cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amino Acids: Chemical Properties

A complete understanding of protein folding, protein recognition, enzyme catalysis, and allosteric regulation will require intimate knowledge about the fundamental physico-chemical properties of amino acids. This article will summarize the chemistry of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids with special emphasis on the relationship to protein folding and biologic activity. The major features of the amino acids are classified into three categories, which are as follows: 1) physico-chemical properties, 2) biologic properties, and 3) electronic properties. Cross-correlations among more than 34 different parameters revealed that these measures segregate into four main properties that are largely independent, as follows: 1) steric effects (polarizability), 2) hydrophilicity (Hp index), 3) inductive effects, and 4) field effects. Advances in quantum chemistry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, and theoretic physics encourage efforts to derive all-electronic expressions for the fundamental properties of amino acids that will provide mechanistic insights into protein structure and function.
Dexamethasone inhibits mucous glycoprotein secretion via a phospholipase A2-dependent mechanism in cultured chinchilla middle ear epithelial cells.

Lin J, Juhn SK, Adams GL, Giebink GS, Kim Y. Dexamethasone inhibits mucous glycoprotein secretion via a phospholipase A2-dependent mechanism in cultured Chinchilla middle ear epithelial cells. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1997; 117: 406-413.Inhibition or attenuation of mucous hypersecretion in middle ear epithelium is a key step toward resolution of mucoid otitis media. Mucous hypersecretion induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF) in cultured Chinchilla middle ear epithelial cells is dependent on arachidonic acid metabolites via PAF receptors, suggestive of the role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in mucous glycoprotein (MGP) secretion. In this study, dexamethasone added to cultured Chinchilla middle ear epithelial cells inhibited baseline and PAF-induced MGP secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. A definite time lag (16 h) was observed between administration of dexamethasone and MGP inhibition. This inhibition was reversed by the addition of exogenous PLA, (the rate-limiting enzyme of arachidonic aci...
Understanding the Socio-Economic, Health Systems & Policy Threats to Latino Health: Gaining New Perspectives for the Future

The emergence of the Latino population as the largest and diverse minority group in the U.S. presents challenges and opportunities for health practitioners, leaders and policy makers. Some evidence suggests that Latinos, and immigrants in particular, exhibit better health outcomes than would be expected given their average socio-economic status. Yet, overshadowing this positive health outlook are socio-economic, health system and policy barriers which disproportionately impact Latino health and well-being. This paper briefly discusses the Latino health paradox. It identifies the socio-economic, health systems barriers and public policies that threaten any potential health advantage. Finally, it suggests policy and prevention strategies for promoting the health of the largest emerging minority group in the U.S. Latinos.
Off-diagonal multilinear interpolation between adjoint operators

We extend a theorem by Grafakos and Tao on multilinear interpolation between adjoint operators [Multilinear interpolation between adjoint operators, J. Funct. Anal. 199 (2003), 379-385] to an off-diagonal situation. We provide an application.
Mass and energy distributions of fusion products from 32 S on 12 C, 25 Mg, and 40 Ca

The mass and energy distributions for fusion products corresponding to 128.9 MeV $^{32}\mathrm{S}$ on $^{12}\mathrm{C}$, $^{25}\mathrm{Mg}$, and $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ targets has been measured at 8\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} lab using a time-of-flight spectrometer. The heaviest product observed with significant cross section for each system has a mass five units less than that of the corresponding compound system. Lighter dominant mass groups are separated by approximately three mass units. Such mass systematics can be understood in terms of neutron, proton, and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle competition in the deexcitation of the compound system and are reproduced qualitatively by particle evaporation calculations.
1082 OXYTOCIN INDUCED NATRIURESIS IN NEWBORN DOGS

Newborns have an attenuated natriuretic response to salt loading, due to the inability of the newborn kidney to adequately reduce tubular sodium reabsorption. When newborn dogs were saline loaded (2 ml/min/kg for 15′ then 0.5 ml/min/kg for 2 hours), fractional sodium excretion (FENa) averaged less than 2% compared to similarly saline loaded adults who had FENa more than 6% (p<.01). Saline loaded hypophysectomized (HPx) adult dogs (n=11), however, had FENa of only 1.3%, similar to the intact puppy. When given 8mU oxytocin (oxy) IV, these HPx saline loaded dogs increased FENa to 5.9%, (p<.01) similar to intact saline expanded adult controls. Growth hormone, ACTH & ADH had no such effect. Oxy infusion to 7 saline expanded puppies resulted in a 5.9% increase of FENa, similar to the expanded HPx adult. However, oxy produced <1% increase in ≥ from 7 nonexpanded intact puppies and 3 HPx adult dogs. In both saline expanded and non expanded puppies, oxy produced no consistent effect on K excretion, GFR & blood pressure, but did increase chloride and osmolar excretion. Oxy had no effect in the intact adult dog. The results suggest that a) oxy is essential for an appropriate natriuretic response to saline loading b) The natriuretic effect of oxy occurs only during saline loading and c) a lack of oxy may be responsible for the attenuated natriuretic response to saline loading in the newborn.
Radionuclide First Transit and R-Wave Synchronized Imaging: Correlation of Three Methods of Determining Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction with Contrast Angiography

Left ventricular ejection fractions in25 patients, as determined by first transit and R-wave synchronized imaging, were compared with contrast angiography. The ejection fraction obtained by first transit and R -wave synchronized images using a varying region of interest correlated well with the contrast angiography (r= 0. 96; r = 0. 99 respectively). Use of a fixed end-diastolic region of interest consistently underestimated the ejection fraction (r= 0.92).
A Comparison of Alkylhydrazines and Their B6-Hydrazones as Convulsant Agents.

SummaryA comparative study was made of the toxicity and convulsion activity of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (UDMH), monometh-ylhydrazine (MMH), and their pyridoxal and pyridoxal-5-phosphate hydrazones. The hydrazones. of UDMH are more toxic than UDMH itself when 3 criteria are compared: a) lag-time before convulsions at various dose levels, or b) time of death, or c) LD50. In the case of MMH, the convulsion times of hydrazones and free hydrazine are about equal; death appears earlier with the hydrazones.This work implies that pyridoxa exacerbates rather than alleviates the convulsant activity of UDMH and MMH, and thus should not be considered an antidote.The authors wish to thank Mr. George Ledin, Jr. for his help in statistical analysis of the data, and Mr. Eric Gustavson for excellent laboratory assistance.
Modifying a Research-Based Problem-Solving Intervention to Improve the Problem-Solving Performance of Fifth and Sixth Graders With and Without Learning Disabilities

The purpose of the present study was to test the efficacy of a modified cognitive strategy instructional intervention originally developed to improve the mathematical problem solving of middle and high school students with learning disabilities (LD). Fifth and sixth grade general education mathematics teachers and their students of varying ability (i.e., average-achieving [AA] students, low-achieving [LA] students, and students with LD) participated in the research study. Several features of the intervention were modified, including (a) explicitness of instruction, (b) emphasis on meta-cognition, (c) focus on problem-solving prerequisites, (d) extended duration of initial intervention, and (e) addition of visual supports. General education math teachers taught all instructional sessions to their inclusive classrooms. Curriculum-based measures (CBMs) of math problem solving were administered five times over the course of the year. A multilevel model (repeated measures nested within students and students nested within schools) was used to analyze student progress on CBMs. Though CBM scores in the intervention group were initially lower than that of the comparison group, intervention students improved significantly more in the first phase, with no differences in the second phase. Implications for instruction are discussed as well as directions for future research.
Human-Centered Design and the Field of Technical Communication

In this special journal issue, we explore the turn toward human-centered design (HCD) in research and higher education. We begin with a discussion of how HCD emerged in scholarly work at the edges ...
Optimal Output-Feedback Control of Unknown Continuous-Time Linear Systems Using Off-policy Reinforcement Learning

A model-free off-policy reinforcement learning algorithm is developed to learn the optimal output-feedback (OPFB) solution for linear continuous-time systems. The proposed algorithm has the important feature of being applicable to the design of optimal OPFB controllers for both regulation and tracking problems. To provide a unified framework for both optimal regulation and tracking, a discounted performance function is employed and a discounted algebraic Riccati equation (ARE) is derived which gives the solution to the problem. Conditions on the existence of a solution to the discounted ARE are provided and an upper bound for the discount factor is found to assure the stability of the optimal control solution. To develop an optimal OPFB controller, it is first shown that the system state can be constructed using some limited observations on the system output over a period of the history of the system. A Bellman equation is then developed to evaluate a control policy and find an improved policy simultaneously using only some limited observations on the system output. Then, using this Bellman equation, a model-free Off-policy RL-based OPFB controller is developed without requiring the knowledge of the system state or the system dynamics. It is shown that the proposed OPFB method is more powerful than the static OPFB as it is equivalent to a state-feedback control policy. The proposed method is successfully used to solve a regulation and a tracking problem.
A pilot investigation of the impact of smoking cessation on biological age.

Background and Objectives Smoking is known to increase biological age. However, whether this process is reversible through smoking cessation is not known. In this pilot study, we attempt to determine whether smoking cessation reduces biological age. Methods We conducted regression analyses of methylation data from 22 subjects, as they entered and exited inpatient substance use treatment, to determine change in biological age, as indicated by the deviation of their methylomic age from chronological age across two time points. Results We found that, as compared to those subjects who did not stop smoking, subjects who significantly decreased their smoking consumption over a 1 month time period exhibited a marked reduction in methylomic age. Conclusion The rapid and substantial reversal of accelerated aging associated with successful smoking cessation suggests that it can reverse well-known smoking effects on methylomic aging. This preliminary finding can be readily examined in other, larger data sets, and if replicated, this observation may provide smokers with yet another good reason to quit smoking. Scientific Significance Successful smoking cessation makes patients appear biologically younger than they were at baseline, and to do so quite rapidly. In today's youth driven society, our observations may serve as a powerful impetus for some to quit smoking. (Am J Addict 2017;XX:1–7)
Ratio estimation of the mean under RRT models

Ratio estimation is a parameter estimation technique that uses a known auxiliary variable that is correlated with the study variable. In many situations, the primary variable of interest may be sensitive and it cannot be observed directly. However, we can observe directly a non-sensitive variable that is highly correlated with the study variable. In these cases, we have to rely on some Randomized Response Technique (RRT) models to obtain information on the study variable. In this thesis, we first review some RRT models, some general ratio and product estimation techniques, and two Kalucha et al. (2015) ratio estimators that are based on Gupta et al. (2010) additive optional RRT model. One of the Kalucha et al. (2015) estimators, the multiplicative ratio estimator, did not work efficiently and was abandoned. The main focus of this thesis is on fixing the Kalucha et al. (2015) abandoned multiplicative ratio estimator and reevaluating its performance. We discuss the Bias and the Mean Square Error (MSE) of our proposed multiplicative ratio estimator correct up to first order approximation, and present the comparisons with other estimators under the additive optional RRT model. A simulation study is also conducted to verify the theoretical result. Both the theoretical and the empirical results show that the proposed multiplicative ratio estimator is more efficient than the ordinary RRT estimator that does not utilize the auxiliary variable. It also compares well with the additive ratio estimator of Kalucha et al. (2015).
Characteristics of Hookah Tobacco Smoking Sessions and Correlates of Use Frequency Among US Adults: Findings From Wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study

Introduction Hookah tobacco smoking has increased in the United States. However, information on hookah use frequency and other characteristics of hookah use is limited. Methods Investigators analyzed data from Wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, a nationally representative, longitudinal cohort study of US youth and adults. Our analysis draws on baseline data from adult (ages ≥18 years) ever (N = 10 624) and past year (n = 3947) hookah users. Bivariate and regression analyses were conducted to identify associations between demographics, use characteristics, and hookah use frequency. Results Overall, 16.4% of adults reported ever smoking tobacco from a hookah. Of those, 31.9% reported smoking hookah within the past year. Among 3947 past-year hookah tobacco smokers, 10.7% were daily/weekly users, 13.7% were monthly users, 42.1% smoked every couple of months, and 33.5% smoked about once a year. Among daily/weekly hookah users, 66% were young adults (ages 18-24 years). When comparing daily/weekly hookah users to those who smoked every couple of months, more frequent hookah use was associated with younger age, male gender, a greater number of times the hookah is refilled during a session, fewer people sharing, and hookah ownership. Conclusion Although there were few demographic differences between daily/weekly users and less frequent hookah tobacco smokers, some notable differences in use behaviors exist among use frequency groups. Unlike other tobacco products, hookah is often smoked communally, over an extended time period. A detailed understanding of hookah user characteristics and experiences could inform hookah-specific measures, messaging, and regulations. Implications To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to characterize hookah use frequency, session length, and other hookah use experiences using a nationally representative sample of US adult hookah smokers. Understanding characteristics of hookah tobacco smokers, their use experiences, and patterns of hookah use frequency would be useful in assessing risks for hookah tobacco dependence at the population level. Additionally, identifying variation in use behaviors of hookah tobacco smokers could be used to inform the development of strategies to reduce and prevent hookah tobacco use, such as tobacco regulations or public education efforts, particularly among young adults.
Synthesis of Compensators for Robust Non-overshooting Step Responses in Uncertain, Minimum Phase Plants

Abstract Synthesis of a compensator that results in a non-overshooting step response has long been neglected in the feedback control area. In this paper we present a design method for synthesizing such compensators for SISO, stable, and minimum phase, plants with significant plant variations. The essential idea behind the technique is to appropriately locate the closed loop poles with respect to the fixed zeros of the plant and some added zeros while preserving important feedback issues such as sensitivity reduction and disturbance rejection. The design methodology is a frequency domain one in which loop shaping plays a key role. An example is included to illustrate the design procedure
Assessment of BRCA testing uptake in ovarian cancer patients during the implementation of an oncologist-led genetic counseling model at an urban and suburban teaching hospital.

1589Background: BRCA testing has become an integral component of ovarian cancer management; however, low testing uptake remains an obstacle. This study evaluated the impact of an oncologist-led cou...
Using Combined Metadata Sources to Visualize a Small Library (OBL's English Language Books)

Data from multiple knowledge organization systems are combined to provide a global overview of the content holdings of a small personal library. Subject headings and classification data are used to effectively map the combined book and topic space of the library. While harvested and manipulated by hand, the work reveals issues and potential solutions when using automated techniques to produce topic maps of much larger libraries. The small library visualized consists of the thirty-nine, digital, English language books found in the Osama Bin Laden (OBL) compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan upon his death. As this list of books has garnered considerable media attention, it is worth providing a visual overview of the subject content of these books—some of which is not readily apparent from the titles. Metadata from subject headings and classification numbers was combined to create book-subject maps. Tree maps of the classification data were also produced. The books contain 328 subject headings. In order to enhance the base map with meaningful thematic overlay, library holding count data was also harvested (and aggregated from duplicates). This additional data revealed the relative scarcity or popularity of individual books.
Left ventricle and systemic air embolism after percutaneous lung biopsy.

Abstract Background Systemic arterial air embolism following a percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy is a rare but known complication, with current literature reporting an incidence of 0.01–0.45%. A prompt diagnosis of arterial air embolism is important as complications resulting from migration of air to the systemic circulation with correspondent complications. Case report A 60-year-old female who presented for an elective percutaneous lung biopsy of an incidentally found pulmonary nodule. The procedure was performed, following the completion of the procedure the patient experiment syncopal symptoms and was diagnosed by CT scan with Left ventricular air embolism, subsequently transferred to Intensive care unit for medical attention, she was placed on right lateral decubitus Trendelenburg for 24 hours and administer 100% oxygen via a nonrebreather mask. Repeat chest CT the following day revealed complete resolution of her intracardiac free air. Conclusion Although systemic arterial air embolism remains a rare complication of percutaneous lung biopsies, recognition prevents potential mortality which can develop due to neurological and cardiac complications. Close vigilance in the intensive care unit is recommended and hyperbaric chamber when appropriate.
Finding feminism: millennial activists and the unfinished gender revolution

In Finding feminism, Alison Crossley offers an intersectional, multi-method and multi-site study that reveals the existence of vibrant feminist communities and feminist organizing on college campus...
Ex-vivo Tendon Repair Augmented with Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Stimulated with Myostatin for Tenogenesis.

Background: To investigate the effect of myostatin (GDF-8) stimulation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on tenogenesis in the setting of tendon repair. GDF-8 has demonstrated the ability to augment tenogenesis and we sought to identify if this effect could lead to the focused differentiation of pluripotential stem cells down a tenocyte lineage ex vivo. Methods: Cadaveric upper limb flexor tendons were harvested, decellularized and divided into 1 cm segments. Sutures seeded with stem cells were passed through tendon segments to simulate repair. The repaired tendons were then cultured either with or without myostatin for 3, 5, and 7 days. The experiment was also repeated with non-decellularized tendons for a total of 4 groups. The tendons were then evaluated for the expression of scleraxis and tenomodulin, two biomarkers for tendon. Results: Myostatin stimulation led to an increase in expression of tenomodulin and scleraxis at 5 and 7 days in both the decellularized and non-decellulariz...
Characterization of ultrasonic generation from a fiber-optic sidewall

This paper presents a characterization of ultrasonic generation from the sidewall of an optical fiber. Ultrasonic generation from an optical fiber could have broad applications, such as ultrasonic imaging, ultrasonic nondestructive test (NDT), and acoustic pyrometers and so on. There are many advantages of these fiber-optic ultrasonic transducers, such as small size, light weight, ease of use, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. This paper discusses two main factors that will influence the signal strength generated by the sidewall of the ultrasonic generator. The two factors are the thickness of the photoabsorption material and the optical energy emitted from the sidewall fiber. A 20 mm length fiber-optic sidewall ultrasonic generator was used for the characterization. Gold-nanocomposite materials were used as the photoabsorption material. A hydrophone was used to detect the ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic time and frequency profile and the ultrasonic field distribution at the longitudinal section of this fiber-optic sidewall ultrasonic generator have been characterized in this paper.
This Town Ain’t so Bad: Eternity in Heavenly Springfield with The Simpsons

The family and the town depicted on The Simpsons are equally dysfunctional, and yet both have achieved an equilibrium as their imperfections are balanced out by the basic, consistent pleasures of town life and familial love. Amidst and despite its cutting parody of the traditional family sitcom, the cartoonish unreality of The Simpsons depicts a utopian world, silly, strange, and yet, for all its detail, familiar and perhaps attainable in our reality. Through a close reading of the opening sequence of the animated sitcom, this chapter shows that The Simpsons offered the most idealized vision of community on nineties network television.
Unconstitutional Politics: Why the Single-Member District Requirement Commandeers the States

This Article argues that the federal statute requiring election of the United States House of Representatives by single-member districts is unconstitutional. Simply put, this statute, which was first enacted in 1842, commandeers the states to draw single-member congressional districts every ten years. Members of the 1842 Congress hotly debated and carefully considered the constitutionality of commandeering the states to make law, using many methods of constitutional argument employed by courts and commentators today: text, history, structure, and prior government practice. The statute passed narrowly and has never been judicially challenged. Given the Supreme Court's holding in New York v. United States, I argue that the federal districting statute amounts to Unconstitutional Politics. I carefully examine the relevant constitutional text, structure, history, precedent, and prior government practice, and conclude that if Congress wants the House elected by single-member districts, Congress must draw the districts for each state. Otherwise, states may experiment with other electoral systems, such as at large or multi-member districts, as they see fit.
Hydropres® (Merck Sharp & Dohme)

The actions of Hydropres are those of its constituent agents. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and antihypertensive (See HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE). Reserpine is an antihypertensive with bradycardic action and tranquilizing properties that are consequences of its property of depleting catecholamines from central and peripheral sites.
High temperature deuterium enrichment using TiC coated vanadium membranes

The current technology for hydrogen isotope separation requires enormous capital investment and energy consumption. Palladium-based membranes exhibit hydrogen isotope selectivity and provide a continuous method of isotope enrichment but have high material costs. Here, the authors investigate the potential of titanium carbide thin films coated on vanadium as a low-cost alternative, which enabled operation at high temperatures. Protium and deuterium exhibited nominally identical solubility in TiC coated vanadium over a range of 500–700 °C. Permeation tests from 600 to 700 °C revealed that protium permeated faster than deuterium, with the separation factor decreasing from 1.34 to 1.15 with increasing temperature. XPS depth-profiling showed a distinct interface between the TiC layer and the V foil in as-fabricated membranes. However, post-test analysis revealed significant V diffusion through TiC and segregation to the surface. Surface limitations resulting from this degradation accounted for changes in flux and may explain why the separation factor was lower than the value of 1.42 expected from high temperature interstitial diffusion of protium/deuterium in vanadium.The current technology for hydrogen isotope separation requires enormous capital investment and energy consumption. Palladium-based membranes exhibit hydrogen isotope selectivity and provide a continuous method of isotope enrichment but have high material costs. Here, the authors investigate the potential of titanium carbide thin films coated on vanadium as a low-cost alternative, which enabled operation at high temperatures. Protium and deuterium exhibited nominally identical solubility in TiC coated vanadium over a range of 500–700 °C. Permeation tests from 600 to 700 °C revealed that protium permeated faster than deuterium, with the separation factor decreasing from 1.34 to 1.15 with increasing temperature. XPS depth-profiling showed a distinct interface between the TiC layer and the V foil in as-fabricated membranes. However, post-test analysis revealed significant V diffusion through TiC and segregation to the surface. Surface limitations resulting from this degradation accounted for changes in flux ...
Parents’ social norms and children’s exposure to three behavioral risk factors for chronic disease

Social norms predict health behaviors of adults and adolescents. We aimed to determine if parents’ beliefs about social norms were associated with children’s exposure to three behavioral risk factors. We asked 648 parents of children ages 0-18 years old attending two pediatric practices about their children’s exposure to smoking at home. Parents of 341 parents with children >2 years old were also asked about insufficient dental care, and 435 with children aged >12 months about their children’s sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. Children were categorized as “at risk” or “not at risk” for each factor.The primary outcome was the parent-reported estimate of neighborhood prevalence of those same risk factors.Of eligible participants, 8% reported smoking at home, 23% that their child hadn’t seen a dentist for 6 months, and 35% that their child drank SSBs once a day or more. In multivariate analyses, parents with children in the “at risk” group estimated that the prevalence of each risk factor was higher in their neighborhood, than did participants with children in the “not at risk” group: difference of 12.2% [95% CI, 5.8%-18.6%] for tobacco-smoke exposure, 18.6% [95% CI, 10.7%-26.5%] for lack of regular dental visits and 12.1% [95% CI, 5.1%-19.0%] for SSB consumption (P<0.001 for all comparisons).Parents of children exposed to three behavioral risk factors reported higher perceived prevalence of each risk factor compared to parents of children not at risk. Addressing parents’ social norms beliefs could help promote healthier behaviors of children.
Enabling low-cost point-of-care ultrasound imaging system using single element transducer and delta configuration actuator

Ultrasound is a cost-effective and real-time modality for image-guided intervention for challenging and complication- prone procedure. Conventional ultrasound machines usually require the use of expensive probes and bulky electronics because of the need to acquire and process hundreds of channel data simultaneously. In contrast, a single-element ultrasound system creates a virtual array by scanning an ultrasound element with robotic actuation and tracking instead of using a physical array of ultrasound elements as in conventional ultrasound machine. It not only enables visualization of procedures that otherwise require a custom probe but also dramatically reduces cost and improves the accessibility of image-guided intervention in point-of-care applications. In this work, we present a single-element ultrasound imaging system with a delta configuration actuator modified from a low-cost commercial off-the-shelf 3-D printer, which can serve as both a prototype for clinical application and a research platform. We demonstrated the capability of the system with experiments of spine visualization. We scanned a spine phantom with a needle-based ultrasound. The results indicate the feasibility of compact and economically friendly single-element ultrasound imaging solution for spinal intervention applicable to guiding lumbar puncture and epidural needle insertion.
Pressure Injury Prevention: A Survey

Pressure injuries are caused by prolonged pressure to an area of the body, which can result in open wounds that descend to the bone. Pressure injuries should not occur in healthcare settings, and yet, they still affect 2.5 million patients in the United States and have an impact on quality of life. Pressure injuries come at a cost of $11 billion in the United States, and 90% of pressure injuries are a secondary condition. In this paper, we survey the literature on preventative techniques to address pressure injures, which we classify into two categories: active prevention strategies and sensor-based risk-factor monitoring. Within each category of techniques, we discuss the literature and assess each class of strategies based on its commercial availability, results of clinical trials when available, the ability for the strategy to save time for healthcare staff, and whether the technique can be tuned to an individual. Based on our findings, the most promising current solutions, supplementary to nursing guidelines, are electrical stimulation, pressure monitoring, and inertial measurement unit monitoring. We also find a need for a clinical software system that can easily integrate with custom sensors, use custom analysis algorithms, and provide visual feedback to the healthcare staff.
In situ infrared approach to unravel reaction intermediates and pathways on catalyst surfaces

Reaction intermediates on catalyst surfaces have often been elucidated on the basis of ex situ observation of adsorbed species and theoretical computations because of the difficulty in carrying out in situ studies, and the elusive nature of the intermediates under reaction conditions. In the past few decades, we have developed an in situ infrared spectroscopic method coupled with mass spectrometry (IR/MS setup) for investigating reaction intermediates for a number of catalytic reactions: CO/H2, CO/H2/C2H4, NO/CO, NO decomposition, CO2/CH3OH, and photocatalytic reactions. This review presents the key features of using an IR/MS experimental setup to perform transient studies. Transient studies involve perturbing the reaction system and monitoring the responses. This review highlights the usefulness of transient response data to unravel the reaction intermediates and pathways.
Kinematics of Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Suture Tape Augmentation.

Purpose Acute thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears are common injuries of the thumb in athletes. Thumb UCL repair with suture tape augmentation is a novel procedure that may allow earlier return to play. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of the thumb after UCL repair with and without suture tape augmentation. Methods Eight cadaveric thumbs were tested in a custom hand testing system. Varus–valgus kinematics were measured at –10°, 0°, 15°, and 30° of thumb metacarpophalangeal flexion under the following conditions: (1) intact thumb UCL, (2) complete UCL tear (proper and accessory ligaments), (3) UCL repair, and (4) UCL repair with suture tape augmentation. Angular stiffness was also quantified after application of sequentially increasing valgus torque in the intact UCL repair and the UCL repair with suture tape augmentation conditions. Results Complete UCL tear increased total varus–valgus angulation at all degrees of thumb metacarpophalangeal flexion. Thumb UCL repair alone and repair with suture tape augmentation decreased total varus–valgus angulation relative to complete UCL tear at all flexion angles. Total varus–valgus angulation was not significantly different from intact results for either the repair alone or the repair with suture tape augmentation at all flexion angles. Repair with suture tape augmentation had significantly higher valgus angular stiffness compared with repair alone but not compared with intact. Conclusions Thumb UCL repair with suture tape augmentation is able to restore varus–valgus kinematics after complete UCL tear without over-constraining the joint. In addition, the higher angular stiffness afforded by the suture tape augmentation may allow for earlier rehabilitation after surgery. Clinical relevance Thumb UCL repair with suture tape augmentation may allow earlier return to sport in athletes than with repair alone.
Aging Effects on Esophageal Transit Time in the Upright Position During Videofluoroscopy

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to examine age-related effects on esophageal transit times (ETT) among healthy adult participants.Methods:A total of 175 healthy, non-dysphagic participants...
Patient Disclosure of Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches in an Academic Health Center.

BackgroundEffective patient–doctor communication about complementary and integrative health (CIH) is crucial to coordinate multimodal treatment for complex conditions. While rates of patient disclo...
Efficiency Considerations for SnO2-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

A comparative study of mesoporous thin films based on SnO2 (rutile) and TiO2 (anatase) nanocrystallites sensitized to visible light with [Ru(dtb)2(dcb)](PF6)2, where dtb = 4,4′-(tert-butyl)2-2,2′-b...
Evaluation of Fixed-Dose Combinations of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen in the Treatment of Postsurgical Dental Pain: A Pilot, Dose-Ranging, Randomized Study.

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen provide analgesia via different mechanisms of action and do not exhibit drug–drug interactions; therefore, combining low doses of each may provide greater efficacy without compromising safety. The present study assessed the analgesic efficacy of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of ibuprofen/acetaminophen (IBU/APAP) compared with ibuprofen 400 mg and placebo. This 12-h, double-blind, proof-of-concept study compared three FDCs of IBU/APAP (200 mg/500 mg, 250 mg/500 mg, and 300 mg/500 mg) with ibuprofen 400 mg and placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe pain following third molar extraction. The primary endpoint was the time-weighted sum of pain relief and pain intensity difference scores from 0 to 8 h after dosing (SPRID[4]0–8). Time to meaningful pain relief (TMPR), duration of pain relief, and adverse events (AEs) were also assessed. In total, 394 patients were randomized. All active treatments were superior to placebo for SPRID[4]0–8 (all p 720 min; all p 9 h, and tolerability similar to that with ibuprofen and placebo. NCT01559259
The influence of center line width during the crossover hop test.

Abstract Objectives To assess the influence of center line width on crossover hop for distance test (XHOP) performance. Design Repeated measures. Setting University laboratory. Participants 33 physically active females without history of a ligamentous knee injury (age: 22.5 ± 2.3 years). Main outcome measures Hop distance was measured during four XHOP conditions with variations in center line width: 2.54 cm (narrow), 15 cm (standard), 12.5% of the participants’ height (HT1), and 25% of the participants’ height (HT2). A repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate differences in hop distance for XHOP condition (narrow, standard, HT1, and HT2). Results Differences in hop distance were shown on XHOP condition (p Conclusions No differences in hop distance were identified between narrow and standard center line width XHOP conditions in healthy females. Decreased hop distance was shown when center line width was normalized to 25% of participant height in comparison to all other XHOP conditions, with medium effect sizes. This study highlights hop distance outcomes based on different XHOP center line widths, normalizing the XHOP according to height, and potential implications for frontal plane knee loading during the XHOP in healthy individuals.
Transcatheter Approaches to Aortic Insufficiency

Aortic insufficiency/regurgitation in the native valve can result due to various congenital and acquired anomalies, leading to abnormalities of the aortic valve leaflets, their supporting structure...
“How to Catch a Falling Knife:” Poetic Play as the Practice of Negative Capability

Green argues that poetry writing is an act of play, that some poems also enact the process of play, and that poetic play is an arena within which readers and writers practice “negative capability.” Green characterizes Daniel B. Johnson’s poem, “To Catch a Falling Knife,” as an ars poetica centered around the suspense of a daring feat. Green also posits that the speaker in Alice Fulton’s poem “Fix” finds refuge from apocalyptic worries through the ludic acts of word play and flirtation. Finally, Green situates vastly differing poets John Keats and Frank O’Hara along the “play” spectrum, before turning to poems from her own book, Earth Science, and the central role of play in their unfolding.
Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma expression in nonmelanoma skin cancers and melanocytes in surrounding skin.

Background Immunohistochemistry for preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) has been studied in melanocytic lesions but not nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). This study evaluated PRAME expression in NMSCs and dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) melanocytes in the surrounding skin. Methods Ninety-nine NMSCs were studied: 23 Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs), 25 well to poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 14 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), five basosquamous carcinomas, four sebaceous carcinomas, ten atypical fibroxanthomas, 11 dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and seven leiomyosarcomas. Staining quality was considered low or high intensity. Staining quantity was reported as negative 0%, 1% to 24%, 25% to 50%, and >50%. DEJ melanocyte PRAME expression was recorded. Results Forty-eight percent of NMSCs showed PRAME expression, mostly low intensity in fewer than 25% of cells. High-intensity expression was noted in one poorly differentiated SCC, six BCCs, and seven MCCs. Only MCCs showed expression in greater than 25% of tumor cells. Focal DEJ melanocytes expressed high-intensity PRAME in 18% of cases, most commonly SCCs (11/23). Conclusions PRAME is negative or expressed with low intensity in a small percentage of NMSCs, with the exception of some MCC showing high-intensity and diffuse staining. Focal DEJ melanocytes showed high-intensity PRAME reactivity in the skin surrounding some NMSCs.
Treating Alpelisib-Induced Hyperglycemia with Very Low Carbohydrate Diets and Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors: A Case Series

Alpelisib is a α-selective phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor approved for treatment of postmenopausal women, and men, with hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-), PIK3CA-mutated, advanced breast cancer (ABC). Hyperglycemia is a common, on-target adverse effect that impairs treatment efficacy and increases the rate of treatment delays, dose reductions, and discontinuation. Currently, there are no clear guidelines on how to manage hyperglycemia due to alpelisib when metformin is not effective. In this case series, we review 3 subjects with ABC that developed hyperglycemia during alpelisib-fulvestrant therapy and were successfully managed with dietary and pharmacologic interventions. These cases provide anecdotal evidence to support the use of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and very low carbohydrate diets to minimize hyperglycemia during alpelisib therapy.
Body Mass Index Category and Adverse Events in Hospitalized Children.

Abstract Objective To identify associations between patient body mass index (BMI) category and adverse event (AE) rate, severity, and preventability in a cohort of children discharged from an academic children's hospital. Methods We identified patients 2 to 17 years old consecutively discharged between June and October 2018. Patient age, sex, height, and weight were used to categorize patients as having underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obesity. We used the Global Assessment of Pediatrics Patient Safety trigger tool to identify AEs, which were scored for harm and preventability. The primary outcome was the rate of AEs; these were compared with Poisson regression. We used multivariable logistic regression to model event preventability. Results We reviewed 834 encounters in 680 subjects; 51 (7.5%) had underweight, 367 (54.0%) had normal weight, 112 (16.5%) had overweight, and 150 (22.1%) had obesity. Our cohort experienced 270 AEs, with an overall rate of 69.7 (61.8–78.5) AEs per 1000 patient-days: 67.7 (46.4–98.7) in underweight, 70.0 (59.4–82.4) in normal weight, 58.6 (42.5–79.7) in overweight, and 80.4 (62.5–103.6) in obesity, P = .46. No associations were seen between BMI category and AE severity. Children with obesity had an increased rate of preventable AEs (P Conclusions In this single-center study, we did not find associations between BMI category and rate, severity, or preventability of AEs.
Marijuana use and high-risk health behaviors among diverse college students post- legalization of recreational marijuana use

Abstract Objectives This study examined high-risk health behaviors in marijuana-users among a diverse college population in Southern California, post legalization of marijuana for recreational use. Study design A cross-sectional research design was employed utilizing existing data via the 2018 National College Health Assessment (NCHA) from a large Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) population [n = 1345 (Hispanic/Latino/a, n = 456; White, n = 353; Asian Pacific Islander (API), n = 288; Multiracial/Biracial, n = 195; Other, n = 53)]. Methods Chi square and t-tests assessed differences in descriptive characteristics (age, gender, race/ethnicity and GPA) and high-risk behaviors (alcohol, tobacco and sexual behaviors) among marijuana users and non-users. Logistic regression analyses examined the relationship between race/ethnicity and high-risk behaviors with marijuana use (dependent variable). Results Among marijuana-users, significant (p = 0.004) differences were observed between race/ethnicity with Whites reporting using most (32.7%), followed by Hispanics (27.6%) and then APIs (17.8%). Marijuana-users compared with non-users consistently reported high-risk alcohol behaviors (p Conclusion Our findings clearly demonstrate deleterious high-risk behaviors such as alcohol use, tobacco use, and certain sexual behaviors occur more among marijuana-users compared to non-users, post legalization of marijuana for recreational use. Further, race-ethnic differences were observed. Therefore, continued examination of marijuana use trends and high-risk behaviors is critical in monitoring the implications of marijuana policy changes, specifically in diverse populations.
Cerebrospinal fluid-tissue exchange revealed by phase alternate labeling with null recovery MRI.

PURPOSE To develop phase alternate labeling with null recovery (PALAN) MRI methods for the quantification of the water exchange between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and other surrounding tissues in the brain. METHOD In both T1 -PALAN and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)-PALAN MRI methods, the cerebrospinal fluid signal was nulled, whereas the partial recovery of other tissues with shorter T1 (T1 -PALAN) or lower ADC values (ADC-PALAN) was labeled by alternating the phase of pulses. The water exchange was extracted from the difference between the recovery curves of CSF with and without labeling. RESULTS Both T1 -PALAN and ADC-PALAN observed a rapid occurrence of CSF water exchange with the surrounding tissues at 67 ± 56 ms and 13 ± 2 ms transit times, respectively. The T1 and ADC-PALAN signal peaked at 1.5 s. The CSF water exchange was 1153 ± 270 mL/100 mL/min with T1 -PALAN in the third and lateral ventricles, which was higher than 891 ± 60 mL/100 mL/min obtained by ADC-PALAN. T1 -PALAN ∆S values for the rostral and caudal ventricles are 0.015 ± 0.013 and 0.034 ± 0.01 (p = 0.022, n = 5), whereas similar ΔS values in both rostral and caudal lateral ventricles were observed by ADC-PALAN (3.9 ± 1.9 × 10-3 vs 4.4 ± 1.4 × 10-3 ; p = 0.66 and n = 5). CONCLUSION The PALAN methods are suitable tools to study CSF water exchange across different compartments in the brain.
Approximate-MIN constraint node updating for LDPC code decoding

This work introduces a technique for updating messages that originate at the constraint nodes of bi-partite graphs in low-density parity-check codes. The technique computes only two outgoing magnitudes at each constraint node and exhibits no measurable performance loss as compared to exact belief propagation which computes a unique magnitude for each departing edge from a given constraint node. The technique eliminates the need for memory based table look-up in the constraint node processing and has been implemented using only shift, add, and comparison operations. Finite wordlength results for a 'worst-case' code indicate that 6 bit quantization yields performance that is similar to that provided by full floating point computation.