cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theoretical UV circular dichroism of aliphatic cyclic dipeptides.

Four cyclic dipeptides (piperazine-2,5-diones), cyclo(l-Pro-Gly), cyclo(l-Pro-l-Leu), cyclo(l-Ala-l-Ala), and cyclo(l-Pro-l-Ala), were modeled from crystal structure data. Conformations resulting from energy minimization using molecular mechanics were compared with traditional ab initio and density functional theory geometric optimizations for each dipeptide. In all computational cases, the gas phase was assumed. The π−π* transition feature of the UV circular dichroic (CD) spectra was predicted for each peptide structure via the classical dipole interaction model. The dipole interaction model predicted CD spectra that qualitatively agreed with experiment when MP2 or DFT geometries were used. By coupling MP2 or DFT geometric optimizations with the classical physics method of the dipole interaction model, significantly better CD spectra were calculated than those using geometries obtained by molecular mechanics. Thus, one can couple quantum mechanical geometries with a classical physics model for calculatio...
Poverty and Race: Effects on Prenatal Nutrition

Perinatal mortality rates are higher in the U.S. than in many other nations. An excess number of low birth weight infants in families of low socioeconomic status accounts for much of this high perinatal mortality. Necropsy material was examined from 1,002 consecutive autopsies on stillborn and newborn infants. 449 of the cases were excluded because of disorders that might have affected fetal growth. Income data was available on 469 of the remaining cases and they were classified by economic status using a U.S. Government poverty index. Autopsy weights and measurements were calculated in percent of published normal mean values.
Improved Oxygen Reduction Activity and Durability of Dealloyed PtCox Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Strain, Ligand, and Particle Size Effects

The development of active and durable catalysts with reduced platinum content is essential for fuel cell commercialization. Herein we report that the dealloyed PtCo/HSC and PtCo3/HSC nanoparticle (NP) catalysts exhibit the same levels of enhancement in oxygen reduction activity (∼4-fold) and durability over pure Pt/C NPs. Surprisingly, ex situ high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF STEM) shows that the bulk morphologies of the two catalysts are distinctly different: D-PtCo/HSC catalyst is dominated by NPs with solid Pt shells surrounding a single ordered PtCo core; however, the D-PtCo3/HSC catalyst is dominated by NPs with porous Pt shells surrounding multiple disordered PtCo cores with local concentration of Co. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) reveals that these two catalysts possess similar Pt–Pt and Pt–Co bond distances and Pt coordination numbers (CNs), despite their dissimilar morphologies. The similar activity of the two catalysts is thus ascribed ...
History of medical hospitalization predicts future need for colectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Background: Patients who require hospitalization for the management of ulcerative colitis (UC) may represent a subset with severe disease. These patients may be more likely to require future colectomy. There are limited data examining whether medical hospitalization is predictive of subsequent colectomy. Methods: This was a retrospective case–control study utilizing the inflammatory bowel disease center database at our academic referral center. Cases comprised UC patients who underwent colectomy for disease refractory to medical management. The control population was comprised of all patients with UC who had not undergone colectomy. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of requiring colectomy. Results: There were a total of 246 UC patients included in our study, with 103 being hospitalized sometime in their disease course (41.9%). A total of 27 patients underwent colectomy (11%). Colectomy patients were significantly more likely to have been on infliximab therapy (51.8% versus 22.4%, P = 0.001) but no more likely to have been on immunomodulator therapy (74.1% versus 59.4%, P = 0.14). Patients who required medical hospitalization for UC were more likely to require future colectomy (20.4% versus 4.2%, P < 0.001) than those who had not required hospitalization. On multivariate analysis, requiring medical hospitalization for management of UC (odds ratio [OR] 5.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.00–14.46) and ever requiring infliximab therapy (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.21–8.07) were independent predictors of colectomy. Conclusions: Requiring medical hospitalization for the management of disease activity in UC is an independent predictor of the need for colectomy. Future studies will determine whether aggressive medical management may modify the need for colectomy in this cohort. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008)
FIGHTING OFF THE ALLIGATORS: WHAT RESEARCH IN REAL CLASSROOMS HAS TO SAY ABOUT READING INSTRUCTION

Researchers have contributed one dimensional solutions to the problems of classroom reading instruction. They have long viewed the classroom as a "black box" having a manageable number of variables which, if manipulated in the proper sequence, would result in successful reading achievement. For instance, prior to 1970, a large segment of instructional research was directed toward identifying the personality characteristics of teachers perceived to be effective (although no one actually ever checked to be sure that teachers possessing these characteristics were actually more effective in promoting pupil achievement). The idea, obviously, was to hire only those teachers possessing the optimum personality mix. Artley's (1969) epitaph for this type of research is particularly piercing:
Single beam crab dynamics

It is shown that the eta * crabbing scheme is a relatively simple alternative to the deflection and dispersive cavity schemes. The eta * scheme requires no special RF cavities and introduces no single-beam synchrobetatron coupling mechanism, so the possibility of residual coupling is precluded. Such crabbing is characteristic of all machines, although typically not at the IP. The transverse coupling formalism has been applied to the longitudinal and horizontal planes and have identified elements of the transformation matrix with the angle and height of the beam ellipse. A correspondence between specific full-turn matrix elements and residual synchrobetatron coupling is demonstrated. >
FE-Circuit Coupled Model of Electric Machines for Simulation and Evaluation of EMI Issues in Motor Drives

A new FE-circuit coupled model is proposed to simulate the electromagnetic field interference (EMI) caused by terminal overvoltage and ground current of electric machines connected to driving circuits. The high frequency effects due to the PWM drive were considered in the transient FE-circuit coupled model of the motor using a two-step procedure. First, the resistance in each individual winding turn of a coil is evaluated by time harmonic high frequency FE analysis considering skin and proximity effects. The capacitances of the coil were calculated by an electrostatic FE analysis to form a distributed parameter model of the coil in each conducting region. Second, a lumped parameter model for the coil was obtained through a matrix reduction technique. The lumped models of the different coils were connected in series to form a per phase winding model. The FE-circuit coupled model of the motor is tested in a motor drive to evaluate the terminal over voltages and ground currents. The numerical results were successfully verified by the corresponding laboratory test measurements. The proposed model can be used as a novel computational prototyping tool which would allow the development to design and final product stages to be completed without the need for repeated build and test procedures in an industrial environment.
It's Not What They Do, It's How They Do It: Athlete Experiences of Great Coaching

The primary purpose of this study was to explore athlete experiences of great coaching. A total of 18 in-depth phenomenological interviews were conducted with elite level athletes (9 female; 9 male) representing a variety of sports (i.e., baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, volleyball, and water polo). Participants ranged in age from 22 to 42 years (M = 29.11, SD = 5.52). Interviews lasted between 30-90 minutes and were transcribed verbatim. Analyses of the transcripts revealed a total of 1,553 meaning units that were further grouped into sub-themes and general themes. This led to the development of a final thematic structure revealing six major dimensions characterizing athlete experiences of great coaching: Coach Attributes, The Environment, Relationships, The System, Coaching Actions, and Influences.
Quantitative Reconstruction and Superresolution of Red-Blood-Cell Image Holograms

A quantitative method for reconstruction and superresolution of red-blood-cell image holograms (interferograms) is described, with resolution improvement to 4% of the wavelength; the approach is based on the principles of coherent physical optics and is automated in the form of computer programs. The red-blood-cell phase information is reconstructed from the hologram; then the phase-distribution resolution is improved using symmetry, surface-continuous differentiability, and space-limited conditions.
Comparison of Seven- and Five-Day Physical Therapy Coverage in Patients with Acute Orthopedic Disorders

This study evaluated the efficacy of seven- versus five-day physical therapy coverage in an acute care hospital setting by monitoring percentage of consecutive treatments, mean number of treatments per patient, and lengths of hospital stay (LOS) for 482 patients with acute orthopedic disorders. The Experimental Group (n = 276) received seven-day coverage; the Comparison Group (n = 206) received five-day coverage for four months. Results were analyzed for the group as a whole and by diagnostic categories. Experimental Group subjects received a higher percentage of consecutive treatments than the Comparison Group subjects (72% vs 42%). No difference was found between the groups for mean number of physical therapy treatments received per patient. The LOS was neither significantly different between the two groups as a whole nor for 9 of the 11 diagnostic categories. The results imply that providing consecutive physical therapy treatments through seven-day coverage without increasing the number of physical therapy treatments will not reduce the LOS for patients with acute orthopedic disorders.
Atypical complications encountered with epicardial electrophysiological procedures

Background With the increasing use, complexity, anatomical approaches, and tools related to epicardial procedures, complications previously not seen during endovascular ablation are now well recognized with epicardial ablation. Whether newer approaches and the regional anatomy of the pericardial space contribute to unexpected complications after epicardial access (EpiAcc) is presently unknown. Objective To characterize underreported, or novel, complications associated with percutaneous EpiAcc as part of an electrophysiology procedure. Methods We retrospectively reviewed percutaneous EpiAcc as part of an ablation procedure from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2011. Results Of 116 attempts in 107 patients, 8 atypical ablation complications (no procedural deaths) were noted; complications included delayed pericarditis (2 weeks), chronic refractory pericarditis, requirement for snaring of broken intrapericardial wire, pleural perforation, phrenic nerve injury despite protective strategies, hemoperitoneum, and abdominal-pericardial fistula. Conclusion Vigilance both during and after EpiAcc is needed to recognize these complications, some of which may be life-threatening.
Score-Function Quantization for Distributed Estimation

We study the problem of quantization for distributed parameter estimation. We propose the design of score-function quantizers to optimize different metrics of estimation performance. Score-function quantizers are a class of quantizers known to maximize the Fisher information for a fixed value of parameter thetas. We show that for distributions that satisfy a monotonicity property, the class of score-function quantizers can be made independent of parameter thetas. We then propose a generic algorithm to obtain the optimal Score-function quantizer that can be used to maximize three different metrics; minimum Fisher information, Bayesian Fisher information and minimum asymptotic relative efficiency. Through numerical examples, we illustrate that these algorithms converge to the optimal quantizers obtained through known algorithms for maximin ARE and Bayesian Fisher information.
Bitterness of the Non-nutritive Sweetener Acesulfame Potassium Varies With Polymorphisms in TAS2R9 and TAS2R31

Demand for nonnutritive sweeteners continues to increase due to their ability to provide desirable sweetness with minimal calories. Acesulfame potassium and saccharin are well-studied nonnutritive sweeteners commonly found in food products. Some individuals report aversive sensations from these sweeteners, such as bitter and metallic side tastes. Recent advances in molecular genetics have provided insight into the cause of perceptual differences across people. For example, common alleles for the genes TAS2R9 and TAS2R38 explain variable response to the bitter drugs ofloxacin in vitro and propylthiouracil in vivo. Here, we wanted to determine whether differences in the bitterness of acesulfame potassium could be predicted by common polymorphisms (genetic variants) in bitter taste receptor genes (TAS2Rs). We genotyped participants (n = 108) for putatively functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in 5 TAS2Rs and asked them to rate the bitterness of 25 mM acesulfame potassium on a general labeled magnitude scale. Consistent with prior reports, we found 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms in TAS2R31 were associated with acesulfame potassium bitterness. However, TAS2R9 alleles also predicted additional variation in acesulfame potassium bitterness. Conversely, single nucleotide polymorphisms in TAS2R4, TAS2R38, and near TAS2R16 were not significant predictors. Using 1 single nucleotide polymorphism each from TAS2R9 and TAS2R31, we modeled the simultaneous influence of these single nucleotide polymorphisms on acesulfame potassium bitterness; together, these 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms explained 13.4% of the variance in perceived bitterness. These data suggest multiple polymorphisms within TAS2Rs contribute to the ability to perceive the bitterness from acesulfame potassium.
Biological activity of lycopene metabolites: implications for cancer prevention

While early studies focused on the potential roles in health and disease of provitamin A carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, research over the past decade has provided a framework for our understanding of the functions of non-provitamin A carotenoids such as lycopene, especially in regards to its association with a reduced risk of a number of chronic diseases, including cancer. Recent data suggests that lycopene metabolites may possess specific biological activities on several important cellular signaling pathways and molecular targets. Carotenoid metabolites may have more important biological roles than their parent compounds in human health and disease. This notion has been reinforced by the observation of both beneficial and detrimental effects of carotenoid metabolites in cancer prevention.
Surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence associated with valsalva induced detrusor instability.

Purpose: Detrusor instability initiated by increased intra-abdominal pressure that results in incontinence has always been difficult to treat. This form of incontinence may be due to traction on the pelvic nerves when increased abdominal pressure is applied to already weakened pelvic supportive tissue. In most patients pharmacological attempts to correct this problem fail. We describe a pubovaginal sling designed to stabilize the urethrovesical junction during the Valsalva maneuver, which is our treatment of choice for such patients. Materials and Methods: From 1994 to 1998 we treated 36 patients with a pubovaginal sling procedure for Valsalva induced detrusor instability diagnosed on preoperative urodynamics. The sling material was in situ vaginal wall in 20 cases, free swing vaginal wall in 6, rectus fascia in 4, cadaveric fascia in 3 and synthetic material in 3. Urodynamic evaluation was performed preoperatively in all patients. Followup of 6 months to 4 years involved subjective questions and objective examination. Results: Cure was achieved in 33 of the 36 patients (92%), of whom leak point pressure was less than 50, 50 to 100 and greater than 100 cm. water in 9, 17 and 7, respectively. In the 3 failed cases leak point pressure was 50 to 100 cm water, including 2 in which cotton swab test results were less than 30 degrees. Urge incontinence resolved in 75% of the patients. Conclusions: The pubovaginal sling procedure may cure Valsalva induced detrusor instability. Leak point pressure does not determine which patients do well. Evaluation for hypermobility may help to predict the success or failure of a procedure by identifying those in whom Valsalva induced detrusor instability results from traction on the pelvic nerves.
Enhancing Learner Processing for Effective Problem Solving

Across the country, there is a call for instructional innovations that will increase the practical problem solving ability of college graduates. To meet this need, instructors are inundated with prescriptions on how to change teaching, the classroom, and assessments. To effectively employ these innovations, instructors need knowledge of more than just how to change instruction; instructors also need to understand the learning processes of the students in the classroom. In this paper, three of the most powerful principles of learning are presented in an effort to help classroom instructors better understand not only the ”how” of instructional innovation but also the ”why.” The three principles, student attention, knowledge organization, and problem solving processes, are covered in separate sections of this paper. In each section, the principle is explained and specific links to instructional practice are provided. The paper closes with an explanation of how the three principles operate jointly and how the...
Classification objects, ideal observers & generative models

Abstract A successful vision system must solve the problem of deriving geometrical information about three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional photometric input. The human visual system solves this problem with remarkable efficiency, and one challenge in vision research is to understand how neural representations of objects are formed and what visual information is used to form these representations. Ideal observer analysis has demonstrated the advantages of studying vision from the perspective of explicit generative models and a specified visual task, which divides the causes of image variations into the separate categories of signal and noise. Classification image techniques estimate the visual information used in a task from the properties of “noise” images that interact most strongly with the task. Both ideal observer analysis and classification image techniques rely on the assumption of a generative model. We show here how the ability of the classification image approach to understand how an observer uses visual information can be improved by matching the type and dimensionality of the model to that of the neural representation or internal template being studied. Because image variation in real world object tasks can arise from both geometrical shape and photometric (illumination or material) changes, a realistic image generation process should model geometry as well as intensity. A simple example is used to demonstrate what we refer to as a “classification object” approach to studying three-dimensional object representations.
Acute Heart Failure and Implantable Cardiac Devices in the Acute Care Setting

The use of implantable cardiac devices continues to increase in heart failure patients. The potential roles for these devices can include defibrillation, pacing, resynchronization, and physiologic monitoring. While referral for implantable devices generally occurs in the outpatient setting, an acute care encounter may provide an opportunity for recognition of a patient with an appropriate indication for a device. Therefore, we briefly discuss the indications for an implantable cardiac device in heart failure patients, so as to facilitate recognition and potential referral. We will also discuss the data elements that can potentially be obtained from cardiac devices, as well as how this data can potentially aid in the diagnosis and treatment of acute heart failure.
Dopamine and Glutamate in Huntington’s Disease

The striatum is the main input structure of the basal ganglia. It is a centrally located region where afferents from the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and substantia nigra converge and interact. Glutamate is released from cortical and, to a lesser extent, thalamic terminals (1,2). Dopamine (DA) is released from nigrostriatal terminals (3). Because glutamate and DA inputs terminate on the same spines of striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (MSSNs), these sites offer the potential for physiological interactions between the glutamate and DA transmitter systems (4).
Retention reliability enhanced SONOS NVSM with scaled programming voltage

We describe progress in the design and scaling of SONOS nonvolatile memory devices. The deterioration of the Si-SiO/sub 2/ interface is associated with the degradation of long term retention in SONOS nonvolatile semiconductor memory (NVSM) devices. Two-step, high temperature deuterium anneals improves the endurance characteristics and retention reliability over traditional hydrogen anneals. We have realized -9 V +10 V (1ms) programmable SONOS devices ensuring 10 years retention time after 10/sup 7/ erase/write cycles at 85/spl deg/C. We introduce scaling considerations and process optimization along with experiments and SONOS device characterization. An FPGA-based measurement system is described for the dynamic characterization of SONOS nonvolatile memory devices.
An Analysis of Staphylococcus aureus Infections at a Military Medical Center Using the PLEX-ID Combined Polymerase Chain Reaction-Mass Spectrometry System

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major cause of morbidity in the military health care setting. Culture-based methods are the most common means of identifying infections caused by this agent. However, culture-based methods lack sensitivity and specificity. The Abbott PLEX-ID instrument uses a combination of the polymerase chain reaction and mass spectrometry for the identification of bacterial isolates. We investigated whether the Abbott PLEX-ID system could identify S. aureus in clinical material and facilitate the epidemiological analysis of individual isolates. The PLEX-ID system positively identified 100% of isolates previously found to be methicillin resistant S. aureus by culture. In addition, analysis using the PLEX-ID software revealed that the majority of S. aureus isolates at Tripler Army Medical Center derive from clonal complex 8 and nearly 100% of these strains express the R-variant of the Panton-Valentine leukocidin virulence factor. These results demonstrate the utility of the...
A Discrete and Dynamic Version of Klee's Measure Problem.

Given a set of axis-aligned boxesB =fB1;B2;:::;Bng and a set of pointsP =fp1;p2;:::;pmg in d-space, let the discrete measure ofB with respect toP be dened as meas(B;P) = jP \f S n=1 Bigj, namely, the number of points of P contained in the union of boxes of B. This is a discrete and dynamic version of Klee’s measure problem, which asks for the Euclidean volume of a union of boxes. Our result is a data structure for maintaining meas(B;P) under dynamic updates to both P and B, with O(log d n + m 1 1 d ) time for each insert or delete operation in B, O(log d n + logm) time for each insert and O(logm) time for each delete operation inP, and O(1) time for the measure query. Our bound is slightly better than what can be achieved by applying a more general technique of Chan [3], but the primary appeal is that the method is simpler and more direct.
Two new genera of Phoridae (Insecta: Diptera) from the Neotropical Region

Two new genera and species, Tapantia bicasa and Tayrona nitifrons, are described from Tapanti National Park, Costa Rica, and Tayrona National Park, Colombia, respectively. Tapantia bicasa is a basal lineage phorid of uncertain relationships, as it structurally resembles the genus Triphleba Rondani, but has male terminalia extremely similar to those of Dohrniphora Dahl. Tayrona nitifrons is highly unusual in many aspects, but especially in frontal setation, leg structure, wing structure, and male terminalia. It is classified in the subfamily Metopininae, although its precise relationships are unknown.
Cytomegalovirus IgM Seroprevalence among Women of Reproductive Age in the United States.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM indicates recent active CMV infection. CMV IgM seroprevalence is a useful marker for prevalence of transmission. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III 1988–1994, we present estimates of CMV IgM prevalence by race/ethnicity, provide a comparison of IgM seroprevalence among all women and among CMV IgG positive women, and explore factors possibly associated with IgM seroprevalence, including socioeconomic status and exposure to young children. There was no difference in IgM seroprevalence by race/ethnicity among all women (3.1%, 2.2%, and 1.6% for non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black and Mexican American, respectively; P = 0.11). CMV IgM seroprevalence decreased significantly with increasing age in non-Hispanic black women (P<0.001 for trend) and marginally among Mexican American women (P = 0.07), while no apparent trend with age was seen in non-Hispanic white women (P = 0.99). Among 4001 IgG+ women, 118 were IgM+, resulting in 4.9% IgM seroprevalence. In IgG+ women, IgM seroprevalence varied significantly by age (5.3%, 7.3%, and 3.7% for women of 12–19, 20–29, and 30–49 years; P = 0.04) and race/ethnicity (6.1%, 2.7%, and 2.0% for non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Mexican American; P<0.001). The factors reported associated with IgG seroprevalence were not associated with IgM seroprevalence. The patterns of CMV IgM seroprevalence by age, race/ethnicity, and IgG serostatus may help understanding the epidemiology of congenital CMV infection as a consequence of vertical transmission and are useful for identifying target populations for intervention to reduce CMV transmission.
Tandem intercostal thoracic schwannomas resected using a thoracoscopic nerve-sparing technique: case report.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE To describe a novel nerve-sparing technique for the resection of intercostal nerve schwannomas. This case demonstrates that intercostal neuralgia can be caused by intercostal schwannomas and that it can be relieved by their removal. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A young woman with schwannomatosis had progressively worsening intercostal neuralgia caused by compression of the intercostal nerve against the rib by tandem intercostal schwannomas. After the tumors were removed, her symptoms were completely relieved. A thoracoscopic technique was used to define the involved fascicles and to facilitate removal of the tumors while sparing the uninvolved nerve. CONCLUSION The patient's radicular pain was relieved completely by the tumor resection. Thoracoscopic surgery offers a safe and minimally invasive technique for removal of intercostal schwannomas and is a valid alternative to open thoracotomy. Removal of thoracic schwannomas can relieve intercostal neuralgia.
Kernel Spot of Pecan Caused by the Southern Green Soldier Bug

Kernel spot proves to be a physiological trouble, resulting from the feeding of Hemiptera, particularly Nezara viridula L. As a result of such feeding the tissue of the kernel breaks down for a short distance around the puncture, resulting in a hemispherical discolored portion. This becomes bitter and imparts its bitterness to the whole kernel. Only the kernel is affected and the trouble cannot be detected until the nut is cracked. The insects can cause kernel spot only during the period when the kernel is hardening. They do not breed on pecans; only the adults feed on the nuts. Cowpeas and soybeans, being important breeding hosts, should not be used as cover crops in the orchards.
Should Hospitals Collect Blood

In the mid-1970s, decisions were made by the blood banking establishments and the federal government, through the statement of the National Blood Policy, that resulted in an increasing degree of cooperation and centralization of blood collection, processing, and distribution of products. Examination of statistics indicated that much progress has been made in meeting the goals of the National Blood Policy. Because of financial pressures resulting from concern of the public, the federal government, and other third-party payers about escalation in health care costs, some hospitals are considering collecting blood from donors for homologous transfusion. If that were to happen, there potentially could be adverse effects on supply, quality (safety), accessibility of blood, collection of information, and costs for the collecting hospital as well as for all hospitals. Hospitals are urged to consider all the effects of collecting blood before they begin.
Telepresence in Actv Media Spaces

Two studies were conducted to assess telepresence in “active” and “inactive” media spaces. Telepresence in the current context is defined by the type of access provided to remote space and by the type of sharing of artifacts occurring in that space. The media spaces investigated entailed the use of multiple video sources and groupware applications between two remotely located users. The first study involved participants negotiating the layout of a room utilizing a shared computer graphics program. The second study involved cooperative physical assembly of a real object. Observations of task performance behaviors and subject questionnaires were used to assess telepresence. Thirty-two pairs of subjects participated in each study. The studies resulted in a variety of findings concerning the use of a head-mounted camera, the number and location of video signals available to users, the setup of face-to-face video signals, and the appropriateness of different tasks given all of the previous variables.
A Vector Level Control Function for Generalized Octree Mesh Generation

Due to the complexity of 3D geometry structure, regular gridding algorithms often generate a very large amount of mesh points which requires an enormous amount of computational power for later device and process simulations. A vector level control function and related generalized octree method is presented in this paper, and it allows mesh refinement in selected directions only. Thus the grid points can be placed more optimally and that enables efficient device and process simulations.
Analysis of Attenuation-Counter Propagation feedback to a FET

We present a novel feedback mechanism in a wideband radio frequency (RF) amplifier. It explores the application of Attenuation-Counter Propagation (ACP) feedback to a FET transistor. An Agilent ADS model was constructed to simulate this device structure. The ACP feedback demonstrated stability and enabled a high input third-order intercept (IP3) point.
Development and examination of pop-top can openers and how they improve accessibility for an aging population

The primary function of consumer packaging, specifically pop top cans, is to protect the contents of the container and ensure it is safe and functional for the buyer to use. As packaging has evolved, greater focus is placed on increasing the convenience of products. Pop-top cans are simpler to use because they do not require tools but bring inherent problems with opening primarily for the older population. The development of different opening devices aims to improve accessibility for the older population by reducing the frustrations and discomforts associated with this style of packaging. A study of 24 individuals, showed different preferences in opening methods between older and younger individuals. Furthermore, determining time to open, EMG muscle activation, and wrist angle revealed that some objective measures related the subjective preferences. Younger individuals believed that the increased convenience of a pop top, greatly outweighed any pain they had to endure. The elderly however, preferred to use a simple opening device to transfer the movement away from the fingers to the wrist. Because of the reduction of precision movements, the elderly preferred to use the J-popper opening device. The difference in preferred opening methods between age groups shows that packaging designers must consider the needs of all members of the population when designing products to insure accessibility to all consumers.
Structural Analysis of Cyanobacterial Photosystem I

Summary Photosystem I is a large membrane protein complex that catalyzes the first step of oxygenic photosynthesis. It can be regarded as a solar energy converter that captures the light from the sun through a large core-antenna system of chlorophylls and carotenoids and transfers the energy into the center of the complex, where the energy is used to catalyze the light-driven transmembrane electron transfer from plastocyanin to ferredoxin. Photosystem I from
Dielectric Properties of Common Household Powders at Millimeter Wave and Terahertz Frequencies

This paper presents the refractive index, absorption coefficient, complex permittivity (real and imaginary), and loss tangent of talc, flour, and pesticide from 200 to 1,300 GHz. A unique resonance peak was observed in talc at 1,150 GHz.
Counterfeiting of Foreign Currency

The uncertainties and difficulties attending the punishment of the actions of private persons discussed in the preceding chapters would seem to be partially ameliorated in respect to counterfeiting the currency of foreign states. While states usually assert a right to exercise jurisdiction and to punish the falsification of their currency and securities wheresoever and by whomsoever committed,1 it is equally true that it is in this area where the territorial state is less hesitant to enact legislation punishing counterfeiters of foreign currency, thus attaining a greater measure of international cooperation.2 This does not imply that under the present law states owe each other a general duty to protect their monetary system;3 what it does imply is that on one specific duty there is general agreement, namely, that of preventing and punishing the counterfeiting of a foreign state’s currency. The present chapter has been added precisely to show how that duty has entered the common law of nations and to suggest that perhaps similar steps can be taken in respect to the other offenses previously discussed.
Citation analysis of the 100 most common articles regarding distal radius fractures.

Abstract Purpose Bibliometric studies are increasingly being utilized as a tool for gauging the impact of different literature within a given field. The purpose of this study was to identify the most cited articles related to the management of distal radius fractures to better understand how the evidence of this topic has been shaped and changed over time. Methods We utilized the ISI web of science database to conduct a search for the term “distal radius fracture” under the “orthopaedics” research area heading, and sorted the results by number of times cited. The 100 most cited articles published in orthopedic journals were then analyzed for number of citations, source journal, year of publication, number of authors, study type, level of evidence, and clinical outcomes utilized. Results The 100 most cited articles identified were published between 1951 and 2009. Total number of citations ranged between 525 and 67, and came from ten different orthopedic journals. The largest number of articles came from J Hand Surg Am and J Bone Joint Surg Am, each with 32. Consistent with previous analyses of orthopedic literature, the articles were primarily clinical, and of these, 53/76 were case series. The vast majority were evidence level IV. Only a small percentage of articles utilized patient reported outcome measures. Conclusions These data show that despite distal radius fractures being a common fracture encountered by physicians, very few of the articles were high quality studies, and only a low proportion of the studies include patient reported outcome measures. Surgeons should take this lack of high-level evidence into consideration when referencing classic papers in this field. Clinical relevance Analysis of the 100 most cited distal radius fracture articles allows for delineation of which articles are most common in the field and if a higher level of evidence correlates positively with citation quantity.
Cholesterol, Cholesterogenesis and Cancer

The suggestion that deranged cholesterol synthesis may play a role in carcinogenesis is not a new one. With characteristic prescience, Aldous Huxley anticipated the findings of the past few years linking cholesterol metabolism and cancer when he wrote as follows: “Some of the sterols were definitely poisonous… Longbottom had even suggested a connexion between fatty alcohols and neoplasms. In other words, cancer might be regarded, in the final analysis, as a symptom of sterol poisoning” (Huxley, 1939). Over the past few years, however, indeed in the past few months, there has been a remarkable burst of interest and publications suggesting not only that derangements in cholesterogenesis may relate to cancer, but that intervention in this synthetic pathway may specifically inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Predictors of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Plasma Concentrations in 6–10 Year Old American Children

Certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are suspected developmental toxicants, but data on PFAS concentrations and exposure routes in children are limited. We measured plasma PFASs in children aged 6–10 years from the Boston-area Project Viva prebirth cohort, and used multivariable linear regression to estimate associations with sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related factors, and maternal PFASs measured during pregnancy. PFAS concentrations in Project Viva children (sampled 2007–2010) were similar to concentrations among youth participants (aged 12–19 years) in the 2007–8 and 2009–10 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES); mean concentrations of most PFASs declined from 2007 to 2010 in Project Viva and NHANES. In mutually adjusted models, predictors of higher PFAS concentrations included older child age, lower adiposity, carpeting or a rug in the child’s bedroom, higher maternal education, and higher neighborhood income. Concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonate (...
The Meaning of Youth Physical Activity Experiences among Individuals with Psoriasis: A Retrospective Inquiry.

The purpose of this study was to examine the meaning that individuals with psoriasis ascribed to their youth physical activity experiences. This qualitative, retrospective inquiry was based on an i...
The Effect of Visiting Judges on the Treatment of Legal Policy in the U.S. Courts of Appeals

Many courts of appeals utilize visiting judges when deciding cases. While the contributions of visitors for the disposition of cases are widely recognized, their effect on the legal policy is less ...
Which Patients Require Extended Thromboprophylaxis After Colectomy? Modeling Risk and Assessing Indications for Post-discharge Pharmacoprophylaxis

BACKGROUND Given the conflicting nature of reported risk factors for post-discharge venous thromboembolism (VTE) and unclear guidelines for post-discharge pharmacoprophylaxis, we sought to determine risk factors for 30-day post-discharge VTE after colectomy to predict which patients will benefit from post-discharge pharmacoprophylaxis. METHODS Patients who underwent colectomy in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Participant Use Files from 2011 to 2015 were identified. Logistic regression modeling was used. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used and the best cut-points were determined using Youden's J index (sensitivity + specificity - 1). Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was used to test model calibration. A random sample of 30% of the cohort was used as a validation set. RESULTS Among 77,823 cases, the overall incidence of VTE after colectomy was 1.9%, with 0.7% of VTE events occurring in the post-discharge setting. Factors associated with post-discharge VTE risk including body mass index, preoperative albumin, operation time, hospital length of stay, race, smoking status, inflammatory bowel disease, return to the operating room and postoperative ileus were included in logistic regression equation model. The model demonstrated good calibration (goodness of fit P = 0.7137) and good discrimination (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.68; validation set, AUC = 0.70). A score of ≥-5.00 had the maxim sensitivity and specificity, resulting in 36.63% of patients being treated with prophylaxis for an overall VTE risk of 0.67%. CONCLUSION Approximately one-third of post-colectomy VTE events occurred after discharge. Patients with predicted post-discharge VTE risk of ≥-5.00 should be recommended for extended post-discharge VTE prophylaxis.
Atrial Fibrillation and Worse Outcomes in ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Is It All About Infarct Size, or Do We Need to Look Elsewhere?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia in patients admitted to a hospital with myocardial infarction (MI). In a large study looking at 106 780 patients, AF prevalence was 22%, with half of AF patients presenting with and half developing AF during their hospitalization for acute MI.1 With the use of implantable cardiac monitoring, AF incidence was as high as 39% at 24 months in post-MI patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.2 The relationship between AF and MI is complex and bidirectional, but it is clear that MI patients with AF uniformly have worse outcomes.3,4 Despite the clear association between AF and poor prognosis in MI, the influence of infarct characteristics on this relationship has remained unclear, mostly because prior studies have lacked the ability to directly assess this important question. See Article by Reinstadler et al Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a noninvasive tool with the ability to provide myocardial tissue characterization. Gadolinium contrast agent has increased extracellular distribution and delayed washout in areas of myocardial infarct or scar, and late gadolinium enhancement CMR imaging has become the gold standard for assessing myocardial infarct size.5 T2-weighted imaging allows visualization of myocardial edema, and in patients with acute MI, these areas of edema represent the amount of myocardium at risk.6 Amount of myocardial salvage is then …
Randomized controlled trial of Amigo® robotically controlled versus manually controlled ablation of the cavo-tricuspid isthmus using a contact force ablation catheter.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of the cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) is a common treatment for atrial flutter (AFL). However, achieving bi-directional CTI conduction block may be difficult, partly due to catheter instability. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Amigo® Remote Catheter System (RCS) compared to manual catheter manipulation, during CTI ablation for AFL. Fifty patients (pts) were prospectively randomized to robotically (25 pts) versus manually (25 pts) controlled catheter manipulation during CTI ablation, using a force-contact sensing, irrigated ablation catheter. The primary outcome was recurrence of CTI conduction after a 30-min waiting period. Secondary outcomes included total ablation, procedure, and fluoroscopy times, contact force measurement, and catheter stability. Recurrence of CTI conduction 30 min after ablation was less with robotically (0/25) versus manually (6/25) controlled ablation (p = 0.023). Total ablation and procedure times to achieve persistent CTI block (6.7 ± 3 vs. 7.4 ± 2.5 min and 14.9 ± 7.5 vs. 15.2 ± 7 min, respectively) were not significantly different (p = 0.35 and p = 0.91, respectively). There was a non-significant trend toward a greater force time integral (FTI in gm/s) with robotically versus manually controlled CTI ablation (571 ± 278 vs. 471 ± 179, p = 0.13). Fluoroscopy time was longer with robotically versus manually controlled CTI ablation (6.8 ± 4.4 min vs. 3.8 ± 2.3 min, p = 0.0027). There were no complications in either group. Robotically controlled CTI ablation resulted in fewer acute recurrences of CTI conduction compared to manually controlled CTI ablation, and a trend toward higher FTI. The longer fluoroscopy time during robotically controlled ablation was likely due to a steep learning curve. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02467179
Experimental-Analytical Substructuring of a Complicated Jointed Structure Using Nonlinear Modal Models

This work extends recent methods to calculate dynamic substructuring predictions of a weakly nonlinear structure using nonlinear pseudo-modal models. In previous works, constitutive joint models (such as the modal Iwan element) were used to capture the nonlinearity of each subcomponent on a mode-by-mode basis. This work uses simpler polynomial stiffness and damping elements to capture nonlinear dynamics from more diverse jointed connections including large continuous interfaces. The proposed method requires that the modes of the system remain distinct and uncoupled in the amplitude range of interest. A windowed sinusoidal loading is used to excite each experimental subcomponent mode in order to identify the nonlinear pseudo-modal models. This allows for a higher modal amplitude to be achieved when fitting these models and extends the applicable amplitude range of this method. Once subcomponent modal models have been experimentally extracted for each mode, the Transmission Simulator method is implemented to assemble the subcomponent models into a nonlinear assembled prediction. Numerical integration methods are used to evaluate this prediction compared to a truth test of the nonlinear assembly.
Data integration for functional annotation of regulatory single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with Alzheimer's disease susceptibility.

Abstract Background Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia affects 24.3 million people worldwide. More than twenty genetic loci have been associated with AD and a significant number of genetic variants were mapped within these loci. A large proportion of genome wide significant variants lie outside the coding region. However, the plausible function of these variants is still unexplored. Objective The present study aimed to unravel the regulatory role of proxy single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), to determine their risk of developing AD. Methods The RegulomeDB was employed to predict the regulatory role of proxy SNPs. Protein association network and functional enrichment analysis was performed using String10.5 and gene ontology, respectively. Results A total of 451 SNPs were examined through SNAP web portal (r2 ≤ 0.80) which returned 2186 proxy SNPs in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with genome wide significant SNPs for AD. Out of 2186 SNPs analyzed in RegulomeDB, 151 had the scores Conclusion These findings support the notion that the non-coding variants can be strongly associated with disease risk. Further validation through genome wide association studies will be helpful for the elucidation of their regulatory potential.