cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spirometry use in children hospitalized with asthma

Summary Asthma is the most common chronic disorder of childhood and continues to be a leading cause of pediatric hospital admission. The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) recommends that spirometry be obtained for asthma patients upon hospital admission, after bronchodilation during the acute phase of asthma symptoms, and at least one additional time before discharge from the hospital. The objectives of this study were to describe the use of spirometry in children hospitalized with asthma and to determine association of pulmonary function with future exacerbations. A retrospective cohort study design was utilized involving review of medical records of children ≥5 years old admitted with asthma to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center from September 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011. Hospitalization or emergency department (ED) visits were identified by the ICD-9-CM codes of having either a primary diagnosis of asthma (493) or a respiratory illness (460–496) plus a secondary diagnosis of asthma. Asthma re-exacerbation was defined as either having an ED visit or hospitalization for asthma that occurred within 3 months after the index hospitalization. All spirometries were performed in a pediatric pulmonary function laboratory. Among 1,037 admissions included in this study, 89 (8.6%) had spirometry that was recommended by a consulting asthma specialist and usually performed on the day of discharge. Spirometries for forty-five of these patients (54.9%) met all acceptability and repeatability criteria of the American Thoracic Society. Patients who performed acceptable spirometry were significantly older (12.4 ± 3.8 vs. 10.7 ± 3.0 years; P = 0.041). The average forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was 84.4 ± 19.7% predicted; forced vital capacity (FVC) was 98.1 ± 16.0% predicted; FEV1/FVC was 74.6 ± 9.6%; forced expiratory flow at 25–75% (FEF25–75) was 61.2 ± 30.1% predicted. Ten patients (22%) who performed spirometry developed a re-exacerbation. Patients with versus without re-exacerbation had significantly lower FEV1/FVC (P = 0.027) and FEF25–75 (P = 0.031). Nevertheless, separate logistic regression models found that FEV1/FVC and FEF25–75 were not associated with re-exacerbation when adjusted for age and length-of-stay. We found that few children admitted with asthma had spirometry as recommended in the NAEPP guidelines unless recommended by specialists and both lower lung function (FEV1/FVC and FEF25–75) and history of more frequent and more recent prior health-care utilization for asthma were associated with repeat asthma exacerbation. However, the value of performing spirometry on asthmatic children prior to hospital discharge remains unclear and will require prospective study. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:451–457. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transition From School to Adulthood for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Review and Recommendations

The transition from school services to adulthood can be particularly difficult for many adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although some individuals with ASD are able to successfully transition, most are faced with significant obstacles in multiple areas as they attempt to negotiate their way into college, work, community participation, and independent living. This article contains a review of research related to the transition from school to adulthood for youth with ASD in the areas of education, employment, community living, and community integration. These key areas of the transition process are crucial for success in adulthood. A summary of principal conclusions drawn from the current literature and suggestions for future research are provided.
Paper tiger in Washington: fiery dragon in the Pacific

Con el final de la Guerra Fria en 1989 y la subsiguiente decadencia de Rusia como un serio e inmediato contendiente, asi como con el declinar de la imagen de Japon como primera potencia durante los noventa, otros dos poderes han entrado en conflicto. Uno es los EEUU, cuyas expectativas parecieron haber declinado despues de 1970, y aunque se recuperaron en los noventa, es solo un Tigre de Papel. El otro es Asia Oriental, pese a que soporta los efectos de la crisis de 1997, y especialmente China --el Dragon Ardiente. Este articulo analiza las claves economicas y geopoliticas que rigen las estrategias de ambos contendientes. El examen de la economia mundial, en la que Asia Oriental ocupa el lugar predominante, apunta a que las bases mas solidas del actual desarrollo economico se dan en esta region y ademas presagia un importante desarrollo economico mundial en un futuro previsible.
Biology and Conservation of the Endangered Carson Wandering Skipper (Pseudocopaeodes eunus obscurus Austin and Emmel) in Western Great Basin Saltgrass Communities

Abstract The endangered Carson wandering skipper (Pseudocopaeodes eunus obscurus [Austin and Emmel]) survives as a relict species in four major pluvial basins in the western Great Basin of Nevada and California. This Hesperiinae is distinct from other subspecies in the genus, likely resulting from a vicariance event during the Holocene. Surviving in disjunct refugia, this butterfly has highly specialized habitat requirements and feeds only on saltgrass (Distichlis spicata var. stricta [Greene] Thorne) as larvae. Conservation of habitat patches has been highly successful. However, land development and groundwater withdrawal are in high demand surrounding the species' habitat and pose significant impacts on its survival. The species survival or extinction will be dictated by these land uses. Land development may decrease dispersal capabilities, and groundwater withdrawal may cause a vegetation shift resulting in the loss of skipper populations. Recovery will depend on the adaptive management of land uses th...
Does Diploidy Increase the Rate of Adaptation

Explanations of the evolution of diploidy have focused on the advantages gained from masking deleterious alleles. Recent theory has shown, however, that masking does not always provide an advantage to diploidy and would never favor diploidy in predominantly asexual organisms. We explore a neglected alternative theory which posits that, by doubling the genome size, diploids double the rate at which favorable mutations arise. Consequently, the rate of adaptation in diploids is presumed to be faster than in haploids. The rate of adaptation, however, depends not only on the rate of appearance of new favorable mutations but also on the rate at which these mutations are incorporated (which depends on the population size and on the dominance of favorable mutations). We show that, in both asexuals and sexuals, doubling the mutation rate via diploidy often does not accelerate the rate of adaptation. Indeed, under many conditions, diploidy slows adaptation.
Presence of Detectable HCV-RNA in the Absence of Positive HCV Serology in Blood Donors Infected with HTLV-I/II

We have studied hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among 100 blood donors with positive or indeterminate test results on Western blot for human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-I). Twelve (12%) of the donors were positive for antibodies to HCV; 7 of them were coinfected with HTLV-II and 4 were negative on HTLV-I/II polymerase chain reaction (PCR). None of the HTLV-I infected donors were positive for HCV. RNA PCR for HCV was performed and 2 of the positive donors were negative for antibodies to HCV. The donors were recalled for further studies. Two of the returning donors remained consistently positive on PCR for the 5′ noncoding region (5′NC) of HCV and negative on antibody assays a year after the initial tests, a period that should have been sufficient for seroconversion to occur.
A Primer on the Public Sector R&D Enterprise

The US government spends $30 billion per year on applied, nondefense R&D. Chapter 2 provides a holistic overview of how this R&D enterprise operates.Context is set with a review of the political, economic, and institutional forces that shape R&D programs. A logic model framework is used to describe the inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts of public sector R&D. This expansive approach makes the subject more complex, but protects the reader from analytic myopia—a failure to recognize all of the drivers of success and failure. The primer aspires to provide readers who have a limited background in the field a readily accessible entry point to the world of government R&D programs.
Aircraft Attitude, Position, and Velocity Determination Using Sensor Fusion

Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) that have the level of precision needed for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) can easily cost more than the vehicle itself; drastically increasing payload weight and power consumption are driving a need for a low cost solution. This can be achieved through the use of sensor fusion techniques on low cost accelerometers and gyroscopes fused with Global Positioning System (GPS) data. In this paper, existing GPS and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) flight data is fused with the use of an Extended Kalman filter to better estimate the aircraft attitude, velocity, and position eliminating the need for the high cost attitude sensors. Two sensor fusion methods were implemented and discussed showing that an improvement of position, velocity, and attitude can be achieved using low-cost sensors. The first method utilized the GPS to estimate attitude parameters, which were then in turn used to correct INS attitude values. With this method, improved attitude values were obtained without the calculation of the full INS state; the INS position and velocity are not required, reducing the computational load. The second method uses only the GPS and INS position and velocity to correct for the errors in full state of the INS.
Tobacco Budworm: Feeding and Larval Growth on Component Parts of Cotton Flowerbuds

Most of the feeding of 2-, 3-, and 4-day-old larvae of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), occurred on the anthers of detached cotton flowerbuds after they penetrated into the interior of the bud through the petals at the apex of the calyx. Consumption of petals increased with increasing larval age. When the component parts of the flowerbud were incorporated into larval diet, only the petals inhibited growth. This inhibition was about equal to that caused by lyophilized flowerbuds. Since the inhibition occurred even with glandless cotton lines, it was not related to gossypol content of the cotton bud.
Combinatorial Investigation of the Effects of the Incorporation of Ti, Si, and Al on the Performance of α-Fe2O3 Photoanodes

The effect of adding small amounts of Ti, Si, and Al on the photoelectrochemical activity of α-Fe2O3 is investigated using a high-throughput combinatorial method. Quantitative ink jet printing is used to pattern iron oxide and dopant precursors onto conductive glass substrates. Subsequent pyrolysis yields a library of doped iron oxide electrodes that are screened for photoelectrolysis activity by immersing in an electrolyte and scanning a laser over the electrodes to map the photocurrent response. When Si and Al are individually added to iron oxide at the levels we studied, the photoelectrolysis activity decreased whereas low levels of Ti addition enhanced the photocurrents. Synergistic effects were observed resulting in enhanced photocurrents when multiple impurities were added to α-Fe2O3.
On the Origins of Parasite-Extended Phenotypes

Parasites that adaptively manipulate the behavior of their host are among the most exciting adaptations that we can find in nature. The behavior of the host can become an extended phenotype of the parasites within animals such that the success and failure of the parasite's genome rely on precise change of the host's behavior. Evolutionary biology was borne from the close attention of naturalists such as Wallace and Darwin to phenotypic variation in seeking to understand the origins of new species. In this essay, I argue that we also need to think about the origins of parasite-extended phenotypes. This is a more difficult task than understanding the evolution of textbook examples of novelty such as the eyes of vertebrates or the hooves of horses. However, new tools such as phylogenomics provide an important opportunity to make significant progress in understanding the extended phenotypes of parasites. Knowing the origins of parasite-extended phenotypes is important as a goal all by itself. But the knowledge gained will also help us understand why complex manipulation is so rare and to identify the evolutionary tipping points driving its appearance.
Interferon-τand Pregnancy

A type I interferon known as IFN-τ is expressed massively by the outer epithelium (trophectoderm) of the preimplantation trophoblast of ruminant ungulate species, such as cattle and sheep, for a fe...
Refusal to Dispense a Prescription: What Is the Law?

Courts are beginning to recognize that a pharmacist has a duty to act for the patient's benefit, and that simply dispensing a prescription order correctly does not meet that duty. But a duty to refuse to dispense medication does not exist except under the most extreme circumstances.
Syndet is a novel SNAP-25 related protein expressed in many tissues

SNAP-25 is a synaptosomal associated protein localized at the plasma membrane of nerve terminals. SNAP-25 associates with syntaxin 1 and vesicle-associated membrane protein-2 (VAMP-2) and is thought to form a complex essential for neurotransmitter release. We have identified syndet, a novel protein related to the family of SNAP-25 isoforms. Like SNAP-25, syndet has regions with high probability of forming coiled coils, a cysteine rich-domain, and lacks a signal sequence or transmembrane domains. Syndet is tightly bound to membranes, possibly by acylation within the cysteine-rich domain. Syndet is expressed in non-neuronal tissues. In adipocytes, syndet is found at the plasma membrane and in an intracellular compartment. The identification of syndet supports the hypothesis that multiple SNAP-25 related proteins ensure specificity of vesicle fusion at the cell surface.
In-cylinder spray, mixing, combustion, and pollutant-formation processes in conventional and low-temperature- combustion diesel engines

Abstract: This chapter reviews the in-cylinder spray, mixing, combustion and pollutant-formation processes of three characteristic modes of diesel combustion. The first mode is conventional diesel combustion, with fuel injection near top-dead-center of the piston’s stroke, and with ignition before the end of injection. The second mode is low-temperature combustion using exhaust gas recirculation, with fuel injection either earlier or later than conventional diesel engines, and with ignition after the end of injection. The third mode is also low-temperature combustion using exhaust gas recirculation, but with ignition typically before the end of injection. The chapter closes with remarks on current research needs.
Yes, But: Young Women’s Views of Unwanted Sex at the Intersection of Gender and Class

Reflecting the wide range of consensual unwanted sexual experiences, researchers often have contrasting views of the impact of these incidents on young women. Some scholars support a normalizing view of these as fairly harmless and ordinary aspects of relationships, akin to other forms of willing compromises between partners. Other researchers problematize unwanted sexual experiences, framing them in terms of gender inequalities and detrimental effects. In the current study, we were interested in how young women themselves characterized their unwanted sexual experiences and whether these accounts varied according to a woman’s social location. We interviewed 41 young women (18–22 years old) from three groups: affluent undergraduates, low-income undergraduates, and low-income nonstudents. Almost all of the affluent undergraduates framed their unwanted sexual experiences in normalizing terms, representing such events as relatively harmless incidents and outgrowths of developmental experimentation. In contras...
Erratum to: From the Journal archives: Cyclopropane: induction and recovery with a bang!

As part of the Journal’s 60 anniversary Diamond Jubilee Celebration, a number of seminal articles from the Journal archives are highlighted in the Journal’s 61 printed volume and online at: www.springer.com/12630. The following article was selected on the basis of its novelty at the time of publication, its scientific merit, and its overall importance to clinical practice: Lucas GHW. The discovery and pharmacology of cyclopropane. Can Anaesth Soc J 1960; 7: 237-56. Drs. Michael P. Bokoch and Adrian W. Gelb provide expert commentary on the discovery and use of a remarkable hemodynamically stable, rapid onset of action, anesthetic gas, the widespread use of which ultimately ended due to its proclivity for explosion.
Laboratory Screening at Preventive Health Exams: Trend of Testing, 1978–2004

Background Routine laboratory screening at preventive health exams continues to be a common practice despite expert opinion dating back to 1979 that supports only a few screening tests for apparently healthy adults. This report describes trends in such testing over a 27-year period. Methods Primary care physicians were surveyed five times between 1978 and 2004 at a yearly educational meeting in Colorado. Based on case vignettes describing two apparently healthy adults, physicians indicated which laboratory tests they would routinely order. Results Of a total of 2364 surveys collected during years 1978, 1983, 1988, 1999, and 2004, the corresponding percentage of physicians respondents who state they would order the following tests for a healthy man aged 35 years were: complete blood count (CBC) (87, 75, 73, 49, 46); urinalysis (UA) (93, 86, 79, 52, 44); chemistry panel (CHEM) (57, 48, 36, 43, 55); and electrocardiogram (ECG) (37, 27, 24, 9, 6). For a healthy woman aged 55 years, the corresponding percentages for each test were: CBC (89, 89, 86, 64, 67); UA (96, 93, 88, 62, 55); CHEM (70, 70, 66, 57, 76); ECG (63, 51, 51, 33, 29); and thyroid stimulating hormone (14, 20, 28, 42, 57). Conclusions Although currently practicing physicians continue to report that they order screening tests for apparently healthy people, this practice appears to have decreased over the past 27 years. This trend may reflect expert guidelines and emphasis on medical cost containment.
Allgemeine soziale Netzwerke

Die meisten westlichen sozialen Netzwerke wie Facebook werden in China durch die sogenannte „Great Firewall“ blockiert. Stattdessen gibt es chinesische Alternativen. Die meisten sozialen Netzwerke in China bieten Dienste aus einer Mischung von sozialem Netzwerk, Blogging-/Microblogging-Dienst und Instant Messaging an. Daruber hinaus bieten sie Unternehmen das sogenannte offentliche Konto, dem von anderen Mitgliedern gefolgt werden kann. Dadurch konnen Unternehmen auf chinesischen sozialen Netzwerken neben reinen Unternehmensprasentationen auch Werbebotschaften verbreiten und Marktforschung durchfuhren. Nicht nur chinesische, sondern auch viele deutsche Unternehmen in China wie BMW, VW, Lufthansa, Adidas nutzen chinesische soziale Netzwerke fur Unternehmensmarketing.
Organization OR Environment? Disentangling Employees’ Rationales Behind Organizational Citizenship Behavior for the Environment:

Scholars and managers have raised the question of how to encourage employees to perform discretionary pro-environmental behaviors at work, termed organizational citizenship behaviors toward the env...
Carbon dioxide versus room air insufflation during balloon-assisted enteroscopy: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation has been suggested to be an ideal alternative to room air insufflation to reduce trapped air within the bowel lumen after balloon assisted enteroscopy (BAE). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of utilizing CO2 insufflation as compared to room air during BAE. Patients and methods The primary outcome is mean change in visual analog scale (VAS; 10 cm) at 1, 3, and 6 hours to assess pain. Secondary outcomes include insertion depth (anterograde or retrograde), adverse events, total enteroscopy rate, diagnostic yield, mean anesthetic dosage, and PaCO2 at procedure completion. We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception until May 2015. Multiple independent extractions were performed, the process was executed as per the standards of the Cochrane collaboration. Results Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. VAS at 6 hours favored CO2 over room air (MD 0.13; 95 % CI 0.01, 0.25; p = 0.03). Anterograde insertion depth (cm) was improved in the CO2 group (MD, 58.2; 95 % CI 17.17, 99.23; p = 0.005), with an improvement in total enteroscopy rate in the CO2 group (RR 1.91; 95 % CI 1.20, 3.06; p = 0.007). Mean dose of propofol (mg) favored CO2 compared to air (MD, – 70.53; 95 % CI – 115.07, – 25.98; P = 0.002). There were no differences in adverse events in either group. Conclusions Despite the ability of CO2 to improve insertion depth and decrease amount of anesthesia required, further randomized control trials are needed to determine the agent of choice for insufflation in balloon assisted enteroscopy.
Advancing the Art and Science of Teaching Through Innovation

This marks the 11th year that the Marketing Education Review has published a special issue on Teaching Innovations. And, in a year of dramatic changes in our society, I am more proud than ever to b...
Exploring Digital Badges in University Courses: Relationships between Quantity, Engagement, and Performance

Digital badging research is gaining momentum as instructors and administrators consider new models for assessing learning in nontraditional contexts (e.g., informal science learning programs, flexible online courses, adaptive learning systems). While many studies are examining the effectiveness of digital badges for pedagogical functions, such as motivating students, few attempts have been made to identify relationships between the number of badges earned by a student and badging effectiveness. The exploratory correlational study presented within this article addresses this gap by examining these relationships, relating number of badges earned in a pilot course to performance and engagement-related metrics. The results are further categorized by demographic groups to identify starting points for future research. Several relationships were identified, providing initial evidence of the importance of studying number of badges earned and how that number impacts effectiveness. The evidence suggests value in conducting large sample empirical research on the presented factors.
A Response to “Our Own Dogs”

In contemporary American Indian songs and stories the Iroquois, Shawnee, and Lakota all voice a rueful hindsight over the hereditary “Great Mistake,” or the friendship and kindness which their naive, trusting ancestors extended to the pilgrims on the Mayflower.
Reaction Paths and Chemical Activation Reactions of 2-Methyl-5-Furanyl Radical with 3O2.

Interest in high-energy substituted furans has been increasing due to their occurrence in biofuel production and their versatility in conversion to other useful products. Methylfurans are the simplest substituted furans and understanding their reaction pathways, thermochemical properties, including intermediate species stability, and chemical kinetics would aid in the study of larger furans. Furan ring C–H bonds have been shown to be extremely strong, approximately 120 kcal mol–1, due in part to the placement of the oxygen atom and aromatic-like resonance, both within the ring. The thermochemistry and kinetics of the oxidation of 2-methyfuran radical at position 5 of the furan ring, 2-methyl-5-furanyl radical (2MF5j), is analyzed. The resulting chemically activated species, 2MF5OOj radical, has a well depth of 51 kcal mol–1 below the 2MF5j + O2 reactants; this is 4–5 kcal mol–1 deeper than that of phenyl and vinyl radical plus O2, with both of these reactions known to undergo chain branching. Important, l...
Hyperhemolysis Syndrome in a Pregnant Woman with Sickle Cell Anemia

Hyperhemolysis syndrome refers to a severe hemolytic transfusion reaction, characterized by profound anemia and relative reticulocytopenia, within days to weeks after a red blood cell transfusion. Affected individuals typically present with post-transfusion hemoglobin levels below their pre-transfusion values, and inappropriately low reticulocyte count for their degree of anemia. Hyperhemolysis syndrome poses significant challenges in pregnant women with sickle cell disease, who already have a chronic hemolytic anemia, further compounded by plasma volume expansion and dilutional anemia of pregnancy. Hyperhemolysis syndrome may be clinically indistinguishable from a severe vasoocclusive episode at presentation, though patients can rapidly deteriorate to other severe sickle cell-related complications like acute chest syndrome, cerebrovascular infarct, and multi-organ failure. Pregnant women with sickle cell disease complicated by hyperhemolysis syndrome should receive prompt supportive care with aggressive analgesics, judicious intravenous fluids, optimized erythropoiesis, and early initiation of immunosuppressive agents. Additional red blood cell transfusions may exacerbate the hemolysis and should only be considered in severe cases of refractory anemia; and even then, only in consultation with transfusion medicine.
Chapter I.2.11 – Applications of “Smart Polymers” as Biomaterials

Abstract Stimulus-responsive, “intelligent” polymers are polymers that respond to small changes in physical or chemical conditions near a critical condition with sharp and relatively large phase or property changes. They are also known as “smart,” stimuli-responsive, or “environmentally sensitive” polymers. These polymers can take many forms; for example, they may be dissolved in aqueous solutions, adsorbed or grafted on aqueous–solid interfaces, or cross-linked in the form of hydrogels. They may also be combined chemically or physically with other molecules, especially a variety of bioactive molecules.
Identification and evaluation of a core microsatellite panel for use in white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus )

Microsatellite loci have been used extensively over the past two decades to study the genetic characteristics of non-model species. The ease of microsatellite development and ability to adapt markers from related species has led to the proliferation of available markers for many commonly studied species. Because it is often infeasible to genotype individuals across all available loci, researchers generally rely on subsets of markers. Marker choice can bias inferences made using disparate suites of loci. This has been a primary motivation for efforts to identify uniform marker panels. Here, we use the geographic distribution of previous studies to identify microsatellite loci for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) with the potential for widespread use, and we evaluate the effectiveness of this panel in a portion of the range where few previous studies have been conducted. The purpose was to consolidate the numerous genetic resources for this species into a manageable panel and to provide a uniform methodology that improves comparisons between past and future studies. We reviewed microsatellite panels from 58 previous or ongoing projects and identified 106 candidate loci. We developed a multiplex protocol and evaluated the efficacy of 17 of the most commonly used loci using 720 DNA samples collected from the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America. Amplification errors were detected in six of these loci. The 11 remaining loci were highly polymorphic, exhibited low frequencies of null alleles, and were easy to interpret with the aid of allele binning software. The development of broadly-applicable, core microsatellite panels has the potential to improve repeatability and comparative ability for commonly studied species. The properties of the consolidated 11 microsatellite panel suggest that they are applicable for many common research objectives for white-tailed deer. The geographic distribution of previous studies using these markers provides a greater degree of confidence regarding the robustness to common sources of error related to amplification anomalies, such as null alleles, relative to loci with more limited use. While this does not replace further evaluation of genotyping errors, it does provide a common platform that benefits future research studies.
Correction to: Diagnostic performance of dual-energy CT and subtraction CT for renal lesion detection and characterization

The original version of this article, published on 27 May 2019, unfortunately contained a mistake. The following correction has therefore been made in the original.
The association between gingival recession and buccal bone at maxillary anterior teeth.

BACKGROUND Gingival recession and a thin or absent buccal plate occur frequently at maxillary anterior teeth and necessitate careful treatment planning to prevent future complications. However, the association between these two conditions is unclear and the ability of gingival recession to predict underlying buccal bone deficiencies is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to use clinical and radiographic data to test this association and determine the influence of demographic and clinical parameters on both conditions. METHODS This investigation comprised a single-center, retrospective study. Data were derived from periodontal examinations performed on 66 adult subjects. Corresponding cone-beam computed tomography images were used to measure the width of buccal bone at two points along the root surface and the distance between the bone crest and cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). Results were then analyzed to determine the association between the presence of gingival recession and the condition of radiographic buccal bone, as well as the relative contribution of demographic parameters and other clinical findings to gingival recession and buccal bone conditions. RESULTS Gingival recession was present at 32.9% of maxillary anterior teeth and was most common at canines, followed by lateral incisors and central incisors. Mean buccal bone widths were significantly less, and the distance between the CEJ and bone crest was significantly greater for teeth with recession. Accordingly, gingival recession was a significant predictor for buccal bone thickness <1 mm at the level of 4 mm apical to the CEJ (odds ratio 2.733, 95% confidence interval 1.644 to 4.543, P < 0.0001). Probing depths were related to the presence or absence of gingival recession, while patient sex, age, and the apico-coronal height of the gingiva were related to buccal bone thickness. CONCLUSION Within the limitations of this study, maxillary anterior teeth with pre-existing gingival recession were more likely to have thin (<1 mm) buccal bone.
Mobile monitoring of air and noise pollution in Philadelphia neighborhoods during summer 2017.

Abstract Mobile monitoring is a useful approach for measuring intra-urban variation of air pollution in urban environments. In this study, we used a mobile monitoring approach to study the spatial-temporal variability of air and noise pollution in urban neighborhoods of Philadelphia. During summer 2017, we used portable instruments to measure PM2.5, black carbon (BC), and noise levels along 5 km paths in four residential neighborhoods (Tioga, Mill Creek, Chestnut Hill, and Northern Liberties) and one commercial district (Center City) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. A total of 62 sets of measurements were made at three different times of day (during morning rush hour, mid-afternoon, and during afternoon rush hour) from June 5 to July 7, 2017. Spatially, there was a significant difference in PM2.5 concentrations among the four residential neighborhoods. Overall, the Chestnut Hill neighborhood had the highest PM2.5 concentrations (13.25 ± 6.89 μg/m3), followed by Tioga (9.58 ± 4.83 μg/m3), Northern Liberties (7.02 ± 4.17 μg/m3), and Mill Creek (3.9 ± 4.5 μg/m3). There was temporal variability of pollutants depending on the neighborhood; Northern Liberties demonstrated the highest temporal variability in these data. The highest PM2.5 (18.86 ± 3.17 mg/m3) was measured in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood during mid-afternoon. Mean PM2.5, BC, and noise levels based on mobile measurements at Philadelphia during summer 2017 were 8.41 ± 4.31 μg/m3, 0.99 ± 0.44 μg C/m3, and 62.01 ± 3.20 dBA, respectively. Environmental noise showed the highest temporal variation of the monitored components for 3 time periods. In general, tree cover showed a weak and inconclusive association with particulate pollution levels.
Vulnerability Selection for Remediation: An Empirical Analysis:

Vulnerabilities are security flaws in software and network systems that criminal hackers can exploit to gain an asymmetric advantage. Cyber-Security Operations Centers must routinely triage and pat...
Impact of the built environment, physical functioning, and fatigue on community participation in individuals poststroke

Date Presented 04/04/19 This poster describes a completed research study that examined to what extent the built environment, physical functioning, and fatigue impact community participation for individuals poststroke. Primary Author and Speaker: Emily McManus Additional Authors and Speakers: Lisa Tabor Connor Contributing Authors: Marjorie Nichols
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Opportunistic Networks

The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are widely used in many application areas including the opportunistic networks. In this paper, we investigate the efficient usage of UAVs in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle aided Opportunistic Networks (UAON). The UAVs act as message distributors whereas the nodes on the ground generate the messages. The simulation study is conducted on the real-world dataset of nodes moving around North Carolina State University. We have tested different cruising techniques and the cases without the usage of UAV. The simulations showed improved results in terms of message delay and success rate when the UAVs were used in an opportunistic network settings.
INTRODUCTION TO THE INTEGRATIVE ROLE OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM IN THE REGULATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION

Publisher Summary The autonomic nervous system plays two integrative roles: (1) it relates cardiovascular function to the ever-changing organ and body need for blood and the materials it transports and (2) it correlates functions within the system itself; heart action and vasomotor changes are coordinated. It has been recognized that the autonomic system is continuously active. This basic tonic function is modulated, augmented, patterned by reflex actions induced by stimuli received. Plexuses are surrounded by many visceral tissues. These mediate local reactions, but they are also acted upon by autonomic efferents responding to various stimuli. The chapter also explains the action of autonomic efferents on ganglia and peripheral tissues. It discusses the nature and action of transmitters released by autonomic neuron. The centers of the brain, medulla, and cord that organize and control body reactions and behavior also control the autonomic complex.
Anesthetic considerations in transcarotid artery revascularization

Transcarotid artery revascularization is a relatively new technology made available to vascular interventionalists within the last several years for patients with carotid artery stenosis. However, the intraoperative techniques and perioperative management of these patients continues to evolve as more experience is gained. Herein, we consider some important principles of anesthesia for patients undergoing this procedure.
Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Acute and Chronic Cardiorenal Syndromes

Cardiorenal syndrome affects a wide range of individuals, and diabetes mellitus is increasing in prevalence worldwide. Diabetes is a major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and individuals with chronic kidney disease often die of CVD; it is the major cause of death in this population. The presence of albuminuria and declining glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are all known predictors of CVD. Once cardiorenal syndrome is identified, it is important to understand how diabetes medications need to be adjusted in accordance with a decline in GFR and how to avoid hypoglycemia. Control of risk factors for CVD is also important as is identifying when to utilize the appropriate specialists.
Pre-incarceration polysubstance use involving opioids: A unique risk factor of postrelease return to substance use.

Abstract Objective Justice-involved populations are at increased risk of overdose following release from prison and jail. This risk is exacerbated by polysubstance use, including the use of opioids with other substances. This study explored pre-incarceration polysubstance use involving opioids as a unique risk factor for postrelease return to substance use. Methods The study examined data from a cohort of 501 justice-involved persons who were enrolled in a therapeutic community treatment program while incarcerated. Latent profile validation identified profiles of polysubstance use involving opioids prior to incarceration. Multivariate logistic regression examined return to substance use, defined as self-reported relapse, and a time series model examined time in the community until a relapse event occurred. Results A latent profile validation found six unique polysubstance opioid patterns prior to incarceration. Two of these profiles, primarily alcohol and primarily buprenorphine, were at increased and accelerated risk for relapse postrelease relative to a less polysubstance use profile. Both profiles at increased risk had pre-incarceration co-use of marijuana (≈45% of month) and nonmedical use of opioids (≈40% of month) but were unique in their respective near daily use of alcohol and nonmedical buprenorphine. Conclusions Among persons who use opioids returning to the community, return to substance use occurs along a continuum of risk. Providers' consideration of polysubstance use patterns during treatment may assist in mitigating adverse outcomes for patients postrelease.
Prussian Blue Analogues as Electrodes for Aqueous Monovalent Ion Batteries

Aqueous batteries have engendered increasing attention as promising solutions for stationary energy storage due to their potentially low cost and innate safety. In various aqueous battery systems, Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) represent a class of promising electrode materials with fascinating electrochemical performance, owing to their large open frameworks, abundant ion insertion sites, and facile preparation. To date, PBAs have shown substantial progress towards storage of alkali metal ions (Li+, Na+, and K+), H+, and NH4+ in aqueous electrolytes, which, however, has yet not been specifically summarized. This review selects some representative research to introduce the progress of PBAs in these battery systems and aims to discuss the crucial role of ionic charge carrier in affecting the overall electrode performance. Besides, some critical knowledge gaps and challenges of PBA materials have been pointed out for future development. This review introduces the recent progress of Prussian blue analogues for aqueous monovalent ion batteries, including metal ions of Li+, Na+, K+, and non-metal ions of H+ and NH4+.
Comments on "Performance Analysis of a Deterministic Channel Estimator for Block Transmission Systems With Null Guard Intervals

In the above-mentioned paper, a Cramer-Rao bound was derived for the performance of a blind channel estimation algorithm. In this correspondence, an error in the bound is pointed out and corrected. It is observed here that the performance of the said algorithm does not achieve the Cramer-Rao bound.
COPII Sec23 proteins form isoform-specific endoplasmic reticulum exit sites with differential effects on polarized growth.

COPII, a coat protein complex that forms vesicles on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mediates trafficking to the Golgi. While metazoans have few genes encoding each COPII component, plants have expanded these gene families, leading to the hypothesis that plant COPII has functionally diversified. In the moss Physcomitrium (Physcomitrella) patens, the Sec23/24 gene families are each composed of seven genes. Silencing Sec23/24 revealed isoform-specific contributions to polarized growth, with the closely related Sec23D/E and Sec24C/D essential for protonemal development. Focusing on Sec23, we discovered that Sec23D/E mediate ER-to Golgi transport and are essential for tip growth, with Sec23D localizing to presumptive ER exit sites. By contrast, Sec23A,B,C,F, and G are dispensable and do not quantitatively affect ER-to-Golgi trafficking. However, Δsec23abcfg plants exhibited reduced secretion of plasma membrane cargo. Of the four highly expressed protonemal Sec23 genes, Sec23F/G are members of a divergent Sec23 clade specifically retained in land plants. Notably, Sec23G accumulates on ER-associated foci that are significantly larger, do not overlap with, and are independent of Sec23D. While Sec23D/E form ER exit sites and function as bona fide COPII components essential for tip-growing protonemata, Sec23G and the closely related Sec23F have likely functionally diversified, forming separate and independent ER exit sites and participating in Golgi-independent trafficking pathways.
Synthesis and characterization of stimuli responsive block copolymers, self-assembly behavior and applications

The central theme of this thesis work is to develop new block copolymer materials for biomedical applications. While there are many reports of stimuli-responsive amphiphilic [19-21] and crosslinked hydrogel materials [22], the development of an in situ gel forming, pH responsive pentablock copolymer is a novel contribution to the field, Figure 1.1 is a sketch of an ABCBA pentablock copolymer. The A blocks are cationic tertiary amine methacrylates blocked to a central Pluronic F127 triblock copolymer. In addition to the prerequisite synthetic and macromolecular characterization of these new materials, the self-assembled supramolecular structures formed by the pentablock were experimentally evaluated. This synthesis and characterization process serves to elucidate the important structure property relationships of these novel materials, The pH and temperature responsive behavior of the pentablock copolymer were explored especially with consideration towards injectable drug delivery applications. Future synthesis work will focus on enhancing and tuning the cell specific targeting of DNA/pentablock copolymer polyplexes. The specific goals of this research are: (1) Develop a synthetic route for gel forming pentablock block copolymers with pH and temperature sensitive properties. Synthesis of these novel copolymers is accomplished with ATRP, yielding low polydispersity and control of the block copolymer architecture. Well defined macromolecular characteristics are required to tailor the phase behavior of these materials. (2) Characterize relationship between the size and shape of pentablock copolymer micelles and gel structure and the pH and temperature of the copolymer solutions with SAXS, SANS and CryoTEM. (3) Evaluate the temperature and pH induced phase separation and macroscopic self-assembly phenomenon of the pentablock copolymer. (4) Utilize the knowledge gained from first three goals to design and formulate drug delivery formulations based on the multi-responsive properties of the pentablock copolymer. Demonstrate potential biomedical applications of these materials with in vitro drug release studies from pentablock copolymer hydrogels. The intent of this work is to contribute to the knowledge necessary for further tailoring of these, and other functional block copolymer materials for biomedical applications.
DNA replication in SV40 infected cells: X. The structure of the 16 S gap circle intermediat in SV40 DNA synthesis

Abstract At the completion of SV40 DNA replication the two newly replicated daughter molecules segregate, producing two circular intermediates that sediment at 16 S. One or both of these segregants contain a single-stranded region or gap, bounded by a 3′-hydroxyl and 5′-phosphate group. Treatment of these intermediates in vitro with T4 DNA polymerase and E. coli polynucleotide ligase repairs this gap and produces a closed circular molecule. The position of this gap or single-stranded region has been determined with the aid of restriction enzymes (Eco R1, HpaII) and was found to be at or very close to the terminus of DNA replication (about 0.15 units). These results suggest that the segregation of the two interlocked daughter molecules of SV40 DNA occurs before DNA replication is complete, that is, before the last phosphodiester bonds have been synthesized.
A study and classification of nodular lesions of the fallopian tubes

Abstract 1. 1. Three hundred and twenty-nine nodules in the walls of Fallopian tubes of two hundred and eight patients were studied. 2. 2. Eighty-one and seven-tenths per cent of the nodules were due to diverticula of tubal epithelium alone or in association with acute or chronic inflammatory lesions. We have suggested the term diverticulosis of the Fallopian tubes for these types of lesions. 3. 3. Eleven and two-tenths per cent of the nodules were due to inflammatory lesions without diverticulosis; six and seven-tenths per cent were due to endometriosis and three-tenths per cent were due to metastatic carcinoma of the endometrium.
Mechanisms of Drug-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is a common complication of several medications and diagnostic agents. It is seen in both inpatient and outpatient settings with variable presentations ranging from mild, reversible injury to advanced kidney disease. Manifestations of drug-induced nephrotoxicity include acid-base abnormalities, electrolyte imbalances, urine sediment abnormalities, proteinuria, pyuria, hematuria, and, most commonly, a decline in the glomerular filtration rate. The mechanisms of drug-induced nephrotoxicity may differ between various drugs or drug classes, and they are generally categorized based on the histological component of the kidney that is affected. Aminoglycoside antibiotics, radiocontrast media, conventional nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, amphotericin B, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been frequently implicated. This chapter reviews the clinical presentation and basic mechanisms of drug-induced nephrotoxicity.
Gap junctions as electrical synapses

Gap junctions are the morphological substrate of one class of electrical synapse. The history of the debate on electrical vs. chemical transmission is instructive. One lesson is that Occam’s razor sometimes cuts too deep; the nervous system does its operations in a number of different ways and a unitarian approach can lead one astray. Electrical synapses can do many things that chemical synapses can do, and do them just as slowly. More intriguing are the modulatory actions that chemical synapses can have on electrical synapses. Voltage dependence provides an important window on structure function relations of the connexins, even where the dependence may have no physiological role. The new molecular approaches will greatly advance our knowledge of where gap junctions occur and permit experimental manipulation with high specificity.
Stimulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis by urine of the human fetus may serve as a trigger for parturition

Urine of the human fetus stimulated prostaglandin biosynthesis in vitro by increasing the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. The stimulatory activity in urine from fetuses delivered at term after labor of spontaneous onset was greater than that in urine from fetuses delivered by cesarean section at term before the onset of labor. Such stimulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis by the fetal membranes, by way of a substance released into the urine and thence into amniotic fluid, could serve as a signal for the initiation of parturition.