cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Branch capture reactions: displacers derived from asymmetric PCR

Branch capture reactions (BCR) contain three DNA species: (i) a recipient restriction fragment terminating in an overhang, (ii) a displacer strand containing two adjacent sequences, with one complementary to the overhang and to contiguous nucleotides within the recipient duplex and (iii) a linker which is complementary to the second displacer sequence. Branched complexes containing all three species may be captured by ligation of the linker to the recipient overhang. The use of 5-MedC in the displacer facilitates BCR. High temperature ligation with a thermostable enzyme increased specificity for ligation to the correct recipient in a complex mixture of restriction fragments. Displacer synthesis by PCR permitted separate reactions of formation of stable displacement complexes and of high-temperature ligation. Ethylene glycol-containing buffer permitted PCR with 5-MedCTP or high G + C products using thermostable polymerases. BCR may be used to modify the ends of one recipient DNA duplex in a population of duplex DNA fragments. Modification of the recipient could be used to facilitate detection, affinity chromatography or cloning. By using PCR to obtain a BCR displacer, the sequence non-homologous to the recipient duplex may be expanded to include the sequence of a selectable marker, thus facilitating chromosome walking.
Single and multiple in-season measurements as indicators of at-harvest cotton boll damage caused by verde plant bug (Hemiptera: Miridae).

ABSTRACT The ability to monitor verde plant bug, Creontiades signatus Distant (Hemiptera: Miridae), and the progression of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., boll responses to feeding and associated cotton boll rot provided opportunity to assess if single in-season measurements had value in evaluating at-harvest damage to bolls and if multiple in-season measurements enhanced their combined use. One in-season verde plant bug density measurement, three in-season plant injury measurements, and two at-harvest damage measurements were taken in 15 cotton fields in South Texas, 2010. Linear regression selected two measurements as potentially useful indicators of at-harvest damage: verde plant bug density (adjusted r 2 = 0.68; P = 0.0004) and internal boll injury of the carpel wall (adjusted r 2 = 0.72; P = 0.004). Considering use of multiple measurements, a stepwise multiple regression of the four in-season measurements selected a univariate model (verde plant bug density) using a 0.15 selection criterion (adjusted ...
Association between HIV in pregnancy and antiretroviral therapy, including protease inhibitors and low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of low birth weight infants born to HIV seropositive women and to demonstrate any effects of antiretroviral therapy on birth weight. METHODS: Retrospective review of all obstetrical medical records from January 1, 1995 through June 30, 1998 to identify HIV seropositive women. We evaluated their antiretroviral therapy, CD4 counts, and birth weights of their newborns. We conducted detailed review of the clinical and laboratory findings for the HIV-infected untreated patients, women who received ZDV antepartum alone, and those who received PIs as part of antiretroviral treatment. RESULTS: The frequency of low birth weight infants was significantly increased in HIV seropositive compared to HIV seronegative parturients. Low birth weight infants were more frequent among HIV infected women with lower CD4 counts but the association was not statistically significant. Women who received no antepartum treatment, antepartum only ZDV, and those treated with PIs had significantly more low birth weight infants than did comparison groups. HIV seropositive women also had high frequencies of several obstetrical risk factors for low birth weight infants. CONCLUSION: The present study showed a significantly increased frequency of low birth weight infants among HIV infected women and especially the subgroups of infected women who received no antepartum treatment, antepartum ZDV only, and those treated with PIs. This association, however, may be related to the presence of many other preterm obstetrical risk factors noted in this study. Increasing numbers of HIV seropositive women are being treated with PIs according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. If PIs are a cause of low birth weight infants, women taking these drugs may have incremental risk of low birth weight.
Atomistically Informed Electrostatic Model of an Edge Dislocation in a Complex Crystalline Material

Dislocations are not only mechanical features of crystalline materials, but also complex electrostatic features; this has important implications for understanding electrical and optical properties of real semiconductor materials. An edge dislocation in a semiconductor material becomes electrically charged when free electrons migrate to the dangling bonds along the core; the line charge along the core is then partially screened by the background free carrier concentration. In this work we consider the atomistic structure of an edge dislocation in a technologically important compound semiconductor material, GaN, and develop a complete continuum model of the electrostatic structure of the dislocation. The atomistic analysis is used to determine the maximum charged state of the dislocation core according to first principles electronic structure analysis; the maximum charged state is then expressed as a continuum electrostatic potential. By formulating an energy balance model as a function of the incremental f...
Coverage estimation for crowded targets in visual sensor networks

Coverage estimation is one of the fundamental problems in sensor networks. Coverage estimation in visual sensor networks (VSNs) is more challenging than in conventional 1-D (omnidirectional) scalar sensor networks (SSNs) because of the directional sensing nature of cameras and the existence of visual occlusion in crowded environments. This article represents a first attempt toward a closed-form solution for the visual coverage estimation problem in the presence of occlusions. We investigate a new target detection model, referred to as the certainty-based target detection (as compared to the traditional uncertainty-based target detection) to facilitate the formulation of the visual coverage problem. We then derive the closed-form solution for the estimation of the visual coverage probability based on this new target detection model that takes visual occlusions into account. According to the coverage estimation model, we further propose an estimate of the minimum sensor density that suffices to ensure a visual K-coverage in a crowded sensing field. Simulation is conducted which shows extreme consistency with results from theoretical formulation, especially when the boundary effect is considered. Thus, the closed-form solution for visual coverage estimation is effective when applied to real scenarios, such as efficient sensor deployment and optimal sleep scheduling.
Sleep in Individuals With Angelman Syndrome: Parent Perceptions of Patterns and Problems

The diagnostic criteria for Angelman syndrome includes sleep disturbance as an associated characteristic. There are, however, few researchers who have examined sleep problems in this population. Our goal in this study was to better characterize the sleep patterns and problems in individuals with Angelman syndrome. Parents of 339 individuals between the ages of 3 and 22 completed a previously validated sleep questionnaire. Results confirmed that a variety of sleep problems exist in a significant portion of individuals with Angelman syndrome, most prominently in the areas of sleep initiation, sleep duration, reliance on sleep facilitators, being awakened by loud noises, and being disoriented when aroused. Developmental trends, syndrome specificity of findings, clinical implications, and directions for future research are discussed.
Protection against epinephrine-induced myocardial necrosis by drugs that inhibit platelet aggregation.

Abstract To investigate the possibility that the myocardial necrosis seen after epinephrine infusion is related to the platelet aggregating effects of epinephrine, 10 dogs pretreated with aspirin, 10 dogs pretreated with dipyridamole and 10 dogs not pretreated were infused with epinephrine, 4 μg/kg per min; their hearts were studied histologically after sacrifice 1 week later. All of the control animals had necrosis, 6 with 3+, 2 with 2+, and 2 with 1+ necrosis. Seven of the 10 dogs pretreated with aspirin and 7 of the 10 pretreated with dipyridamole had no evidence of myocardial necrosis. Three dogs pretreated with aspirin had 1+ necrosis; 3 pretreated with dipyridamole had 2+, 1+ and trace degrees of necrosis, respectively. This demonstration of a protective effect of antiplatelet aggregating agents suggests that intravascular platelet aggregation plays a role in catecholamine-induced myocardial necrosis. Clinical acute myocardial infarction seen after prolonged stress (during which catecholamine secretion is increased) may be related to similar intravascular platelet thrombosis induced by catecholamines occluding a coronary artery previously narrowed by atherosclerosis.
Inglés Para Ti: Helping Hispanics Learn English

Mexican-born immigrants are the leading migrant group in the United States, and 71% of are limited English proficient. Because estimates suggest an increase in the influx of adult English language students in the next decade, and employers will seek to hire these individuals, it is important for language-minority adults to learn English. Ingles Para Ti, an English language school in Dallas Texas, employs a unique English teaching method reflective of students’ real-life situations. Focused primarily on conversation, students gain practical skills useful in their personal and work lives. Ingles Para Ti students have experienced great success from gaining English prociency. Many have been able to acquire their first job or have been promoted in their existing professions. Most students have gained the confidence to venture outside of their communities and join the larger community by eating in restaurants and shopping in stores outside of their Hispanic neighborhoods. Ingles Para Ti students have reported experiencing less discrimination as they gained English proficiency. Many have gained the English proficiency to become American citizens.
Comparative Tumor-Initiating Activity of Complex Mixtures From Environmental Particulate Emissions on SENCAR Mouse Skin,,,

The value of the SENCAR mouse for testing tumorigenic properties of complex mixtures on mouse skin was studied. Seven complex mixtures were obtained as dichloromethane extracts of collected particulate emissions from three diesel-fueled automobiles, a heavy-duty diesel engine, a nonleaded gasoline-fueled automobile, a coke oven battery, and a roofing tar pot. These emissions were applied topically at multiple doses to both male and female SENCAR mice that were subsequently promoted with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate. Two statistical analyses were applied to the data to rank the samples and to provide 95% confidence intervals. One analysis used tumor multiplicity data, applied them to a nonlinear Poisson model, and the second analysis used tumor incidence data and applied them to a log-probit model. Both analyses ranked the complex mixtures in similar order. Benzo(a)pyrene content alone could not account for all the tumorigenic activity in each complex mixture, indicating that other components also contribute to the overall tumorigenic activity.
On the perceptual relevance of objective source separation measures for singing voice separation

Singing Voice Separation (SVS) is a task which uses audio source separation methods to isolate the vocal component from the background accompaniment for a song mix. This paper discusses the methods of evaluating SVS algorithms, and determines how the current state of the art measures correlate to human perception. A modified ITU-R BS.1543 MUSHRA test is used to get the human perceptual ratings for the outputs of various SVS algorithms, which are correlated with widely used objective measures for source separation quality. The results show that while the objective measures provide a moderate correlation with perceived intelligibility and isolation, they may not adequately assess the overall perceptual quality.
Sex-Role Characterization of Women in “Modern Gothic” Novels:

In recent years, with the increased public awareness of the fact of inequality in American society, attention has also been focused on the related issues of defining male and female roles and sex-role stereotypy. This rise in "sexual consciousness" among women and the concomitant questioning of sex-role definitions can be attributed in no small measure to the Women's Movement and its hallmark publication, The Feminine Mystique (Friedan, 1963). Thus, sociologists, along with others, have begun to devote scholarly attention to this area of interest. Recognizing that roles develop in the social process, are assigned, and their definitions (or "expectations") internalized by members, sociologists have begun to explore the part played by different agents in the process of socialization. They have recognized that the mass media provide an important source of informal or unplanned learning for the
Lobar contribution to VA/Q inequality during constant-flow ventilation.

Previous studies have shown that normal arterial PCO2 can be maintained during apnea in anesthetized dogs by delivering a continuous stream of inspired ventilation through cannulas aimed down the main stem bronchi, although this constant-flow ventilation (CFV) was also associated with a significant increase in ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) inequality, compared with conventional mechanical ventilation (IPPV). Conceivably, this VA/Q inequality might result from differences in VA/Q ratios among lobes caused by nonuniform distribution of ventilation, even though individual lobes are relatively homogeneous. Alternatively, the VA/Q inequality may occur at a lobar level if those factors causing the VA/Q mismatch also existed within lobes. We compared the efficiency of gas exchange simultaneously in whole lung and left lower lobe by use of the multiple inert gas elimination technique in nine anesthetized open-chest dogs. Measurements of whole lung and left lower lobe gas exchange allowed comparison of the degree of VA/Q inequality within vs. among lobes. During IPPV with positive end-expiratory pressure, arterial PO2 and PCO2 (183 +/- 41 and 34.3 +/- 3.1 Torr, respectively) were similar to lobar venous PO2 and PCO2 (172 +/- 64 and 35.7 +/- 4.1 Torr, respectively; inspired O2 fraction = 0.44 +/- 0.02). Switching to CFV (3 l.kg-1.min-1) decreased arterial PO2 (112 +/- 26 Torr, P less than 0.001) and lobar venous PO2 (120 +/- 27 Torr, P less than 0.01) but did not change the shunt measured with inert gases (P greater than 0.5).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients

Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity (CIC) is a well-documented side effect of breast cancer treatment. Nearly all chemotherapeutic agents can cause CIC with the highest occurrence found in anthracycline and trastuzumab use. Treatment- and patient-related risk factors contribute to the development of CIC making risk modification an important consideration during breast cancer treatment. Prevention and early detection of cardiotoxicity are key to minimizing permanent and devastating cardiac damage; therefore, early involvement of a cardiologist including periodic cardiac monitoring during and after chemotherapy exposure is recommended.
Effects of Alpha, Gamma, and Alpha-Recoil Radiation on Borosilicate Glass Containing Savannah River Plant Defense High-Level Nuclear Waste

At the Savannah River Plant, the reference process for the immobilization of defense high-level waste (DHLW) for geologic storage is vitrification into borosilicate glass. During geologic storage for 106y, the glass would be exposed to ∼3 × 1010 rad of β radiation, ∼1010 rad of γ radiation, and 1018 particles/g glass for both α and α-recoil radiation. This paper discusses tests of the effect of these radiations on the leachability and density of the glass. No effect of the radiations was detected that reduced the effectiveness of the glass for long-term storage of DHLW even at doses corresponding to 106 years storage for the actual glass. For the tests, glass containing simulated DHLW was prepared from frit of the reference composition. Three methods were used to irradiate the glass: external irradiations with beams of ∼200 keV or Pb ions, internal irradiations with Cm–244 doped glass, and external irradiations with Co–60 γ rays. Results with both Xe and Pb ions indicate that a dose of 3 × 1013 ions/cm2 (simulating >106 years storage) does not significantly increase the leachability of the glass in deionized water. Tests with Cm–244 doped glass show no increase in leach rate in deionized water up to a dose of 1.3 × 1018 α and α-recoils/g glass. The density of the Cm–244 doped glass has decreased by 1% at a dose of 1018 particles/g glass. With γ-radiation, the density has changed by <0.05% at a dose of 8.5 × 1010 rad. Results of leach tests in deionized water and brine indicated that this very large dose of γ-radiation increased the leach rate by only 20%. Also, the leach rates are 3 to 4 times lower in brine.
Epidemiological analysis for shigellosis during 2003 to 2006 in Chaoyang District, Beijing

Objective To explore the epidemiological features of shigellosis during 2003 to 2006 in Chaoyang District, Beijing, and understand the rules of its incidence to provide scientific basis for formulating strategy and measures of its prevention and control.Methods Distribution of all the cases of bacillary dysentery diagnosed clinically during 2003 to 2006 in Chaoyang District was described and analyzed based on the data collected.Results There were 29?722 cases of bacillary dysentery diagnosed during 2003 to 2006 in Chaoyang District, with an annual incidence of 296 per 100?000 population. There was an obvious seasonality of incidence, 20?268 cases occurred in June to September, accounting for 68.19 percent of the total cases, and there was a peak of incidence in children aged under ten years. Fecal bacillary culture was conducted in 603 cases, with positive results in 89 cases (14.70%), 64 identified as group B of Shigella flexneri (71.9%) and 25 as group D of Shigella sonnei (28.1%).Conclusion Low positivity of shigella bacillus was detected by fecal culture in patients with bacillary dysentery clinically diagnosed. Therefore, current diagnostic criteria for bacillary dysentery in China should be explored further.
Influence of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin on Expression of GATA-3 in Lung of Asthmatic Mouse

Objective To evaluate the influence of bacillus calmette-guarin(BCG) treament on the airway inflammation and expression of GATA-3 in lung of asthmatic mouse.Methods Twenty-four Kunming mouse were randomly divided into asthma group,BCG treatment group and control group.The mouse were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin(OVA) to establish asthmatic model.The mouse in BCG treatment group were injected intradermally with BCG 5 days before and after sensitization.The number of total cells and eosinophils in BALF were counted.The concentration of cytokine IL-4 in BALF was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The expression of GATA-3 in the lung was observed by immunohistochemistry.Results 1.The number of total cells and eosinophils in BALF of asthma group were significantly higher than those of control group(Pa0.001);the number of total cells and eosinophils in BALF of BCG treament group were significantly lower than those of asthmatic mouse(Pa0.001).2.The concentration of IL-4 in BALF of asthma group was significantly higher than that of control group(P0.01);the level of IL-4 in BALF of asthma mouse treated with BCG treament decreased compared with asthmatic mouse(P0.01).3.Immunohistochemical staining of lung sections showed that expression of GATA-3 in asthmatic mouse was stronger than that of BCG-treated mouse.Conclusion BCG can inhibit the expression of GATA-3 in lung of asthmatic mouse,which resulted in TH2 cytokine decrease and relief of airway inflammation.
Survey on Correlation of Mother Education Degree Types and Injuries Types Among Some Urban Students Aged 13-22,Liaoning Province

Objective To investigate the relationship between five levels of mother education degree(MED)and fifteen sorts of injuries types(IT)among male and female students,so as to provide scientific basis for the health education on avoiding injuries. Methods A total of 25 710 students aged 13 to 22years old were surveyed with special questionnaires. Results The report rates of 15 sorts of IT in different mother education degree were as follows.Bachelor degree or above was 66.26%,junior college 68.90%,primary school or below 67.06%,senior high school 66.26%,junior high school 63.56%.The difference among five MED was significant on 7sorts of IT.Among them,all 7sorts were obviously high in male students whose mother had the highest MED;only 2sorts were obviously high in male students whose mother had the lowest MED;6sorts were low in other 3levels of MED.The difference among five MED was significant on 8sorts of IT in female students.Among them,7 were obviously high in female students whose mother had the highest MED;only 3sorts were obviously high in female students whose mother had the lowest MED;7sorts were low in other 3levels of MED. Conclusion Half sorts of IT have obvious relationship with MED,most of them,students whose mothers have the highest MED usually have the higher incidence;few of them,students whose mothers have the lowest MED also have the higher incidence;and most of them,students whose mothers have other 3levels of MED have the lower incidence.
Schaub's Pynchon

Pynchon: The Voice of Ambiguity. By Thomas H. Schaub. Urbana: Univ.-of Illinois Press, 1981. 165 pp. $13.50.
Role of nitric oxide in gastric hyperemia induced by central vagal stimulation

The effects of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, on the vagal cholinergic increase in gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) and acid secretion induced by intracisternal injection of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) analogue, RX 77368, were studied. GMBF and acid secretion were measured simultaneously by the hydrogen gas clearance technique and titration of gastric perfusate in urethan-anesthetized rats. RX 77368 (30 ng) injected intracisternally stimulated gastric acid secretion and GMBF for 90 and 180 min respectively. GMBF was increased from basal 63 +/- 4 to 166 +/- 14 ml.min-1.100 g-1 at 60 min postinjection. L-NAME (3 mg/kg) injected intravenously 15 min before RX 77368 completely prevented the increase in GMBF induced by the TRH analogue, whereas the acid response was not modified. The effect of L-NAME was reversed by L-arginine but not by the stereoisomer D-arginine. These results show that the increase in GMBF, but not the stimulation of acid secretion, induced by central vagal activation is mediated through a product of L-arginine-NO pathway.
Penicillin-Binding Protein Transpeptidase Signatures for Tracking and Predicting β-Lactam Resistance Levels in Streptococcus pneumoniae

ABSTRACT β-Lactam antibiotics are the drugs of choice to treat pneumococcal infections. The spread of β-lactam-resistant pneumococci is a major concern in choosing an effective therapy for patients. Systematically tracking β-lactam resistance could benefit disease surveillance. Here we developed a classification system in which a pneumococcal isolate is assigned to a “PBP type” based on sequence signatures in the transpeptidase domains (TPDs) of the three critical penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), PBP1a, PBP2b, and PBP2x. We identified 307 unique PBP types from 2,528 invasive pneumococcal isolates, which had known MICs to six β-lactams based on broth microdilution. We found that increased β-lactam MICs strongly correlated with PBP types containing divergent TPD sequences. The PBP type explained 94 to 99% of variation in MICs both before and after accounting for genomic backgrounds defined by multilocus sequence typing, indicating that genomic backgrounds made little independent contribution to β-lactam MICs at the population level. We further developed and evaluated predictive models of MICs based on PBP type. Compared to microdilution MICs, MICs predicted by PBP type showed essential agreement (MICs agree within 1 dilution) of >98%, category agreement (interpretive results agree) of >94%, a major discrepancy (sensitive isolate predicted as resistant) rate of IMPORTANCE The human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. β-Lactam antibiotics such as penicillin and ceftriaxone are the drugs of choice to treat pneumococcal infections. Some pneumococcal strains have developed β-lactam resistance through altering their penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and have become a major concern in choosing effective patient therapy. To systematically track and predict β-lactam resistance, we obtained the sequence signatures of PBPs from a large collection of clinical pneumococcal isolates using whole-genome sequencing data and found that these “PBP types” were predictive of resistance levels. Our findings can benefit the current era of strain surveillance when whole-genome sequencing data often lacks detailed resistance information. Using PBP positions that we found are always substituted within highly resistant strains may lead to further refinements. Sequence-based predictions are accurate and may lead to the ability to extract critical resistance information from nonculturable clinical specimens.
Enhanced Access and Parents' Preferred Contact for a Child's Chronic Condition.

Objectives To assess whether the perception of enhanced access by parents in their child's primary care and main specialty practices is associated with preference for contacting either practice when problems arise with a child's chronic condition. Study design In this cross-sectional survey study of parents whose children use both primary and specialty practices, we assessed perceptions of 3 components of enhanced access: (1) appointment availability when needed, (2) electronic communication with practices, and (3) other staff that help manage a child's health care needs. Parents also indicated which practice they would contact for an exacerbation of the main chronic condition for which the child receives specialty care. We used logistic regression to examine relationships of enhanced access components in both practices with parents' indicated practice. Results Among 609 parents, 244 (40%) would contact primary care and 365 (60%) the main specialty practice for a chronic condition exacerbation. Although parents perceived enhanced access components with similar frequency in both settings, enhanced access was associated only with preference for contacting the main specialty practice: e-mail communication (aOR for preferring the specialty practice 2.0 [1.3, 3.2]) and staff that coordinate a child's care needs (aOR 2.8 [1.4, 5.9]). Conclusions Enhanced access is associated with preference for addressing chronic condition exacerbations in specialty but not primary care. Future study should further identify factors important to parents in deciding when and how to contact practices and should seek to develop family-centered communication within medical homes that integrate primary and specialty care.
Anchoring Bias as a Limiting Factor in High-Value Care: A Case of Fever of Unknown Origin in a Hospitalized Child

A previously healthy 4-year-old girl with a 3-week history of subjective weight loss, diffuse abdominal pain, and fever presented to the emergency department for evaluation. Her examination was remarkable for right-sided abdominal tenderness. Initial laboratory results were significant for microcytic anemia with hemoglobin of 8.8 g/dL, thrombocytosis to 800 K/µL, leukocytosis to 19.8 K/µL (91% neutrophils), and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate to 128 mm/h. An ultrasound demonstrated a normal appendix with a small amount of nonspecific free fluid in the right lower quadrant, the latter of which prompted an abdominal MRI. Although there was no evidence of appendicitis, the MRI was incidentally notable for numerous punctate T2 hyperintensities of the liver, of unclear significance. The patient was admitted for further evaluation, at which time the gastroenterology and infectious disease services were consulted. Gastroenterology recommended a fecal calprotectin and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies to evaluate for the possibility of inflammatory bowel disease. On the basis of a recent kitten exposure, the infectious disease service recommended Bartonella serologies and polymerase chain reaction, echocardiogram, ophthalmologic examination, and empirical azithromycin for suspected diagnosis of visceral cat scratch disease (CSD). All infectious studies were negative, casting doubt on …
On Low Complexity ML Decoder for Quaternion Orthogonal Designs

Quaternion orthogonal designs (QODs) provide an efficient way of constructing orthogonal space time polarization block codes to achieve larger transmit diversity gains without substantial increase in antenna dimensions. However, their optimal decoding remains a big challenge. This letter introduces an important constraint, which has not been emphasized before, for decoupled decoding of QODs and proposes a generalized low complexity maximum-likelihood decoder for QODs based on symmetric-paired designs. The main contribution of this letter is to explore the benefits of QODs for smaller as well as higher order designs without compromising system performance. Results show that the proposed decoder yields optimal decoupled decoding with remarkably low complexity. This letter also compares the performance of quaternion coordinate interleaved orthogonal designs (QCIODs), which provide full diversity, with proposed symmetric-paired designs and shows that proposed designs significantly outperform QCIODs.
Development of poly(vinyl alcohol)/wood-derived biochar composites for use in pressure sensor applications

Carbon-based electrically conductive polymer composites have been considered as promising materials for piezoresistive pressure and strain sensors. The objective of this work is to investigate the behaviors of wood-derived biochar-filled polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites as pressure sensors. Composites of polyvinyl alcohol and wood-derived biochar were prepared by a solution casting method. The research found that with elevated pressure from 0 to 358 kPa, the electrical resistance of PVA/biochar composite sensors with 8, 10, and 12 wt% biochar content (to 10% PVA solution by weight) gradually decreased by 92, 98, and 99%, respectively. Also, the effects of sensor thickness (0.40, 0.50, and 0.60 mm) and temperature (from −20 to 70 °C) were investigated. Results indicated that effect of thickness was most influential in the 8 wt% PVA/biochar sensors. Higher temperature (40–70 °C) enhanced the sensor voltage output, while lower temperature (−5 to −20 °C) reduced the piezoresistive effects.
Weight judgment as a function of apparent density of objects

Five cubes of equal size and weight made of balsa wood, mahogany, aluminum, brass, and steel were ranked from heaviest to lightest in the above order by Ss who lifted each of these cubes, while Ss who ranked the cubes visually reported the reverse order, as their apparent density would prescribe. Pile omenologically the present results, which might be called a density-weight illusion, are quite similar to those of the size-weight illusion.
A Profile of the Assisted Living Direct Care Workforce in the United States

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this article was to develop a profile of direct care workers (DCWs) in assisted living (AL). Research Design and Methods: We used data from 2014 American Community Survey (ACS) to identify the demographic and employment characteristics of AL DCWs. We collected state training requirements for AL DCWs from the administrative rules of state agencies and interviews with state officials. Results: AL DCWs were more likely than other DCWs to be younger, male, White, English speaking, U.S.-born, never married, and to have attended college. Two Affordable Care Act (ACA)-designated training topics (self-care and the role of the personal care aide) were not required in any state. Discussion and Implications: AL has tapped a unique pool of workers (i.e., younger, male as well as female, and with some college education) but needs to address its workforce needs via training, improvements to overall job quality, and the development of career opportunities.
Avocado consumption and risk factors for heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Nutrients in avocados are associated with cardiovascular benefits. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effect of avocado intake on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk with the use of a systematic review and meta-analysis. Design MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, and Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau abstracts were searched from 1946 through September 2017 for publications on avocado intake and CVD risk. All designs except for cross-sectional studies that evaluated avocado intake were included. Two investigators independently screened citations and extracted data. Random-effects models meta-analysis was used when ≥3 studies reported the same outcome. Results Of 18 eligible studies (481 subjects), 7 studies compared avocado intake with no intake, 3 studies compared avocado plus monounsaturated fat intake with a control, and 8 studies reported data for qualitative synthesis. In 7 studies, avocado intake significantly increased HDL cholesterol (summary net change: 2.84 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.18, 5.49 mg/dL), with significant heterogeneity. This remained consistent in sensitivity and subgroup analyses. There was no significant difference between avocado intake and the control for the outcomes of serum total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), ratios of TC to HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol, and body weight. In qualitative synthesis, there was no significant difference between groups for blood glucose (2 studies), homeostasis model assessment (1 of 2 studies), oxidized LDL (2 studies), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (2 studies), or apolipoprotein B (2 studies) or, in 1 study each, for body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, arterial compliance, fibrinogen, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor α, and serum nitric oxide. No studies reported incident clinical outcomes of CVD, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and other clinical endpoints. Conclusions Avocado intake resulted in no difference in serum TC, LDL-cholesterol, and TG concentrations, but it did increase serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations, with significant heterogeneity. The association between avocado intake and CVD risk should be confirmed by well-conducted prospective observational studies or long-term trials.
TRANSFER OF LEARNING IN THE REAL WORLD

Twenty-one users of two existing procedural formatting systems were studied during a week-long course on a new tag-based system. Users’ performance on class exercises was monitored, and subjective reactions were assessed at several points in the process. Users were classified along two experience dimensions: formatting history, and intensity of use. Our analyses revealed that heavier users of the existing systems made more errors on the exercises; particularly common were omitted and extraneous commands. We also found that attitudes of the participants diverged over the five-day period as a function of formatting history, with the more sophisticated users becoming more negative, and the more casual users more positive.
Predictive Model for Early Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease

The number of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease is growing at a rapid rate, and the consequent increase in costs will have significant impacts on the world’s economies and health care systems. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify mechanisms that can provide early detection of the disease to allow for timely intervention. Neuropsychological tests are inexpensive, non-invasive, and can be incorporated within an annual physical examination. Thus they can serve as a baseline for early cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease risk prediction. In this paper, we describe a PSO-DAMIP machine-learning framework for early detection of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Using two trials of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and control groups, we show that one can successfully develop a classification rule based on data from neuropsychological tests to predict AD, MCI, and normal subjects where the blind prediction accuracy is over 90%. Further, our study strongly suggests that raw data of neuropsychological tests have higher potential to predict subjects from AD, MCI, and control groups than pre-processed subtotal score-like features. The classification approach and the results discussed herein offer the potential for development of a clinical decision making tool. Further study must be conducted to validate its clinical significance and its predictive accuracy among various demographic groups and across multiple sites.
Deceleration Injury: Blunt Aortic Injury

High-speed deceleration injuries such as motor vehicle crashes and falls from great heights can lead to blunt aortic injury, which is commonly just distal to the takeoff of the left subclavian artery. Initial management includes advanced trauma life support protocols to assess airway, breathing, and circulation. Initial imaging is done with a chest x-ray, and findings concerning for a thoracic aortic injury include a widened mediastinum, apical cap, and left hemothorax, among other findings. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest with contrast should then be obtained to definitively diagnose an aortic injury. Blood pressure and heart rate should be maintained below 100 mmHg and 100 beats per minute, respectively, with medications. Urgent vascular or thoracic surgery consult should be obtained for definitive management. Either an endovascular or open approach can be done depending on patient stability and anatomy. Blunt aortic injury can effectively be ruled out if the CT scan is negative, and further trauma work-up should be guided by history and physical exam.
High-resolution manometry and swallow outcomes after vocal fold injection medialization for unilateral vocal fold paralysis/paresis.

Background Injection medialization is performed to improve glottic closure, thereby airway protection. Overall objective to determine if unilateral injection medialization changes glottal area with concomitant adjustments in penetration/aspiration scale (PAS) scores and pharyngeal high-resolution manometry (HRM) parameters. Methods Enrolled 17 adults with unilateral vocal fold paralysis/paresis and aspiration/penetration. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and pharyngeal HRM completed at (1) baseline (within 1 week before injection), (2) postinjection (within 1 week post injection), and (3) 1-month postinjection. Comparisons between time points for PAS scores, glottal area, pharyngeal pressure, and timing. Results No significant differences in normalized glottal area. No significant differences in PAS scores, for any consistency. Significantly increased rate of mesopharynx pressure rise and maximum pressure at 1 month postinjection (P = .01 and .02, respectively) compared to baseline. Significant decrease in mesopharynx integral from baseline to 1 week postoperative (P = .03). Conclusion Findings suggest unilateral vocal fold injection medialization had limited effect on swallow function.
Superionic conduction and interfacial properties of the low temperature phase Li7P2S8Br0.5I0.5

Abstract Sulfide-based solid electrolytes have attracted much attention for their potential application in high energy and power bulk-type all-solid-state lithium batteries, due to their excellent transport properties and favorable mechanical properties. The Li10GeP2S12-type materials with extremely high ionic conductivity have been demonstrated in all-solid-state cathodes, however they cannot be deployed directly in common anodes due to the interfacial instability. An electrolyte stable with anodes is urgently needed for construction of all-solid-state batteries. In this work, we explore the phase and transport properties of mechanically-milled Li7P2S8Br0.5I0.5, with emphasis on the favorable kinetics at Li metal anode. The low temperature crystalline phase Li7P2S8Br0.5I0.5 (LT-LPSBI) has exceptionally high ionic conductivity of 4.7 mS/cm at room temperature. Moreover, the LT-LPSBI supports long-term Li cycling at 0.5 mA cm−2 with low and stable interfacial resistance (5 Ω cm2). Transport phenomenon of Li/LT-LPSBI interface and cycling behavior of Li symmetric cells are studied and discussed in detail.
Motivations for faking orgasm and orgasm consistency among young adult women

Abstract Women fake orgasm for partner-focused reasons and self-focused reasons, the latter of which include elevating their own sexual arousal. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between motivations for faking orgasm and orgasm consistency within the sexual activities of receiving oral sex and sexual intercourse among young adult women (N = 998). For both receiving oral sex and sexual intercourse, women who faked orgasm in order to elevate their own sexual arousal had greater orgasm consistency, whereas women who faked orgasm out of fear or insecurity had lower orgasm consistency. Overall, the results suggest that self-focused motivations for faking orgasm – particularly elevating arousal – are more closely associated with orgasm consistency than partner-focused motivations for faking orgasm.
Dietary sodium, potassium, and blood pressure in normotensive pregnant women: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Dietary sodium, potassium, and sodium-to-potassium ratio are linearly associated with blood pressure in nonpregnant adults. Earlier investigations suggested null or inverse associations of blood pr...
Progress Towards Fully On-Chip Frequency-Stabilization for Sub-Terahertz Sources

All promising applications of sub-terahertz (sub-THz) and millimeter-wave (mm-wave) systems, from molecular spectroscopy with absolute spectral specificity, high-resolution imaging and sensing, and ultra-high-speed communications, require the design of frequency-stabilized signal generators. In this paper, we review the recent progress made in UNIC group at the University of Michigan, to implement stabilized-frequency signal generators at sub-THz frequencies. First, we report a coherent imaging transceiver at 319–323 GHz, which utilizes a conventional phase-locked loop technique for frequency locking. It achieves radiated power of 2 mW with the total DC power consumption of 605 mW. To eliminate the frequency divider and off-chip reference in the PLL loop, we report another work based on the new idea of on-chip frequency stabilization feedback. It is a 308–317 GHz frequency stabilized high-output-power radiating array with peak-radiated power of 4.6 mW and total DC power consumption of 1.18 W. All of the above circuits are fabricated using 130 nm SiGe:C BiCMOS technology.
Chapter 9 – Porous Silicon

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a brief history of porous silicon (PSi), and discusses that visible luminescence in porous silicon is basically due to quantum confinement; however, oxygen complexes also contribute significantly. The morphology may be improved by reducing the etching rate. Silicon can be epitaxially grown on porous silicon. It is argued that the possibility of embedding luminescent quantum dots of CdSe or PbS into high porosity PSi, sealed off by epitaxial silicon growth, offers the best chance for electronic and optoelectronic applications. The possibility of introducing luminescent quantum dots, even with a periodic pattern, into PSi followed by epitaxial Si growth may be useful in optoelectronic applications. And replacing luminescent quantum dots by wide-gap quantum dots may serve as a gate capacitor to control source-drain current in a field effect transistor. Therefore, the capability of epitaxial growth on PSi has enormous device potential.
Salivary gland fine‐needle aspiration cytology with the application of the Milan system for risk stratification and histological correlation: A retrospective 6‐year study

Background The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) is based on risk stratification. We presented our experience with fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for the diagnosis of salivary glands lesions by applying the MSRSGC categorization to the cytological diagnoses, and determined risk of malignancy (ROM) for each category. Methods Fine-needle aspiration cytology of salivary gland lesions performed over a 6-year period was retrieved. FNAC results were retrospectively categorized according to the MSRSGC criteria, and correlated with corresponding histologic follow-up. ROM for each diagnostic category was calculated. Results A total of 208 FNAC of salivary gland lesions were reviewed and retrospectively categorized as: non-diagnostic (ND) 23 (11%), non-neoplastic (NN) 54 (26%), atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) 10 (4.8%), benign neoplasms (BN) 77 (37%), salivary gland of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP) 13 (6.3%), suspicious for malignancy (SM) 7 (3.4%), and malignant (M) 24 (11.5%). Histopathological follow-up was available for 84 of 208 cases (40.4%). Overall concordance rate between FNAC and histology was 78.8%. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated as 93.3%, 94.6%, 82.4%, and 98.2%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy to distinguish benign from malignant disease was 94.4%. ROM for each category was ND 0%, NN 0%, AUS 75%, BN 2.2%, SUMP 28.6%, SM 50%, and M 100%. Conclusion Fine-needle aspiration cytology continues to be an accurate diagnostic tool for most salivary gland neoplasms showing classical morphologic features. However, difficult cases with unusual or overlapping features will occur. In these situations, the use of MSRSGC risk-stratification could be helpful to define appropriate management.
Tandem microfluidic chip isolation of prostate and breast cancer cells from simulated liquid biopsies using CD71 as an affinity ligand

The use of blood as a liquid biopsy provides a minimally invasive and less traumatic approach for initial cancer screens as well as patient monitoring. However, current clinical protocols require a priori knowledge of cancer type for liquid biopsy analyses. Previously, we proposed the use of the human transferrin 1 receptor protein (CD71) as a universal capture target for cancer cells analyses. In this study we have attempted to identify the lowest limit of detection for circulating tumor cells of prostate (PC-3) and breast cancers (MDA-MB-231) using CD71. We used a novel high-throughput herringbone chip design which could extract PC-3 cells at 34 ± 5% purity and MDA-MB-231 cells at 43 ± 35% purity when spiked to lysed blood at 0.1%. MDA-MB-231 cell spiked samples showed higher standard deviation, but the system captured 55 ± 16 cells, which is a sufficient number of cells for subsequent analyses. Further, this herringbone chip design has been shown to be compatible with an erythrocyte lysis chip we have described in previous studies. This circuit was capable of capturing 510 ± 120 cells with a purity of 82 ± 14% using <7 μL of a whole blood sample spiked with 10% MDA-MB-231 cells. Using an erythrocyte lysis circuit eliminates the need for human intervention for target cell enrichment, thereby reducing cell loss and sample contamination. We have shown that, when used with the high-throughput herringbone chip CD71 has the capacity to sensitively detect rare target cells for routine low-cost cancer screens.