cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection and mapping of thermal lesions using dual-mode ultrasound phased arrays

It has long been recognized that thermal lesions formed using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) exhibit nonlinear behavior that can be detected in pulse-echo ultrasound. Second harmonic imaging of freshly formed thermal lesions have consistently shown significant enhancement in their visualization confirming this nonlinear behavior. In this paper, we describe a post-beamforming nonlinear filtering algorithm based on a second-order Volterra filter (SVF) model that separates the linear and quadratic components of the echo signal leading to significant enhancement of lesion visualization. Images from ex vivo tissue samples are shown to demonstrate the level of contrast enhancement achieved with the SVF-based quadratic filter compared with standard echo and 2nd harmonic imaging results.
Pragmatic versus syntactic approaches to training deductive reasoning

Two views have dominated theories of deductive reasoning. One is the view that people reason using syntactic, domain-independent rules of logic, and the other is the view that people use domain-specific knowledge. In contrast with both of these views, we present evidence that people often reason using a type of knowledge structure termed pragmatic reasoning schemas. In two experiments, syntactically equivalent forms of conditional rules produced different patterns of performance in Wason's selection task, depending on the type of pragmatic schema evoked. The differences could not be explained by either dominant view. We further tested the syntactic view by manipulating the type of logic training subjects received. If people typically do not use abstract rules analogous to those of standard logic, then training on abstract principles of standard logic alone would have little effect on selection performance, because the subjects would not know how to map such rules onto concrete instances. Training results obtained in both a laboratory and a classroom setting confirmed our hypothesis: Training was effective only when abstract principles were coupled with examples of selection problems, which served to elucidate the mapping between abstract principles and concrete instances. In contrast, a third experiment demonstrated that brief abstract training on a pragmatic reasoning schema had a substantial impact on subjects' reasoning about problems that were interpretable in terms of the schema. The dominance of pragmatic schemas over purely syntactic rules was discussed with respect to the relative utility of both types of rules for solving real-world problems.
Minutocellus polymorphus: A new marine diatom for use in algal toxicity tests

The marine diatom Minutocellus polymorphus is suited for use as a test species in algal toxicity tests. Its responses to 19 toxicants in a modification of Aquil, a chemically defined phytoplankton culture medium, compared favorably with those of Skeletonema costatum, a common test species. M. polymorphus grows rapidly, allowing a test duration of 48 h and thus minimizing complications due to toxicant degradation, volatilization and adsorption to test vessel walls. These and other characteristics indicate that M. polymorphus is an ideal standard organism for algal toxicity tests.
Finite precision controller implementation - limitation on sample rate

It is well known that when a discrete-time controller is implemented with finite precision, there is a limit in the achievable sample rate that maybe significantly lower than that limited by the computation resource. In this paper, we investigate this apparent coupling between finite precision implementation and the achievable sample rate. Specifically, we take a deterministic view of the effect of FWL and attempt to develop specific design guidelines for trading-off sample rate and word length selection based on the accuracy of the implementation realizing the desired pole and zero locations of the filter and the desired filter/controller feature.
A spin-polarized interband-current source based upon staggered-bandgap heterostructures

A detailed analysis is presented of the spin-splitting in an interband-resonant-tunneling diode (I-RTD). In the framework of a six-band Kane model, the escape process of the heavy-hole valence electrons through the interband channel of a staggered-bandgap heterostructure is described. Numerical simulation results demonstrate the interband current to be highly polarized and define a new I-RTD based spin-polarized source.
Parameterized interconnect order reduction with explicit-and-implicit multi-parameter moment matching for inter/intra-die variations

In this paper we propose a novel parameterized interconnect order reduction algorithm, CORE, to efficiently capture both inter-die and intra-die variations. CORE applies a two-step explicit-and-implicit scheme for multiparameter moment matching. As such, CORE can match significantly more moments than other traditional techniques using the same model size. In addition, a recursive Arnoldi algorithm is proposed to quickly construct the Krylov subspace that is required for parameterized order reduction. Applying the recursive Arnoldi algorithm significantly reduces the computation cost for model generation. Several RC and RLC interconnect examples demonstrate that CORE can provide up to 10/spl times/ better modeling accuracy than other traditional techniques, while achieving smaller model complexity (i.e. size). It follows that these interconnect models generated by CORE can provide more accurate simulation result with cheaper simulation cost, when they are utilized for gate-interconnect co-simulation.
Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and aging on auditory function in the rat: Preliminary results

This study investigated select aspects of peripheral and central auditory dysfunction, as well as the pathological effects of aging, in an animal model of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Pregnant rats consumed liquid alcohol diets containing 0, 17.5, or 35% ethanol-derived calories, from gestation day 7 to parturition. A fourth group was untreated. Offspring of these mothers were tested for auditory and neurological function, using the auditory brainstem response at 6, 12, and 18 months of age. Some animals in the alcohol-exposed groups showed a peripheral auditory disorder in the form of congenital sensorineural hearing loss. This was correlated with punctate lesions and malformed stereocilia on the auditory sensory receptor cells of the inner ear. Alcohol-exposed animals also showed a central auditory processing disorder characterized by prolonged transmission of neural potentials along the brainstem portion of the auditory pathway. Animals in the highest dose group also showed an augmentation in the age-related deterioration of auditory acuity. Thus, increased peripheral and central auditory dysfunctions and pathological deterioration of auditory function in old age may be sequelae of FAS. Such morbidities have important implications for the long-term clinical assessment and management of FAS patients.
RESPONSE OF THE AMERICAN LOBSTER TO THE STRESS OF SHELL DISEASE

Abstract Shell disease is a problem affecting lobsters in eastern Long Island Sound causing disfiguration of the shell, decreasing the lobsters' value, and whereas mild and medium levels of the disease are not lethal, ultimately, severe cases result in mortality. Levels of the molting hormone, ecdysone, were quantitated, using a radioimmunoassay (RIA), in hemolymph of animals exhibiting shell disease. Our results indicate that levels of ecdysone were increased in the hemolymph of shell-diseased lobsters, with a medium level of expression of the disease to 89 ± 32 ng/mL (n = 76), whereas unaffected, presumably healthy ones had 57 ± 16 ng/mL (n = 210). In 7 of 10 months of the year shell-diseased animals had higher ecdysone levels in their hemolymph than unaffected animals. In addition, ecdysone levels were abnormally high, 165 ± 53 ng/mL (n = 5), in shell-diseased ovigerous lobsters, whereas normal unaffected ovigerous ones had low levels of this hormone, 13 ± 4 ng/mL (n = 7). These results indicate that s...
Periodontitis and coronary artery calcification: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

Background: Periodontitis has been linked to coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, possibly through providing a systemic inflammatory burden. Few studies have evaluated periodontitis and subclinical measures of atherosclerosis. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is an emerging marker for atherosclerosis, and past studies suggest that it predicts incident CHD in asymptomatic populations. Methods: In 1996-1998, dental examinations were performed on 6,931 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort. Extent of periodontitis was measured by the percent of sites with attachment level (AL) ≥3 mm. In 1999-2000, CAC was measured by cardiac gated mechanical or helical computed tomography in 269 dental examinees and edentulous subjects from the Minnesota and North Carolina field centers of ARIC who were free of clinically recognized CHD. A traditional Agatston score for CAC was calculated. Results: Compared to subjects with no or mild periodontitis (<10% of sites with AL ≥3 mm), subjects with...
Reinforcing Comprehensive Business Learning Through An Undergraduate Retailing Course: A Prospectus

Undergraduate programs in business are expected to provide a comprehensive learning for their students in order to prepare them to be able to deal with complex business problems in their jobs. Business schools attempt to provide this learning through various curricular design strategies. This paper proposes the use of an undergraduate course in retailing to help in achieving the objective of comprehensive learning about the operation of business enterprises, especially for marketing majors. A case is made that a well-designed retailing course provides the potential for reinforcing learning achieved in other marketing courses, creates an opportunity for cross-functional business learning, and can also help in achievement of learning goals specified by AACSB.
Ten Year Profile of a Best Practice Program Aimed at Rural Women

Providing the best evidence available is important to insuring rural health needs are being addressed. A best practice program delivering breast cancer education and screening to rural women was designed to address the three key barriers to healthy barriers of cost, distance and fear. The purpose of this article is to describe findings and implications of a 10 year profile of this best practice program. From 2001 to 2011 over 2300 rural women received breast health education and no cost mammography through this project. Data collected in conjunction with the delivery of this best practice program was compared to national indicator data for a ten year period. When reviewing demographic data, the project women were less educated than the women identified in the CDC data. The project and CDC data were similar in terms of poverty and being uninsured. Although there were similarities in the two groups (project and CDC) in terms of poverty and lack of insurance, in the last reported year the project women achieved higher levels of mammography within the past two years even though they were overall less educated. While such comparisons are useful, of equal significance are the differences that can occur among data sets and the importance of including multiple data sets. Forward movement in the overall national healthcare goals can best be enhanced through the dissemination of grassroots data such as found in this project. Such data have the potential to be substantially useful when planning primary and secondary care outreach programs consistent with the national healthcare agenda. Nurses have the opportunity and responsibility to advocate in the political arena and to be ever cognizant of national healthy behavior goals and objectives. Nurses have a key role in assuring optimum health care is available regardless of one’s rurality. DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v15i2.363 Keywords : Rural health, Breast cancer, Cancer screening, Access to healthcare, Health policy
The Word Outside and the Pictures in Our Heads: Contingent Framing Effects of Labels on Health Policy Preferences by Political Ideology

ABSTRACTThis study uses data from systematic Web image search results and two randomized survey experiments to analyze how frames commonly used in public debates about health issues, operationalized here as alternative word choices, influence public support for health policy reforms. In Study 1, analyses of Bing (N = 1,719), Google (N = 1,872), and Yahoo Images (N = 1,657) search results suggest that the images returned from the search query “sugar-sweetened beverage” are more likely to evoke health-related concepts than images returned from a search query about “soda.” In contrast, “soda” search queries were more likely to incorporate brand-related concepts than “sugar-sweetened beverage” search queries. In Study 2, participants (N = 206) in a controlled Web experiment rated their support for policies to reduce consumption of these drinks. As expected, strong liberals had more support for policies designed to reduce the consumption of these drinks when the policies referenced “soda” compared to “sugar-sw...
Laser-assisted manufacturing of thermal energy devices

In this study, we will present recent progress in the laser-assisted manufacturing of thermal energy devices that require suppressed thermal transport characteristics yet maintaining other functionalities such as electronic transport or mechanical strength. Examples of such devices to be demonstrated include thermoelectric generator or insulating materials. To this end, it will be shown that an additive manufacturing approaches can be facilitated and improved by unique processing capabilities of lasers in composite level. In order to tailor thermal characteristics in thermal devices, we will mainly investigate the potential of laser heating, curing, selective removal and sintering processes of material systems in the composite level.
Effect of Aviation Fuel Type and Fuel Injection Conditions on Non-reacting Spray Characteristics of a Hybrid Airblast Fuel Injector

I njector spray characteristics have a significant influence on the combustion performance in a gas turbine engine, including an impact on dynamics, emissions and component life. Furthermore, commercial aviation faces fuel cost, environmental, and energy security challenges that arise from the use of petroleum based jet fuels. Sustainable alternative jet fuels can help address these challenges and need to be characterized in their spray performance. The present work describes the detailed characterization of several alternative fuels using a hybrid airblast atomizer on the basis of spray shape, droplet size and velocity distribution at a range of operating conditions including fuel temperature, injector pressure drop and spray chamber pressure and temperature. The characterization is done using optical patternation, phase Doppler anemometry (dual-PDPA) and high speed back-lit imaging. The measurements obtained as part of this work provide the validation data-set for computational modeling of the spray behavior which forms a critical part of the broader project. The results show a strong influence of the fuel temperature on the spray, with lower temperature (290 K to 240 K) decreasing the atomization quality by 14%, while the effect of fuel injection pressure on the spray is minimal. A large effect of pressure drop across the injector is seen on the spray, with a change from 2% to 6% leading to a decrease in drop size of up to 36%, which can result of a shift in the secondary breakup regime of the spray.
Effects of Nectariless Cotton on Caged Populations of Campoletis sonorensis

Comparison of the longevity of adults of Campoletis sonorensis (Cameron) on one nectaried and 2 nectariless strains of cotton showed a reduced longevity due to lack of extrafloral nectaries. However, the effect was considerably less when floral nectaries were available (plants in bloom stage). Male longevity was less than female longevity on both nectaried and nectariless strains, and the effect of the nectariless character was greater on males than females. Releases of C. sonorensis against populations of tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), on cotton in field cages showed that parasitism was lower on a nectariless strain than on a nectaried strain. However, rates of parasitism on both strains of cotton were relatively high, and parasites were able to maintain a generation cycle on nectariless cotton. Therefore, nectariless cotton appears to have only a slight effect on the impact of caged C. sonorensis as a parasite of the tobacco budworm.
Factors Impacting Use of Robotic Surgery for Treatment of Endometrial Cancer in the United States

This study was designed to examine the impact of patient socioeconomic, clinical, and hospital characteristics on the utilization of robotics in the surgical staging of endometrial cancer. Patients surgically treated for endometrial cancer at facilities that offered robotic and open approaches were identified from the National Inpatient Sample Database from 2008 to 2012. The groups were compared for socioeconomic, clinical, and hospital differences. Medical comorbidity scores were calculated using the Charlson comorbidity index. T tests and χ 2 were used to compare groups. Multivariable analyses were used to determine factors that were independently associated with a robotic approach. A total of 18,284 patients were included (robotic, n = 7169; laparotomy, n = 11,115). Significant differences were noted in all patient clinical and socioeconomic characteristics and all hospital characteristics. Multivariable analyses identified factors that independently predicted patients undergoing robotic surgery. These patients were older [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.008; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.004–1.011], white (aOR 1.38; 95 % CI 1.27–1.50), and privately insured (aOR 1.16; 95 % CI 1.07–1.26). Clinically, these women were more likely to be obese (aOR 1.20; 95 % CI 1.11–1.30) and to be undergoing an elective case (aOR 1.25; 95 % CI 1.11–1.40). Hospitals were more likely to be under private control (aOR 1.55, 95 % CI 1.39–1.71) but less likely to be located in the south (aOR 0.87; 0.81–0.93), quantified as large or medium (aOR 0.57; 95 %CI 0.50–0.67), or teaching hospitals (aOR 0.68; 95 % CI 0.63–0.74). Socioeconomic status and hospital characteristics are factors that independently predict robotic utilization in the United States. These racial, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities warrant further study regarding the utilization of this important technology.
Screening for metabolic disorders. How are we doing

Routine screening for phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism has become an integral part of pediatric practice in the United States. Screening for several other metabolic disorders is now entering the second or third decade of use. New information is available for the pediatrician for both groups of disorders that will be of help in caring for children in the years to come.
Electrophysiologic similarities of overdose between digoxin and bufadienolides found in a Chinese aphrodisiac

Classically derived from toad venom, bufadienolides are a group of cardioactive steroids with properties similar to digoxin. Some traditional Chinese medications, including several aphrodisiacs, contain bufadienolides. Owing to their physiologic similarities to digoxin, bufadienolides have been shown to produce a toxic profile similar to that of digoxin and there have been multiple case reports of the use of these aphrodisiacs resulting in death. This report will describe a case that illustrates the electrophysiologic similarities between bufadienolide toxicity and digoxin toxicity as well as the treatment of bufadienolide toxicity.
Negotiating moral stance in classroom discussion about literature: Entextualization and contextualization processes in a narrative spell

‘I was in the store the other day and the clerk was ignoring me. She was waiting on a person over here and then she went to wait on a person over here. And after she did this twice, and I had been there first, I spoke up and I said, ‘Excuse me, am I invisible?’
Mechanisms of acetylcholine synthesis by rat brain choline acetyltransferase and its regulation by products and inhibitors

Choline acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.6, ChA) is the enzyme which catalyses the synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh) from acetylcoenzyme A and choline. According to available information, ChA may be bound to the outside membrane of the synaptic vesicle and so it is reasonable to assume that ACh is synthesised in the cytoplasm of the synaptosome and conveyed to the vesicle by an uptake mechanism. There is no convincing evidence, however, that there is an ACh-uptake system in the vesicular membrane (Whittaker, 1973). An alternate possibility is that the substrates choline and acetylcoenzyme A may bind to ChA from the outside surface of the vesicle, although the first product (ACh) is released towards the inside surface of the vesicle and the second product (coenzyme A) dissociates into the cytoplasm of the synaptosome. According to this alternative possibility, the presence of an ACh-uptake system is not necessary for accumulation of ACh into the vesicle. For the verification of such a possibility, we have investigated the kinetic mechanism for the synthesis of ACh by the rat brain ChA.
High temperature homogenization improves impact toughness of vitamin E‐diffused, irradiated UHMWPE

Diffusion of vitamin E into radiation cross-linked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is used to increase stability against oxidation of total joint implant components. The dispersion of vitamin E throughout implant preforms has been optimized by a two-step process of doping and homogenization. Both of these steps are performed below the peak melting point of the cross-linked polymer ( 240 h) by using high temperature homogenization. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1343–1347, 2017.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and vitronectin promote vascular thrombosis in mice.

Occlusive thrombosis depends on the net balance between platelets, coagulation, and fibrinolytic factors. Epidemiologic information suggests that plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a central regulator of the fibrinolytic system, plays an important role in determining the overall risk for clinically significant vascular thrombosis. Vitronectin (VN), an abundant plasma and matrix glycoprotein, binds PAI-1 and stabilizes its active conformation. This study assessed the role of PAI-1 and VN expression in the formation of occlusive vascular thrombosis following arterial or venous injury. The common carotid arteries of 17 wild-type (WT) mice and 8 mice deficient in PAI-1 were injured photochemically while blood flow was continuously monitored. WT mice developed occlusive thrombi at 52.0 ± 3.8 minutes (mean ± SEM) following injury; mice deficient in PAI-1 developed occlusive thrombosis at 127 ± 15 minutes (P
Exposure to the Chinese famine of 1959-61 in early life and long-term health conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Many middle-aged Chinese people have experienced the Great Leap Forward Famine of 1959–61, which could have profound long-term health consequences for exposed birth cohorts. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarise reported famine effects on long-term health.
Transvaginal Tubal Sterilization and Hysterectomy

In the growing world of ever less invasive surgery, minimalist approaches to hysterectomy have begun to proliferate. Vaginal hysterectomy (VH) is an old operation—dating to antiquity—that was widely used until the advent of laparoscopic surgery, although its use has declined as minimally invasive efforts, including the robotic approach, have grown in popularity. A thorough knowledge of pelvic anatomy and positioning is required to safely perform VH. This understanding of anatomy also allows for the performance of posterior colpotomy, which can be utilized for transvaginal approaches to other abdominal operations, as described in NOTES transvaginal surgery. Other transvaginal procedures, such as culdocentesis, culdotomy, and culdoscopy, are performed in a similar manner. Strategies for employing these techniques and potential complications to avoid are discussed in detail. Transvaginal sterilization, or tubal ligation, is also described, as are the complications of the procedure.
Defender Direct, Inc.: A Business of Growing Leaders

Defender Direct, Inc., was a privately held company that sold and installed ADT security systems and Dish Network Satellite TV to homeowners in the United States. The president and CEO started the business out of his home in 1998. Under his leadership, Defender experienced an average annual growth rate of 60%, and in 2008 it became one of the largest security and satellite dealers in the Midwest, generating $150 million in revenues. The founder, who was fond of saying that "businesses don't grow--people do," credited the Defender culture for his company's stellar growth. Excerpt UVA-ENT-0115 Rev. July 20, 2009 Defender DIRECT, INC.: A BUSINESS OF GROWING LEADERS Defender Direct, Inc. (Defender), headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, was a privately held company that sold and installed ADT security systems and Dish Network Satellite TV to homeowners in the United States. President and CEO Dave Lindsey started the business out of his home in 1998, making the transition to entrepreneur from new-product development at Medeco Security Locks, Inc. He used $ 30,000 of his and his wife's personal savings to fund the start-up, which he called Defender Security Co. From its humble beginnings in the Lindseys' spare bedroom, Defender became one of the largest security and satellite dealers in the Midwest, experiencing an average annual growth rate of 60% over 10 years. In 2008, Defender generated $ 150 million in revenues and ranked 387th on the Inc. 500 list of America's Fastest-Growing Companies. With 1,500 employees, the company had a national footprint of 120 offices in 40 states. Defender's stellar growth was fueled by an aggressive direct-marketing focus and national expansion, but Lindsey, who was fond of saying that “businesses don't grow—people do,” credited the Defender culture, which fostered continuous employee development. He elaborated: . . .
A low power 12 b analog-to-digital converter with on-chip precision trimming

The design and performance of a 12 b charge redistribution ADC is described. The architecture is chosen to minimize conversion time and power dissipation. Die area is minimized by a modified self-calibration algorithm and nonvolatile memory based on polysilicon fuses. The ADC is fabricated in a linear 1 mu m CMOS process. The die area, including the 12 b parallel digital interface is 15 kmil/sup 2/. The power dissipation is under 15 mW, making the energy per conversion only 45 nJ. >
Pragmatic statistical issues in biological research: Introduction to special series.

Abstract This is the introduction to a series of articles will be published over the next year in JMCC on statistical issues which commonly arise in types of studies published in the journal. Each article will cover a specific statistical topic and be prefaced with a typical related question that is likely to arise in laboratory and biomedical studies. There will be a discussion of the underlying statistical concepts followed by several websites which may be used to perform the relevant analysis on data.
Designing a Theory-Based Intervention to Improve the Guideline-Concordant use of Imaging to Stage Incident Prostate Cancer.

Among US men, most new prostate cancer cases are clinically localized and do not require imaging as part of staging workup according to guidelines. Two leading specialty societies promote stewardship of health resources by encouraging guideline-concordant care, thereby limiting inappropriate and obsolete imaging. However, imaging to stage low-risk prostate cancer remains high, as almost half of men with localized prostate cancer undergo wasteful imaging following diagnosis. We employed a theory-based approach, based on current evidence and data on existing practice patterns revealing that providers are the drivers to imaging decisions, to design an intervention to improve guideline -concordant prostate cancer staging imaging across populations. We conceptualized preliminary results using the theoretical domains framework and the behavior change wheel, frameworks used concurrently to investigate physicians' behaviors and intervention design in various clinical settings. Through these 2 frameworks, we designed a theory-based, physician-focused intervention to efficiently encourage guideline-concordant prostate cancer imaging, prostate cancer imaging stewardship (PCIS). Prostate cancer imaging stewardship consists of interventions (clinical order check, academic detailing, and audit and feedback) implemented at the individual, facility, and system level to enact provider behavior change by enabling facilitators and appealing to physician motivation.
MDS Preference Analysis

Discuss the fundamental concepts of MDS preference analysis. An example of real data is provided to illustrate interpretation of the results. Single-ideal point MDS analysis is also explained.
Process Scalability of Pulse-Based Circuits for Analog Image Convolution

This paper studies the process scalability of pulse-mode CMOS circuits for analog 2-D convolution in computer vision systems. A simple, scalable architecture for an integrate and fire neuron is presented for implementing weighted addition of pulse-frequency modulated (PFM) signals. Sources of error are discussed and modeled in a detailed behavioral simulation and compared with equivalent transistor-level simulations. Next, the design of a 180-nm PFM chip with programmable weights is presented, and full image convolutions are demonstrated with the analog hardware. Preliminary chip measurements for a 45-nm implementation are also included to demonstrate process scalability. Design considerations for porting this architecture to nanometer processes, including FinFET technologies, are then discussed. This paper concludes with a simulation study on scaling down to 10 nm using a predictive technology model.
Posttraumatic Deep Vein Thrombosis in Collegiate Athletes: An Exploration Clinical Case Series

Background: Although athletes are typically at low risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), injured and noninjured athletes alike can be exposed to many acquired risk factors, including intense training, dehydration, trauma, immobilization, oral contraceptive use, and long-distance travel. Additionally, the risk of developing VTE might be increased by unidentified genetic clotting disorders. Due to the potential for fatal outcomes, knowledge of VTE pathoetiology and recognition of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) presentation should be an inherent part of the evaluation process for all who attend to athletes, regardless of age and apparent risk profile. Objective: To present an exploration clinical case series consisting of 2 otherwise healthy, college-aged female athletes who, despite their ages and relative low risk profiles, experienced DVTs after lower extremity trauma. Each case will be discussed relative to known clinical prediction rules (CPRs) and published evidence. Conclusions: Collectivel...
Primary effusion lymphoma of the pleural space: Report of a rare complication of cardiac transplant with review of the literature

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare mature B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma arising in body cavities and presenting with effusions. It has been described predominantly in patients with impaired immunity from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and is associated with the Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). Seldom has PEL been diagnosed in persons negative for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and in such cases it has occurred primarily in the setting of posttransplant immunosuppression. We report an instructive case of a Caribbean-American HIV-negative orthotopic heart transplant recipient with a history of HHV-8-associated Kaposi's sarcoma who developed HHV-8 viremia and PEL of the pleural space early in the posttransplant course. This case highlights the importance of considering PEL in the differential diagnosis of a new pleural effusion in a transplant recipient at risk for HHV-8-associated disease.
Structural, electrochemical and Li-ion transport properties of Zr-modified LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 positive electrode materials for Li-ion batteries

Abstract We modify a nickel-rich layered LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) positive electrode material by substituting the transition metals with Zr to mitigate its structural instability and capacity degradation. We show that Zr, over a concentration range of 0.5–5.0 at.%, can simultaneously reside on and expand the lattice of NCM811 and form Li-rich lithium zirconates on their surfaces. In particular, Li(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)0.99Zr0.01O2 (1% Zr-NCM811) exhibits the best rate capability among all the compositions in this study. It shows higher cycling durability than the raw NCM811 at both low and high current density lithiation and de-lithiation. According to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry measurements, the 1% Zr-NCM811 sample is more chemically/electrochemically stable than the raw. In addition to comparing the diffusivities in the coin-cell measurements, we demonstrate that Zr modification can facilitate Li-ion diffusion in the NCM811 balk material by direct-current polarization measurements. The superior performance of Zr-NCM811 results from the lattice expansion induced by Zr doping and the presence of ion-conducting lithium zirconates partially coated on the surface of Zr-NCM811 particles.
Functional and emotional traits of corporate social media message strategies: Behavioral insights from S&P 500 Facebook data

Abstract Drawing from literature regarding public engagement, the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), computer-mediated communication research, and emotion psychology, this study examines the effects of companies’ social media communication strategies on public engagement behaviors as indexed by post likes, shares, and comments. Specifically, it investigates how corporate Facebook posts’ functional traits (functional interactivity and vividness) and emotional traits (emotion presence, valence, and strength) impact public engagement online. Through data mining and computer-assisted sentiment analysis of 33,379 posts from 106 Standard & Poor 500 companies’ Facebook accounts, this study finds a negative effect of functional interactivity but a positive effect of vividness on engagement. It also shows that emotional traits overall yield stronger public engagement outcomes. Two-way interactions between emotional and functional features are also detected. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Gender Bias in the Media: Campaigns for State Level Executive Office in Germany and the United States

This paper investigates the possibility of gender bias in news coverage of candidates for the position of Minister President, leader of one of the German federal states. The position of Minister President is largely comparable to that of Governor in the United States. Although significant scholarship exists on women running for Governor in the United States, and although several women have run for German Minister President (and two have been elected), no one has studied media coverage of campaigns for Minister President. This research investigates press coverage of the most recent campaign for Minister President to include a woman, the 2011 Landtag election in Rhineland-Palatinate, in which Julia Klockner (CDU) challenged the sitting Minister President, Kurt Beck (SPD). It finds that media coverage of Klockner is similar to that of Merkel. That is, Klockner and her male opponent are mostly treated the same by the press with the significant exception of the issue of appearance. The press reports more frequently on Klockner’s appearance and does so in a trivializing manner.
An Online Method for Opportunistic Task Replications

We discuss the online optimization of redundant copies of computing tasks. The method helps to overcome the limitations of cloud and edge computing methods for mobile applications where the shared use of mixed and distributed processors often yields unpredictable execution times. While the aim is to obtain the earliest response (discarding the rest), without careful control of the task replication process, the redundant executions may lead to excessive processor contention leading to undesired effects. The current state of practice assumes the use of homogeneous processors, heuristics, and perfect knowledge of the future task runtimes, which limit the application scope of the idea. Through reinforcement learning, the proposed method discovers autonomously how to optimally select for each new request both the number of replicas and their processor assignment. The method can operate effectively without full knowledge of system features and regardless of the changing system state. An extensive simulation study using different scenarios confirms the performance of this proposal and offers a quantitative insight into its advantages and limitations. Diverse mobile applications prospectively benefit from this approach, as computer and communication networks become larger and more diverse, and mobile applications require increasingly higher reliability and lower latency.
Simultaneous detection of salivary Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and alcohol using a Wearable Electrochemical Ring Sensor.

Driving under the influence of cannabis and alcohol represents a major safety concern due to the synergistic or additive effect of these substances of abuse. Hence, rapid road-site testing of these substances is highly desired to reduce risks of fatal accidents. Here we describe a wearable electrochemical sensing device for the simultaneous direct, decentralized, detection of salivary THC and alcohol. The new ring-based sensing platform contains a voltammetric THC sensor and an amperometric alcohol biosensor on the ring cap, along with the wireless electronics embedded within the ring case. Rapid replacement of the disposable sensing-electrode ring cap following each saliva assay is accomplished by aligning spring-loaded pins, mounted on the electronic board (PCB), with the current collectors of the sensing electrodes. The printed dual-analyte sensor ring cover is based on a MWCNT/carbon electrode for the THC detection along with a Prussian-blue transducer, coated with alcohol oxidase/chitosan reagent layer, for the biosensing of alcohol. THC and alcohol can thus be detected simultaneously in the same diluted saliva sample within 3 min, with no cross talk and no interferences from the saliva matrix. The new wearable ring sensor platform should enable law enforcement personnel to screen drivers in a single traffic stop and offers considerable promise for addressing growing concerns of drug-impaired driving.
A Comparison of Public Perceptions of Physicians and Veterinarians in the United States.

Veterinary medicine consists of virtually the same medical specialties as human medicine, with veterinarians performing similar roles as medical doctors, albeit with different species. Despite these similarities, anecdotally, some perceptions of veterinarians as not “real doctors” persist. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare public perceptions of physicians and veterinarians. Participants were provided brief definitions of a physician and a veterinarian and then asked to provide a rating that best describes their perception with respect to 25 different personality characteristics/traits. A sample of 606 participants (unweighted) in the United States completed the survey. The results of this research show that the public tends to perceive veterinarians more favorably than physicians. More specifically, veterinarians were viewed as more approachable, sensitive, sympathetic, patient and understanding, while physicians were viewed as more proud, arrogant and overconfident. These results point to the favorable public perceptions of veterinarians. These findings are particularly relevant for veterinary educators who train the future workforce and have a significant role both in how the profession is portrayed and emphasizing the relationship between the public trust and social responsibility. Reinforcing the public’s strong trust in the veterinary profession throughout students’ education could enhance their own self-concept, self-esteem and overall mental health and well-being.
Chapter 2 – Definitions of Physical Units and the International System

This chapter defines seven different physical concepts: force, weight, work, energy, power, pressure, and heat. Units for each are given. The definitions and their units form the foundation for understanding the principles of soil and plant water relations, and they are used throughout the remainder of the book. In defining force, Newton's laws of motion are given. The three systems for presenting units are defined: the mks (meter-kilogram-second) system; the cgs (centimeter-gram-second) system; and the English system. The international system (SI) of units is reviewed. The chapter ends with an example in which the units of work and pressure are applied to a plant root. A biography of Newton is given in the appendix.
Older Adults, Social Technologies, and the Coronavirus Pandemic: Challenges, Strengths, and Strategies for Support

COVID-19 is a threat to everyone’s health but can be especially devastating to older individuals. To prevent spread of the virus, social distancing has become the norm worldwide. However, with soci...
Technical Research on Hydrogen Supply Chain Industry

This article compares different types of hydrogen production technology, and it is not advisable to decide which hydrogen production method to use based solely on the production cost of the technology. It is also necessary to consider the local resource situation. The central and western regions are rich in hydropower and natural gas resources, and the prices are relatively low. The natural gas reforming hydrogen production plus distributed electrolysis water hydrogen production technology is a recoverable solution; there are many chemical and iron and steel enterprises in the eastern coast and the Bohai Rim region, and the industrial by-product hydrogen purification technology It is a better choice; there are abundant renewable resources such as photovoltaic and wind energy in Northeast, North China, and Northwest, and can use renewable energy electrolytic hydrogen production technology; Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Shaanxi and other places have excellent coal resources, and the potential of coal hydrogen production technology is huge. The establishment of the layout of the downstream hydrogen refuelling station and the establishment of the application market are also crucial to the upstream hydrogen production enterprises. Areas where the front-end hydrogen production link and the back-end application link are well integrated can gain a favourable position.
WHY THE “BERG” LETTER WAS WRITTEN

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the reason for writing the “Berg” letter. The “Berg” letter was largely a reflection of the anxiety created within a number of molecular biologists about working on tumor viruses. This anxiety was felt most by people who had grown up in molecular biology as distinct from medicine or microbiology. At that time, viruses provided the only really pure DNA from higher cell systems. However, at the same time, there might be biohazards created by such work. Before the mid-1960s, most previous tumor virus research focused on the development of cellular systems for the study of either lytic virus growth or for cell transformation. In such small-scaled work, microbiological safety precautions could be routinely carried out. In the initial draft of the “Berg” letter, there was a statement that recombinant DNA technology might be used for bacteriological warfare, but this phrase was removed at a later draft because it would raise an issue that would involve unavailable classified data. Nonetheless, it opened up the possibility of subsequently banning higher vertebrate shotguns by calling attention to endogenous cancer gene scenarios.
Hip Stability May Influence the Development of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Case-Control Study of Consecutive Patients.

Background:Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is thought to relate primarily to tendinosis/tendinopathy of the hip abductors. Previous studies have suggested that certain anatomic factors ma...
Risk Factors for Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following Surgical Management of Cardiac Fibroma

Background: Surgical resection of cardiac fibromas in children reduces hemodynamic and arrhythmia burden; however, little is known about postoperative left ventricular (LV) function. We aimed to ev...
Post-Colonialism, Gender, and Customary Injustice: Widows in African Societies

By amending discriminatory laws and practices related to the treatment of widows in Africa, widows can gain new rights based on evolving international human rights standards on equality. In Nigeria, both common law and statutes perpetuate discrimination against widows by subjecting them to dehumanizing treatment. The current laws ignore the deep social changes that have been present in Africa since the onset of colonialism. Due to the piecemeal way in which African legal systems were constructed, patently discriminatory laws are routinely upheld by the courts. This is done despite constitutional provisions espousing the principles of equality and non-discrimination, thereby creating tension between protecting rights and preserving the culture. Generally, Nigerian widows are disinherited and required to observe prescribed, and often humiliating, burial rituals after the death of their husbands. Widows hesitate utilizing the formal justice system because they are afraid of being viewed as greedy and willing to reject long-standing customs. Despite the advances in African human rights, a majority of African women remain disadvantaged due to their reluctance to take on the legality of widely accepted social practices. Customs have begun to change, but only when a traditional ruler has been insistent on change. However an effective reform strategy requires comprehensive changes in both law and societal attitudes, as well as a more concerted effort by the women themselves. In order to stop discriminatory and humiliating practices, African widows must overcome centuries of myth, superstition, and male-shaped ideology by actively combating these injustices alongside proponents of human rights and women's rights.
Radiation Therapy for Chondrosarcoma

Although surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for primary chondrosarcoma, complete resection with negative margins is often difficult to achieve, especially in the skull base and in the spine. Radiation therapy is an essential component of the local disease control armamentarium. Radiation has a role in the adjuvant setting after incomplete resection, as a definitive modality when resection is not feasible, as a tool for salvage after recurrence, and in the setting of metastatic disease. However, radiation therapy delivery in these locations is also challenging because effective treatment requires high cumulative doses (~70 Gy or higher), and the treatment target is often adjacent to critical structures (e.g., brainstem, spinal cord, cranial nerves). Advanced radiation treatment modalities are critical to achieve the appropriate dose and to spare critical structures. Patients should be considered for particle-based therapies (proton or carbon ion) when possible. Photon-based therapies should be delivered using advanced image guidance and intensity-modulated radiotherapy. For smaller tumors in the skull base, stereotactic radiosurgery should be considered. Radiation therapy is often administered postoperatively, though combined preoperative and postoperative strategies have been effective in the spine and the pelvis. A multidisciplinary approach in an experienced center is recommended for optimal treatment of this rare malignancy.