Learners’ Oral Performance

ABSTRACTExamining spoken features across proficiency levels allows researchers to explore the nature of speaking proficiency as it develops. This line of research has thus far primarily focused on ...
The New New Sensibility: Selling Celebrity/Celebrities Selling on Digital Media

This chapter considers the role of social influencers who sell their own branded products and products they endorse through the use of media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, as well as sell through dedicated websites that as “owned media” become forums through which celebrities and other media figures can communicate with their fans and followers in order to promote the purchase of products and services. As an example of the celebrity-industrial complex, the chapter presents a case study of Kim Kardashian, the embodiment of what it means to be a celebrity brand in twenty-first-century online culture. Such buying opportunities presented by influential others allow the follower to “label” themselves as a fan and craft an identity based on attitudes and values put forth by the celebrity.
Estimation using L1 adaptive descriptor observer for multivariable systems with nonlinear uncertainties and measurement noises

Abstract In this paper, an L1 adaptive descriptor observer is designed for multivariable systems with nonlinear uncertainties and measurement noises. If the system is detectable, noises are bounded and some rank conditions are satisfied, an L1 adaptive descriptor observer is constructed to asymptotically estimate states, nonlinear uncertainties and measurement noises at the same time. The original system is augmented with all the system states and measurement noises, two design parameters provide additional degrees of freedom. The freedom of selecting these parameters allows us to choose the derivative gain to reduce the noise amplification, the proportional gain to ensure the stability of the estimated error dynamics. An adaptive law will update the adaptive parameters which represent the uncertainty estimates such that the estimation error between the predicted state and the real state is driven to zero at every integration time-step. Of course, neglection of the unknowns for solving the error dynamic equations will introduce an estimation error in the adaptive parameters. The magnitude of this error can be lessened by choosing the time step as small as possible, meanwhile, the picking up of time step should satisfy the hardware requirement. The two design parameters and adaptive law guarantee the performance bounds for the estimation errors, both states and nonlinear uncertainties. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the design procedures, and the simulation results demonstrate the satisfactory tracking performance.
An information-theoretic approach to extracting climate signals from deep polar ice cores

Paleoclimate records are rich sources of information about the past history of the Earth system. Information theory provides a new means for studying these records. We demonstrate that weighted permutation entropy of water-isotope data from the West Antarctica Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide ice core reveals meaningful climate signals in this record. We find that this measure correlates with accumulation (meters of ice equivalent per year) and may record the influence of geothermal heating effects in the deepest parts of the core. Dansgaard-Oeschger and Antarctic Isotope Maxima events, however, do not appear to leave strong signatures in the information record, suggesting that these abrupt warming events may actually be predictable features of the climate’s dynamics. While the potential power of information theory in paleoclimatology is significant, the associated methods require well-dated and high-resolution data. The WAIS Divide core is the first paleoclimate record that can support this kind of analysis. As more high-resolution records become available, information theory could become a powerful forensic tool in paleoclimate science.
Radical Imagination via play: the future of Critical Cultural Studies research

This essay outlines a future research trajectory of critical cultural communication research as a practice in Radical Imagination. The author argues for institutionalizing play as a methodology tha...
Suppression of heat-induced leaf senescence by γ-aminobutyric acid, proline, and ammonium nitrate through regulation of chlorophyll degradation in creeping bentgrass

Abstract Heat-induced leaf senescence may be regulated by nitrogen or nitrogen-enriched amino acids. The objectives of the current study were to examine whether exogenous application of у-aminobutyric acid (GABA), proline, and ammonium nitrate (N) could alleviate heat-induced leaf senescence in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) and to determine whether the effects of GABA, proline, and N on heat-induced leaf senescence were associated with the alteration of chlorophyll (Chl) metabolism. Plants were exposed to heat stress (35/30 °C, day/night) or non-stress (22/18 °C, day/night) temperature conditions for 35 d in controlled-environment growth chambers. Turf quality, Chl content, and photochemical efficiency declined whereas the activities of Chl-degrading enzymes (chlorophyllase and pheophytinase) increased in response to heat stress. Application of GABA, proline, or N significantly enhanced turf quality, Chl content, and photochemical efficiency, and suppressed Chl-degrading enzyme activities under heat stress. The activity of a Chl-synthesizing enzyme (porphobilinogen deaminase) was not affected by GABA, proline, or N application. These results indicate that heat-induced leaf senescence could be mainly due to heat-accelerated Chl degradation, and GABA, proline, or N could suppress Chl degradation, alleviating heat-induced leaf senescence in creeping bentgrass.
Emergency water treatment with combined ferrate(VI) and ferric salts for disasters and disease outbreaks

Clean water is vital amid a disaster or disease outbreak-related emergency. This study aimed to evaluate an inventive emergency water treatment (EWT) process with the joint use of ferrate(VI) and ferric salts for production of drinking water in an emergency. Laboratory-scale batch studies were implemented to assess the effects of Fe(VI) : Fe(III) and overall Fe dose on the treatment performance. Results show that the decreasing Fe(VI) : Fe(III) ratio from 2 : 1 to 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 benefited bacterial inactivation, particulate removal, and abatement of aqueous Pb and As, but disfavored Cd alleviation in comparison with ferrate(VI) alone. At Fe(VI) : Fe(III) = 1 : 2, a higher iron dose (1.0–11.0 mg L−1) enhanced the treatment performance. The final pH could be well predicted based on chemical equilibrium calculations collectively governed by the Fe(VI) : Fe(III) ratio, overall Fe dose, initial pH, alkalinity, and atmospheric CO2 concentration. Afterwards, the combined Fe(VI)/Fe(III)-based EWT was examined in an innovative tea bag treatment design (Fe(VI) : Fe(III) = 1 : 2; total Fe = 11.0 mg L−1), which decreased total coliform (1.12 × 105 MPN per 100 mL) and E. coli (3.65 × 104 MPN per 100 mL) to undetectable levels, lowered the turbidity from 2.00 to 0.39 NTU, and reduced Pb, As, and Cd from 141, 48, and 53 μg L−1 to 8, 2, and 13 μg L−1, respectively. The estimated cost of the tea bag design was approximately $0.017 per 10 L of water, more economically competitive than existing EWT products with similar functions. The combined Fe(VI)/Fe(III) treatment represents an innovative, resilient, viable, and affordable EWT approach. Beyond EWT, the modification of ferrate(VI) treatment finds a new pathway to broader application of ferrate(VI) to municipal water treatment.
Effects of two Postprocessing Methods onto Surface Dimension of in-Office Fabricated Stereolithographic Implant Surgical Guides

PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of two postprocessing methods in terms of the overall, intaglio, and cameo surface dimensions of in-office stereolithographic fabricated implant surgical guides. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty identical implant surgical guides were fabricated using a stereolithographic printer. Ten guides were postprocessed using an automated method. The other ten guides were postprocessed using a series of hand washing in combination with ultrasonics. Each guide was then scanned using cone-beam computed tomography to produce a set of digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) files which were converted into standard tessellation language (STL) files. The STL file was then superimposed onto the original STL design file using the best fit alignment. The average positive and negative surface discrepancy differences in terms of means and variances were analyzed using t-test (α = 0.05). RESULTS For the alternative group, the average positive and negative overall, intaglio, and cameo surface discrepancies were 77.38 ± 10.68 µm and -67.74 ± 6.55 µm; 78.83 ± 8.65 µm and -68.16 ± 5.26 µm; and 70.5 ± 8.48 µm -64.84 ± 5.55 µm, respectively. For the automated group, the average positive and negative overall, intaglio, and cameo surface discrepancies were 51.88 ± 4.38 µm and -170.7 ± 11.49 µm; 64.3 ± 4.44 µm and -89.45 ± 6.25 µm; and 83.59 ± 4.81 µm and -144.26 ± 13.19 µm, respectively. There was a statistical difference between the means of the two methods for the overall, intaglio, and cameo positive and negative discrepancies (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS For a single implant tooth-supported implant guide, using hand washing with ultrasonics appeared to be consistently better than the automated method. The manual method presented with more positive discrepancies, while the automated method presented with more negative discrepancies.
Cooperative Second-Cycle Breeding and Testing of Coastal Douglas-fir in the US Pacific Northwest: Strategy, Implementation, and Operational Aspects

The second cycle of cooperative breeding and testing of coastal Douglas-fir in western Oregon and Washington was started around 1992. By 2020 the bulk of testing is nearing completion, while the latest program in southern Oregon and NW California is scheduled to run through 2035. A total of 109 first-generation programs were consolidated into nine second- cycle breeding and testing cooperatives (with 15 testing zones); 136 tests are planned, of which 120 have already been established. Between five and eight tests are established per trial series. Trials established to date have contained from 50 to 283 full-sib crosses. In total, the Douglas-fir breeding effort will be comprised of over 2,900 crosses, of which 2,500 have already been established in the field. A total of about 349,000 test trees are to be planted, with over 310,000 already planted. Tests typically get three main measurements when the trees are 3 (or 4), 7 and 12 years old from seed. (1) Age-3 or 4: progression of budburst, on a 1 to 5 rating score, when roughly 50 % of the seedlings have broken bud, on one or two sites per trial series. (2) Age-7: height (height pole), dbh, stem sinuosity in the second internode from the top, number of incidences of stem forking, number of incidences of ramicorn branching and (3) Age-12: height (vertex), dbh, stem sinuosity in the second internode from the top, number of incidences of stem forking, number of incidences of ramicorn branching, second flushing yes\no in current year, and wood acoustic velocity (in some trial series).
A Sustainable Approach to Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction Using Meshed Acellular Dermal Matrix.

Background Prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction provides an alternative to submuscular reconstruction, but the increased acellular dermal matrix (ADM) required has the potential to lead to increased costs and decreased supply of this limited-resource material. We present a method for prepectoral reconstruction utilizing skin-graft meshing techniques to increase the surface area of usable ADM. Methods Forty-four patients underwent this technique from February 2019 to February 2020. Patient characteristics, operative details, and outcomes, including complications and patient satisfaction utilizing the BREAST-Q, were analyzed. Cost analysis relative to projected cost of nonmeshed techniques was performed. Results There were 20 unilateral and 24 bilateral procedures, for a total of 68 breast reconstructions. Mean age was 45.9 years (32-71). Mean implant volume was 485 cm3 (265-800), and one sheet of ADM was used for each breast with an average surface area of 161 cm2. Median follow-up was 350 days (212-576). Minor complications included an infection treated with oral antibiotics. Major complications included one axillary hematoma and one delayed implant loss. One patient underwent revision for asymmetry. Mean BREAST-Q score was 47.4/60. Cost ranged from $4113 to 5025 per breast, compared with the projected $9125-18250 per breast for other techniques in the literature. Conclusions In contrast to previously described uses of ADM in prepectoral reconstruction, meshing maximizes resource utilization by expanding the coverage of a single sheet. Early findings demonstrate minimal complications and high patient satisfaction, suggesting the approach has potential to provide the benefits of prepectoral reconstruction while responsibly preserving product availability and tempering healthcare costs.
Burkina Faso's Infrastructure: A Continental Perspective

Infrastructure contributed 1.3 percentage points to Burkina Faso's annual per capita gross domestic product (GDP) growth over the past decade, much of it due to improvements in information and communication technology (ICT). Raising the country's infrastructure endowment to that of the region's middle-income countries (MICs) could boost annual growth by more than 3 percentage points per capita. Burkina Faso has made significant progress developing its infrastructure in recent years, especially in the ICT sector. The country has also moved forward in the areas of road maintenance and water and sanitation, but still faces challenges in these sectors, as well as in the electricity sector. As of 2007, Burkina Faso faced an annual infrastructure funding gap of $165 million per year, or 4 percent of GDP. That gap could be cut in half by the adoption of more appropriate technologies to meet infrastructure targets in the transport and the water and sanitation sectors. Even if Burkina Faso were unable to increase infrastructure spending or otherwise close the infrastructure funding gap, simply by moving from a 10- to 18-year horizon the country could address its efficiency gap and meet the posited infrastructure targets.
Trends in Trauma Admissions During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Los Angeles County, California.

Importance Describing the changes in trauma volume and injury patterns during the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic could help to inform policy development and hospital resource planning. Objective To examine trends in trauma admissions throughout Los Angeles County (LAC) during the pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cohort study, all trauma admissions to the 15 verified level 1 and level 2 trauma centers in LAC from January 1 to June 7, 2020 were reviewed. All trauma admissions from the same period in 2019 were used as historical control. For overall admissions, the study period was divided into 3 intervals based on daily admission trend analysis (January 1 through February 28, March 1 through April 9, April 10 through June 7). For the blunt trauma subgroup analysis, the study period was divided into 3 similar intervals (January 1 through February 27, February 28 through April 5, April 6 through June 7). Exposures COVID-19 pandemic. Main Outcomes and Measures Trends in trauma admission volume and injury patterns. Results A total of 6777 patients in 2020 and 6937 in 2019 met inclusion criteria. Of those admitted in 2020, the median (interquartile range) age was 42 (28-61) years and 5100 (75.3%) were men. Mechanisms of injury were significantly different between the 2 years, with a higher incidence of penetrating trauma and fewer blunt injuries in 2020 compared with 2019 (penetrating: 1065 [15.7%] vs 1065 [15.4%]; blunt: 5309 [78.3%] vs 5528 [79.7%]). Overall admissions by interval in 2020 were 2681, 1684, and 2412, whereas in 2019 they were 2462, 1862, and 2613, respectively. There was a significant increase in overall admissions per week during the first interval (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.02; 95% CI, 1.002-1.04;P = .03) followed by a decrease in the second interval (IRR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.90-0.94;P Conclusions and Relevance In this study, trauma centers throughout LAC experienced a significant change in injury patterns and admission trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. A transient decrease in volume was followed by a quick return to baseline levels. Trauma centers should prioritize maintaining access, capacity, and functionality during pandemics and other national emergencies.
Implementing Digital Filters and DSP Micro-Controller for Estimating the Frequency of a Time-Domain Signal

Accurate frequency estimation plays an important role in many applications, like power grids, micro-grid integration etc. This paper aims to estimate the frequency of a voltage signal at a certain frequency, with the help of another signal. The frequency of the other signal is kept close to the signal under test. The product is obtained, so as to get two components, the difference frequency component and the sum frequency component. This paper deals with the difference and the sum frequency component obtained, so as to get estimates of the frequency of the voltage signal source. To achieve this, a Low-Pass (LP) digital filter extracts the difference frequency signal and a Band-Pass (BP) digital filter extracts the sum frequency signal. Both are Butter-worth type of filters. This approach can also be used to analyze a power system waveform/signal that contains harmonics. This paper uses Texas Instruments' TMS320F28379d micro-controller unit to extract the difference and sum frequencies of the two sources. For further validation of the approach, MATLAB/Simulink based software simulations are also provided. Digital filters design is also discussed briefly.
Quantifying Solanum chacoense root morphology responses to limited nitrogen supply using in vitro, hydroponic, and field monolith methods

Solanum chacoense Bitt. (chc) is a short-day adapted wild diploid (2n = 2x = 24) species, relative of the commercial potato S. tuberosum L. (tbr), that has demonstrated higher below-ground biomass when cultivated under limited nitrogen (N) supply, suggesting it possesses greater potential for N recovery by increasing root length density (RLD). The objectives of this study were to compare screening methodologies for evaluating RLD responses of chc genotypes and tbr cultivars under limited N supply for the identification of superior rooting chc genotypes. Seventeen genotypes of chc and three commercial tbr varieties were exposed to 0.5 and 1.0 N rates across three root screening methodologies: in vitro, hydroponic, and field evaluated at tuber initiation and plant maturity stages. Although the development of a reliable high throughput root screening system was unachievable due to differences in environment and root sampling protocols across methodologies, there were significant positive correlations amongst RLD for a majority of methods in both chc and tbr. This suggests that RLD can be utilized for evaluating both Solanum species and genotypes within species and environments. RLD for chc 0048-34 and 0053-7 genotypes were significantly higher than tbr cultivars in all tested methods indicating that chc possesses the potential for increasing N recovery in future breeding with tbr.
Spin‐Polarized Photoluminescence in Au 25 (SC 8 H 9 ) 18 Monolayer‐Protected Clusters

Here, the observation of spin-polarized emission for the Au25 (SC8 H9 )18 monolayer-protected cluster (MPC) is reported. Variable-temperature variable-field magnetic circular photoluminescence (VTV H⇀ -MCPL) measurements are combined with VT-PL spectroscopy to provide state-resolved characterization of the transient electronic structure and spin-polarized electron-hole recombination dynamics of Au25 (SC8 H9 )18 . Through analysis of VTV H⇀ -MCPL measurements, a low energy (1.64 eV) emission peak is assigned to intraband relaxation between core-metal-localized superatom-D to -P orbitals. Two higher energy interband components (1.78 eV, 1.94 eV) are assigned to relaxation from superatom-D orbitals to states localized to the inorganic semirings. For both intraband superatom-based or interband relaxation mechanisms, the extent of spin-polarization, quantified as the degree of circular polarization (DOCP), is determined by state-specific electron-vibration coupling strengths and energy separations of bright and dark electronic fine-structure levels. At low temperatures ( 60 K), interband ligand-based emission is dominant. In the low-temperature PL regime, increased sample temperature results in larger global PL intensity. In the high-temperature regime, increased temperature quenches interband radiative recombination. The relative intensity for each PL mechanism is discussed in terms of state-specific electronic-vibrational coupling strengths and related to the total angular momentum, quantified by Lande g-factors.
Prognostic impact of lymphopenia and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio for patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma

Background Outcomes after definitive chemoradiation for squamous cell carcinoma are generally favorable. However, biomarkers to further yield prognostic information are desired. Treatment-related lymphopenia as well as an elevated baseline neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio have been associated with worse survival in several cancer types. We evaluated absolute lymphocyte count and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio at baseline and at treatment-related nadir in patients with anal cancer for associations with oncologic endpoints. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 428 consecutive patients with non-metastatic anal cancer treated with definitive, intensity-modulated radiation therapy-based chemoradiation. We analyzed absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts at several timepoints: pretreatment, weekly during treatment, and in the six weeks following treatment completion. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was calculated at baseline and treatment-related nadir. We estimated oncologic endpoints using life tables and compared them using the log-rank test. We conducted univariate and multivariable time-to-event analyses using Cox proportional hazards. Results Median absolute lymphocyte count at baseline and nadir were 1.80 [interquartile range (IQR), 1.45-2.32] k/µL and 0.26 (IQR, 0.18-0.36) k/µL, respectively, and 31% developed treatment-related grade 4 lymphopenia. Median neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio at baseline and nadir were 2.34 (IQR, 1.68-3.30) and 8.80 (IQR, 5.86-12.68), respectively. Estimates of overall survival, local failure-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and freedom from colostomy at 5 years were 87%, 86%, 82%, and 88%, respectively. Baseline and nadir absolute lymphocyte count were not associated with selected outcomes on univariate analysis. On multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with death included T3-T4 disease, HIV-positive status, treatment break, and baseline neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio >3. Baseline neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio showed a trend toward association with distant progression or death (P=0.07). The 5-year overall survival estimates for patients with baseline neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios ≤3 and >3 were 92.3% and 80.6%, respectively. Conclusions Lymphopenia during and after chemoradiation for anal cancer is common but does not appear to be associated with worse survival, recurrence, or metastases. However, elevated baseline neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was independently associated with overall survival, local recurrence-free survival, and DMFS. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical utility of baseline neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio to guide treatment and follow-up.
New Developments in Optical Phase Conjugation

Optical phase conjugation has ceased to be regarded as merely a scientifically interesting laboratory phenomenon. It is now being invoked as a tool to deal with various laser problems that do not yield easily to more conventional solutions. Thus, in addition to the continuing research on the fundamental mechanisms in various methods of phase conjugation, activities at the Los Alamos National Laboratory have also addressed development issues of more practical relevance. For a tutorial introduction to the concepts of optical phase conjugation we direct the reader to references [1] and [2], whereas more details on various subtopics can also be found in [2].
The relationship between firearms and suicide: A review of the literature

Abstract Suicide rates are affected by many factors—psychiatric, biological, familial and situational. This paper focuses on one potential risk factor for completed suicide in the United States—the availability of firearms. Whether the availability of firearms might increase the rate of attempted suicide is not examined. This article is not an exhaustive review of every existing firearm-related suicide study. Rather, it provides a detailed review of the most commonly cited, representative, and thorough empirical studies in the published peer-reviewed literature relating firearms and suicide, focusing largely on the United States. The empirical studies reviewed are grouped according to whether the unit of analysis is the individual (e.g., case-control studies) or a population (e.g., ecological studies) and further divided depending on whether the analysis uses cross-sectional or time-series (longitudinal) data. We begin with a very brief overview of the suicide problem in the United States.