cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Successful embolization of a grotesque head and neck malformation

A child was born with the right side of her face and neck resting on her shoulder and a large hemangioma involving the right side of the face, neck, and adjacent areas.
G.P.98

Osteoporosis is a major problem in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) due to long term glucocorticoid (GC) therapy and impaired mobility. There are currently no standard of care guidelines for detection or treatment of osteoporosis in DMD. There is limited data on bisphosphonate (BP) treatment of osteoporosis in pediatric DMD patients. This is the first study using height and age adjusted Z scores to assess changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in DMD boys treated with oral BP. To assess changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in DMD boys treated with oral BP. Retrospective study of total body (TB) and lumbar spine (LS) BMD and BMC by DXA in DMD boys treated with oral alendronate, studied between January 2005 and July 2012. Height- and age-adjusted Z-scores (HAZ) were derived. Paired t -tests were used to compare changes in BMD and BMC one year prior and one year post BP treatment. We studied 26 BP-treated DMD boys (mean age ± SD 10.9 ± 3.8 yrs and daily GC duration 3.3 ± 1.5 yrs at BP start). BP treatment duration at the end of the study period was 2.8 ± 1.1 yrs. Prior to starting BP, TB BMD and BMC-HAZ decreased progressively, while LS BMD and BMC-HAZ remained stable. Mean TB BMD and BMC-HAZ were −1.89 and −2.90 and mean LS BMD and BMC-HAZ were −0.89 and −1.07 at BP initiation. DXA bone indices stabilized or improved with BP treatment. There was significant improvement in LS BMD-HAZ ( p p p = 0.0092) after one year of BP treatment. Oral BP treatment stabilized further decline of TB bone indices, and improved LS BMD and BMC HAZ and TB BMC HAZ. Our study suggests that oral BP may be beneficial for bone health in DMD boys. Further study to assess clinical correlation of changes in DXA bone indices is needed to evaluate efficacy of oral BP treatment for osteoporosis in DMD patients.
Expression of bone morphogenetic proteins and their receptors in the bone marrow megakaryocytes of GATA-1(low) mice: a possible role in osteosclerosis

The mechanism of osteosclerosis associated with myelofibrosis in megakaryocyte (MK)-related myeloproliferative disorders is largely unknown. However, growth factors released from the bone marrow cells, including from MKs, have been implicated in myelofibrosis, osteosclerosis, and angiogenesis. GATA-1 is a transcription factor required for normal MK development. GATA-1 deficiency in mice (GATA-1(low)) leads to increased megakaryocytic proliferation, followed by osteosclerosis and myelofibrosis. In this study we investigated the expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and BMP receptors and their possible role in the development of osteosclerosis in the MKs of 12-month-old GATA-1(low) mice by immunohistochemistry, cytomorphometry, and quantitative real-time PCR. Marrow MKs from both wild-type and GATA-1(low) mice showed moderate to intense staining for BMP-2, -4, and -6 and BMPR-IA and BMPR-II, whereas splenic MKs showed no BMP immunostaining. Presence of BMP protein in the bone marrow of GATA-1(low) mice was more than that seen in controls, owing to an increased number of MKs and osteoblasts. The osteosclerosis seen in GATA-1(low) mice appeared not to be due to a reduced number of functional osteoclasts because the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts was greater in GATA-1(low) mice than in controls. Our findings demonstrate the presence of significant amounts of BMP-2, -4, and -6 along with their receptors in bone marrow MKs of WT and GATA-1(low) mice. The increased levels of BMPs appear to be a result of increased numbers of MKs in GATA-1(low) mice and may, in part, account for the stimulation of osteoblastic activity and resulting osteosclerosis.
Silicon-based ultrasonic microsensors and micropumps

Abstract With the addition of a thin piezoelectric zinc oxide film and transducing electrodes, a thin membrane of low-stress silicon nitride formed in a silicon die can be made into a versatile ultrasonic sensor and actuator. We will describe the fabrication and application of this device, which typically operates in the low megahertz frequency range and can perform many functions: measuring the viscosity of microliter volumes of liquids; measuring the densities of gases and liquids; serving, with the addition of a thin polymer film, as a sensor for measuring the concentrations of organic gases; determining, when immersed in a liquid, the mass per unit membrane area of adsorbed protein molecules, cells and bacteria; pumping air at velocitities of centimerters per second and pumping water at hundreds of microns per second; and stirring microliter volumes of fluids.
Toward an Ethical Rhetoric of the Digital Scientific Image: Learning From the Era When Science Met Photoshop

Over the past two decades, scientific editors have attempted to correct “mistaken” assumptions about scientific images and to curb unethical image-manipulation practices. Reactions to the advent and abuse of image-adjustment software (such as Adobe Photoshop) reveal the complex relations among visual representations, scientific credibility, and epistemic rhetoric. Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca's model of argumentation provides a flexible system for understanding these relations and for teaching students to use scientific images ethically and effectively.
The effects of voluntary contraction intensity and gender on perceived exertion during isokinetic quadriceps exercise.

The objectives of the present study were to: (1) examine perceived exertion across different target voluntary contraction intensities, (2) compare perceived exertion ratings with actual target intensities, and (3) compare perceived exertion ratings between males and females. The subjects for this study included 30 healthy, college-aged male (n=15) and female (n=15) volunteers. All subjects were free of orthopedic, cardiopulmonary, systemic and neurological disease. Each subject completed five maximal isokinetic, concentric quadriceps contractions in a seated position at 60° · s−1 to determine their single, highest peak torque. All subjects then completed, in a random order, 3–5 submaximal isokinetic contractions at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% of their single, highest peak torque. Each relative contraction level (i.e., percentage) was achieved by having the subjects attempt to match the peak of their torque curve to a horizontal line on a computer monitor. Perceived exertion was measured by asking the subjects to provide a number that corresponded to the feelings in their quadriceps during exercise by viewing a modified category-ratio (CR-10) scale. The results of a two-factor (gender × intensity) analysis of variance revealed a significant, intensity main effect (F8,232=92.19, P < 0.001, η2=0.77, 1–β=0.99) and no significant gender main effect (F8,232=2.66, P = 0.11, η2=0.09, 1–β=0.35) or interactions (F8,232 = 1.01, P=0.43, η2=0.04, 1–β=0.46). The findings of this study demonstrate that perceived exertion is significantly (P < 0.05) different from the specific target values on the CR-10 scale at 10%, and 50–90% maximum voluntary contraction. The results revealed that the increase in perceived exertion across the contraction intensities could be fit to both linear (F1,29=205.41, P < 0.001, η2=0.88, 1–β=0.99) and quadratic (F1,29=10.05, P=0.004, η2=0.26, 1–β=0.87) trends. These findings suggest that perceived exertion is underestimated during submaximal isokinetic exercise, and is not different between males and females.
Investor Underreaction to Goodwill Write-Offs

Current accounting rules end regular amortization of goodwill and mandate annual tests for goodwill impairment and loss recognition, when appropriate. These rules make consideration of goodwill write-offs important and timely. In the study reported here, we found that the effects of goodwill write-off announcements were typically negative and material—on the order of −2.94 percent to −3.52 percent of the company's stock price. What makes goodwill write-off announcements especially noteworthy for investors is that additional effects of roughly −11.02 percent were realized by the end of a one-year post-announcement period. These results suggest that investors initially underreact to goodwill write-off announcements and that they need to be aware of the potential for further losses in the post-announcement period.
Passive Optical Limiting With Picosecond Response

We describe a completely passive technique for limiting the power of light beams. The techniques we use are based on optical self-action (self-focusing or defocusing) and non-linear absorption or a combination of both. These processes are passive and thus require no external mechanism to induce limiting other than the light beam itself. We demonstrate picosecond turn on times while 10 secresponse times are possible depending on the material. Specifically we demonstrate optical limiting in CS2 and other organic liquids, and in liquid crystals.
The harvest strategy: how to implement a disaster for the environment and the stockholders

This paper examines the harvest strategy – an often recommended approach for dealing with a weak business unit. It is shown to be a strategy that intertwines the distinct levels of strategy making with the ultimate goal of increasing corporate value. However, in order to be successful it must be carried out inconspicuously. Inconspicuousness is a euphemism for deception in the case of the harvest strategy. Such behavior, when an industrial accident occurs, exposes shareholders to the risk of substantial losses if the accident happens in high-risk technology industries. The authors illustrate their contention by analysing the financial consequences of the Union Carbide tragedy at Bhopal and the Exxon disaster at Valdez. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
A FORTRAN IV program for a Bayesian analysis of a posteriori comparisons in the completely random design

This program derives posterior distributions on a posteriori contrasts among treatment means in the completely random analysis of variance. To employ the program, the user must specify prior probabilities on a set of orthogonal linear functions of the treatment means as described by Powers (1970). In so doing, he has implicitly placed prior distributions on all possible linear contrasts of those means and the posterior distributions for these contrasts are obtainable (Powers, 1971). The program may be used any time the population variance is known. It is also appropriate in most cases when the sample size in each treatment is greater than four even if the population variance is known (Hughes & Powers, 1971). Input. The input of the program consists of the coefficients of, and the prior probabilities for, the original set of orthogonal linear functions of the treatment means, the coefficients of the set of a posteriori contrasts to be analyzed and either raw scores or summary statistics in the form of treatment means. Output. The program first prints out the treatment means, the estimate of the population variance and the sample size in each treatment. For each function in the original set of orthogonal linear functions, output consists of the coefficients, the values for which prior probabilities were specified, the prior, likelihood and posterior distributions, and the posterior mean and standard deviation. For each treatment mean and each of the set of a posteriori contrasts the coefficients are printed. Then the calculated values for the means and contrasts with their associated posterior probabilities are listed in the form of frequency distributions. Restrictions. The program may be employed for a completely random analysis of variance having from two to eight treatments and equal sample sizes in the treatments. Prior probabilities may be specified for up to 30 values of each of the orthogonal set and posterior distributions may be obtained for up to 30 a posteriori contrasts at a time. Most of these limits may be increased by simple changes in dimension statements. Storage requirements for the program are not excessively large and should not exceed core on most machines. The program was developed and checked on the UNIVAC-ll08 system at the State University of New York at Albany. Availability. A listing and writeup of the program are available free of charge from James E. Powers, Education 232, State University of New York at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222.
A New Optimization of Atom Polarizabilities in Halomethanes, Aldehydes, Ketones, and Amides by Way of the Atom Dipole Interaction Model

A new optimization of atom polarizabilities is carried out by fitting observed mean molecular polarizabilities, polarizability anisotropies, and Kerr constants with values calculated by way of the atom dipole interaction (ADI) model which was used for similar purposes by this laboratory in 1972. New values are obtained for the polarizabilities of F, Cl, and Br in halomethanes, C‘ and O in aldehydes, ketones, and amides, H in the aldehyde C‘HO and the amide NH group, and N in amides. Most of the new values differ slightly from atom polarizabilities that were optimized to fit only observed mean polarizabilities in 1972, though differences up to 50% occur. The new values result in a considerably improved fit of calculated and observed anisotropies and Kerr constants, with a somewhat poorer fit to mean polarizabilities. The results are compared with those from studies by Birge, Thole, and Miller, who used modified versions of the ADI model. It is concluded that the unmodified model reproduces observed anistot...
Carbonaceous chondrites. II - Carbonaceous chondrite phyllosilicates and light element geochemistry as indicators of parent body processes and surface conditions

Petrographic analyses of CM matrices characterized four phyllosilicates in Murray and Murchison meteorites and Fe- and Mg-serpentines in Nogoya. All phyllosilicates and bulk matrices show enrichment of K relative to Na when compared with bulk meteorites; the loss of Na and some Cl, and the addition of H2O, CO2, and water-soluble organics during alteration indicates a partially open system. Synthesis of soluble organic materials may have occurred in CM matrices before aqueous alteration of the precursive phases. Nogoya was 95% altered and has a bulk C content of 5.2%, higher than any meteorite; also, it has the lowest measured C-13/C-12 ratio of any carbonaceous chondrite except for Karoonda.
Proferrioxamine Synthesis in Erwinia Amylovora in Response to Precursor or Hydroxylysine Feeding: Metabolic Profiling With Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Mass Spectrometry

Metabolic profiling by capillary liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry was used to monitor shifts in the proferrioxamine profiles of Erwinia amylovora in response to externally supplied potential proferrioxamine precursors, selected stable-isotope-labeled precursors and atypical precursors. Based on the qualitative and quantitative shifts in the proferrioxamine profiles, lysine and arginine are unambiguous, and agmatine, ornithine, diaminobutyric acid and the corresponding C3-5 diamines are highly likely precursors for proferrioxamine biosynthesis in E. amylovora. 5-Hydroxylysine (Hyl), a recently discovered growth inhibitor for E. amylovora, suppresses proferrioxamine production. The Hyl-induced growth inhibition can be reversed by basic amino acids. The basic amino acids also partly restore proferrioxamine synthesis.
Faculty integration of technology in teacher preparation: outcomes of a development model

This article reports on a faculty development model that uses a variety of approaches and strategies to help faculty restructure their curricula and effectively model technology integration for their students. A multifaceted model, funded in part by the Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) initiative, was implemented at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The model included training, technical and collegial support, access, and incentives. Questionnaires and qualitative data indicated substantive changes in faculty expectations and assumptions regarding technology as well as increases in faculty and student technology skills and the degree to which faculty members integrate technology into their curricula. The model helped to facilitate the collaborative efforts of a cadre of faculty to model and integrate technology throughout their teacher preparation programs.
Elevated postinjury thrombospondin 1–CD47 triggering aids differentiation of patients' defective inflammatory CD1a+dendritic cells

A subset of Pts develops dysfunctional MO to inflammatory DC differentiation and immunosuppression. MDDC, a newly described DC subset, is pivotal in initiating antibacterial responses. Endogenous proteins are known to alter MO to MDDC differentiation. In particular, trauma-elevated TSP-1, a protein that is known to affect MO functions, could trigger MDDC differentiation defects. We hypothesized that TSP-1-deranged differentiation of inflammatory CD1a(+)MDDC would negatively alter activation of immune functions, thereby increasing the risk of postinjury infections. Post-trauma increased TSP-1 levels in patients' plasma and MO correlated with two distinct MDDC differentiation dysfunctions: the previously described decreased CD1a(+)DC yields but also, development of an immunoincompetent CD1a(+)MDDC. The Pts' development of Dysf DC correlated to increased infectious complications. TSP-1 triggered its inhibitory receptor, CD47, activating an inhibitory phosphatase, SHP-1. Increased pSHP-1, decreased antigen processing, and depressed T cell stimulation characterized Pt Dysf DC. TSP-1 mimics added during Cnt MDDC differentiation depressed CD1a(+)DC yields but more importantly, also induced defective CD1a(+)MDDC, reproducing Pts' MDDC differentiation dysfunctions. CD47 triggering during Cnt MDDC differentiation increased SHP-1 activation, inhibiting IL-4-induced STAT-6 activation (critical for CD1a(+)MDDC differentiation). SHP-1 inhibition during MDDC differentiation in the presence of TSP-1 mimics restored pSTAT-6 levels and CD1a(+)MDDC immunogenicity. Thus, postinjury-elevated TSP-1 can decrease CD1a(+)DC yields but more critically, also induces SHP-1 hyperactivity, deviating MDDC differentiation to defective CD1a(+) inflammatory MDDCs by inhibiting STAT-6.
Asbestos and the Industrial Hygienist

(1988). Asbestos and the Industrial Hygienist. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal: Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. A-16-A-17.
Collaborating with the International Medical Institute to Provide Health Information in Spanish

ABSTRACT While getting a Web portal off the ground for the School of Medicine's new International Medical Institute (IMI), featuring freely available Spanish language materials, the authors became acutely aware that there was a dearth of information on such materials directed at the patient/consumer. In the interest of providing a more balanced picture and more resources, two native Spanish-speaking librarians embarked on a quest to locate high quality relevant resources that could be used by Spanish-speaking patients and their families to serve their health care information needs.
Critical Care Decision Support Systems

It is not enough to merely manage medical information. It is difficult to justify the cost of hospital information systems (HIS) or intensive care unit (ICU) patient data management systems (PDMS) on this basis alone. The real benefit of an integrated HIS or PDMS is in decision support. We recently went to the bedside of a critically ill patient and counted the current information categories (not repeated measures) that were reviewed for physician decision making. The total was in excess of 236! Dr. Eddy summarized it best: “It is simply unrealistic to think that individuals can synthesize in their head scores of pieces of evidence, accurately estimate the outcomes of different options, and accurately judge the desirability of those outcomes for patients…. All confirm what would be expected from common sense: The complexity of modern medicine exceeds the inherent limitations of the unaided human mind.” Although there are a variety of HIS and ICU PDMS systems available there are few that provide ICU decision support.
Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Database: a repository of current annotation efforts and resources for the Hh research community

The Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Database is a curated repository of information pertaining to the Hedgehog developmental pathway. It was designed to provide centralized access to a wide range of relevant information in an organism-agnostic manner. Data are provided for all genes and gene targets known to be involved in the Hh pathway across various organisms. The data provided include DNA and protein sequences as well as domain structure motifs. All known human diseases associated with the Hh pathway are indexed including experimental data on therapeutic agents and their molecular targets. Hh researchers will find useful information on relevant protocols, tissue cell lines and reagents used in current Hh research projects. Curated content is also provided for publications, grants and patents relating to the Hh pathway. The database can be accessed at http://www.hedgehog.sfsu.edu.
A computationally efficient method for modeling circuits housed in non-rectangular packages

Mathematical difficulties make a solution for parasitic impedances in packaged microstrip circuits problematic. Because of this, most present simulators model rectangular packages. In this paper, a method developed for rectangular packages is generalized to model packages with other cross sections. Reasonable accuracy is shown for a computationally efficient simulation of circuits housed in a package with trapezoidal cross section. >
Does oral health affect self perceptions, parental ratings and video‐based assessments of children's smiles?

Patel RR, Tootla R, Inglehart MR. Does oral health affect self perceptions, parental ratings and video-based assessments of children's smiles? Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2007; 35: 44-52. Journal compilation � 2007 Blackwell Munksgaard Abstract - Objectives: To explore whether there is a relationship between children's objectively determined oral health status and their oral health-related quality of life, specifically the evaluations of their smiles as assessed by the children, their parents, and through measurements of the children's videotaped smiles. Methods: Chart review data were collected from 99 children (56 boys, 43 girls; average age: 7.06 years; range: 4-12 years) to determine their oral health status. The children responded to the Michigan Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Scale - Child Version (MOHRQOL-C), and the parents responded to the Michigan Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Scale - Parent Version (MOHRQOL-P) to assess the smiling-related aspect of the children's oral health-related quality of life. Parents also responded to questions concerning their own evaluations of their child's smile. The children were videotaped while they watched a funny cartoon. Two independent raters measured the width and openness of the children's mouth plus the number of teeth shown at 25 predetermined time points during these taped sessions to assess the children's video-based smiling patterns. Results: The children's self evaluated smile scores correlated with the video-based ratings of the children's smiles, and with the number of positive adjectives parents chose to describe their children's smiles. There were significant relationships between several indicators of oral health status and all smile assessment scores. Children without caries evaluated their own smiles more positively, showed more teeth when smiling, and received more positive parent evaluations for their smiles than children with decay. Conclusion: Poor oral health is significantly related to children's smiling patterns and the way others perceived their smiles. Poor oral health may prevent children from expressing positive emotions, which can impact their social interactions and the way they feel about themselves.
A robust variable step size LMS-type algorithm: analysis and simulations

The paper presents a robust variable step size LMS-type algorithm with the attractive property of achieving a small final misadjustment while providing fast convergence at early stages of adaptation. The performance of the algorithm is not affected by the presence of noise. Approximate analysis of convergence and steady state performance for zero-mean stationary Gaussian inputs and a nonstationary optimal weight vector is provided. Simulation results clearly indicate its superior performance for stationary cases. For the nonstationary environment, the algorithm provides performance equivalent to that of the regular LMS algorithm.
Modeling turbidity type and intensity effects on the growth and starvation mortality of age-0 yellow perch

We sought to quantify the possible population-level influence of sediment plumes and algal blooms on yellow perch (Perca flavescens), a visual predator found in systems with dynamic water clarity. We used an individual-based model (IBM), which allowed us to include variance in water clarity and the distribution of individual sizes. Our IBM was built with laboratory data showing that larval yellow perch feeding rates increased slightly as sediment turbidity level increased, but that both larval and juvenile yellow perch feeding rates decreased as phytoplankton level increased. Our IBM explained a majority of the variance in yellow perch length in data from the western and central basins of Lake Erie and Oneida Lake, with R2 values ranging from 0.611 to 0.742. Starvation mortality was size dependent, as the greatest daily mortality rates in each simulation occurred within days of each other. Our model showed that turbidity-dependent consumption rates and temperature are key components in deter- mining growth and starvation mortality of age-0 yellow perch, linking fish production to land-based processes that influence water clarity. These results suggest the timing and persistence of sediment plumes and algal blooms can drastically alter the growth potential and starvation mortality of a yellow perch cohort.
The Effects of Aesthetic Attributes on Response Time and Aesthetic Judgement in a Multiattribute Binary Aesthetic Choice Task

A systematic and quantitative study of aesthetics for both theoretical understanding and human factors application is needed to answer questions such as, “How do people make aesthetic judgments?” and “How do people perceive individual aesthetic attributes, and what effect does this perception have on performance?” This paper reports a binary aesthetic choice experiment whose objective was to examine the effect of the number of different aesthetic attributes on aesthetic perception of advertisements. A methodology is presented that quantitatively distinguishes displays based upon their individual aesthetic attributes and utilizes the performance measure of response time to examine the process of aesthetic judgment. Results show that when comparing two stimuli, an increased difference among aesthetic stimuli decreases processing and response time. Additionally, there is a limit in the number of different attributes participants consider when making aesthetic judgments.
Effective dose equivalents to patients undergoing cerebral angiography.

PURPOSE To determine values of the effective dose equivalent, HE, for patients undergoing diagnostic cerebral angiography and compare these values with radiation doses received by patients undergoing other diagnostic examinations of the head. METHODS The radiographic techniques for ten patients undergoing cerebral angiography were recorded and used to obtain the product of the entrance skin dose and the x-ray beam cross-sectional area. These measured dose-area product data were converted into effective dose equivalents employing published conversion factors which take into account the part of the patient anatomy irradiated and the radiographic technique factors employed. RESULTS The average patient HE value was 10.6 mSv, with a range of 2.7-23.4 mSv. Fluoroscopy contributed approximately 67% of the total HE, with cut films and digital subtraction angiography contributing 26% and 7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The radiation doses (HE) to patients undergoing diagnostic cerebral angiography are comparable to the patient doses in nuclear medicine brain studies where the typical HE is approximately 10 mSv. In CT, the patient dose is approximately 2 mSv, whereas in plain skull x-ray examinations, the patient dose is much lower at approximately 0.15 mSv.
Methods, metrics and motivation for a green computer science program

Computer science educators are uniquely positioned to promote greater awareness of Green Computing, using the academic setting to encourage environmentally conscious use of technology. This paper reports on practical techniques that can engage faculty and students, enabling Green Computing to be integrated into the classroom and research laboratory. Analysis and empirical evaluation of each reported technique is given, comparing the efficacy of each in terms of energy, environmental and financial cost savings. These results are provided as technological and economic evidence for the benefits of "Going Green," and to promote education in Green Computing in the classroom, department and research lab.
Qualities and characteristics of successfully matched North American HPB surgery fellowship candidates

Background Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) fellowships in North America are difficult to secure with an acceptance rate of 1 in 3 applicants. Desirable characteristics in an HPB surgery applicant have not been previously reported. This study examines the perceptions of trainees and HPB program directors with regards to positive attributes in applicants for HPB fellowships.
Use of Prescription Drug Samples in the USA: A Descriptive Study with Considerations for Pharmacoepidemiology

Introduction Free prescription drug samples provided in physician offices can lead to exposure misclassification in pharmacoepidemiologic studies that rely on pharmacy claims data.
A generalizable, tunable microfluidic platform for delivering fast temporally varying chemical signals to probe single-cell response dynamics.

Understanding how biological systems transduce dynamic, soluble chemical cues into physiological processes requires robust experimental tools for generating diverse temporal chemical patterns. The advent of microfluidics has seen the development of platforms for rapid fluid exchange allowing ease of changes in the cellular microenvironment and precise cell handling. Rapid exchange is important for exposing systems to temporally varying signals. However, direct coupling of macroscale fluid flow with microstructures is potentially problematic due to the high shear stresses that inevitably add confounding mechanical perturbation effects to the biological system of interest. Here, we have devised a method of translating fast and precise macroscale flows to microscale flows using a monolithically integrated perforated membrane. We integrated a high-density cell trap array for nonadherent cells that are challenging to handle under flow conditions with a soluble chemical signal generator module. The platform ena...
The effect of cell density on the production of xylitol from D-xylose by yeast.

The rate of xylitol production from D-xylose increased with increasing yeast cell density. The optimal temperature for xylitol production is 36‡ C, and the optimal pH range is from 4.0 to 6.0. At high initial yeast cell concentration of 26 mg/mL, 210 g/L of xylitol was produced from 260 g/L of D-xylose after 96 h of incubation with an indicated yield of 81% of the theoretical value.
The high energy electromagnetic field generator

The original concept described is named the high energy electromagnetic field generator. This concept's governing physics entail the coupling of gyration (high frequency spin), vibration (high frequency abrupt pulsations/harmonic oscillations) and possible curvilinear translation, of electrically charged systems. If we couple the system's high frequency of rotation (30,000 to 100,000 RPM, and higher) with high vibration (abrupt pulsations/harmonic oscillations) frequencies in the range of 109 to 1018 Hertz (and above) we can obtain electromagnetic field intensity values in the range 1024 to 1028 Watts/m2 (and beyond). These extremely high electromagnetic field intensity values emphasise the novelty of this concept, especially suited for the design of energy generation machinery with power output levels much higher than those currently achievable. The utilisation of such high power sources for space power and propulsion generation, as it pertains to reduction in a spacecraft's inertial mass as a direct result of local vacuum polarisation, is an important application of the described theoretical concept. In this manner, extreme spacecraft speeds can be achieved.
The effect analysis of children with type 1 diabetes using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in the clinical curative

Objective To explore children with type 1 diabetes using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in the clinical curative effect. Method From April 2011 to July 2011 in our hospital from 92 cases of children with type 1 diabetes, with the approval of the patients' families were randomly divided into observation group and control group, 46 cases in each group. Observation group with continuous infusion of insulin treatment, control group given insulin injections before the meal. Analysed two groups of clinical curative effect. Result The results of the two groups after treatment in children with average fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose, insulin and insulin secretion index antagonism index had significant differences between before and treatment, of which the effect of observation group was more significant, differences were significant(P0.05). Observation group blood glucose control in children with time was significantly higher than the control group; amount of insulin, insulin were significantly less than the control group, the differences were significant(P 0.05). Observation group after treatment in children with abnormal blood sugar significantly was less than the control group, with significant difference(P0.05). Conclusion children with type 1 diabetes after subcutaneous insulin infusion treatment method yielded good effect, beyond the previous treatment, and security is good, worthy of clinical recommendations.
Preliminary report from the Kansas Hartford Geriatrics Project: a model of community university collaboration in geriatric medicine faculty development.

OBJECTIVES: This paper describes the development, implementation, and participant satisfaction of a faculty development program for community-based clinician educators with competencies in geriatric medicine. DESIGN: One group, ongoing trial. SETTING: University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas. PARTICIPANTS: Family physicians and general internists from throughout the state of Kansas (n = 30). INTERVENTION: This is an integrated faculty development curriculum of clinical geriatrics and educational process offered in nine sessions over 3 years. MEASUREMENTS: Project retention, session attendance, and participant satisfaction are the measures of program success. MAIN RESULTS: Project retention at 18 months, the midpoint of this project, has been 87%, with 91% of the retained participants attending all of the sessions to date. More than 95% of the participants have rated each of the first five sessions as highly satisfactory or excellent in meeting their needs as a clinician educator. Satisfaction for on-site and interactive televideo participation has been equally high. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results indicate the Kansas Hartford Geriatrics Project model of community-university collaboration in geriatric faculty development is successful in recruitment and satisfaction of participants. The curriculum is highly attractive and rewarding to faculty. Interactive televideo provides a successful innovation in aging-oriented faculty development.
Verification by On-Site Inspection

For over half a century, on-site inspection (OSI) was presented by the US and its allies as the ultimate tool within a verification mechanism to monitor compliance with arms control agreements. It has formed the core of a system of mutually reinforcing elements of verification ranging from national means of detection to cooperative measures, including exchange and evaluation of information, ongoing technical monitoring and procurement control that were examined in the preceding chapters.
Alcohol use during a trial of N-acetylcysteine for adolescent marijuana cessation.

Abstract Aims Current adolescent alcohol treatments have modest effects and high relapse rates. Evaluation of novel pharmacotherapy treatment is warranted. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an over-the-counter antioxidant supplement with glutamatergic properties, is a promising treatment for marijuana cessation in adolescents; however, its effects on adolescent drinking have not been examined. To that end, this secondary analysis evaluated: (1) the effect of NAC vs. placebo on alcohol use over an eight-week adolescent marijuana cessation trial and (2) the role of marijuana cessation and reduction on subsequent alcohol use. Methods Marijuana-dependent adolescents (ages 15–21; N = 116) interested in treatment were randomized to NAC 1200 mg or matched placebo twice daily for eight weeks. Participants were not required to be alcohol users or interested in alcohol cessation to qualify. Results There were no demographic or baseline alcohol use differences between participants randomized to NAC vs. placebo (ps > 0.05). Of the 89 participants returning for ≥ one visit following randomization, 77 reported ≥ one alcoholic drink in the 30 days prior to study entry and averaged 1.3 (SD = 1.4) binge drinking days per week. During treatment, less marijuana use (measured via urine cannabinoid levels) was associated with less alcohol use in the NAC-treated group but not in the placebo-treated group (p = 0.016). Conclusions There was no evidence of compensatory alcohol use during marijuana treatment. In fact, in the NAC group, lower levels of marijuana use were associated with less alcohol use, suggesting NAC effects may generalize to other substances and could be useful in decreasing adolescent alcohol use. NAC trials specifically focused on alcohol-using adolescents are warranted.
Nitrosoheme Pigment Formation and Light Effects on Color Properties of Semidry, Nonfermented and Fermented Sausages.

Development of the nitrosoheme pigment responsible for visual color properties was studied in the preparation of cured, semidry nonfermented and fermented sausages. Color stability of vacuum packaged sausages differing in pH was also evaluated during 6 weeks of light exposure, and after 6 weeks in dark storage. Total pigment conversion to nitrosoheme increased (P<0.05) during 9.75 h of fermentation at 38°C. The maximum pigment conversion attained upon heat processing to 60°C appeared dependent on prior nitrosoheme formation during fermentation. Judd-Hunter tristimulus coordinates of semidry sausages showed higher (P<0.05) initial +a (redness) values when the pH was 4.85 or 4.65 as compared to pH 5.30 or 6.00. During 6 weeks of light exposure, sausage pH, and time in display were significant factors for each color property. By the fourth and sixth weeks of light exposure, nonfermented sausages (pH 6.0) had maintained redness characteristics better than all fermented sausages (pH 5.30, 4.85, and 4.65) as sh...
Chapter 17 – Transmission Flow Theory of Knowledge

Chapter Summary In this chapter, we explore the transmission theory for the flow of knowledge. The complex (resistive/restrictive, reactive/distortive, attenuative/regenerative, etc.) properties of the social media can be designated more accurately than in the conduction-based theory for the flow of knowledge. Neither of the two theories completely offers an accurate (enough) model to predict and track and optimize the flow of knowledge for any one individual accurately, even though a statistically averaged flow of information from a social group in different social media can be generated. Two fundamental differences between electric, electromagnetic, and electrostatic signals and knowledge signals get intensified further by (a) the dynamic properties of the social medium and (b) the deeply embedded behavioral characteristics of knowledge centric objects (KCOs), their verb functions (VFs), and the graph of the structure of knowledge designated as the convolutions (*’s) between the KCOs and VFs. The latter three governing elements of knowledge offer astounding arrays of behavioral, functional, and combinatorial properties since each of the three components are time and environment dependent. Further they display individual/unique traits that can be radically different from one individual to another. The sheer variety, intensity, and their nonlinearities limit the modeling and mathematical processing of these knowledge signals through the social media. However, based on laws of group dynamics, economics, and human nature, the range of variation becomes restrictive enough to attempt the mechanics of knowledge-flow in a probabilistic sense but with realistic logic. Viscous fluid mechanics and flow analysis of electric signal in active nonlinear circuits and media, together offer a good platform for the study knowledge flow in social media where the transmitter and receptor of knowledge can communicate knowledge based on individualistic and media characteristics.
A deep-learning approach to translate between brain structure and functional connectivity

While the majority of exploratory approaches search for correlations among features of different modalities, indirect/nonlinear relations between structure and function have not yet been fully investigated. In this work, we employ a neural machine translation model [1] to relate two modalities: structural MRI (sMRI) spatial components and functional MRI (fMRI) brain states estimated using a dynamic connectivity model. We consider each of the modalities as different “languages” of the same brain and fit a translation model to estimate a model for how structure influences function. Results identify multiple aligned aspects of brain structure and functional brain states showing significantly more or less alignment in the patient group as well as interesting links to other variables such as cognitive scores and symptom assessments. Our novel approach provides a new perspective on combining brain structure and function by incorporating indirect/nonlinear effects and enabling the algorithm to learn the interplay between structural and the functional networks.
Black Lives Matter: Decrypting Encrypted Racism

The agitation of the Black Lives Matter movement has dominated the public discourse in the United States. Mobilized against the killing of unarmed black people, the movement and their sympathizers have made a series of demands for justice and dignity for the black people. However, many critics have raised concern over the legitimacy of the phrase, black lives matter since all lives irrespective of race, should matter. This article does not intend to pursue the ongoing debate over the semantic use of black lives or all lives. Instead, the paper seeks to study, through the lenses of the African American critical theories (Tyson, 2015) and other relevant social conflict theories, the often neglected but important shift that has occurred in race relations in America, a shift from overt structural racism to its covert form - encrypted racism. It is the contention of this article that just as the Civil Rights Movement was instrumental in ending overt structural racism, open discrimination and segregation, the Black Lives Matter movement has been bravely instrumental in decrypting encrypted racism in the United States.
Extra Bit Generation for High-Speed Time-Based Flash ADCs in 65nm CMOS

A time-based, low-power and low-offset 5-bit 1GS/s Flash analog to digital converter (ADC) is presented in this paper. To decrease the static offset of the comparators and to increase ADC resolution, an offset cancellation technique is incorporated. Moreover, the last bit is generated without using an extra comparator in order to further reduce the impact of statistics offsets. Proposed ADC can achieve 4.1 bits ENOB at input Nyquist frequency. The simulated differential and integral non-linearity static tests are equal to +0.26/−0.17 and +0.22/−0.15, respectively. The ADC is designed in TSMC 65nm CMOS technology and consumes 7.7 mW at 1 GHz sampling frequency achieving 415-fJ/convstep figure of merit.
Homogeneity for Two-Sided Discrete Markov Processes

We consider here three types of homogeneity for Markov processes indexed by the integers with random times of birth and death, and which take values in a countable state space S. The measures on the path space corresponding to such processes are sigma-finite but not necessarily probability measures. However, via the Radon-Nikodym theorem, no difficulty arises in extending the definitions of conditional expectation and conditional independence.
Immunoglobulin G4 Sclerosing Cholangitis: An Unusual Cause of Obstructive Jaundice—Case Report and Literature Review

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) is one of the most common extra-pancreatic manifestation of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) and is clinically distinct from primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). IgG4-RD is an increasingly recognized immune-mediated fibroinflammatory systemic disease, mostly affecting middle-aged and older male populations that can affect multiple organs. The presence of extra-biliary clinical manifestations of IgG4-RD, such as parotid and lacrimal swelling, lymphadenopathy, autoimmune pancreatitis, and retroperitoneal fibrosis, if present could provide important clues to diagnosis. High serum IgG4 levels, characteristic radiological (e.g., sausage-shaped pancreas or periaortitis) or biopsy findings (high percentage of IgG4+ plasma cells, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, storiform fibrosis, or obliterative phlebitis) in the setting of these features is diagnostic of this disease process. However, isolated IgG4-SC might be a diagnostic challenge, and the distinction is important as management of this disorder is vastly different from other causes of cholangitis such as PSC. Systemic corticosteroid therapy is the mainstay of therapy.