cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty, anxiety, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress in parents of children recently diagnosed with cancer

The purpose of the study was to describe relationships between uncertainty, anxiety, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTS) in parents of children recently diagnosed with cancer. The study was guided by the Uncertainty in illness Theory. The setting was a children's hospital. Participants were 15 parents of 12 children recently diagnosed with cancer. Anxiety was measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Uncertainty was measured by the Parent Perception of Uncertainty Scale. Symptoms of PTS were measured by the Reaction Index. Total scale scores were calculated and psychometrics estimated. Differences in uncertainty, anxiety, and symptoms of PTS by parent race were assessed using analysis of variance. The correlation matrix was estimated to assess relationships between variables. The level of uncertainty was lower than expected, but was significantly higher for black parents (p < .001). The level of anxiety was comparable to that for hospitalized persons with anxiety disorders. The level of sympto...
Understanding the relationship between violent victimization and gang membership

Abstract Purpose Research examining factors that precipitate gang violence has contributed substantially to our understanding of gangs and gang activity with respect to offending, yet we still know relatively little about how gangs influence members’ risk of victimization. The current study examines three hypotheses: (1) gang involvement and involvement in other risky lifestyles is related to violent victimization, (2) involvement in gang crime is associated with violent victimization, and (3) the presence of rival gangs is related to violent victimization. Methods The present study uses data obtained from 909 recently booked juvenile arrestees who were interviewed as part of the Arizona Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) program. Results Our findings indicated that prevalence of violent victimization was highest among gang members, followed by former gang members, gang associates, and non-gang members. After controlling for involvement in gang crime, however, gang membership per se did not significantly influence the juveniles’ risk of serious violent victimization. Conclusions Our results call into question the conclusion that gang membership alone increases the likelihood of violent victimization vis-a-vis lifestyle/routine activities and/or collective liability. Instead our findings support prior research on the victim-offender overlap, that offending behaviors increase the risk of victimization.
Kinetics of Cellulose Pyrolysis in Nitrogen and Steam

Abstract Kinetics of cellulose pyrolysis in nitrogen and steam at five different heating rates are presented. A single rate equation for each pyrolysis medium is discussed which provides a good engineering fit to the weight loss curves. The presence of steam in the pyrolysis medium was found to have no measurable affect on cellulose pyrolysis kinetics. The activation energy, pre-exponential factor and reaction order for nitrogen and 1 steam pyrolysis of cellulose are: 36.6 kcal/mol, 6.06 × 109sec-1, 0.46 and 34.2 kcal/mol, 1.67 / 109 sec-1, 0.51 respectively. Apparent differences in the data derived using steam rather than nitrogen as a pyrolysis medium are shown to be artifacts of heat transfer phenomenon within the TGA instrumentation used to measure rate of weight loss. Heat transfer effects observed here may explain the large discrepancies in previously reported studies of cellulose pyrolysis kinetics. Kinetic data given for steam pyrolysis are believed to be more accurate due to the more accurate mea...
The role of ovarian proteases and their inhibitors in ovulation

To assess the role of inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes, such as plasminogen activator (PA) and collagenase in the ovulatory process, inhibitor activity and mRNA levels were examined in periovulatory rat and human ovaries. In the rat, immature animals received 20 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) followed 52 h later by 10 IU of hCG. Ovaries were removed at intervals from 0 to 20 h after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Inhibitor activity for metalloproteinases, such as collagenase, increased from 60.5 +/- 4.1 inhibitor units/ovary at 0 h (i.e., time of hCG treatment) to a maximum of 218.2 +/- 11.4 units/ovary at 8 h after hCG before decreasing at 12 h (time of ovulation) and 20 h (122.2 +/- 7.9 and 71.6 +/- 8.1 units/ovary, respectively). Human follicular fluid and granulosa cells were obtained from preovulatory follicles of patients in our in vitro fertilization program. Metalloproteinase inhibitor activity was evaluated in follicular fluid as well as the levels of PA and PA inhibitor (PAI) mRNA by Northern analysis. Increasing metalloproteinase inhibitor activity was positively correlated with follicular levels of estradiol (p less than 0.001) and progesterone (p less than 0.02, N = 26). Chromatographic separation of follicular fluid resulted in two peaks of metalloproteinase inhibitor activity. The large molecular weight (MW) inhibitor had an approximate size of 700 kilodaltons (kDa) and may represent alpha 2-macroglobulin, a serum-derived inhibitor. The small MW inhibitor shared many of the characteristics of tissue-derived inhibitors of metalloproteinases. Partial purification of the small MW inhibitor by Concanavalin A-Sepharose and Heparin-Sepharose chromatography demonstrated the inhibitor to be a glycoprotein with an approximate MW = 28-29 K. Northern analysis of human granulosa cell total RNA from preovulatory follicles showed little or no detectable tissue-type PA or urokinase-type PA mRNA. In contrast, two species of PA inhibitor type-1 mRNA were detected in relative abundance. The present findings demonstrate the presence of proteolytic inhibitors in periovulatory ovaries of the rat and human. These ovarian inhibitors may play a role in regulating connective tissue remodeling during follicular rupture.
Capitalism and the Carnival Character: The Escape from Reality:

Every social epoch fosters certain distinctive kinds of `social character' — a widely shared constellation of values and self-identity. Today, as the crises of capitalism become more and more evide...
Nano-NRTIs: Efficient Inhibitors of HIV Type-1 in Macrophages with a Reduced Mitochondrial Toxicity:

Background: Macrophages serve as a depot for HIV type-1 (HIV-1) in the central nervous system. To efficiently target macrophages, we developed nanocarriers for potential brain delivery of activated nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) called nano-NRTIs. Methods: Nanogel carriers consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)- or Pluronic- polyethylenimine (PEI) biodegradable networks, star PEG-PEI or poly(amidoamine) dendrimer-PEI-PEG dendritic networks, as well as nanogels decorated with brain-targeting peptide molecules, specifically binding to the apolipoprotein E receptor, were synthesized and evaluated. Nano-NRTIs were obtained by mixing aqueous solutions of zidovudine 5′-triphosphate or didanosine 5′-triphosphate and nanocarriers, followed by freeze-drying. Intracellular accumulation, cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of nano-NRTIs were monitored in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). HIV-1 viral activity in infected MDMs was measured by a reverse transcriptase activity assay following treatment with nano-NRTIs. Mitochondrial DNA depletion in MDMs and human HepG2 cells was assessed by quantitative PCR. Results: Nanogels were efficiently captured by MDMs and demonstrated low cytotoxicity, and no antiviral activity without drugs. All nano-NRTIs demonstrated high efficacy of HIV-1 inhibition at drug levels as low as 1 µmol/l, representing a 4.9- to 14-fold decrease in 90% effective drug concentrations as compared with NRTIs, whereas 50% cytotoxicity effects started at 200× higher concentrations. Nano-NRTIs with a core-shell structure and decorated with brain-targeting peptides displayed the highest antiviral efficacy. Mitochondrial DNA depletion, a major cause of NRTI neurotoxicity, was reduced threefold compared with NRTIs at application of selected nano-NRTIs. Conclusions: Nano-NRTIs demonstrated a promising antiviral efficacy against HIV-1 in MDMs and showed strong potential as nanocarriers for delivery of antiviral drugs to macrophages harbouring in the brain.
Genetic analysis of susceptibility to Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelinating disease in the SWR strain.

Abstract SWR/J mice are susceptible to immune-mediated central (CNS) demyelination following infection by Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV). SWR/J susceptibility is genetically dominant, when outcrossed to resistant H-2 b strains. Non-H-2 differences between C57BL/6 and C57L/J (both H-2 b ) alter effects of ‘susceptibility’ genes, especially H-2 q , from SWR/J. Genetic analysis of differential susceptibility to demyelination between SWR/J and C57L/J indicates that one copy of H-2 q is sufficient for disease, and that SWR/J mice carry a non-H-2 gene which can lead to disease in the absence of H-2 q . Differential susceptibility between SWR/J and C57BL/6 is determined by a single non-H-2 locus, which may or may not be the same as that differing between SWR/J and C57L/J.
What Do Groups Learn from Their Worldliest Members? Direct and Indirect Influence in Dynamic Teams

Abstract This study investigated the consequences of temporary membership changes for itinerant members (who leave their group of origin temporarily to visit a foreign work group) and indigenous members of those origin and foreign groups. We tested the hypothesis that itinerant members' unique knowledge and experience can be transferred from the group where it originated to another group engaged in the same activities. Results showed that all members produced more unique ideas after itinerant members returned to their group of origin than before they left or while they were away; however, the ideas of itinerant members were significantly less likely to be utilized by the group in an essay on group work. After their return, itinerant members were perceived as highly involved in group activity, but also more argumentative, and although they produced more unique ideas than indigenous members, their essay contributions were perceived as less valuable. As a result, itinerant group members had less direct influence after changing groups than they did prior to the membership change.
THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPROVING THE MARKER MAKING PROCESS

Reports the results of a study undertaken to determine the technical and economic feasibility of improving the state‐of‐the‐art in marker making systems for the apparel industry. The study concentrates on three primary areas: an assessment of the current state of the art in marker making software; an extensive literature search; analysis of the cutting stock problem and its application to the marker making problem; and other approaches to solving the marker making problem. Explores the economic viability of increasing marker making automation. Conclusions and recommendations are presented.
Consonant Production Accuracy in Young Cochlear Implant Recipients: Developmental Sound Classes and Word Position Effects

Purpose To compare young cochlear implant (CI) recipients' consonant production accuracy with that of age- and gender-matched peers who were typically developing (TD). In addition to examining initial consonants, the authors compiled new data regarding the accuracy of final consonants and the order of consonant acquisition. Methods Eleven young CI recipients with 24 months of CI experience and 11 age- and gender-matched TD peers produced target words in short sentences. Consonant production accuracy was examined for total scores, initial and final word positions, and three developmental sound classes: Early, Middle, and Late. Results Initial consonants were produced with relatively greater accuracy than were final consonants by the TD and CI groups. Whereas initial consonants appeared to be acquired in a typical order, descriptive data suggest that this might not be the case for final consonants. Conclusions Although still delayed compared to age-matched peers, young CI recipients showed substantial progr...
Symmetric stereo matching for occlusion handling

In this paper, we propose a symmetric stereo model to handle occlusion in dense two-frame stereo. Our occlusion reasoning is directly based on the visibility constraint that is more general than both ordering and uniqueness constraints used in previous work. The visibility constraint requires occlusion in one image and disparity in the other to be consistent. We embed the visibility constraint within an energy minimization framework, resulting in a symmetric stereo model that treats left and right images equally. An iterative optimization algorithm is used to approximate the minimum of the energy using belief propagation. Our stereo model can also incorporate segmentation as a soft constraint. Experimental results on the Middlebury stereo images show that our algorithm is state-of-the-art.
Childhood Intelligence and the Emergence of Self-Control

Self-control represents, perhaps, one of the most robust predictors of antisocial behavior uncovered by behavioral scientists. What remains more unclear, however, are the exact sources of individual differences in levels of self-control. Emergent evidence along these lines is beginning to suggest that levels of intelligence—another robust correlate of antisocial behavior—may play an important role in predicting the development of self-control. Moreover, the influence of intelligence may begin to manifest very early in development. Building on prior work, the current study seeks to explore the role of intelligence in predicting levels of self-control in children. Our findings suggest that higher levels of intelligence predict higher levels of self-control beyond other traditional criminological and sociological variables including parenting practices and parental levels of self-control. These findings further underscore the relevance of intellectual functioning for a host of impactful traits in humans.
Hierarchical kernel stick-breaking process for multi-task image analysis

The kernel stick-breaking process (KSBP) is employed to segment general imagery, imposing the condition that patches (small blocks of pixels) that are spatially proximate are more likely to be associated with the same cluster (segment). The number of clusters is not set a priori and is inferred from the hierarchical Bayesian model. Further, KSBP is integrated with a shared Dirichlet process prior to simultaneously model multiple images, inferring their inter-relationships. This latter application may be useful for sorting and learning relationships between multiple images. The Bayesian inference algorithm is based on a hybrid of variational Bayesian analysis and local sampling. In addition to providing details on the model and associated inference framework, example results are presented for several image-analysis problems.
Educational Development in Kenya and the Role of Information and Communication Technology

While ICT continues to advance in western countries, African countries still experience a lag in its implementation, and that continues to widen the digital and knowledge divides. This article provides an insight into the state of educational development in Kenya and the role of ICT in narrowing the knowledge divide. It documents the progress made in educational development, while revealing the challenges faced. The article provides an overview of the historical and economic context, social factors, and the organization and state of education. While the context is Kenyan, the strategies discussed are applicable to other African countries with similar challenges.
New Low-Dimensional Iron(II) Phosphates Exhibiting Field-Dependent Magnetization Steps

A new family of transition-metal-containing phosphates ANa3M7(PO4)6, where A = K, Rb, Cs and M = Mn, Fe, Co, was synthesized via high-temperature (650-800 °C), solid state reactions. Sizable single crystals up to 1 cm (ca. 160 mg) were grown for structure and property characterization. The extended structure comprises of alternating corner- and edge-sharing triangular chains of FeOn (n = 5,6) polyhedra involving four crystallographically distinct Fe(II) cations. The triangular chains propagate along the a and b directions to form slabs, which are interlinked by P5+ and a fifth Fe2+ cation to form the three-dimensional lattice. The magnetic susceptibility studies suggest that some of these fascinating compounds exhibit a ferromagnetic transition at temperatures between 10K and 15K. The field-dependent studies on the oriented single crystal of RbNa3M7(PO4)6 show the occurrence of magnetization steps at 2 -5K. In this report, we will first discuss some prior research developments relevant to the study of geometrically frustrated magnetic (GFM) interactions, followed by the results of our exploratory synthesis in the pseuo-quaternary iron(II) phosphate system and finally some initial investigations of temperature- and field-dependent magnetic properties.
Segmentation of surface curvature with a photometric invariant

Gaussian curvature is an intrinsic local shape characteristic of a smooth object surface that is invariant to orientation of the object in three-dimensional space and viewpoint. Accurate determination of the sign of Gaussian curvature at each point on a smooth object surface (i.e., the identification of hyperbolic, elliptical, and parabolic points) can provide very important information for both recognition of objects in automated vision tasks and manipulation of objects by a robot. We present a multiple-illumination technique that directly identifies elliptical, hyperbolic, and parabolic points from diffuse reflection on a smooth object surface. This technique is based on a photometric invariant that involves the behavior of the image intensity gradient under varying illumination under the assumption of the image irradiance equation. The nature of this photometric invariant permits direct segmentation of a smooth object surface according to the sign of Gaussian curvature independent of knowledge of local surface orientation, independent of diffuse surface albedo, and with only approximate knowledge of the geometry of multiple incident illumination. In comparison with photometric stereo, this new technique determines the sign of Gaussian curvature directly from image features without having to derive local surface orientation and does not require the calibration of the reflectance map from an object of known shape of similar material or precise knowledge of all incident illuminations. We demonstrate how this segmentation technique works under conditions of simulated image noise and present actual experimental imaging results.
Personal Values and Meaning in the Use of Methamphetamine Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men:

Our aim with this qualitative study was to understand the role of personal values, meaning, and impact of drug use among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) who struggle with methamphetamine use. Participants were 22 MSM recruited from an ethnically diverse county in the San Francisco Bay area of California. Grounded theory was used to analyze the data collected in individual interviews. Emergent constructs of context, meaning, and perceived impact were identified and are described in a theoretical narrative format. The importance of broadening our understanding of HIV and methamphetamine addiction and their interaction is highlighted. This study contributes to the understanding of the complexity of methamphetamine use within the specific population of MSM living with HIV/ AIDS, and suggests possible directions for addressing important maintaining factors like adaptive use and enhancing factors that could contribute to an individual's ability to make better choices based on meaning and personal values.
Comprehensive approaches to 3D inversion of magnetic data affected by remanent magnetization

Three-dimensional 3D inversion of magnetic data to recover a distribution of magnetic susceptibility has been successfullyusedformineralexplorationduringthelastdecade. However, the unknown direction of magnetization has limited the use of this technique when significant remanence is present. We have developed a comprehensive methodology for solving this problem by examining two classes of approaches and have formulated a suite of methods of practical utility. The first class focuses on estimating total magnetization direction and then incorporating the resultant direction into an inversion algorithm that assumes a known direction. Thesecondclassfocusesondirectinversionoftheamplitude of the magnetic anomaly vector. Amplitude data depend weaklyuponmagnetizationdirectionandareamenabletodirect inversion for the magnitude of magnetization vector in 3D subsurface. Two sets of high-resolution aeromagnetic dataacquiredfordiamondexplorationintheCanadianArctic areusedtoillustratethemethods’usefulness.
Effect of loop deletions on the binding and transport of ferric enterobactin by FepA

The siderophore ferric enterobactin enters Escherichia coli through the outer membrane (OM) porin FepA, which contains an aqueous transmembrane channel that is normally occluded by other parts of the protein. After binding the siderophore at a site within the surface loops, FepA undergoes conformational changes that promote ligand internalization. We assessed the participation of different loops in ligand recognition and uptake by creating and analysing a series of deletions. We genetically engineered 26 mutations that removed 9-75 amino acids from nine loops and two buried regions of the OM protein. The mutations had various effects on the uptake reaction, which we discerned by comparing the substrate concentrations of half-maximal binding (Kd) and uptake (Km): every loop deletion affected siderophore transport kinetics, decreasing or eliminating binding affinity and transport efficiency. We classified the mutations in three groups on the basis of their slight, strong or complete inhibition of the rate of ferric enterobactin transport across the OM. Finally, characterization of the FepA mutants revealed that prior experiments underestimated the affinity of FepA for ferric enterobactin: the interaction between the protein and the ferric siderophore is so avid (Kd < 0.2 nM) that FepA tolerated the large reductions in affinity that some loop deletions caused without loss of uptake functionality. That is, like other porins, many of the loops of FepA are superficially dispensable: ferric enterobactin transport occurred without them, at levels that allowed bacterial growth.
Research supervision: the research management matrix

We briefly make a case for re-conceptualising research project supervision/advising as the consideration of three inter-related areas: the learning and teaching process; developing the student; and producing the research project/outcome as a social practice. We use this as our theoretical base for an heuristic tool, ‘the research management matrix’ and this is the major focus of this paper. The matrix facilitates the work of supervision. In the matrix we privilege the research questions. The research management matrix can be easily used to focus on key research features and the relationships amongst them. The timing of different parts of research is introduced so that practical goals are identified. This facilitates project and research student learning management and timely completions. For these reasons the research management matrix is a useful tool for supervisors/advisors
Generalization of the BWT transformation and inversion ranks

Summary form only given. We expand the theoretical foundations of LPSA (lexical permutation sorting algorithm) (see Arnavut, Z., and Magliveras, S.S., The Computer Journal, vol.40, no.5, pp.292-5, 1997) from permutations to multiset permutations (data strings) and give the general theory behind the BWT combinatorially. We then show the information theoretic relationship between interval ranks and canonical sorting permutations. Finally, we explore the relationship between inversion ranks and recency ranks and present improved compression results over other BSC (binary symmetric channel) coders, such as Bzip and Szip.
Sexual victimization and chronic pelvic pain

Women with chronic pelvic pain are frequently found to have histories of sexual victimization. The authors review the evidence supporting this association and examine related questions regarding the association of chronic pelvic pain with other forms of abuse as well as the relationship of sexual victimization with other physical sequelae. Practical strategies are offered for the office management of patients with both chronic pelvic pain and sexual trauma.
Optimizing School Bus Stop Placement in Howard County, Maryland: A GIS-Based Heuristic Approach

In the current system, school bus stops in Howard County, Maryland are manually placed along the school bus routes based on safety, cost-efficiency, and many other variables. With such liberal placement, bus stops are sometimes placed unnecessarily. This issue is prevalent in many school districts and often results in needlessly close bus stop proximity. In this study, the authors implemented a GIS-based heuristic to assist school officials in optimizing their districts bus stop placement. They also estimated the proportion of county-wide bus stops that could be eliminated by this approach. Following the constraints determined by State and local guidelines, the ArcGIS Network Analyst Extension was used to identify unnecessary bus stops across the study area. The initial output was re-evaluated by school officials in order to determine if those bus stops would be eliminated. The results indicate that approximately 30% of the existing bus stops were marked as "candidates for elimination" by the GIS process. After a review of these candidates, it was determined that at least 15% of the total school bus stops could be eliminated. Statistical estimates lent credence to the benefit of a re-evaluation of these bus stops. The method developed in this study can easily be replicated. Hence, it may inspire other school systems to exercise the same approach. Additionally, the results provide a gateway for future studies in examining more efficient school bus routes with less travel time, as well as investigating how much the carbon footprint of school bus fleets can be reduced.
Sox2 cooperates with Lkb1 loss to promote squamous cell lung cancer

10. Obeid M, Tesniere A, Ghiringhelli F, et al. Calreticulin exposure dictates the immunogenicity of cancer cell death. Nat Med. 2007;13:54–61. 11. Teitz-Tennenbaum S, Li Q, Okuyama R, et al. Mechanisms involved in radiation enhancement of intratumoral dendritic cell therapy. J Immunother. 2008;31:345–358. 12. Garnett CT, Palena C, Chakraborty M, Tsang KY, Schlom J, Hodge JW. Sublethal irradiation of human tumor cells modulates phenotype resulting in enhanced killing by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Cancer Res. 2004;64:7985–7994. 13. Spranger S, Bao R, Gajewski TF. Melanoma-intrinsic beta-catenin signalling prevents anti-tumour immunity. Nature. 2015;523:231–235. 14. Jobling MF, Mott JD, Finnegan MT, et al. Isoform-specific activation of latent transforming growth factor beta (LTGF-beta) by reactive oxygen species. Radiation research. 2006;166:839–848. 15. Wirsdorfer F, Cappuccini F, Niazman M, et al. Thorax irradiation triggers a local and systemic accumulation of immunosuppressive CD4+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells. Radiat Oncol. 2014;9:98. 16. Deng L, Liang H, Burnette B, et al. Irradiation and antiPD-L1 treatment synergistically promote antitumor immunity in mice. J Clin Invest. 2014;124:687–695. 17. Brody JD, Ai WZ, Czerwinski DK, et al. In situ vaccination with a TLR9 agonist induces systemic lymphoma regression: a phase I/II study. J Clin Oncol. 2010;28:4324–4332. 18. Seung SK, Curti BD, Crittenden M, et al. Phase 1 study of stereotactic body radiotherapy and interleukin-2–tumor and immunological responses. Sci Transl Med. 2012;4:137–174. 19. Golden EB, Demaria S, Schiff PB, Chachoua A, Formenti SC. An Abscopal Response to Radiation and Ipilimumab in a Patient with Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res. 2013;1:365–372. 20. Postow MA, Callahan MK, Barker CA, et al. Immunologic correlates of the abscopal effect in a patient with melanoma. N Engl J Med. 2012;366:925–931. 21. Demaria S, Formenti SC. Radiation as an immunological adjuvant: current evidence on dose and fractionation. Frontiers in oncology. 2012;2:153. 22. Gough MJ, Crittenden MR, Young KH. Comparing equals when evaluating immunotherapy with different doses and fractions of radiation therapy. Immunotherapy. 2015;7:847–849.
Mitochondrial DNA restriction site map of Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

The mitochondrial DNA of the secondary screwworm, Cochliomyia macellaria (F.), was cleaved with 15 restriction endonucleases to produce 54 restriction fragments. Forty-three restriction sites recognized by 12 enzymes were assigned positions on a restriction site map. Both the restriction fragments and the restriction site map were compared with published data from the screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel). The restriction site maps were aligned using a combination of highly conserved restriction sites. Estimated nucleotide divergence between the 2 species based on the fragments was 0.052. The divergence based on the restriction site map was 0.093. The data provide a baseline for future population or phylogenetic investigations.
Epidemiological and Economic Effects of Priming With the Whole-Cell Bordetella pertussis Vaccine.

Importance Current acellular pertussis vaccines may not protect against transmission of Bordetella pertussis . Objective To assess whether a priming dose of whole-cell pertussis (wP) vaccine is cost-effective at reducing pertussis infection in infants. Design, Setting, and Participants Mathematical model of pertussis transmission fit to US incidence data in a simulation of the US population. In this simulation study conducted from June 2014 to May 2015, the population was divided into 9 age groups corresponding to the current pertussis vaccination schedule and fit to 2012 pertussis incidence. Interventions Inclusion of a priming dose of wP vaccine into the current acellular pertussis vaccination schedule. Main Outcomes and Measures Reductions in symptomatic pertussis incidence by age group, increases in wP vaccine–related adverse effects, and quality-adjusted life-years owing to changing vaccine schedule. Results Switching to a wP-priming vaccination strategy could reduce whooping cough incidence by up to 95% (95% CI, 91-98), including 96% (95% CI, 92-98) fewer infections in neonates. Although there may be an increase in the number of vaccine adverse effects, we nonetheless estimate a 95% reduction in quality-adjusted life-years lost with a switch to the combined strategy and a cost reduction of 94% (95% CI, 91-97), saving more than $142 million annually. Conclusions and Relevance Our results suggest that an alternative vaccination schedule including 1 dose of wP vaccine may be highly cost-effective and ethically preferred until next-generation pertussis vaccines become available.
“It’s Worth It in the End”: Veterans’ Experiences in Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy ☆

Abstract Despite the efficacy of evidence-based psychotherapies (EBP) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and efforts to disseminate them, only 6–13% of veterans seeking care through the Veterans Affairs health care system receive these treatments. EBPs such as prolonged exposure (PE) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) are exposure-based treatments. Provider and patient fears regarding the tolerability of exposure-based treatments likely impede their delivery and completion. The present study utilized qualitative interviews with 23 veterans who completed at least eight sessions of either PE or CPT to elicit firsthand accounts of veterans’ experiences in these EBPs. Results suggest that while a minority of veterans reported initial symptom worsening, the majority of veterans reported positive experiences and felt that, despite being stressful, these EBPs were “worth it.” Most veterans discussed thoughts of discontinuing treatment prematurely, but stated that adherence was encouraged by their commitment to finishing, desperation for relief, therapist/group support, and family support. Veterans believed exposure made an important contribution to symptom improvement, as did greater self-understanding and changing negative or unhelpful beliefs. These findings indicate veteran satisfaction with PE and CPT, and may assist providers to develop strategies to increase adherence and treatment completion.
Family Life Course Status and Volunteer Behavior: Implications for the Single Parent:

This paper reports the findings of a study that examines the relationship between family life course status (based on marital status, parenthood, and age of youngest child) and volunteer behavior. ...
Human mrna response to exercise and temperature

The purpose of this research was to determine the mRNA response to exercise in different environmental temperatures. 9 recreationally active males (27±1 years, 77.4±2.7 kg, 13.5±1.5% fat, 4.49±0.15 L · min (-1) VO2 max) completed 3 trials consisting of 1 h cycling exercise at 60% Wmax followed by a 3 h recovery in the cold (7°C), room temperature (20°C), and hot (33°C) environments. Muscle biopsies were obtained pre, post, and 3 h post exercise for the analysis of glycogen and mRNA. Expired gases were collected to calculate substrate use. PGC-1α increased to a greater degree in the cold trial than in the room temperature trial (p=0.036) and the hot trial (p=0.006). PGC1-α mRNA was also higher after the room temperature trial than the hot trial (p=0.050). UCP3 and MFN2 mRNA increased with exercise (p<0.05), but were unaffected by temperature. COX was unaffected by exercise or temperature. Muscle glycogen decreased with exercise (p<0.05), but was no different among trials. Whole body VO2 was lower during exercise in the cold than exercise in the heat. However, VO2 was higher during recovery in the cold trial than in the room temperature and hot trials (p<0.05). This study presents evidence of PGC-1α temperature sensitivity in human skeletal muscle.
Lordosis restoration after Smith-Petersen osteotomies and interbody strut placement: a radiographic study in cadavers.

Study design Six human lumbar cadaveric specimens evaluated after sequential steps in restoration of lumbar lordosis. Objective To determine the effect of Smith-Petersen osteotomies (SPO) with concurrent interbody strut placement on lordosis in the lumbar spine. Summary of background data The importance of restoration of lumbar lordosis is well recognized. SPO have been suggested to yield roughly 10° of lordosis per level, whereas pedicle subtraction osteotomies have been shown to result in over 30° of lordosis restoration. Though the pedicle subtraction osteotomy can achieve greater degrees of lordosis, there is considerable surgical morbidity associated. We hypothesize that SPO with an interbody strut placed within the disc space will result significantly greater lordosis than SPO alone. Methods Lateral radiographs of 6 human lumbar specimens were obtained after 3 interventions as follows: (1) lumbar spine without osteotomy in maximal extension, (2) after SPO at L2, L3, and L4 and held in maximal extension with pedicle screw fixation, and (3) after SPO at L2, L3, and L4 with interbody cage placement in L2-L3, L3-L4, and L4-L5 held in maximal extension with pedicle screw fixation. Results The mean lordosis in the intact specimens was 7.03° (standard deviation [SD], 2.21°). The mean lordosis after SPO was 11.05° (SD, 1.05°). The mean lordosis after SPO and interbody strut placement was 15.72° (SD, 3.19°). The difference in lordosis in the osteotomized specimens with and without interbody strut was significantly (P Conclusion The addition of an interbody strut to a lumbar level after SPO may result in as much as 15° of lumbar lordosis, significantly greater than that of SPO alone.
Nontraumatic, clostridial, gas gangrene of the right arm and adenocarcinoma of the cecum: report of a case.

A fatal case of nontraumatic, clostridial, gas gangrene of the right arm is presented. The probable entry site for the organisms was an ulcerating, cecal adenocarcinoma which was found at postmortem examination. If future experience with high-pressure oxygen proves to be beneficial in the treatment of clostridial myositis, we may see an increase in the survival rate of this disease. It is important to bear in mind that there exists a relationship between nontraumatic, clostridial, gas gangrene and intestinal cancer.
The Prevalence and Determinants of Controlled Substance Discrepancies in a Level I Trauma Hospital

BACKGROUND Healthcare institutions are often faced with challenges and accreditation requirements for improving treatment quality, reducing waste, and avoiding diversion of drugs, particularly controlled substances. Many automated systems have replaced manual systems but may be fraught with challenges, especially when multiple users are involved. OBJECTIVE To describe the characteristics of controlled substance discrepancies observed in a Level I trauma hospital for Medicare. METHODS Discrepancy data were captured for each user involved in a transaction for a controlled substance at the Level I trauma hospital (in Ben Taub Hospital, Houston, TX), and the information was stored in a computerized database repository. Data for the 1-year study period (from January 1 through December 31, 2013) were collected for Medicare beneficiaries, using an Excel 2013 spreadsheet, and were analyzed according to basic discrepancy characteristics and descriptive statistics. RESULTS During the 12-month study period, 114,000 controlled substance discrepancies were found for 100,000 Medicare patients at this Level I trauma hospital. Vending activities accounted for the majority (52.6%) of these discrepancies. Discrepancies were most likely to occur on Wednesdays, and the medications involved most frequently were combination drugs of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. CONCLUSION Approximately 1 (1.14) discrepancy involving a controlled substance occurred for each Medicare patient treated at the study facility. Healthcare institutions need to improve their efforts to ensure high-quality care and prevent diversion of drugs.
Feasibility of self organization in image compression

The development of a more efficient solution to the problem of image data compression for real-time situations is addressed. It is proposed that real-time image data compression can be achieved by using a neural network model based on an unsupervised learning method called self-organization. An attempt is made to determine the feasibility of using Kohonen-type networks and to compare this with other approaches using relevant performance indicators. >
The neurocalometer: watershed in the evolution of a new profession.

The Neurocalometer and its companion devices opened the way for a Pandora's box of instruments that often beguiled the chiropractor. Straight Palmerites were disheartened and confused by B.J.'s emphasis on machines; the definition of "pure" chiropractic was blurred. Some tried to recapture an ultrastraight chiropractic by following D.D.'s admonition that no electrical appliance should enter the adjusting room, while many with mixer tendencies moved toward pan-therapy, choosing from an array of instruments parading before them. Determining the efficacy of any particular one presented a daunting task and helped flame the fires of schism.
Assessing cumulative acute toxicity of chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer with or without induction chemotherapy

Abstract Background To compare cumulative acute toxicity in head and neck cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone (CCRT) versus induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by CCRT (I/CCRT). Methods 77 patients underwent definitive CCRT (30 I/CCRT and 47 CCRT). Toxicity was graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Using the TAME adverse event reporting system, short-term toxicity (T) scores were generated for IC (TIC), CCRT (TCCRT), total treatment duration (TRx), post-treatment period (TPT) and an overall score (Toverall) from treatment start to post treatment period. Results Acute toxicity other than dysphagia, odynophagia, or dermatitis was reported in 90.0% and 66.0% of I/CCRT and CCRT patients, respectively (P = 0.02). Compared to CCRT group, I/CCRT patients reported greater mean TRx (TRx: 2.11 vs. 2.87, P = 0.01) and Toverall (Toverall: 2.60 vs. 3.70, P = 0.003). Conclusion I/CCRT patients reported more cumulative acute toxicity during treatment compared to CCRT patients using the TAME reporting system.
Ground Based Augmentation Systems

This chapter explains the fundamentals of ground-based augmentation systems (GBAS s). GBASs are fielded at airports to support civil aviation operations down to and including precision approach and landing. This chapter describes how GBAS generates differential corrections for Global Positioning System (GPS ) pseudorange (L1 C/A-code) signals based on measurements taken at known (reference) locations, how reference measurements are monitored to protect against GPS and GBAS faults or anomalies, and what information is broadcast to users to support enhanced accuracy and integrity (or safety). The application of GBAS to civil aviation precision approach and landing is explained along with the key considerations in fielding GBAS reference equipment at airports. Augmentation systems that transmit additional global navigation satellite system (GNSS )-like ranging signals to users are also briefly introduced.
Ammonia-Assisted Wet-Chemical Synthesis of ZnO Microrod Arrays on Substrates for Microdroplet Transfer.

It is still a challenging task to facilely grow microscale arrays on arbitrary substrates at low temperature conditions in solutions. Here, we have successfully formed ZnO microrod arrays on various substrates, including glass, gold coated glass, silicon wafer, and Teflon, by a single-step wet-chemical synthesis approach. We employ ammonia as the multifunctional reactant to modify the surface properties of the substrates and to regulate the pH of the reaction environment. Compared to other methods, no preloaded additives or seeds are required. The surface wettability of the ZnO microrod coated substrates can be tuned, achieving both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties in air. We have studied both static wettability and dynamic behaviors of droplet impact or rebound on the modified substrates. We demonstrate that it is possible to achieve micromass transfer by using the hydrophobic substrate to repel water microdroplet while using the hydrophilic substrate to capture the water microdroplets utilizing th...
Diaphragmatic fenestration for refractory chylothorax after congenital cardiac surgery in infants

Abstract Objective Medically refractory chylous pleural effusion after congenital heart surgery is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in infants. We reviewed our experience with diaphragmatic fenestration procedure in this group of patients. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients who had diaphragmatic fenestrations for chylous effusion at our institution over a 2-year period was performed. Results A total of 9 diaphragmatic fenestration procedures were performed in 8 patients who had failed medical management of chylous pleural effusions. All procedures except 1 were performed on the right side. The median age at time of procedure was 4.6 months (range, 3 weeks to 14 months). The average time between primary congenital cardiac surgery and fenestration was 26 days (range, 4-53 days). Three patients had single ventricle repair. Average time of chest tube removal after procedure was 4 days. Average time to extubation was 3 days. All patients but 1 were able to advance to full feedings without reaccumulation of chylous effusion within 12 days. No complications developed in the patients. Recurrent effusion over a median follow-up period of 19 months did not develop in the patients. Conclusions Diaphragmatic fenestration is an effective and safe strategy for management of persistent chylous effusions after congenital cardiac surgery.
External Technology Search: A Literature Review

Early identification of external technology threats and opportunities has been a key driver for innovations for a long time. Formalized studies of such external information gathering have gone through an evolution to capture its various facets. Simplifying the concept to its core value of "External Technology Search" (ETS), we have found that many researchers have tackled this work under different headings including technology intelligence, technology foresight, technology scouting, and technical intelligence. ETS is used as the umbrella term to cover these multiple terms in the literatures with the goal of providing a better cohesive view of this field for the practitioners. In this literature review, various frameworks in the published world have been investigated and then categorized under purpose, process, tools, organization, and success factors. Such a classification is made to also allow practitioners to achieve a quick overview of practical options.
Potential Tax Implications of NCAA Family Travel Allowances

Universities are under fire for their allocation of the significant revenues generated from their highest-profile sports: football and men’s basketball. The criticism stems from the allocation of funding, where most revenue is used to pay salaries to coaches and athletics administrators instead of benefiting the participating studentathletes. The family travel allowance is one small appeasement in addressing such criticisms. While this travel benefit is a generous gesture, there are potential income tax consequences. This article reviews the potential taxation of the travel allowance program. The article concludes with a sample university policy for the provision of travel stipends and a recommendation for an Internal Revenue Service ruling regarding the taxability of this benefit.
Tacrolimus therapy for dermal arteritis of the nasal philtrum refractory to surgery and anti-inflammatory therapy (doxycycline/niacinamide and topical fluocinolone) in a dog

Background Dermal arteritis of the nasal philtrum is a rarely reported condition commonly affecting large breed dogs. Objective To describe the effective treatment of nasal philtrum arteritis with topical tacrolimus in one dog. Animal A 9-year-old, intact male German shorthair pointer dog was presented with well-demarcated deep erythematous ulcers targeting exclusively the skin of the nasal philtrum, accompanied by frequent series of haemorrhage. Methods Complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, urinalysis, histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry of skin biopsies. Results The presence of a V-shaped ulcer with subendothelial spindle cell proliferation resulting in stenosis of dermal arteries and arterioles on histological evaluation, together with a well-demarcated deep nasal philtrum ulcer was consistent with arteritis of the nasal philtrum. Treatment was initiated with twice daily oral doxycycline and niacinamide in conjunction with topical fluocinolone cream. Over the course of two years, the lesions progressed with frequent bleeding episodes. A novel surgical approach provided deep resection of all grossly affected tissue; four months later a recurrence of fissures and occasional mild bleeding from the original site was noted and there was no improvement after another two months of oral doxycycline/niacinamide and topical fluocinolone treatment. Topical application of 0.1% tacrolimus twice daily resulted in complete healing of the ulceration and normalization of the epidermis. Over the subsequent 15 months, the dog's lesions remained in remission with topical tacrolimus application twice daily. Conclusions and clinical importance Topical tacrolimus ointment appeared effective at inducing and maintaining lesion remission in this dog with nasal philtrum arteritis.