cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
2-component Point Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) measurements of turbulent flow over an airfoil

A 2-component Point Doppler Velocimeter (PDV) that has recently been developed is described, and a series of PDV velocity measurements for flow over an NACA 0012 airfoil is summarized. This PDV system uses molecular iodine vapor cells as frequency discriminating filters to determine the Doppler shift of laser light which is scattered off of seed particles in a flow. The PDV system has demonstrated accuracies on the order of k 0.5-l rrdsec for 2-component mean velocity measurements of a rotating wheel. Two-component PDV velocity data for flow over the airfoil are presented and compared with single-component hot wire data obtained at similar locations, and time series of streamwise velocity appear similar. Also, measured PDV RMS velocities agree with the hot wire results to within about + 0.5 m/set, while mean velocities agree to within about + 3 m/set. It is expected that improvements in the accuracy of the mean velocities can be obtained by using vapor-limited iodine cells. Computed PDV and hot wire velocity time autocorrelation coefficients agree well with one another, but PDV power spectra are noisier than hot wire spectra above about 600 Hz.
Aerosol Based Fabrication of Thiol-Capped Gold Nanoparticles and Their Application for Gene Transfection

In this study, an ambient-spark-produced-Au-nanoparticle-laden nitrogen gas was mixed with an atomized solution of 1-hexanethiol [CH3(CH2)5SH] and ethanol (EtOH). The Au nanoparticles reacted with ...
Willing Daughters: The Moral Rhetoric of Filial Sacrifice and Financial Autonomy in Tokyo's Sex Industry

ABSTRACTJapan has one of the world's largest and most diverse legal sex industries. In a limited female labor market, sex industry work is a stigmatized yet lucrative form of women's short-term employment and advertisements for recruiting new employees are prominently displayed across urban spaces associated with feminized consumption. In this article, I examine the ideological impasses that adult Japanese women working in Tokyo's sex industry express when talking about their motives for pursuing this work. Female sex workers commonly justify their work as the necessary sacrifice of filial daughters. This rhetoric of reluctant acceptance for the sake of others, however, obscures the reality that many sex workers are middle-class and college-educated women who find the financial opportunity and flexibility of this industry appealing in contrast to more dominant forms of feminized labor. These women express the ambivalence of their desires for economic self-sufficiency through narrating the dependence of ot...
Immediate Determination of Urinary Manganese by Graphitefurnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

[Objective] To establish a method for determination of manganese in urine by graphitefurnace atomic absorption spectrometry(GFAAS).[Methods]The sample was diluted directly,pyrolytic coating graphite tube and Zeeman background correction were adopted,and manganese content in urine was measured by GFAAS.[Results]The detection limit was 0.03 ng/ml,recovery rate was 96.5%~106.3% and the Test precision RSD was 5.9%~12.6 %.[Conclusion]The method is rapid,accurate,and with high sensitivity can be recommended for the determination of manganese content in urine.
Leroy's l-cell disease: markedly increased activity of plasma acid hydrolases.

Abstract Acid phosphatase, acid phosphodiesterase IV, and 8 acid glycohydrolases were determined in plasma and fibroblasts from 5 patients with Leroy's I-cell disease, and 4 patients with mucopolysaccharidosis, types I, II, IIIa, and V. A 2- to 53-fold increase over the normal hydrolase activity was observed in plasma from patients with I-cell disease. Activities which were elevated in the plasma were conspicuously reduced in cultured fibroblasts from these patients. These results give substance to the "leakage" theory which has been proposed to explain increased hydrolase activity observed in the growth medium of fibroblasts from patients with I-cell disease. These findings on the plasma should help in diagnosing this reputedly rare condition.
The amino acid sequence of Micrococcusaerogenes rubredoxin

Abstract In the past few years, several non-heme iron proteins have been isolated and characterized (San Pietro, 1965) . Among others, the ferredoxins have come under extensive investigation. The amino acid sequences of Clostridium pasteurianum and C. butyricum ferredoxins have been reported from this laboratory ( Tanaka, et al., 1964 ; Benson, et al., 1966 ). Another non-heme iron protein, rubredoxin, was first obtained in the crystalline state from C. pasteurianum and was shown to replace ferredoxin in certain enzymatic reactions (Lovenberg and Sobel, 1965) . The protein was reported to contain one gram atom of non-heme iron per mole of protein and to have a molecular weight around 6,000. The present report is concerned with the determination of the complete amino acid sequence of M. aerogenes rubredoxin.
Management of Pancreatic Gastrinoma

Pancreatic gastrinoma is a functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor that secretes gastrin and leads to Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES), a disorder characterized by hypergastrinemia and gastric acid hypersecretion. These tumors may be either sporadic or part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) syndrome. At present, surgical management remains the first-line treatment for cases of sporadic or hereditary gastrinomas while medical therapy is utilized to ameliorate the effects of hypergastrinemia and resultant gastric acid hypersecretion. Together, these approaches improve survival and reduce disease-related complications in these patients. As such, multi-disciplinary, personalized care is critical for optimizing outcomes in these patients.
Multi-frequency investigation into scattering from vegetation over the growth cycle

This paper reports on a recent field campaign that aims to collect time-series multi-frequency microwave data over winter wheat during the entire growth cycle. The data are being collected to characterize vegetation dynamics and to quantify its effects on soil moisture retrievals. A C-band radar was recently incorporated within the existing L-band radar/radiometer system called ComRAD (SMAP's ground based simulator) and an additional VHF receiver is being constructed as well. With C-band's ability to sense vegetation details and VHF's root-zone soil moisture within ComRAD's footprint, we will have an opportunity to test our ‘discrete scatterer’ vegetation models and parameters at various surface conditions. The purpose of this investigation is to determine optical depth and effective scattering albedo of vegetation of a given type (i.e. winter wheat) at various stages of growth that are needed to refine soil moisture retrieval algorithms for the SMAP mission.
Schema-Change Perspectives on Posttraumatic Growth

The burgeoning literature on posttraumatic growth (PTG) might lead some to conclude that researchers have lost sight of the devastating impact of traumatic events in people’s lives (see, e.g., Wortman, 2004). Surely survivors’ pain and losses are all too evident to be ignored or discounted. Rather, in recognizing the depth and pervasiveness of victims’ suffering, researchers have been all the more powerfully struck by the coexistence of a very different set of responses, a cluster of reactions that seem positive rather than negative, expansive rather than constrictive, indicative of growth and development rather than regression and decline. Against a backdrop of trauma, growth is not only unexpected and thus inherently interesting, but speaks to the multifaceted, inventive course of human coping and adaptation.
U.S. BANK LENDING ACTIVITY IN THE POSTCRISIS WORLD

There are three main reasons banks may not be lending. First, banks could be rationing credit. We show that banks have excess reserves of more than $2 trillion, so demand exceeding supply is unlikely. Second, banks could be experiencing a capital crunch. We find no evidence of a capital crunch. Third, banks could be choosing to restrict lending, creating a credit crunch. We find that postcrisis loan growth rates are lower than crisis loan growth rates, but postcrisis loan growth is similar to precrisis growth. We find no evidence to suggest that banks are systematically restricting lending.
Study of Intra-Venous Homoharringtonine (HHT) in the Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).

Homoharringtonine (HHT) is a plant alkaloid that inhibits protein synthesis, induces differentiation and apoptosis of myeloid cells. We initiated a phase II study of intra-venous HHT in patients (pts) diagnosed with MDS by WHO criteria to assess safety and efficacy of HHT in this setting. Responses were recorded according to the MDS response criteria defined by NCI working group. Pts received HHT 2.5 mg/m 2 by continuous 24-hour intravenous infusion daily for 7 days every 4 weeks until a) a complete remission (CR) was achieved, or b) failure to achieve a CR after 3 courses of therapy or c) unacceptable toxicities developed. The dose was increased to 3.0 mg/m 2 for pts with no response after the 1st course. Nine pts have been enrolled (6 male and 3 female). Median age was 70 yrs (range 55 to 84 yrs) and 4 pts had secondary MDS. Four pts had refractory anemia with excess blasts-1 (RAEB-1), 3 had RAEB-2, 1 had chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML-1) and 1 had MDS/myeloproliferative disorder (MDS/MPD). IPSS score was intermediate-1 in 1 pt, intermediate-2 in 7 pts and high in 1 pt. Seven pts (78%) received only one cycle of HHT. One (11%) pt had a CR (including cytogenetic CR) that lasted for 67 days, 5 pts discontinued treatment due to lack of response and1 pt with stable disease decided to withdraw from the study. After a median follow-up of 54 days (range, 37 to 145 days) 2 pts have died, one on day 37 due to intracranial bleed secondary to thrombocytopenia and one on day 39 due to invasive fungal infection. Grade 2 toxicities included fatigue (4 pts), diarrhea (3 pts) and nausea (3 pts). Grade 3 cytopenias were seen in all pts and grade 3 nausea in 1 pt. Three pts had neutropenic fever. Treatment during first course was interrupted after 5 days of infusion in 1 pt due to grade 3 congestive heart failure (CHF). This pt received his second course of treatment without recurrence of CHF. In conclusion, HHT has modest activity in intermediate to high risk MDS. After first interim analysis, the study meets criteria for continued accrual.
Experimental Transmission of Bovine Digital Dermatitis to Sheep: Development of an Infection Model.

Digital dermatitis is an infectious cause of lameness primarily affecting cattle but also described in sheep, goats, and wild elk. Digital dermatitis is a polymicrobial infection, involving several Treponema species and other anaerobic bacteria. Although the exact etiology has not been demonstrated, a number of bacterial, host, and environmental factors are thought to contribute to disease development. To study host-bacterial interactions, a reproducible laboratory model of infection is required. The objective of this study was to demonstrate key aspects of bovine digital dermatitis lesions in an easy-to-handle sheep model. Crossbred sheep were obtained from a flock free of hoof disease. Skin between the heel bulb and dewclaw was abraded before wrapping to emulate a moist, anaerobic environment. After 3 days, abraded areas were inoculated with macerated lesion material from active bovine digital dermatitis and remained wrapped. By 2 weeks postinoculation, experimentally inoculated feet developed erosive, erythematous lesions. At 4 weeks postinoculation, microscopic changes in the dermis and epidermis were consistent with those described for bovine digital dermatitis, including erosion, ulceration, hyperkeratosis, ballooning degeneration of keratinocytes, and the presence of neutrophilic infiltrates. Silver staining of lesion biopsy sections confirmed that spirochetes had penetrated the host epidermis. The model was then perpetuated by passaging lesion material from experimentally infected sheep into naive sheep. This model of bovine digital dermatitis will allow for future novel insights into pathogenic mechanisms of infection, as well as the development of improved diagnostic methods and therapeutics for all affected ruminants.
Exercise Increases Glucose Transporter-4 Levels on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

Purpose Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) plays a key role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. Glucose transporter 4 is upregulated in response to exercise, enhancing cellular glucose transport in skeletal muscle tissue. This mechanism appears to remain intact in individuals with insulin resistance. Details of the mechanism are poorly understood and are challenging to study due to the invasive nature of muscle biopsy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) have documented insulin-sensitive GLUT4 activity and may serve as a proxy tissue for studying skeletal muscle GLUT4. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether GLUT4 in PBMC is affected by conditioning. Methods We recruited 16 student athletes from the cross-country running and skiing teams and fifteen sedentary students matched for age and sex from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected with mononuclear cell separation tubes. The GLUT4 concentrations were measured using a commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, correlations between PBMC GLUT4 and common indicators of insulin resistance were examined. Results Results indicate significantly higher PBMC GLUT4 levels in conditioned athletes than in their sedentary counterparts, similar to what has been documented in myocytes. Females were observed to have higher PBMC GLUT4 levels than males. Correlations were not detected between PBMC GLUT4 and hemoglobin A1c, glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, body mass index, or body fat. Conclusions This study provides evidence to support exploration of PBMC as a proxy tissue for studying GLUT4 response to exercise or other noninsulin factors.
Approaches to Similarity-Creating Metaphors

We saw at the end of the last chapter that similarity-creating metaphors present us with a paradox. On the one hand, they show that similarities hitherto unseen can be made real. On the other hand, the creation of similarity seems to be quite constrained. The problem is to resolve this paradox somehow and to show how the similarities are created, where they come from, and to make explicit the invisible hand that constrains this creation.
Picture-Schedule Reinforcement Intervention for Children With Autism

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with behavioral challenges at home, in community, and medical settings. No study to date has targeted the most common medical procedure for chil...
Refugee women and the work of care in Évelyne Trouillot’s Memory at Bay:

This article examines the idea of home in relation to care work performed by refugee women of the African Diaspora as portrayed in Evelyne Trouillot’s post-dictatorship novel Memory at Bay (2015) (...
Finding the Sweet Spot(s): Understanding Context to Support Physical Activity Plans

Creating actionable plans has been shown to be helpful in promoting physical activity. However, little research has been done on how best to support the creation and execution of plans. In this paper, we interviewed 16 participants to study the role that context plays in the formulation and execution of plans for physical activity. Our findings highlight nuanced ways that contextual factors interact with each other and with individual differences to impact planning. We propose the notion of sweet spots to encapsulate how particular contextual factors converge to create optimal states for performing physical activities. The concept of sweet spots helped us to better understand the creation and execution of plans made by our participants. We present design guidelines to show how sweet spots can help support physical activity planning and guide the design of context-based tools for planning support.
Generating Diverse Reroutes for Tactical Constraint Avoidance

Decision support capabilities that provide flight-specific reroutes around constraints can enable more flexible and agile management of the airspace. For this benefit to be realized, automation must reliably provide operationally acceptable alternatives to traffic managers. This Paper proposes an approach for generating a small number of diverse, feasible solutions for further evaluation by traffic managers. Using a variation on Dijkstra’s shortest-path algorithm, reroutes are designed for one or more flights, in which multiflight problems promote the active design of reroute flows. A multi-objective genetic algorithm is employed to evaluate tradeoffs between multiple criteria of operational acceptability, removing the need to predefine relative metric weightings. Finally, a combination of principal components analysis and spectral clustering is used to identify distinct groups of solutions and representative reroutes that capture different tradeoffs between metrics of operational acceptability. Results a...
A Welfarist Approach to Disabilities

This paper uses the tools of optimal tax theory to examine policy toward individuals with disabilities from a welfarist perspective. Policy toward the disabled depends on how a given disability affects welfare. Under reasonable assumptions, redistribution toward individuals with disabilities is desirable, but the extent and form depends on a variety of factors. If disabilities are observable, adjustments to the income tax schedule should be preferred. If disabilities are not observable, commodity taxes or in-kind provision of certain goods (such as accommodations) may be desirable to solve screening problems. In this case, inefficient over-supply of these goods is likely to be optimal. Finally, to the extent needs of the disabled are public goods, supply of such goods may be desirable (even if disabilities are observable).
On the chemical characteristics and dynamics of n-alkane low-temperature multistage diffusion flames

Abstract We demonstrate experimentally, perhaps for the first time, the existence of low-temperature multistage diffusion flames of n-alkanes. Multistage diffusion flames of n-heptane, n-decane, and n-dodecane are established in an atmospheric counterflow burner. Planar laser-induced fluorescence, chemiluminescence, and thermometry are used to probe the structures of such flames. In the first flame zone, the majority of the fuel is partially oxidized via low-temperature peroxy chemistry. In the second flame zone, the intermediate species produced are further oxidized via intermediate-temperature chemistry. The two stages of the flame are coupled such that significant fuel and oxidizer leakage occur, respectively, from the first and second reaction zones. The fuel is then further consumed, in the second stage, after the radical pool is replenished by the oxidation of the intermediates. The structure of the n-alkane multistage flame is found to be consistent with that previously observed for acyclic ethers. Owing to the different classes of temperature-dependent chemistries dominating the first and second stages, the reaction zone structure of multistage diffusion flames is dramatically influenced by the reactant concentrations and flame temperatures. The first stage is relatively favored at lower temperatures whereas the second stage is favored at elevated temperatures. Moreover, near extinction where the flame temperature is low, the multistage flame dynamics are controlled by the first oxidation stage, governed by peroxy chemistry, whereas the second oxidation stage, governed by intermediate chemistry, is dominant near high-temperature ignition conditions. Finally, by doping the oxidizer with ozone, we demonstrate the role of ozone doping on the multistage flame structure and the existence of a separate low-temperature ozone-assisted burning mode.
Response analysis on AlGaN metal–semiconductor–metal photodetectors in a perspective of experiment and theory and the persistent photoconductivity effect

Aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) metal–semiconductor–metal photodetectors were successfully fabricated with different contact materials and structures and were tested with ultrafast lasers. The experimental results were compared with the finite element simulations based on APSYS and showed consistent trend with respect to the device I–V properties and response behaviors. Persistent photoconductivity (PPC) was observed for devices with both gold and aluminum contacts and various structures, and the decay time can be longer than 10 ms. The response time and responsivity were found to be affected by the bias voltage, operating temperature, and incident power. The mechanism behind the long decay time is analyzed from the perspective of the materials properties and factors influencing the decay time are examined. The nature of the metal–semiconductor contact is studied to help understand the PPC effect, and the contact showed ohmic-like behavior.
Abstract TP397: Modified Graeb Score Predicts Stress-Induced Hyperglycemia After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Introduction: Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus is a frequent complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) that can result in homeostatic derangement including stress induced hyperglyc...
Influence of Framework Heteroatoms on Olefin Metathesis Activity Using MoO3-MFI Catalysts

Zeolites with the MFI topology and Si:M (M = Al, B) ranging from pure silica to 20:1 were employed as supports for molybdenum oxide centers to catalyze the olefin metathesis reaction of ethylene and 2-butene to form propylene. Pure-silica MFI doubled the metathesis activity against a comparable amorphous silica support. Incorporation of trivalent aluminum or boron heteroatoms into the MFI support had a significant impact on the catalytic performance. While strongly acidic sites generated by Al incorporation decreased the overall metathesis rate from 1.1 × 10–7 mol s–1 gcat–1 to 3.9 × 10–9 mol s–1 gcat–1 after 8 h on stream, less polarizable sites generated by B incorporation decreased the rate only to 8.3 × 10–8 mol s–1 gcat–1. Na+ and K+ ion exchange of the Al-containing MFI partially mitigated the deleterious effect of the strong Al heteroatoms at the cost of altering the molybdenum configuration away from active states, as observed by Raman spectroscopy. This work demonstrates that structured silica su...
Data-driven efficient network and surveillance-based immunization

Given a contact network and coarse-grained diagnostic information such as electronic Healthcare Reimbursement Claims (eHRC) data, can we develop efficient intervention policies from data to control an epidemic? Immunization is an important problem in multiple areas, especially epidemiology and public health. However, most existing studies rely on assuming prior epidemiological models to develop pre-emptive strategies, which may fail to adapt to the change in new epidemiological patterns and the availability of rich data such as eHRC. In practice, disease spread is usually complicated, hence assuming an underlying model may deviate from true spreading patterns, leading to possibly inaccurate interventions. Additionally, the abundance of health care surveillance data (such as eHRC) makes it possible to study data-driven strategies without too many restrictive assumptions. Hence, such a data-driven intervention approach can help public-health experts take more practical decisions. In this paper, we take into account propagation log and contact networks for controlling propagation. Different from previous model-based approaches, our solutions are solely data driven in a sense that we develop immunization strategies directly from the network and eHRC without assuming classical epidemiological models. In particular, we formulate the novel and challenging data-driven immunization problem. To solve it, we first propose an efficient sampling approach to align surveillance data with contact networks, then develop an efficient algorithm with the provably approximate guarantee for immunization. Finally, we show the effectiveness and scalability of our methods via extensive experiments on multiple datasets, and conduct case studies on nation-wide real medical surveillance data.
Tanning benefits, seasonal effects, and concerns about sunscreen: Measuring health beliefs about UV among college students.

Objective: To develop and validate a scale measuring health beliefs about UV in cloudy climates that may impact UV exposure behaviors. Participants: Students at a large university in Oregon complet...
An evocative portrayal of stay-at-home-dads’ experiences in elementary schools through poetic inquiry

In this article, we embraced poetic inquiry to evocatively represent the experiences of stay-at-home dads (SAHDs) with children in elementary schools. We argue that traditional qualitative research...
Complications and Early Radiographic Outcomes of Flatfoot Deformity Correction With Metallic Midfoot Opening Wedge Implants

Background:Forefoot varus is a common component of flatfoot deformity that is often surgically addressed. Multiple options exist to plantarflex the medial column, with midfoot fusion and the Cotton...
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Risk Assessment and Perioperative Complications

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Safe perioperative management is predicated on understanding the concerns and risks during the perioperative period and anticipating potential problems. The aim of this chapter is to present a critical review of the literature emphasizing perioperative and anesthetic management strategies, prevention of complications, and minimizing their effects if they occur.
Model reference adaptive control, estimation and identification using only input and output signals

Significant recent advances in the application of stability theory to the adaptive control and identification of systems, and adaptive state estimation, are considered. Emphasis is on those methods which utilize only input and output measurements of the system, and do not require derivatives of the output signal.
Association between calf muscle oxygen saturation with ambulatory function and quality of life in symptomatic patients with peripheral artery disease

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether calf muscle hemoglobin oxygen saturation (St o 2) obtained during a standardized treadmill test is associated with ambulatory function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD). We hypothesized that a rapid decline in calf muscle St o 2 during walking is associated with impaired ambulatory function and HRQoL and that these associations are independent of ankle-brachial index (ABI). Methods Calf muscle St o 2, peak walking time, and claudication onset time were obtained during a treadmill test in 151 symptomatic men and women with PAD. Patients were further characterized by demographic variables, comorbid conditions, cardiovascular risk factors, ABI, 6-minute walk distance, daily ambulatory activity, Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) score, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical function score to assess HRQoL. Results The median calf muscle St o 2 value at rest was 52%, which declined to 22% after only 1 minute of walking during the treadmill test and reached a minimum value of 9% after a median time of 87 seconds of walking. Of the various calf muscle St o 2 measurements obtained during the treadmill test, the exercise time to the minimum calf muscle St o 2 value (log transformed) had the strongest univariate associations with peak walking time (r = 0.56; P Conclusions More rapid decline in oxygen saturation of the calf musculature during walking, indicative of impaired microcirculation, is predictive of impaired ambulatory function and HRQoL in patients with symptomatic PAD. Of particular importance, these associations are independent of ABI and other common health burdens, highlighting the clinical relevance that the microcirculation has on ambulatory function and HRQoL in patients with symptomatic PAD.
Pharmacy-Led Quality Improvement Project on Pain Control Using Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion of Opioids in an Inpatient Hospice Unit.

Objectives:The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to improve the overall process of implementing continuous subcutaneous infusion of opioids (CSCIOs) at the West Palm Beach Vetera...
Impact of maintenance rituximab in patients with de novo transformed indolent B cell lymphoma.

Histologic transformation of indolent lymphomas account for 13% of de novo presentations of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) [1]. Although historically associated with poor outcomes in compari...
Influence of tread pattern on tire/road noise

Abstract Tread pattern contributes to tire/road noise through two major mechanisms: (1) tread impact due to the interaction between the tread blocks and the road and (2) air pumping due to the air compression/expansion in the tread grooves, especially at leading and trailing edges of the rotating wheel-tire. In this chapter, 22 passenger car radial tires of the same/similar size but with different tread patterns were tested on a nonporous asphalt pavement. Tread pattern noise was separated from the total tire/road noise through the techniques described in the previous chapter. For the tires tested, 3D profiles of their tread patterns have been digitized and quantified using two spectral parameters: the tread profile spectrum characterizing the tread impact mechanism and the air volume velocity spectrum characterizing the air pumping mechanism. The two spectra showed good agreement with the tread pattern noise spectrum.
Vaginal laser treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: does the evidence support the FDA safety communication?

Importance Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a chronic, progressive condition frequently manifesting as vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse. Survey data indicate this is a highly prevalent, likely underreported, condition that profoundly affects quality of life for millions of women. Vaginal lasers demonstrate promise as an effective, nonhormone therapeutic alternative for GSM; however, the risks associated with them may have been overstated. Objective Despite reports of improved sexual and vaginal comfort without serious safety concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a 2018 safety communication warning against it. We conducted a systematic literature review and surveyed both the FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) and Bloomberg Law Databases to evaluate risks associated with laser treatment for GSM. Evidence review A systematic literature review identified articles published before September 2019. The MAUDE database was searched by name from 2009 to 2019 for safety claims for 24 vaginal laser devices. The Bloomberg Law database was searched for product liability claims against any vaginal laser device manufacturer before July 2019. Findings Literature review revealed 3 publications detailing 29 presumptive laser-associated complications, only 5 of which (17.2%) reported worsening symptoms after treatment. The MAUDE database contained 120 complaints; only 30 (25%) detailed potential adverse patient events, most frequently pain (n = 12) and burning (n = 10). The Bloomberg law database contained no claims asserting harm from device use. Conclusions and relevance Lacking strong evidence indicating significant patient risk for vaginal laser treatment of GSM, the FDA safety communication appears unsubstantiated and implies gender bias. Identified complications suggest most reported "adverse events" represent lack of treatment effect. The well-documented benefits and low risk of adverse event suggest laser therapy for GSM is reasonable with appropriate pretreatment counseling. Additional randomized, well-controlled clinical trials are needed to further elucidate both the safety and efficacy of this nonhormone therapy.
Analysis of the B and Be-star populations of the double cluster h and χ Persei

We present blue optical spectra of 92 members of h and χ Per obtained with the WIYN telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory. From these spectra, several stellar parameters were measured for the B-type stars, including v sin i , T eff , log g polar , M ∗, and R ∗. Stromgren photometry was used to measure T eff and log g polar for the Be stars. We also analyze photometric data of cluster members and discuss the near- to mid-infrared excesses of Be stars.
Top Tens in 2018: Patent, Trademark, Copyright and Trade Secret Cases

The courts continued to grapple with patentable subject matter, in differentiating abstract ideas, laws of nature and natural phenomena from patentable inventions applying them. International patent battles flared over patent rights to the chips that run smartphones and to the new, efficient methods of editing genomes. The Supreme Court held that lost profits abroad may be recovered where caused by infringement in the US. The Federal Circuit emphasized flexibility in allowing prior art that could invalidate a patent as lacking novelty. The PTAB heard dozens of post-grant challenges, with its constitutionality upheld by the Supreme Court. Other issues included standing (some unsuccessful PTAB challengers cannot appeal the case) and sovereign immunity (tribes and states may not have the same immunity in the PTAB as they have in federal litigation). In trademark, notable issues included: can a real restaurant name itself after one in a TV cartoon show? Can a construction company adopt the name of the late company that built the Hoover Dam? Can a shoe company copy old famous sneakers? What effect does bankruptcy have on trademark licenses? In 2019, copyrights will expire for the first time (almost) since 1978. Courts in copyright cases similarly wrestled with differentiating ideas from expression. Fair use did not permit copying of application programming interfaces, a holding which will jolt software practices unless the Supreme Court chimes in. Copyright did not protect technical standards embedded in law. Images embedded in web pages were held to infringe. International issues arose: streaming video into the US may infringe; moral rights from other jurisdictions did not translate into US enforcement. Courts denied copyrights to non-human authors,to claimants straining the language of agreements, and producers of remastered albums. Mathematical applications of the fair use factors was rejected. In trade secret, fundamentals prevailed: contracts govern, not all confidential information qualifies as a trade secret, information lost trade secret protection once public. With its adoption in Massachusetts, the Uniform Trade Secret Act is now in effect in 48.8 states.
New Advances in Advertising Research

This issue of the Journal of Advertising Research contains eight studies that span a wide variety of topics, from causality in sales lift from television advertising to an updated approach to the FCB grid. You’ll also learn about the role of consumer insight in the creative process, price premiums
Abstract P50: Obesity and Diabetes Are Associated With Increased Risk for Disability Among Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors

Introduction: Stroke-related disability is common. Obesity and diabetes are associated with disability in the general population, but the elevated risk of disability in stroke survivors who also ex...
VINE Catheter for Endovascular Surgery

Endovascular surgery (ES) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat diseases such as stroke, coronary artery disease, and aneurysms. Often, the vascular anatomy exhibits high tortuosity and severe angulation, which requires long procedures and significant expertise, and leads to a risk of vessel dissection. Here we introduce a soft, tip-extending robot—the VINE (Vascular Internal Navigation by Extension) catheter—that extends, or “grows,” from the tip when pressurized with fluid. It acts as an access device, pulling a standard catheter to the target site as it grows. We demonstrate how this movement via tip-extension enables the VINE catheter to easily and safely pass through tight curvatures. We also demonstrate the system’s usability in a patient-specific anatomical model under fluoroscopy, even by novices. Overall the VINE catheter has potential to: (i) increase safety, given its inherent limit to stress that it can apply to vessel walls, and (ii) decrease the time and expertise required to successfully complete complex ES cases. The results serve as a foundation for an entire class of devices capable of gaining access to difficult-to-reach locations via navigation through constrained anatomy and illustrate the potential for the VINE catheter to have a significant impact on a range of procedures.
Digitization of Television in Kenya: Changing Trends in Content and Consumption

This chapter examines the digitization of television in Kenya and its influence on the production, dissemination, consumption as well as the functions of television broadcast. The liberalization of the airwaves, the relaxation of ownership and content regulations, and advancements in technology invited new entrants into the market. It led to changes in market dynamics, resulting in extended privatization and commercialization of the media industry. From the review of the literature and in-depth interviews, there is an increase in new sources of information, audience segmentation and adoption of convergence. Further, there is increased interaction between the audience and media organizations. Also, the functions of the media have been tilted as citizen journalists now play the information role of the media by posting incidents on social media. Pegged on uses and gratifications theory, the study establishes the salience of digitization on Kenyan television media.
714 Sleep Disordered Breathing Polysomnographic Measures and COVID-19 Risk of WHO-7 Clinical Outcomes in a Large Health Care System

Introduction: There is lack of clarity of sleep disordered breathing (SDB)-including the role of nocturnal hypoxia and confounding influence of obesity-on the clinical course of human coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We postulate that SDB portends increased risk of adverse COVID-19 clinical outcomes even after accounting for confounding factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of COVID-19 and sleep laboratory observational registries March-November 2020 within the Cleveland Clinic health system was performed. Ordinal logistic regression assessed the association of SDB indices and World Health Organization (WHO)-7 COVID-19 clinical outcome (hospitalization, use of supplemental oxygen, non-invasive ventilation, mechanical ventilation/ ECMO and death) in an unadjusted model and adjusted for age, sex, race, body mass index(BMI,kg/m2),diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer and smoking using SAS software. Results: Of 19,449 (32%) patients positive for SARS-CoV-2,2,290 (6%) had an available sleep study. The analytic sample included 1788 of which 1,484(64%) had an apnea hypopnea index (AHI, 3-4% hypopnea oxygen desaturation)≥5. The median duration from sleep study to COVID test was 5.8 years (IQR:3.3-9.0). Age was 56.5±14.4 years,50.4% female,28% African American with BMI=35.9±8.9kg/m2. Nine percent of patients were hospitalized,10% with supplemental oxygen,6% used non-invasive ventilation,2% required ECMO or mechanical ventilation and 2% died. For every AHI increase of 5, the odds of a higher WHO-7 level increased 2% (OR=1.02,95%CI1.01-1.04,p=0.005),but the association was mitigated in the adjusted model (OR=1.00,95%CI:0.98,1.02,p=0.80). Per 5% increase in time spent with SaO2<90%, the odds of a higher WHO-7 level increased 10% (OR=1.10,95%CI1.06-1.13,p=<0.001) persisting in the adjusted model(OR=1.06,95%CI:1.02-1.10,p=0.002). For every decrease of 5% mean SaO2, the odds of a higher level WHO-7 increased 56% (OR=0.56,95%CI:0.46-0.67,p<0.001) persisting in the adjusted model(OR=0.72,95%CI:0.58-0.89,p=0.003). Conclusion: Even after adjustment for obesity, underlying cardiopulmonary disease and smoking, sleep-related hypoxemia was a potential key pathophysiologic mechanism associated with increased morbidity and mortality in COVID-19. Elucidation of sleep-related hypoxemia as a risk stratification measure, particularly given the silent hypoxia inherent to early COVID-19, is critical for future investigation, as is the role of sleep-related hypoxia reversal as a target to improve COVID-19 outcomes.
Teaching spirituality to humanitarians.

### Summary box There is an increasing interest in humanitarian missions in medical institutions in high-income countries (HICs). It is now widely accepted that humanitarians should undertake a course on ethics and human rights before embarking, and debriefing after, humanitarian missions to low/middle-income countries (LMICs).1 2 However, the teaching of religion, spirituality and morality is generally not included in ethics courses. It is now recognised that religious and spiritual concerns are important for understanding health-related behaviours and sources of social support to patients, which makes it important for humanitarians to appreciate and understand these nuances in their work.3 Religious institutions and clergy, both in HICs and LMICs, often function as gatekeepers for individuals seeking healthcare, particularly mental health, among poor and disenfranchised populations.4 Religious practices and moral codes vary widely in different parts of the world which may affect both the humanitarian and recipient of global health. In addition to religious beliefs and moral codes, the younger generation of healthcare workers, …
Adoption of Tobacco 21: A Cross-Case Analysis of Ten US States.

Despite the recent push for Tobacco 21 legislation in the US and the national adoption of Tobacco 21, there is a paucity of data on the process of policy adoption. To explore the key factors that served as facilitators or challenges to the passage of state T21 laws that apply to the sale of all tobacco products to anyone under 21 years of age, we conducted a comparative, cross-case study in ten states that adopted Tobacco 21 between 2016 and 2019. Stakeholders from selected states were identified via snowball sampling, and interviews were conducted from November 2018 to March 2020. Three primary factors emerged as facilitators to the passage of state T21 laws: (1) increased attention on e-cigarettes as the product driving an overall increase in youth tobacco use and depiction of an “e-cigarette epidemic”, (2) having at least one influential policy entrepreneur or champion, and (3) traction from other states or local municipalities passing T21 legislation. Challenges to T21′s success included (1) influence of the tobacco industry, (2) the bill’s low ranking among legislative priorities, and (3) controversy among advocates and policymakers over bill language. As e-cigarette rates spiked, T21 bills became legislative priorities, traction from other successful efforts mounted, and ultimately, the tobacco industry flipped from opposing to supporting T21 laws. Despite these favorable headwinds, advocates struggled increasingly to pass bills with ideal policy language.
The LiaFSR transcriptome reveals an interconnected regulatory network in group A Streptococcus

The mechanisms by which bacteria sense the host environment and alter gene expression are poorly understood. LiaFSR is a gene regulatory system unique to Gram-positive bacteria, including group A Streptococcus (GAS), and responds to cell envelope stress. We previously showed that LiaF acts as an inhibitor to LiaFSR activation in GAS. To better understand gene regulation associated with LiaFSR activation, we performed RNA sequencing on isogenic deletion mutants fixed in a LiaFSR "always on" (ΔliaF) or "always off" (ΔliaR) state. Transcriptome analyses of ΔliaF and ΔliaR in GAS showed near perfect inverse correlation, including the gene encoding the global transcriptional regulator SpxA2. In addition, mutant transcriptomes included genes encoding multiple virulence factors and showed substantial overlap with the CovRS regulon. Chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR demonstrated direct spxA2 gene regulation following activation of the response regulator, LiaR. High SpxA2 levels as a result of LiaFSR activation were directly correlated with increased CovR-regulated virulence gene transcription. Furthermore, consistent with known virulence gene repression by phosphorylated CovR, elevated SpxA2 levels were inversely correlated with CovR phosphorylation. Despite increased transcription of several virulence factors, ΔliaF (high SpxA2) exhibited a paradoxical virulence phenotype in both in vivo mouse and ex vivo human blood models of disease. Likewise, despite decreased virulence factor transcription with ΔliaR (low SpxA2), increased virulence was observed in an in vivo mouse model of disease-a phenotype attributable, in part, to known SpxA2-associated speB transcription. Our findings provide evidence of a critical role of LiaFSR in sensing the host environment and suggest a potential mechanism for gene regulatory system cross talk shared by many Gram-positive pathogens.
Microplastics in Florida, United States: A Case Study of Quantification and Characterization With Intertidal Snails

Microplastics are small particles of plastic that are five millimeters or less in size. These microscopic particles come from a variety of sources including beauty products, fishing gear, clothing, and from the degradation of plastic products. Concentrations of microplastics are increasing within the oceans, including waters surrounding Florida, USA. Miles of sandy beaches make the sunshine state a prime tourist destination leading to an increased amount of pollution along Florida coasts. Microplastics can cause damage to intertidal organisms, as well as causing issues up the food chain with biomagnification and seafood consumers, such as humans. Florida is also subject to hurricanes which often distribute sediments, filling the water column with previously settled microplastics. These factors make Florida a special case to review considering the state is affected heavily by hurricanes and tourism, which can contribute to microplastic concentrations in the Gulf of Mexico. The focus of this study was to quantify microplastics contamination in two marine snail species from intertidal habitats in Florida. The Red-mouth rock shell (Stramonita haemastoma) and Crown conch (Melongena corona) are gastropod molluscs that can be found commonly in intertidal habitats in the Gulf of Mexico. Both Red-mouth rock shells and Crown conchs are predatory snails with Red-mouth rock shells feeding on bivalves, gastropods and barnacles, while Crown conchs are predatory snails, consuming filter feeding bivalves and other snails. Marine snails serve as sustenance for other organisms in the ecosystem, such as whelks, murex, and stone crabs. If intertidal snail populations are in jeopardy as a result of microplastic contamination, ecosystem health is also at risk. Seawater samples and marine snails were collected from intertidal beach habitats in Northwest Panhandle and Central Florida, and gastropod tissue was digested for microplastic quantification. After tissue digestion was complete, seawater and tissue samples were filtered and microplastics were quantified and measured using microscopy. Marine intertidal snails may be good organisms for biomonitoring of microplastics in intertidal sandy habitats.