cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A hybrid approach for optimizing medium frequency communication networks in coal mines

This work presents a hybrid approach using transmission line (TL) equations in conjunction with commercial method of moment (MoM) codes, to aid in efficient modeling of medium frequency (MF) propagation in coal mines. All local electromagnetic phenomena can be accurately modeled by strategic placement of full wave MoM sections near transmitting and receiving antennas. Meanwhile, ideal TL models are used to calculate loading and excitation of those MoM sections. In this way, communication networks can be modeled using a hybrid approach. The TL geometry of specific interest for this work is a single wire conductor positioned much less than one wavelength away from the floor/ceiling/wall of a mine. Previous work related to this geometry is summarized for approximate solutions of TL parameters. Examples are considered to demonstrate the capacity of the hybrid approach to optimize TL networks with significantly improved speeds.
Aquaporin-1 Promotes Angiogenesis, Fibrosis, and Portal Hypertension Through Mechanisms Dependent on Osmotically Sensitive MicroRNAs

Changes in hepatic vasculature accompany fibrogenesis, and targeting angiogenic molecules often attenuates fibrosis in animals. Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) is a water channel, overexpressed in cirrhosis, that promotes angiogenesis by enhancing endothelial invasion. The effect of AQP1 on fibrogenesis in vivo and the mechanisms driving AQP1 expression during cirrhosis remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of AQP1 deletion in cirrhosis and explore mechanisms regulating AQP1. After bile duct ligation, wild-type mice overexpress AQP1 that colocalizes with vascular markers and sites of robust angiogenesis. AQP1 knockout mice demonstrated reduced angiogenesis compared with wild-type mice, as evidenced by immunostaining and endothelial invasion/proliferation in vitro. Fibrosis and portal hypertension were attenuated based on immunostaining, portal pressure, and spleen/body weight ratio. AQP1 protein, but not mRNA, was induced by hyperosmolality in vitro, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation. Endothelial cells from normal or cirrhotic mice were screened for microRNA (miR) expression using an array and a quantitative PCR. miR-666 and miR-708 targeted AQP1 mRNA and were decreased in cirrhosis and in cells exposed to hyperosmolality, suggesting that these miRs mediate osmolar changes via AQP1. Binding of the miRs to the untranslated region of AQP1 was assessed using luciferase assays. In conclusion, AQP1 promotes angiogenesis, fibrosis, and portal hypertension after bile duct ligation and is regulated by osmotically sensitive miRs.
Distinct molecular features of colorectal carcinoma with signet ring cell component and colorectal carcinoma with mucinous component.

Signet ring cell carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma are distinct subtypes of colorectal adenocarcinoma. The morphologic and molecular spectra of colorectal carcinomas with various signet ring cell components and colorectal carcinomas with various mucinous components, compared to non-mucinous adenocarcinomas, have not been examined. The study groups consisted of 39 carcinomas with various signet ring cell components ('the signet group'), 167 carcinomas with various mucinous components ('the mucinous group'), and 457 nonmucinous adenocarcinoma. We visually estimated the amounts of signet ring cell and mucinous components in tumors, and subclassified the signet and mucinous groups according to the amount of each component ( or = 50%). We sequenced BRAF and KRAS, analyzed for microsatellite instability (MSI) and 18q loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and performed immunohistochemistry for TP53, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), MLH1, O-6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), p16 (CDKN2A), and fatty acid synthase (FASN). Signet ring cell carcinoma (> or = 50% signet ring cell tumors) and or = 50% mucinous tumors and or = 50% signet ring cell or mucinous carcinoma, respectively. Signet ring cell carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma are related subtypes of colorectal adenocarcinoma, but have molecular features distinct from each other.
Selective Mn Doping of Thin Film Zns:Mn Electroluminescent Devices by Laser Photochemical Vapor Deposition

U.V. laser radiation from a krypton ion laser was used to dissociate manganese carbonyl [Mn2(CO)10] at the surface of a ZnS thin film. The resulting Mn deposit was thermally diffused into the film to form a ZnS:Mn thin film electroluminescent (TFEL) device with spatially selective Mn doping. Process parameters and techniques are described as well as electroluminescence measurements on display elements. Finally we suggest applications of this process to future TFEL displays.
A meta‐analysis of alcohol toxicology study findings among homicide victims

Aim To synthesize the results of alcohol toxicology reports for homicide victims and examine variations in these results across person and setting characteristics. Methods We meta-analyzed 61 independent studies from 57 published manuscripts which met the study inclusion criteria and reported alcohol toxicology test results for homicide victims. A total of 71 031 toxicology test results, derived from 78 265 homicide victims across 13 countries (most from the United States), were examined. Results On average, 48% of homicide victims tested positive for alcohol and 33% (using the 0.08 threshold) or 35% (using the 0.10 threshold) were determined to be intoxicated. The proportion of homicide victims testing positive for alcohol appeared to be decreasing over time. Further, the proportion testing positive increased with age is higher for female than for male victims, and differs by race. Finally, the overall estimates were relatively stable across study sites. Conclusion Alcohol toxicology test results remain an important method for measuring the success of efforts to manage the consequences of alcohol. However, future toxicology studies should focus upon collecting information on evidence processing time, establishing measurement standards for reporting data and ensuring that subgroup estimates are included for purposes of cross-site comparisons. Language: en
Climate change adaptation in crop production: Beware of illusions

A primary goal of studying climate change adaptation is to estimate the net impacts of climate change. Many potential changes in agricultural management and technology, including shifts in crop phenology and improved drought and heat tolerance, would help to improve crop productivity but do not necessarily represent true adaptations. Here the importance of retaining a strict definition of adaptation – as an action that reduces negative or enhances positive impacts of climate change – is discussed, as are common ways in which studies misinterpret the adaptation benefits of various changes. These “adaptation illusions” arise from a combination of faulty logic, model errors, and management assumptions that ignore the tendency for farmers to maximize profits for a given technology. More consistent treatment of adaptation is needed to better inform synthetic assessments of climate change impacts, and to more easily identify innovations in agriculture that are truly more effective in future climates than in current or past ones. Of course, some of the best innovations in agriculture in coming decades may have no adaptation benefits, and that makes them no less worthy of attention.
Critical-angle scattering of laser light from bubbles in water: measurements, models, and application to sizing of bubbles

Critical-angle scattering of laser light from bubbles was photographed, and angular structures in the far-zone intensity are compared with models. The radii of the freely rising bubbles were in the 26.4–814-μm range. Deviation from sphericity for the rising bubbles is considered. Diffraction effects make simple geometric optics inadequate near the critical angle. Coarse-structure intensity oscillations show agreement with a physical-optics approximation and with Mie theory. Measurements agree with derived expressions for the angular spacings of fine structure and contrast modulations. Uses of these structures in different bubble-sizing methods are discussed. The locations of scattered-wave virtual sources are modeled.
The Disappearing Act

Blackburn, S. 1984. Spreading the Word. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Blackburn, S. 1987. Morals and modals. In Fact, Science and Value, Essays in Honour of A.J. Ayer's Language, Truth and Logic, ed. C. Wright and G. Macdonald, Blackwell: Oxford. Repr. in Metaphysics: An Anthology, ed. J. Kim and E. Sosa, 1999: 634-48. Oxford: Blackwell. Blackburn, S. 1988. Attitudes and contents. Ethics 98: 501-17. Blackburn, S. 2005. Quasi-realism no fictionalism. In Kalderon, 2005: 314-21. Kalderon, M., ed. 2005. Fictionalism in Metaphysics. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Lewis, D. 2005. Quasi-realism is fictionalism. In Kalderon 2005: 322-38.
How to Get Beyond the Zero-Sum Game Mentality between State and Non-State Actors in International Environmental Governance

Acknowledgement: This article is a shortened version of the presentation “The Pareto Optimum of Stakeholder Participation in Environmental Governance” made at the Conference on Environmental Governance and Democracy – Institutions, Public Participation and Environmental Sustainability: Bridging Research and Capacity Development, which was organized by Yale University Center for Environmental Law & Policy in conjunction with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, UNITAR, on May 10-11 2008 at the Yale University in New Haven. See generally: http://www.yale.edu/envirocenter/envdem/index.htm. The ideas expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the view of the Swiss Government. The author would like to thank the comments on a previous draft of this article received from Dr. Jurg Schneider; Stephan Michel and Alexander Kopp.
Imagens desafiantes: a apropriacao kaiapo do video

Este texto apresenta o trabalho de video feito pelos Kaiapo, ressaltando o valor deste como um processo de mediacao cultural, principalmente no sentido de mediar uma serie de relacoes entre as sociedades Kaiapo e brasileira . O autor ressalta as diferencas entre os filmes etnograficos e os videos feitos pelos proprios indigenas, discutindo, tambem, como a nocao Kaiapo de representacao e utilizada durante a confeccao do video. Ele utiliza alguns textos de antropologia pos-moderna sobre este tema para rebater a nocao de que o trabalho de "representacao" e apenas um projeto ocidental. O autor aborda temas como a hibridacao cultural e a objetivacao, pelos Kaiapo, de sua propria cultura, transformando-a em uma identidade etnica - que acaba por tomar-se uma estrategia de relacionamento com a sociedade nacional.
NEURONS IN THE HUMAN THALAMIC SOMATOSENSORY NUCLEUS (VENTRALIS CAUDALIS) RESPOND TO INNOCUOUS COOL AND MECHANICAL STIMULI

Lenz, F. A. and P. M. Dougherty. Neurons in the human thalamic somatosensory nucleus (ventralis caudalis) respond to innocuous cool and mechanical stimuli. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 2227–2230, 1998. A population of neurons in the principal somatosensory nucleus of human thalamus (ventralis caudalis, Vc) had a significant tonic, graded response to cool stimuli and also responded to innocuous mechanical stimuli (mechanical-cool neurons). These neurons were clustered at the dorsal aspect of medial Vc. Stimulation at the sites where these neurons were recorded evoked tingling sensations in the part of the body including or adjacent to the receptive field of these neurons. These neurons may contribute to the mechanism that mediates the perception of cold in man.
Disability and Workman’s Compensation Issues in TOS

Reported outcomes of treatment for all surgical procedures are far worse among workers compensation patients than among those with general health benefits. Population-based observational studies among injured workers in Washington State demonstrate that more disability and greater cost are associated with surgery for TOS. Factors associated with disability among injured workers likely contribute to these poor outcomes, including multiple diagnoses and prolonged disability prior to diagnosis and treatment of TOS. Higher quality trials of treatments for TOS are needed, along with a more objective case definition of neurogenic TOS and development of measures that would reflect clinically meaningful outcomes of treatment.
Pain Management in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease in a Medical Center Emergency Department

Guidelines for pain management in adult sickle cell patients with vaso-occlusive crises suggest prompt, frequent administration of parenteral opioids. Neither the ability to implement these guidelines in a busy urban emergency department nor opioid dose requirements in uncomplicated vaso-occlusive crisis have been previously documented. Thus, a retrospective review of vaso-occlusive crisis treated in an urban medical center emergency department in 2005 was performed to define opioid requirements and barriers to guideline implementation. Fifty-seven visits by 19 patients were evaluable. Opioid treatment was not initiated for more than 2 hours during 30% of visits; the interval between the first and second opioid doses exceeded 1 hour in 26% of visits and increased with subsequent doses; and total treatment time was less than 1 hour during 21% of visits (median, 2.2 hours). Opioid doses (as intravenous morphine equivalents) ranged from 4 to 26.7 mg (0.05-0.50 mg/kg) and exceeded 10 mg during 40 visits (70%) and in 10 patients (53%). Hospitalization occurred on 25 occasions with 48% of patients admitted after 3 or fewer opioid doses and 50% of patients admitted after less than 3 hours of treatment. Moreover, return emergency department visits occurred within 3 days after 9 of 32 home discharges (28%) with treatment times uniformly less than 3 hours during the preceding visit. It is concluded that: (1) opioid dose requirements vary widely, often exceeding guideline recommendations; and (2) treatment time and timely opioid administration are often compromised, resulting in delayed pain control and premature decisions on disposition with early return visits and possibly avoidable hospital admissions.
Maple Brook Country Club: Josh Smith

Used in conjunction with "Maple Brook Country Club: Pat Locke" (UVA-QA-0630), this case concerns the lifeguards at a country club who are surprised by the arbitrary nature of a directive they have just received. Josh Smith and his fellow lifeguards now view their jobs as unappealing summer employment. The case can be used to explore behaviors and perspectives that will reduce or capitalize on conflict.
Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia also treat fatigue, pain, and mood symptoms in individuals with traumatic brain injury? - A multiple case report.

Background Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often develop sleep disorders post-injury. The most common one is insomnia, which can exacerbate other post-injury symptoms, including fatigue, impaired cognition, depression, anxiety, and pain. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a manualized treatment that effectively treats insomnia with secondary effects on cognition, mood, and pain in various populations. Objective This paper reviews the use of CBT-I for three participants with TBI of different severities. Methods Pre- and post-treatment assessments of insomnia, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and pain were conducted. Mood was further assessed at follow-up. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) scores derived from the research literature were used to establish clinically meaningful symptom improvement on self-report questionnaires. Results The reduction in insomnia severity scores for all three participants were not large enough to be considered a clinically significant improvement following CBT-I, although trends toward improvement were observed. However, all participants showed clinically significant reductions in anxiety at post-treatment; the effects persisted for 2 participants at follow-up. Reductions in depression symptoms were observed for 2 participants at post-treatment, and treatment effects persisted for 1 participant at follow-up. One participant endorsed clinically significant improvements in fatigue and pain severity. Conclusions We conclude that CBT-I may provide secondary benefits for symptoms commonly experienced by individuals with TBI, especially mood disturbances.
L’exercice de (re)présentation de soi lors d’une enquête de terrain : négociation ? Enjeu épistémologique ?

Dans le cadre de notre recherche doctorale portant sur la prise en compte des representations et attitudes liees a la musicalite de la langue francaise en formation FLI pour adultes en situation de migration, nous avons mene une enquete de terrain de type ethno-sociolinguistique (Blanchet, 2000 [1]). Comme dans toute entree en matiere, la question de la posture a adopter s’est posee rapidement, tout d’abord en termes de pratique : comment prendre contact avec les organismes ? Ou plutot, par quelle « entree » se presenter ? Comment conserve-t-on son integrite lorsqu’on essaye de s’adapter ? Est-il scientifiquement possible de se saisir de ses competences plurielles pour sa recherche ? Humainement, peut-on etre des deux cotes de la barriere symbolique souvent existante entre enseignants et apprenants ? Il semble donc necessaire de s’adapter, negocier sans cesse avec les personnes du terrain, inventer les conduites a adopter avec les autres, mais aussi avec soi-meme La negociation de la (re)presentation du jeune chercheur se presente alors sous la forme d’une co-construction, entre negociations et reflexion epistemologique.
Donor Selection for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Using Cost-Sensitive SVM

Donor selection for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant often requires physicians to manually select 3 to 5 donors from a list of 100s of genetically compatible donors as identified by HLA-based matching algorithms. The decision process is complicated by a lack of strict guidelines governing a "secondary" selection process, which is based upon non-HLA donor attributes. Our research is aimed at modeling this "secondary" decision process which can help physicians choose the right donors, based on donor attributes and historical choice behavior. Proposed black box models will help in improving selection consistency.
Institutions and Fiscal Adjustments

This paper analyzes the factors that determine the likelihood to initiate a fiscal adjustment, as well as the determinants of successful fiscal adjustments in a set of OECD countries. Its focus is different relative to previous studies, because it investigates the role played by labor and product market institutions. The study finds that while factors such as bad initial budgetary conditions, exchange rate depreciation, and the size and composition effects of the fiscal adjustment play an important role, institutional characteristics of the labor and product markets affect in a significant manner the decision of a government to initiate a fiscal consolidation program, and the likelihood that this program will be successful. This finding becomes particularly relevant in view of the challenges faced by many countries, which strive to achieve lasting improvements in their budgetary positions, while at the same time they have to put forward ambitious structural reforms programs to enhance their potential growth performance and to improve the functioning of the internal market.
Potato Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) Feeding Damage at Various Potato Growth Stages

The effects of potato leafhopper ( Empoasca fabae [Harris]) infestations on the relative rate of photosynthesis and tuber yields of potatoes were studied in 1983 at the Hancock Experiment Station, Hancock, Wis. Cages were erected over plants to aid in creating known PLH infestation levels during specific postemergence growth stages of a short and long maturing cultivar, represented by ‘Superior’ and ‘Russet Burbank,’ respectively. Photosynthesis was reduced by infestations at all growth stages, but this effect was more pronounced in the bloom and postbloom growth stages, since rapid vine growth following prebloom infestations allowed plants to generate new foliage following infestation. The slower recovery of photosynthesis after bloom and postbloom infestations was reflected in significantly lower tuber yields of ‘Superior.’
Adherence of Primary Care Physicians to Evidence-Based Recommendations to Reduce Ovarian Cancer Mortality

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer. Receipt of treatment from a gynecologic oncologist is an evidence-based recommendation to reduce mortality from the disease. We examined knowledge and application of this evidence-based recommendation in primary care physicians as part of CDC gynecologic cancer awareness campaign efforts and discussed results in the context of CDC National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP). We analyzed primary care physician responses to questions about how often they refer patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer to gynecologic oncologists, and reasons for lack of referral. We also analyzed these physicians' knowledge of tests to help determine whether a gynecologic oncologist is needed for a planned surgery. The survey response rate was 52.2%. A total of 84% of primary care physicians (87% of family/general practitioners, 81% of internists and obstetrician/gynecologists) said they always referred patients to gynecologic oncologists for treatment. Common reasons for not always referring were patient preference or lack of gynecologic oncologists in the practice area. A total of 23% of primary care physicians had heard of the OVA1 test, which helps to determine whether gynecologic oncologist referral is needed. Although referral rates reported here are high, it is not clear whether ovarian cancer patients are actually seeing gynecologic oncologists for care. The NCCCP is undertaking several efforts to assist with this, including education of the recommendation among women and providers and assistance with treatment summaries and patient navigation toward appropriate treatment. Expansion of these efforts to all populations may help improve adherence to recommendations and reduce ovarian cancer mortality.
Using a quartet and variations to teach data analysis

Data analysis can be a tricky business, fraught with pitfalls to trap the unwary. In teaching data analysis, I have found that well-constructed data sets can illustrate some of these pitfalls effectively. My general strategy is to present students with the data in a computer lab setting and ask them to do an analysis then and there. I do not tell them the data present a pitfall. Whether anyone successfully avoids the pitfall or not, I immediately follow up with a discussion of the data and the pitfall.
Bacteriostatic Effect of Sulfathiazol and Sulfamethylthiazol for Beta Hemolytic Streptococci in Tissue Culture Clots.

SummaryUnder the experimental conditions employed sulfathiazol is as effective a bacteriostatic agent against the strains of beta hemolytic streptococci tested as is sulfanilamide. Sulfamethyl-thiazol is somewhat less effective.
Effects of using the unloaded configuration in predicting the in vivo diastolic properties of the heart

AbstractComputational models are increasingly being used to investigate the mechanical properties of cardiac tissue. While much insight has been gained from these studies, one important limitation associated with computational modeling arises when using in vivo images of the heart to generate the reference state of the model. An unloaded reference configuration is needed to accurately represent the deformation of the heart. However, it is rare for a beating heart to actually reach a zero-pressure state during the cardiac cycle. To overcome this, a computational technique was adapted to determine the unloaded configuration of an in vivo porcine left ventricle (LV). In the current study, in vivo measurements were acquired using magnetic resonance images (MRI) and synchronous pressure catheterization in the LV (N = 5). The overall goal was to quantify the effects of using early–diastolic filling as the reference configuration (common assumption used in modeling) versus using the unloaded reference configurat...
Applying Mathematics to ProblemsOpen image in new window

If you managed to get through this and the last chapter you must be congratulated. It may seem like a lot to remember, but this background is essential to discussing and understanding what is going to happen in the future as we perform the grand experiment on planet Earth.
Development and Validation of a Disease-Specific Questionnaire for Basal Joint Arthritis.

Background The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire is the most commonly used instrument to assess outcomes of basal joint arthritis (BJA). However, the DASH is subject to influence by the entire upper extremity. Purpose This study aims to develop and validate a disease-specific questionnaire for BJA that would be more sensitive to changes in thumb function and pain, and correlate better with objective and subjective metrics. Patients and Methods The thumb disability examination (TDX) was developed and 80 patients presenting with BJA at one of the two hospital-based hand clinics were enrolled in the validation study. At enrollment, subjects were given the TDX, DASH, and visual analog pain scale with activity (A-VAS) surveys. The strength was assessed. Patients receiving corticosteroid injection were seen for follow-up at 6 weeks and those who underwent surgery were seen between 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Both the groups were given the TDX, DASH, and A-VAS scales at follow-up. Results In total, 65 subjects were included in the analysis. Average TDX completion time was 134.3 seconds. The TDX correlated more strongly with A-VAS scores at baseline than the DASH, but less strongly with tip-pinch measures. The TDX was more responsive to injection and surgical treatments for BJA than the DASH, yielding a larger effect size and standardized response mean, and was the only instrument to significantly correlate with changes in A-VAS. Conclusion The TDX is a reliable instrument for assessing BJA treatment outcomes. It bears less of a burden on patients, is more responsive to symptomatic changes, and correlates better with most objective and subjective measures than the DASH. Level of Evidence II, diagnostic.
Crystal Structure of the Complex of Human FasL and Its Decoy Receptor DcR3.

The apoptotic effect of FasL:Fas signaling is disrupted by DcR3, a unique secreted member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, which also binds and neutralizes TL1A and LIGHT. DcR3 is highly elevated in patients with various tumors and contributes to mechanisms by which tumor cells to evade host immune surveillance. Here we report the crystal structure of FasL in complex with DcR3. Comparison of FasL:DcR3 structure with our earlier TL1A:DcR3 and LIGHT:DcR3 structures supports a paradigm involving the recognition of invariant main-chain and conserved side-chain functionalities, which is responsible for the recognition of multiple TNF ligands exhibited by DcR3. The FasL:DcR3 structure also provides insight into the FasL:Fas recognition surface. We demonstrate that the ability of recombinant FasL to induce Jurkat cell apoptosis is significantly enhanced by native glycosylation or by structure-inspired mutations, both of which result in reduced tendency to aggregate. All of these activities are efficiently inhibited by recombinant DcR3.
Spatial-temporal solar power forecast through use of Gaussian Conditional Random Fields

This paper introduces an application of the Gaussian Conditional Random Fields (GCRF) model for forecasting the solar power in electricity grids. The introduced forecasting technique is capable of modeling both the spatial and temporal correlations of various solar generation stations. It will be demonstrated in this paper how the suggested solution can significantly improve the forecast accuracy compared to the conventional forecasting models such as the persistent (PSS) model and the autoregressive with exogenous input (ARX) model. Besides, the GCRF model outperforms the other two models under the scenarios with unavailable or missing data. The suggested probabilistic model of the GCRF can also help better managing the existing uncertainties of the solar generations. The numerical experiments are conducted through which the effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators for primary prevention in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

SummaryBackground Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have proved their favorable outcomes on survival in selected patients with cardiomyopathy. Although previous meta-analyses have shown benefit for their use in primary prevention, the evidence remains less robust for patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) in comparison to patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Objectives To evaluate the effect of ICD therapy on reducing all-cause mortality and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with NICM. Data sources PubMed (1993-2016), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2000-2016), reference lists of relevant articles, and previous meta-analyses. Search terms included defibrillator, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, randomized controlled trials, and clinical trials. Study selection Eligible trials were randomized controlled trials with at least an arm of ICD, an arm of medical therapy and enrolled some patients with NICM. The primary endpoint in the trials should include all-cause mortality or mortality from SCD. Data extraction Hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality and mortality from SCD were either extracted or calculated along with their standard errors. Data synthesis Of the 1047 abstracts retained by the initial screen, eight randomized controlled trials were identified. Five of these trials reported relevant data regarding patients with NICM and were subsequently included in this meta-analysis. Pooled analysis of HRs suggested a statistically significant reduction in all-cause mortality among a total of 2573 patients randomized to ICD vs medical therapy (HR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67-0.96; P=.02). Pooled analysis of HRs for mortality from SCD was also statistically significant (n=1677) (HR 0.51; 95% CI, 0.34-0.76; P=.001). Conclusion ICD implantation is beneficial in terms of all-cause mortality and mortality from SCD in certain subgroups of patients with NICM.
Five Quality Assurance Steps for Balancing a Kinematically Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty

Kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has gained interest because two randomized trials and a national multicenter study showed that patients treated with kinematic alignment reported significantly better pain relief, function, flexion, a more normal-feeling knee than mechanical alignment with a similar implant survivorship at 2, 3, and 6 years [1–5]. This chapter introduces the three goals of kinematically aligned TKA, which are to restore (1) the native tibial-femoral articular surfaces, (2) the native knee and limb alignments, and (3) the native laxities of the knee. Because kinematically aligned TKA is relatively new and not as well understood as mechanically aligned TKA, we present five Quality Assurance Steps that are used intraoperatively to verify both kinematic alignment of the femoral and tibial components to the native joint lines and correct balancing of the knee. Examples of patients with severe varus and valgus deformity and flexion contractures treated with kinematically aligned TKA are shown.
Hearing Embodied Narrative: Use of the Listening Guide with Juvenile Justice Involved LGBTQ Young People

This chapter explores “I Poems” created via analysis of Life History Interviews with a community-based sample of gay/trans/queer/same-sex practicing young adults who were previously incarcerated in girls’ juvenile justice facilities. Interview data were analyzed using Carol Gilligan’s Listening Guide, a relational method that takes into consideration the multiplicity of voice when analyzing and interpreting qualitative interview data. Grounded in psychoanalytic theory, the Listening Guide “draws on voice, resonance, and relationship as ports of entry into the human psyche,” and consists of a series of steps that are intended to systematically interpret the many layers of voice contained within a person’s expressed experience. The focus of this chapter will be the second listening, in which the researcher constructs poems from the interview data.
Emotion and Memory in Technology Adoption and Diffusion

Data collected from 338 health care workers were used to test a proposed model that inspiration, memory, and inspirational memory affect end user intention to adopt a digitized patient record software application. Structural equation modeling showed that, as expected, inspiration from managers and trainers affected the individual behavior of the end users. Inspiration had an interactive impact through memory on collective acceptance of the technology, thereby affecting subsequent evaluations and behavior. The proposed model was nomologically validated through the use of a portable platform loaded with software for the electronic collection of operational-level health care data. Embedded metrics measured participants’ memory as operationalized by task completion time, number of errors, and completeness of the data. This paper contributes to the literature by introducing inspiration as a key driver that improves memory to affect end user intention to use digitized patient record technology.
Anal and Cervical High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Genotyping in Women With and Without Genital Neoplasia.

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to compare the prevalence, genotypes, and rates of concomitant anal and cervical high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in women with and without a history of HPV-related genital neoplasia.Materials and MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study conducted from Dece
Coping with Extreme Stress and Aging

The author discusses the conceptual and methodological issues around stress and extreme stress in the aged. The mental health consequences of stress and extreme stress are discussed as well as copi...
Selection of rest structures and microsites by fishers in Oregon

Most previous studies of resting habitat for fishers (Pekania pennanti) in the Pacific coastal region of the western United States and Canada were focused on habitat conditions within rest sites (typically ≤0.5 ha), which include the rest structure (e.g., live tree, snag, log) at its center. Studies of selection for rest structures were sparse and compared characteristics of rest structures to those occurring within rest sites; none investigated selection by sampling resource availability throughout the study area. In addition, limited data were available on the use of rest microsites (e.g., mistletoe brooms, platform branches, cavities) by fishers, and no studies have quantified their availability. To better inform forest management activities designed to improve resting habitat for fishers, we documented use of rest structures and microsites throughout the year by 12 female and 7 male fishers on the west slope of the Cascade Range in southern Oregon, USA from 1995 to 2001, systematically sampled the availability of rest structures and microsites, and used logistic regression modeling to investigate selection of rest structures. Fishers primarily used live trees (65%), snags (14%), and logs (16%) for resting; in all 3 resulting models, the characteristic that best distinguished used from available rest structures was the presence of a suitable rest microsite: mistletoe broom or cavity in live trees, cavity in snags, and hollow end in logs. Only the snag and log models included covariates associated with tree size, likely reflecting the need for enclosed rest microsites (cavities, hollow ends) to be large enough to contain an adult fisher. We then used our availability data to model the ecological characteristics associated with mistletoe brooms in live trees, cavities in snags, and hollow ends in logs. Whether a tree was a hemlock (Tsuga spp.) had the greatest effect on the presence of suitable mistletoe broom microsites, but the most important characteristics of snags with cavities and logs with hollow ends were being in moderate stages of decay and relatively large in diameter at breast height (snags) or diameter 3 m from the large end (logs). Forest structures containing suitable rest microsites for fishers were uncommon in our study and may represent a limited resource. Accordingly, we recommend that management of resting habitat for fishers be focused on retaining relatively large structures that already contain suitable rest microsites, rather than simply retaining the largest available structures. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Non-glaucoma periocular allergic, atopic, and irritant dermatitis at an academic institution: A retrospective review.

ABSTRACTPurpose: To better understand the nature of periocular dermatitis (PD) patient presentation, treatment, time-to-cure, and referral pattern for allergy testing in an ophthalmic academic cent...
Success rates for peripheral i.v. insertion in a children's hospital. Financial implications.

Although many publications have demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of using i.v. nurse specialists with adult patients, very few have explored this topic in the pediatric population. Many agencies choose to use staff RNs and physicians, with minimal training and experience, to place i.v.s in both pediatric and adult patients. This article demonstrates i.v. insertion success rates for various healthcare providers: staff RNs, physicians, and an i.v. nurse specialist in an urban pediatric hospital. The number of unsuccessful i.v. attempts for each group is calculated and further applied to costs of labor and equipment. From the data presented in this article, it may be concluded that the use of one or more i.v. specialist nurses for placement of peripheral i.v.s in children is more cost effective than using staff RNs or physicians for provision of this service. These data were collected while the author was the i.v. nurse clinician at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.
Exploring left ventricular isovolumic shortening and stretch mechanics: "The heart has its reasons...".

A rifle recoils when fired. This recoil is the result of action-reaction force pairs. Consistent with Newton's third law of motion, as the bullet is propelled, it pushes backward upon the rifle. Similar sequences appear in the heart, nature's most efficient propulsion design. The early activated
A Natural Language Programming Application for Lego Mindstorms EV3

In this paper, a controlled natural language (CNL) based program synthesis system for the Lego Mindstorms EV3 (EV3) is introduced. The system is developed with the intention of helping middle and high school Lego robotics enthusiasts and non-programmers to learn the necessary skills for programming and engineering the robot with less effort. The system generates the resulting code in Microsoft Small Basic that controls the EV3 Intelligent Brick with supports for all EV3 sensors and motors. Preliminary results show that our approach is capable of generating functional, executable code based on the users' controlled natural language specifications. Detailed error messages are also given when confronted with unimplementable sentences.
A novel eye-tracking paradigm for indexing social avoidance-related behavior in fragile X syndrome.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterized by hallmark features of gaze avoidance, reduced social approach, and social anxiety. The development of therapeutics to manage these symptoms has been hindered, in part, by the lack of sensitive outcome measures. This study investigated the utility of a novel eye-tracking paradigm for indexing social avoidance-related phenotypes. Adolescent/young adult-aged males with FXS (n = 24) and typical development (n = 23) participated in the study. Participants viewed faces displaying direct or averted gaze and the first fixation duration on the eyes was recorded as an index of initial stimulus registration. Fixation durations did not differ across the direction of gaze conditions in either group, although the control group showed longer initial fixations on the eyes relative to the FXS group. Shorter initial fixation on averted gaze in males with FXS was a robust predictor of the severity of their social avoidance behavior exhibited during a social greeting context, whereas parent-reported social avoidance symptoms were not related to performance in the semi-naturalistic context. This eye-tracking paradigm may represent a promising outcome measure for FXS clinical trials because it provides a quantitative index that closely maps onto core social avoidance phenotypes of FXS, can be completed in less than 20 min, and is suitable for use with individuals with low IQ.
Prognostic Value of Lymph Node Yield After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation for Gastric Cancer.

Optimal lymphadenectomy (LAD) for gastric cancer (GC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NACXRT) is not defined. This study assessed the prognostic value of LAD extent after modern preoperative therapy for GC. The study analyzed patients who underwent resection after NACXRT for GC at the authors’ institution. Survival of the patients was compared between D1 and D2 resections and between lymph node (LN) yields (LNY) of fewer than 15 LNs and 15 or more LNs. The patients with early clinical nodal disease (cN0-1) were separately analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to assess overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Resection of GC was performed for 345 patients after NACXRT. Of these patients, 269 (78%) received a D2 resection, and 277 (80%) had an LNY of 15 LNs or more. There were no differences in length of stay (12[10–16] days vs. 12[10–15] days, p = 0.917) or in any major complication including leak rates, intraabdominal infections, and bleeding (all p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in DFS (p = 0.050) and an OS trend (p = 0.085) based on D1 versus D2. Those who had 15 LNs removed showed a trend toward improved survival (DFS, p = 0.082; OS, p = 0.096). Among the patients with early clinical N stage disease (cN0-1), those who underwent D2 resections had better survival (DFS, p = 0.040; OS, p = 0.030). Patients with GC who underwent resection after NACXRT showed evidence of improved survival after an extended LAD, particularly those with early N stage disease. Perioperative morbidity did not differ based on extent of LAD. Despite the potential effects of tumor downstaging with preoperative therapy, a thorough locoregional lymphatic resection is recommended.
Advanced data science toolkit for non-data scientists - A user guide

Abstract Emerging modern data analytics attracts much attention in materials research and shows great potential for enabling data-driven design. Data populated from the high-throughput CALPHAD approach enables researchers to better understand underlying mechanisms and to facilitate novel hypotheses generation, but the increasing volume of data makes the analysis extremely challenging. Herein, we introduce an easy-to-use, versatile, and open-source data analytics frontend, ASCENDS (Advanced data SCiENce toolkit for Non-Data Scientists), designed with the intent of accelerating data-driven materials research and development. The toolkit is also of value beyond materials science as it can analyze the correlation between input features and target values, train machine learning models, and make predictions from the trained surrogate models of any scientific dataset. Various algorithms implemented in ASCENDS allow users performing quantified correlation analyses and supervised machine learning to explore any datasets of interest without extensive computing and data science background. The detailed usage of ASCENDS is introduced with an example of experimental high-temperature alloy data.
llf-1 – Standards, calibration and testing of PV modules and solar cells

Publisher Summary A number of diagnostic measurements such as dark I–V and spectral response are widely used in photovoltaic research and development. Dark I–V shows how a device operates as a p-n junction and can be used to obtain series resistance, shunt resistance, and diode quality factor. Spectral response is a fundamental property of solar cells, and it can provide information about optical losses such as reflection and give insights into carrier recombination losses. An useful diagnostic for cells and modules is known as laser-beam-induced current (LBIC), which produces a map of a device's response by rastering a laser spot across the front surface and measuring the resultant current. These maps can easily identify locations of reduced output, which can greatly simplify diagnostic investigations, such as a search for cracks in polycrystalline silicon (Si) cells.
[Endemic situation of schistosomiasis at national surveillance sites in Nanjing City, 2015].

OBJECTIVE To understand the dynamic endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Nanjing City, 2015, so as to provide evidences for policy-making of schistosomiasis control. METHODS According to The National Scheme of Schistosomiasis Surveillance (2014), the endemic situation of schistosomiasis was monitored in 11 national surveillance sites in Nanjing. RESULTS The positive rates of serological (IHA) and stool examinations were 2.97% (97/3 269) and 0 for local residents, and 0.52％ (12/2 298) and 0 for migrant people, respectively. No schistosome-infected livestock was found. Totally 147.295 3 hm2 area with Oncomelania hupensis snails were found, but no schistosome-infected snails were discovered. CONCLUSIONS The endemic situation of schistosomiasis declines greatly in Nanjing City in 2015. However, the control work still should be strengthened to consolidate the achievements of schistosomiasis control.
OpenPiton at 5: A Nexus for Open and Agile Hardware Design

For five years, OpenPiton has provided hardware designs, build and verification scripts, and other infrastructure to enable efficient, detailed research into manycores and systems-on-chip. It enables open-source hardware development through its open design and support of a plethora of open simulators and CAD tools. OpenPiton was first designed to perform cutting-edge computer architecture research at Princeton University and opening it up to the public has led to thousands of downloads and numerous academic publications spanning many subfields within computing. In this article, we share some of the lessons learned during the development of OpenPiton, provide examples of how OpenPiton has been used to efficiently test novel research ideas, and discuss how OpenPiton has evolved due to its open development and feedback from the open-source community.