cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communication technology for telemedicine

From the invention of the telephone, medical practitioners have employed electronic communication to facilitate patient care. With the advent of computer networks, communication of clinical information both within and between institutions has entered a new era. One thing is clear from even a cursory examination of the history of electronic communication in medicine, the trend is toward increasing volume and complexity of information and increasing demand for communication bandwidth. State of the art applications such as regional picture archive and communication system (PACS)s, full-motion high quality telemedicine, and telepresence surgery place stringent requirements on the facilitating communication technologies. To provide a basis for understanding these requirements a brief tutorial of the basic concepts of digital communication is presented. To illustrate relative performance and capabilities an integrated teleradiology/telemedicine system utilizing a wide-area asynchronous transfer mode network is described and compared to a more conventional teleradiology application based on T1 rate frame relay service.
Advances in surveillance of periodontitis: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention periodontal disease surveillance project.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has as one of its strategic goals to support and improve surveillance of periodontal disease. In 2003, the CDC initiated the CDC Periodontal Disease Surveillance Project in collaboration with the American Academy of Periodontology to address population-based surveillance of periodontal disease at the local, state, and national levels. This initiative has made significant advancements toward the goal of improved surveillance, including developing valid self-reported measures that can be obtained from interview-based surveys to predict prevalence of periodontitis in populations. This will allow surveillance of periodontitis at the state and local levels and in countries where clinical resources for surveillance are scarce. This work has produced standard case definitions for surveillance of periodontitis that are now widely recognized and applied in population studies and research. At the national level, this initiative has evaluated the validity of previ...
History, Philosophy, and the Central Metaphor

Behind the dispute over the relative priority of theory and experiment lie conflicting philosophical images of the nature of scientific inquiry. One crucial image arose in the 1920s, when the logical positivists agitated for a “unity of science” that would ground all meaningful scientific activity on an observational foundation. Their goals and rhetoric dovetailed with the larger movements of architectural, literary, and philosophical modernism. Historians of science followed the positivists by tracking experimental science as the basis for scientific progress. After World War II, historians and philosophers of science created an antipositivist movement, inverting the positivist idea that observation had epistemic (and historical) priority. But this counter-movement retained the modernist aspiration to unity, now chaining observation to theory. Once again historians of science, following their philosophical colleagues, illustrated the new modernism with historical instances of observation dominated by theory.Either reductionist scheme, by privileging one activity over the other, dictates an overly constrictive periodization. We need a wider class of periodization models (“central metaphors”) that will allow instrumentation, experimentation, and theory a partial autonomy without granting any one the sole legitimate narrative standpoint. Such a heterogeneous representation of historical traditions may, surprisingly, make better sense of the perceived coherence of activity across theoretical transitions than the monolithic modernist representation of science it displaces.
Sialylneolacto-N-tetraose c (LSTc)-bearing liposomal decoys capture influenza A virus

Influenza is a severe disease in humans and animals with few effective therapies available. All strains of influenza virus are prone to developing drug resistance due to the high mutation rate in the viral genome. A therapeutic agent that targets a highly conserved region of the virus could bypass resistance and also be effective against multiple strains of influenza. Influenza uses many individually weak ligand binding interactions for a high avidity multivalent attachment to sialic acid-bearing cells. Polymerized sialic acid analogs can form multivalent interactions with influenza but are not ideal therapeutics due to solubility and toxicity issues. We used liposomes as a novel means for delivery of the glycan sialylneolacto-N-tetraose c (LSTc). LSTc-bearing decoy liposomes form multivalent, polymer-like interactions with influenza virus. Decoy liposomes competitively bind influenza virus in hemagglutination inhibition assays and inhibit infection of target cells in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition is specific for influenza virus, as inhibition of Sendai virus and respiratory syncytial virus is not observed. In contrast, monovalent LSTc does not bind influenza virus or inhibit infectivity. LSTc decoy liposomes prevent the spread of influenza virus during multiple rounds of replication in vitro and extend survival of mice challenged with a lethal dose of virus. LSTc decoy liposomes co-localize with fluorescently tagged influenza virus, whereas control liposomes do not. Considering the conservation of the hemagglutinin binding pocket and the ability of decoy liposomes to form high avidity interactions with influenza hemagglutinin, our decoy liposomes have potential as a new therapeutic agent against emerging influenza strains.
Industrial parts recognition and inspection by image morphology

Application algorithms for industrial parts and tool recognition and inspection by image morphology techniques are discussed. A recursive adaptive thresholding algorithm transforms a gray-level image into a set of multiple-level regions of objects. This algorithm uses a morphological erosion with a large symmetrical concave structuring element. A distance-transformation algorithm transforms these binary image regions into the minimum distance from each object point to the boundary of the object. This algorithm also uses a morphological erosion. From the distance transform, it is possible to compute a shape number and extract the skeleton, which is useful for generic pattern recognition and feature extraction. Corner angles and the radii of circular holes can be located, identified, and estimated by using morphological openings and erosions. The algorithms allow robust tool and part recognition and inspection. >
Leg stiffness of sprinters using running-specific prostheses

Running-specific prostheses (RSF) are designed to replicate the spring-like nature of biological legs (bioL) during running. However, it is not clear how these devices affect whole leg stiffness characteristics or running dynamics over a range of speeds. We used a simple spring – mass model to examine running mechanics across a range of speeds, in unilateral and bilateral transtibial amputees and performance-matched controls. We found significant differences between the affected leg (AL) of unilateral amputees and both ALs of bilateral amputees compared with the bioL of non-amputees for nearly every variable measured. Leg stiffness remained constant or increased with speed in bioL, but decreased with speed in legs with RSPs. The decrease in leg stiffness in legs with RSPs was mainly owing to a combination of lower peak ground reaction forces and increased leg compression with increasing speeds. Leg stiffness is an important parameter affecting contact time and the force exerted on the ground. It is likely that the fixed stiffness of the prosthesis coupled with differences in the limb posture required to run with the prosthesis limits the ability to modulate whole leg stiffness and the ability to apply high vertical ground reaction forces during sprinting.
Experience with immune monitoring in lung transplant recipients: correlation of low immune function with infection.

Background. Lung transplants, in particular, have the highest rate of infections among solid organ transplant recipients. However, there is no existing objective measure to predict the development of infections. We report the correlation between Cylex ImmuKnow (ng/mL ATP) values and various infectious syndromes in a large prospective cohort of lung transplant recipients. Methods. We followed up 175 lung transplants that developed 129 infectious episodes. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed; generalized estimating equations were used to determine the odds ratio for infections. Results. The median ImmuKnow values in cytomegalovirus disease (49.3 ng/mL ATP), viral infection (70 ng/mL ATP), and bacterial pneumonia (92 ng/mL ATP) were significantly different from stable state (174.8 ng/mL ATP). The median ImmuKnow values of fungal disease (85 ng/mL ATP) and tracheobronchitis (123 ng/mL ATP) had a tendency to be lower than stable state (P=0.10), whereas patients with fungal colonization had comparable ImmunKnow values (167 vs. 174.8 ng/mL ATP). Of the patients colonized with fungus who subsequently developed fungal disease within 100 days, the median value of ImmuKnow was significantly lower than in those who did not develop fungal disease (22.5 vs. 183.5 ng/mL ATP; P<0.0001). Generalized estimating equation regression analysis showed ImmuKnow values less than or equal to 100 ng/mL ATP to be an independent predictor of infections (odds ratio 2.81). Conclusions. Cylex ImmuKnow assay monitoring has the potential to identify the patients at risk of developing infection and those colonized with fungus that are at risk of developing disease.
Effect of Deep Slow Breathing on Pain-Related Variables in Osteoarthritis.

This study evaluated the effect of a six-week deep slow breathing (DSB) program on pain, physical function, and heart rate variability (HRV) in subjects with lower extremity joint pain. Twenty subjects were assigned into training (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. The training group participated in a six-week DSB program consisting of weekly training sessions and at-home breathing exercises. DSB exercises focused on prolonging the exhalation and the pause following exhalation. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to assess pain and physical function, and HRV data were obtained before and after intervention. Results revealed no significant interactions between group and time for any of the variables. There was no significant main effect for group, but there was a significant main effect ( ) and a large effect size for time on both pain ( = 0.454) and physical function ( = 0.506). There were no significant main effects ( ) for group and time on LF power (group = 0.039, time = 0.061), HF power (group = 0.039, time = 0.039), and LF/HF ratio (group = 0.036, time = 0.169). Results indicated that the six-week DSB program was not sufficient to alleviate pain or improve physical function in subjects with lower extremity joint pain. Although the pain was not alleviated, other beneficial effects such as better coping with the pain were reported in the majority of training subjects. As this is the first study to examine the use of DSB for lower extremity joint pain and dysfunction, further research is needed to investigate the efficacy and applicability of DSB.
Qualitative extension of the EC′ Zone Diagram to a molecular catalyst for a multi-electron, multi-substrate electrochemical reaction

The EC′ Zone Diagram, introduced by Saveant and Su over 30 years ago, has been used to classify voltammetric responses for electrocatalytic systems. With a single H2-evolving catalyst, Co(dmgBF2)2(CH3CH)2 (dmgBF2 = difluoroboryl-dimethylglyoxime), and a series of para-substituted anilinium acids, experimental conditions were carefully tuned to access to each region of the classic zone diagram. Close scrutiny revealed the extent to which the kinetic (λ) and excess (γ) factors could be experimentally controlled and used to access a variety of waveforms for this ECEC′ catalytic system. It was found that most of the tunable experimental parameters (such as catalyst concentration, scan rate, and substrate concentration) predicted in the EC′ Zone Diagram could be extended to a multi-electron system and produced similarly-shaped waveforms with some deviations. Tuning of a single catalyst across every region of the classic zone diagram has previously been prevented due to the seven orders of magnitude that need to be traversed across the kinetic parameter; however, the cobalt catalyst in this study provided unique control of this parameter. By varying the acids used as the proton source, the rate constants for protonation were tuned via a pKa-dependent linear free energy relationship.
Relationships between the Parasitoid Hyposoter exiguae (Viereck) and Cabbage Looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner): Evidence for Endocrine Involvement in Successful Parasitism

The involvement of Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) endocrine system and its relationship to successful parasitism by the solitary endoparasitoid Hyposoter exiguae (Viereck) was studied. Ligation experiments performed on the 5th stage T. ni larvae indicated that ecdysiotropin (brain hormone) activates the ecdysial gland 30-40 h following the last larval ecdysis and that an additional 40 h are needed for the hormones of the ecdysial gland to induce pupation. When 5th stage T. ni are exposed to the parasitoid prior to the 30-h point following the last larval ecdysis, successful parasitism results. However, exposure of hosts to the parasitoid after activation has occurred results in unsuccessful parasitism. Thirty-four percent of the larvae that were collected 24-30 h following the last larval ecdysis, ligated cervically, and held for an additional 24 h were successfully parasitized. Hosts ligated at the 40-48 h period and then exposed to parasitoids were not successfully parasitized.
Pixel-Based Image Fusion between PAN Image and Multispectral Image

Thematic mapper (TM) multispectral images and SPOT panchromatic images are two of multisensor images which are widely used in remote sensing. To adequately take advantage of the high spectral resolution of multispectral images and the high spatial resolution of panchromatic images, multisensor data fusion technique has been proposed in remote sensing image processing. This paper takes merging multispectral image and panchromatic image as a example to introduce mainly pixel-based image fusion techniques. First,this paper summarizes models, process, advantages and disadvantages of pixel-based image fusion in the fields of multisensor remote sensing of satellite. Afterward, the paper emphasizes on principally analyzing the theories and the characteristics of the pixel based image fusion algorithms and further sums up subjective and objective evaluation criteria for fused images. Finally, applications, developments and prospects of the pixel-level fusion are discussed.
Hemostatic defects in dysproteinemias.

Bt1 HERBERT A. PE aNs, MALCOLM R. MACKENZIE AND H. HUGH FUDENBERG T HE ASSOCIATION OF HIGH CONCENTRATIONS of certain paraproteins and abnormal bleeding is well recognized, but the mechanism of defective hemostasis is uncertain. Numerous publications, generally restricted to single case reports or to small series of patients, describe a bewildering inconsistency of abnormal findings, some of which appear to correlate with bleeding while others do not. Possible explanations for these discrepancies include
Eye disorders. Treatment of baggy eyelids.

Baggy eyelids result from redundant eyelid skin with or without herniated orbital fat. The condition can be surgically corrected. Blindness is a rare surgical complication, and a complete ophthalmologic evaluation should be carried out to document preoperative visual status.
The spectrum of phytoestrogens in nature: our knowledge is expanding

The classical phytoestrogens, so far known, constitute a group of plant-derived compounds which include mainly isoflavones, lignans, coumestanes, stilbenes and the flavonoids quercetin and kaempherol. The discovery of many more novel estrogen-like compounds in the plant kingdom demonstrates that the spectrum of phytoestrogens in nature is expanding. The classical as well as the novel phytoestrogens show a complex mode of action via interaction with the nuclear estrogen receptor isoforms ERα and ERβ, exhibiting either estrogen-agonist or estrogen-antagonist effects. Their final biological activity, assessed by cell culture assay systems, animal studies and clinical trials, depends on multiple factors such as the chemical structure of the phytoestrogen, the kind of tissue and cell type, the intrinsic estrogenic status, the route of administration, the metabolism as well as the time and the level of exposure. They are characterized by high tissue specificity and dose-dependent activity. However, although phytoestrogen intake as food or dietary supplements, in particular soya products and the isoflavones genistein and daidzein, has been associated with “health promoting effects”, some data indicate increased disease risk. Evidently, phytoestrogen supplementation should be viewed with caution until further studies satisfactorily delineate the effects of individual phytoestrogens on human health and disease.
Identification of reproducible (PCR-RAPD) markers that enable the differentiation of closely related six-rowed malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars.

Varietal purity of barley seed and malt lots is important to the malting and brewing industries. This study was conducted to see if a modified polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique using random...
The impact of a journal scan assignment on advanced pharmacy practice experience students’ confidence in evaluating pharmacy/medical journals in the United States

Aims: To evaluate how a journal scan assignment improves students’ overall confidence and comfort in discussing journals. Method: Pharmacy students in the fourth professional year (PY4) selected a journal and evaluated scope of coverage, nature of articles and advertisements. Results: Students completed an anonymous pre (n=42) and post (n=41) assignment survey. Sixty-four per cent subscribed to journals, 5% reported reading the entire issue “often”. Students could describe at least one topic section (33% pre, 98% post; p =0.001), what is found in the original contribution/research section (33% pre, 88% post; p =0.001), review section (38% pre, 90% post; p =0.001), editorial section (26% pre, 71% post; p =0.001) and patient pages (10% pre, 66% post; p =0.001), could identify quality of the journal based on advertisements (12% pre, 83% post; p =0.001) and could discuss journals with colleagues (14% pre, 68% post; p =0.001). Conclusion: The journal scan assignment was well received and increased students’ knowledge of journal elements, topic sections and confidence discussing journals with colleagues.
Physicians’ Experiences as Patients with Statin Side Effects: A Case Series

Physicians are among those prescribed statins and therefore, subject to potential statin adverse effects (AEs). There is little information on the impact of statin AEs on physicians affected by them. We sought to assess the character and impact of statin AEs occurring in physicians and retired physicians, and to ascertain whether/how personal experience of AEs moderated physicians' attitude toward statin use. Seven active or retired physicians from the United States communicated with the Statin Effects Study group regarding their personal experience of statin AEs. AE characteristics, experience with (their own) physicians, and impact of AE was ascertained. We inquired whether or how their experience altered their own attitude toward statins or statin AEs. Patient A: Atorvastatin 40 then 80 mg was followed by cognitive problems, neuropathy, and glucose intolerance in a Radiologist in his 50s (Naranjo criteria: probable causality). Patient B: Atorvastatin 10 mg was followed in 2 months by muscle weakness and myalgia in an Internist in his 40s (probable causality). Patient C: Atorvastatin, ezetimibe/simvastatin, rosuvastatin at varying doses was followed shortly after by irritability, myalgia, and fatigue in a Cardiac Surgeon in his 40s (probable causality). Patient D: Simvastatin 20 then 40 mg was followed in 4 years by mitochondriopathy, myopathy, neuropathy, and exercise intolerance in an Emergency Medicine physician in his 50s (definite causality). Patient E: Simvastatin 20 mg and niacin 1000 mg was followed in one month by muscle weakness and myalgia in a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician in his 50s (probable causality). Patient F: Lovastatin 20 mg then simvastatin 20 mg, atorvastatin 20 mg, rosuvastatin 5 mg, niacin 20 mg and ezetimbe 10 mg was followed by muscle weakness and myalgia in an Obstetrician/Gynecologist in his 70s (definite causality). Patient G: Ezetimibe/simvastatin and atorvastatin (dose unavailable) was followed shortly after by cognitive problems in a Radiologist in her 80s (probable causality). Thus AEs affected multiple quality-of-life relevant domains, often in combination, encompassing muscle (N = 5), fatigue (N = 2), peripheral neuropathy (N = 2), cognitive (N = 2), dysglycemia (N = 1) and behavioral manifestations (N = 1). In five, the AEs affected the physician professionally. Five physicians experienced dismissive attitudes in some of their own healthcare encounters. One noted that his experience helped not only his own attention to statin AEs, but that of other physicians in his community. Several stated that their experience altered their understanding of and/or attitude toward statin AEs, and/or their view of settings in which statin use is warranted. Statin AEs can have profound impact in high functioning professionals with implications to the individual, their professional life, and those whom they serve professionally.
Abstract IA39: Variations in breast cancer risk by race/ethnicity in the US

The American Cancer Society recommends average-risk women begin annual screening at age 45, with an option for women to begin screening earlier at age 40. This guideline is for all women; however, breast cancer risk varies substantially by race/ethnicity in the US. In this presentation, I will provide an overview of the most current information on breast cancer rates in the US, focusing on differences in risk by race/ethnicity and age, as well as for specific breast cancer subtypes. Citation Format: Carol DeSantis. Variations in breast cancer risk by race/ethnicity in the US. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA39.
The Addiction Benefits Scorecard: A Framework to Promote Health Insurer Accountability and Support Consumer Engagement

Health care insurance plans covering treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) offer a wide range of benefits. Distinctions between health plan benefits are confusing, and consumers making selections may not adequately understand the characteristics or significance of the choices they have. The California Society of Addiction Medicine sought to help consumers make informed decisions about plan selections by providing education on the standard of care for SUD and presenting findings from an expert analysis of selected health plans. We developed an assessment framework, based on criteria endorsed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, to rate the quality of SUD treatment benefits offered by a sample of insurance plans. We convened an expert panel of physicians to rate 16 policies of 10 insurance providers across seven categories. Data from published resources for 2014 insurance plans were extracted, categorized, and rated. The framework and ratings were summarized in a consumer-facing white paper. We found significant heterogeneity in benefits across comparable plans, as well as variation in the characterization and clarity of published services. This article presents findings and implications of the project. There is a pressing need to define requirements for SUD benefits and to hold health plans accountable for offering quality services in accordance with those benefits.
Sound source localization identification accuracy: Envelope dependencies

Sound source localization accuracy as measured in an identification procedure in a front azimuth sound field was studied for click trains, modulated noises, and a modulated tonal carrier. Sound source localization accuracy was determined as a function of the number of clicks in a 64 Hz click train and click rate for a 500 ms duration click train. The clicks were either broadband or high-pass filtered. Sound source localization accuracy was also measured for a single broadband filtered click and compared to a similar broadband filtered, short-duration noise. Sound source localization accuracy was determined as a function of sinusoidal amplitude modulation and the “transposed” process of modulation of filtered noises and a 4 kHz tone. Different rates (16 to 512 Hz) of modulation (including unmodulated conditions) were used. Providing modulation for filtered click stimuli, filtered noises, and the 4 kHz tone had, at most, a very small effect on sound source localization accuracy. These data suggest that ampl...
Gene-nutrient interactions and susceptibility to human obesity

A large number of genome-wide association studies, transferability studies, and candidate gene studies performed in diverse populations around the world have identified gene variants that are associated with common human obesity. The mounting evidence suggests that these obesity gene variants interact with multiple environmental factors and increase susceptibility to this complex metabolic disease. The objective of this review article is to provide concise and updated information on energy balance, heritability of body weight, origins of gene variants, and gene-nutrient interactions in relation to human obesity. It is proposed that knowledge of these related topics will provide valuable insight for future preventative lifestyle intervention using targeted nutritional and medicinal therapies.
Pelvic Ring Disruption in a Patient with Bladder Exstrophy: A Case Report.

Bladder exstrophy is an uncommon urologic condition believed to be present in one in 10,000 to 50,000 live births1,2. Patients with this condition often require extensive treatment, including multiple surgeries early in life. Identification of pelvic ring disruption in this patient population is challenging and may be complicated by anterior pelvic deficiency, pubic diastasis, external rotation of innominate bones, and previous pelvic osteotomies1. Once identified, treatment of pelvic disruption in patients with bladder exstrophy may be complicated by comorbidities and osteotomy-related pelvic deformity. We present a patient with bladder exstrophy and an anterior-posterior compression type-III (APC-III) pelvic injury sustained from a high-energy trauma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of its kind in the English-language literature. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he provided consent. A thirty-year-old man with a history of bladder exstrophy, hypospadias, and bladder cancer presented to our institution after a motorcycle accident. The patient, who had been wearing a helmet, sustained loss of consciousness. The previous surgical history included neobladder creation at age three and multiple other unknown procedures to address the exstrophy, including a pelvic osteotomy. Medical records prior to this injury were not available. He had a left APC-III pelvic injury, a neobladder rupture, a perineal laceration, an open fracture of the right tibia, and a closed fracture of the right medial malleolus (Fig. 1 and Figs. 2-A through 2-D). Initially, he was hemodynamically unstable and required four units of packed red blood cells, two units of fresh-frozen plasma, ten units of platelets, and 4 L of crystalloid to maintain a systolic blood pressure of 90-100 mm Hg. The initial computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated contrast extravasation around …
Geometric isotropy indices for workspace analysis of spatial parallel manipulators

Workspace geometric isotropy analysis is crucial for many applications. It is highly desirable if the workspace of a parallel manipulator is perfectly isotropic. This paper proposes three novel workspace isotropy indices, namely, translational workspace isotropy index, rotational workspace isotropy index, and entire workspace isotropy index, for workspace isotropy analysis of spatial parallel manipulators in terms of the geometric shape of the workspace. All three indices are mathematically defined. The effectiveness of the proposed indices is verified by experiment using random external rotational disturbances. The proposed indices are good indicators of the robustness of a parallel manipulator to external rotational disturbances and can be used as a guideline for optimal design of spatial parallel manipulators.
Development and evaluation of a real-time RT-PCR assay for detection of a novel avian influenza A (H5N6) virus.

Abstract As of Aug 25, 2017, 17 incidences of human infection and 6 deaths due to the novel H5N6 virus have been reported in China. Genetic analysis of the viral genome revealed that this reassortant virus is highly pathogenic to poultry, and that the virus has a risk of transmission to humans. Accordingly, the development of a rapid, sensitive, and specific molecular diagnostic assay is critical for public health. In this study, a real-time reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay was developed to specifically detect the novel H5N6 virus, with primer pairs targeting the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase gene sequences of this virus. RNA was extracted from throat swab specimens from patients with influenza-like illness (ILIs), and environmental samples were collected from live poultry markets (LPMs) for H5N6 virus detection by real-time RT-PCR. The method was demonstrated to enable specific detection of the avian H5N6 virus, with no cross-reactivity with seasonal influenza viruses (H1N1, H1N1 pdm09, H3N2 or B); H5N1, H7N9, H9N2 viruses; or other human respiratory viruses. The detection limit of the assay was 1.0 × 101 copies per reaction for N6 and 1.0 × 102 copies per reaction for H5 assays. The assay is a powerful tool for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of H5N6 virus infection in specimens derived from humans, animals, and the environment.
Case 20-2018: A 64-Year-Old Man with Fever, Arthralgias, and Testicular Pain

A Man with Fever, Arthralgias, and Testicular Pain A 64-year-old man was evaluated for fever, arthralgias, and testicular pain. Laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis, an elevated blood level of C-...
Noncoherent Spread Spectrum Receiver with Joint Detection and Synchronization using modified Matched FIR Filters

A noncoherent direct sequence spread spectrum DPSK receiver (DPSK-DSSS) is presented. The receiver is designed to operate in heavy multipath environment with a high number of multipath components and variable fade rates. Asynchronous despreading of the received signal by two complementary modified matched FIR filters is followed by a joint data detection, and bit synchronization. Data detection is based on the nonlinear postdetection diversity combining of the two FIR filter outputs. Bit synchronization is achieved by estimating the moment of the combined nonlinear weighted matched filter outputs over a window. The receiver is insensitive to various power delay profiles with severe multipath components. Fast synchronization within several databits is achievable which results in low delay of the datastream and fast startup. The performance of the receiver is evaluated using the discrete channel model proposed by Saleh et. al 11] using parameters extracted from measurements made in a large factory hall [2]. The variation of the BER performance is less than 2 dB over a range of different multipath channels assuming a delay spread of 1/10 the databit time.
Distinct paths to higher inequality?: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of rising earnings inequality among U.S. States, 1980–2010

Abstract In this paper Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is used to explore the extent to which states have taken distinct causal paths to higher levels of earnings inequality within the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and during the early years of the 2007–09 recession. In these analyses special attention is paid to both the regional unfolding of the processes constituting economic restructuring and whether state institutional arrangements appear to mediate the impacts of inequality-increasing developments. Overall, these analyses suggest that industry and occupational shifts are critical to understanding state and regional experiences; state variation in changes in earnings inequality are, in large part, a story of the continuous playing out of economic restructuring in unique ways in different areas of the country. However, the subnational impact of the growth or decline of particular types of occupations on the earnings distribution is found to be highly contingent, depending on both the types of jobs gained or lost and the institutional and economic context in which those developments occur. It is suggested that the overall contribution of industry shifts to rising inequality may be underemphasized, in part, as a result of a reliance on analytical approaches that are ill-suited to capture the complicated and contingent nature of the impacts of processes such as deindustrialization. These analyses contribute to a growing body of work that employs a distinctly sociological approach in which earnings determination is viewed as multi-level phenomenon. Building on this insight, this paper suggests that changes in subnational levels of inequality may also be usefully conceptualized as an inherently combinatorial phenomenon.
Just City and Just Soul in Plato’s Republic

The analogy between just city and just soul is a basic building block of Plato’s theory of justice. I adopt David Keyt’s recent illuminating reading of the analogy, and I show how it can be used with a faculty interpretation of the second building block of the theory, Plato’s analysis of the human soul. I also argue that there is a third building block, Plato’s functional theory of good and virtue. I bring together these three building blocks of his theory to try to resolve two important interpretive controversies. First, are the parts of the soul faculties or agents? The agent interpretation has been recently well developed, though paradoxical. I try to show that there is strong evidence for the faculty interpretation and Plato’s theory of justice is better with it. Second, in Plato’s ideal city, is it true that only the philosophers can be just? A positive answer has had strong supporters in recent literature. I argue that this is an unnecessarily extreme interpretation of Plato’s theory of justice, and that it wrecks Plato’s main argument that we are better off being just rather than unjust.
Stat6 inhibits human interleukin-4 promoter activity in T cells

The differentiation of naive T-helper (Th) cells into cytokine-secreting effector Th cells requires exposure to multiple signals, including exogenous cytokines. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) plays a major role in this process by promoting the differentiation of IL-4-secreting Th2 cells. In Th2 cells, IL-4 gene expression is tightly controlled at the level of transcription by the coordinated binding of multiple transcription factors to regulatory elements in the proximal promoter region. Nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) family members play a critical role in regulating IL-4 transcription and interact with up to five sequences (termed P0 through P4) in the IL-4 promoter. The molecular mechanisms by which IL-4 induces expression of the IL-4 gene are not known, although the IL-4-activated transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (Stat6) is required for this effect. We report here that Stat6 interacts with three binding sites in the human IL-4 promoter by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. These sites overlap the P1, P2, and P4 NFAT elements. To investigate the role of Stat6 in regulating IL-4 transcription, we used Stat6-deficient Jurkat T cells with different intact IL-4 promoter constructs in cotransfection assays. We show that, whereas a multimerized response element from the germline IgE promoter was highly induced by IL-4 in Stat6-expressing Jurkat cells, the intact human IL-4 promoter was repressed under similar conditions. We conclude that the function of Stat6 is highly dependent on promoter context and that this factor promotes IL-4 gene expression in an indirect manner.
DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH PHYSICS AS A PROFESSION.

A brief history is given of the growth and development of health physics as a scientific profession. It is indicated that scientists and engineers from many disciplines have pooled their interests, combined their efforts and focused their attention on the central objective of providing adequate radiation protection for man and his environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation while at the same time enabling him to make better use of the benefits of this great source of energy. These scientists are engaged in education, training, administration, applied activities, engineering and research. Health physics research covers a wide spectrum of problems ranging from the effects of radiation on the living cell and on man to its interaction with matter at the atomic and nuclear levels. Ultimately, the goal of the health physicist is to develop a coherent theory of radiation damage, to assure that he measures and evaluates the proper physical and biological parameters related to the significant forms of potential radiation damage, to establish adequate radiation protection recommendations and measures at the national and international levels and to enforce these in such a manner that the benefits of ionizing radiation far outweigh the damage. Although the Health Physics Society, organized in 1956, was surprisingly successful in developing an international radiation protection organization, it was actually only partly successful in reaching this objective because there were some countries from which there were no members and many persons referred to it as the American society; this led to the formation of the IRPA and the calling of this international congress on radiation protection 10 years after the Health Physics Society was organized. Many old and new problems on a local, national and international level remain to be solved by the health physicist. A few of these problems are given for illustration and are discussed briefly.
Protective correlates of suicidality among veterans with histories of posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study.

Abstract Background Although several studies have identified risk factors for suicidal behaviors in general samples of Veterans, fewer studies have examined protective factors, particularly in high-risk samples. To address this gap, we examined protective correlates of suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SA) in a sample of Veterans with histories of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or major depressive disorder (MDD). Method Data were analyzed from a nationally representative sample of 3157 U.S. Veterans who completed the first wave of a web-based survey as part of the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS). Of this sample, 577 Veterans met criteria for history of PTSD, MDD or both. Results Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine relationships between protective factors (curiosity, resilience, purpose in life, dispositional gratitude, optimism, and community integration) and suicidal behaviors (SI and SA). The prevalence of any SI during the previous two weeks was 29.4% and the prevalence of lifetime SA was 28.0%. After adjusting for relevant sociodemographic and military characteristics, greater purpose in life, curiosity, and optimism were negatively associated with SI. None of the protective correlates were associated with SA. Limitations Given the cross-sectional nature of this study, conclusions about causality cannot be made. The assessment of suicidality also was limited to three self-report items. Conclusion Results provide a characterization of protective factors for suicidality, and may help inform prevention and treatment approaches designed to mitigate suicide risk among high-risk military Veterans.
Mental Health, Substance Use and HIV Risk Behaviors among HIV-Positive Adults Who Experienced Homelessness in the United States —Medical Monitoring Project, 2009–2015

Homelessness is a challenge to retention in HIV care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. We describe the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of HIV-positive adults who reported recent homelessness. The Medical Monitoring Project is a complex sample survey of HIV-positive adults receiving medical care in the United States. We used weighted interview and medical record data collected from June 2009 to May 2015 to estimate the prevalence of depression, substance use, and HIV risk behaviors among adults experiencing recent homelessness. From 2009 to 2015, 8.3% of HIV-positive adults experienced recent homelessness. Homeless adults were more likely than housed adults to have major depression, to binge drink, use non-injection drugs, use injection drugs, and smoke. Over 60% of homeless adults were sexually active during the past year, with homeless adults reporting more condomless sex with an HIV-negative or unknown status sex partner than housed adults. Programs attempting to improve the health outcomes of HIV-positive homeless persons and reduce ongoing HIV transmission can focus on providing basic needs, such as housing, and ancillary services, such as mental health counseling or substance abuse treatment and counseling.
Energy Balances in a Homogeneous Fluid

The total energy of the fluid residing inside a material fluid parcel is comprised of three constituents: (a) the potential energy due to an external body force, (b) the kinetic energy due to the motion of the fluid, and (c) the internal energy defined in the sense of thermodynamics, as discussed in Appendix B. The sum of the potential and the kinetic energies constitutes the mechanical energy. Although the external force field responsible for the potential energy is typically the gravitational field, other force fields can be encountered.
E-cigarette device power moderates the effects of non-tobacco flavors and nicotine on product appeal in young adults

Abstract Background Identifying e-cigarette product characteristics that moderate the effects of non-tobacco flavors and nicotine on user appeal can inform regulations issued in tandem with e-cigarette nicotine and flavor policies aimed to protect young adult health. An e-cigarette device’s electrical power affects the amount of solution aerosolized per puff, leading to more concentrated or diluted aerosol, which may alter product appeal. This laboratory experiment tested whether e-cigarette device power moderated the independent and interactive effects of non-tobacco flavors and nicotine on appeal in young adults. Method In a within-subject design single-visit protocol, young adult e-cigarette users (N = 100) administered standardized doses of e-cigarette solutions varying in flavor (fruit, menthol, tobacco) and nicotine (nicotine-containing [6 mg/mL], nicotine-free). Solutions were administered via a variable-voltage tank-style device at low (7.3 W[3.3 V@1.5 Ω resistance]) and high (12.3 W[4.3 V@1.5 Ω resistance]) power settings. Participants rated each dose’s appeal (0–100 scale). Results The high (vs. low) power setting attenuated the appeal-enhancing effects of menthol (vs. tobacco) flavors (Menthol × Power, estimate = −5.44, P = .03). Power did not moderate the appeal-enhancing effects of fruit flavors. High (vs. low) power amplified the appeal-reducing effects of nicotine-containing (vs. nicotine-free) solutions (Nicotine × Power, estimate = 6.69, P Conclusion E-cigarette device power appears to moderate flavor- and nicotine-induced changes in product appeal in nuanced ways, including by augmenting the ability of non-tobacco flavors to mask nicotine’s appeal-reducing effects. Regulatory restrictions on high-powered e-cigarette devices warrant consideration in efforts to protect young adult health.
Personalized predictions of patient outcomes during and after hospitalization using artificial intelligence

Hospital systems, payers, and regulators have focused on reducing length of stay (LOS) and early readmission, with uncertain benefit. Interpretable machine learning (ML) may assist in transparently identifying the risk of important outcomes. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hospitalizations at a tertiary academic medical center and its branches from January 2011 to May 2018. A consecutive sample of all hospitalizations in the study period were included. Algorithms were trained on medical, sociodemographic, and institutional variables to predict readmission, length of stay (LOS), and death within 48–72 h. Prediction performance was measured by area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC), Brier score loss (BSL), which measures how well predicted probability matches observed probability, and other metrics. Interpretations were generated using multiple feature extraction algorithms. The study cohort included 1,485,880 hospitalizations for 708,089 unique patients (median age of 59 years, first and third quartiles (QI) [39, 73]; 55.6% female; 71% white). There were 211,022 30-day readmissions for an overall readmission rate of 14% (for patients ≥65 years: 16%). Median LOS, including observation and labor and delivery patients, was 2.94 days (QI [1.67, 5.34]), or, if these patients are excluded, 3.71 days (QI [2.15, 6.51]). Predictive performance was as follows: 30-day readmission (AUC 0.76/BSL 0.11); LOS > 5 days (AUC 0.84/BSL 0.15); death within 48–72 h (AUC 0.91/BSL 0.001). Explanatory diagrams showed factors that impacted each prediction.
Smart Infrastructure: A Vision for the Role of the Civil Engineering Profession in Smart Cities

AbstractSmart city programs provide a range of technologies that can be applied to solve infrastructure problems associated with ageing infrastructure and increasing demands. The potential for infr...
Abstract 123: Age-Related Diminishment of the Subventricular Zone Cytogenic Response and Its Contributions to Motor Recovery After Cortical Infarcts

Stroke increases proliferation within the subventricular zone (SVZ) cytogenic niche and causes subsequent migration of newborn cells towards the site of injury. We investigated the functional conse...