cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Information-theoretic measures of uncertainty for rough sets and rough relational databases

Rough set theory has become well-established as a mechanism for uncertainty management in a wide variety of applications including databases. This paper addresses the measurement of uncertainty in rough sets and rough relational databases by introducing a measurement based on information theory. This rough entropy is discussed as it applies to rough sets in general, and in particular to aspects of the rough relational database model.
Lichen planus and lichenoid reactions of the oral mucosa

Oral lichenoid reactions represent a common end point in response to extrinsic agents (drugs, allergens), altered self-antigens, or superantigens. Oral lichen planus, a common and under-recognized inflammatory disorder, shares many clinical and histopathological features with oral lichenoid drug reaction and oral lichenoid contact reaction. Clinical presentation can vary from asymptomatic white reticular striae to painful erythema and erosions. Cutaneous and additional mucosal involvement is common. Delay in diagnosis of extraoral mucocutaneous lichen planus (LP) results in conjunctival scarring; vaginal stenosis; vulvar destruction; and stricture of the esophagus, urethra, and external auditory meatus. Although the etiology of LP is idiopathic, oral lichenoid reactions may be caused by medications or exogenous agents such as cinnamates and other flavorings. The clinical features, evaluation, and management of these oral lichenoid reactions are discussed.
Molecular evolution of West Nile virus in a northern temperate region: Connecticut, USA 1999–2008

Abstract West Nile virus (WNV) has become firmly established in northeastern US, reemerging every summer since its introduction into North America in 1999. To determine whether WNV overwinters locally or is reseeded annually, we examined the patterns of viral lineage persistence and replacement in Connecticut over 10 consecutive transmission seasons by phylogenetic analysis. In addition, we compared the full protein coding sequence among WNV isolates to search for evidence of convergent and adaptive evolution. Viruses sampled from Connecticut segregated into a number of well-supported subclades by year of isolation with few clades persisting ≥ 2 years. Similar viral strains were dispersed in different locations across the state and divergent strains appeared within a single location during a single transmission season, implying widespread movement and rapid colonization of virus. Numerous amino acid substitutions arose in the population but only one change, V → A at position 159 of the envelope protein, became permanently fixed. Several instances of parallel evolution were identified in independent lineages, including one amino acid change in the NS4A protein that appears to be positively selected. Our results suggest that annual reemergence of WNV is driven by both reintroduction and local-overwintering of virus. Despite ongoing evolution of WNV, most amino acid variants occurred at low frequencies and were transient in the virus population.
In vivo DNA adduct formation by bisphenol A

We have previously shown that bisphenol A (BPA) is oxidized to bisphenol-o-quinone in the presence of activation system and that the chemical reaction of DNA or deoxyguanosine 3'-monophosphate (dGMP) with bisphenol-o-quinone produces adducts. In the present study, using the 32P-postlabeling technique, we have investigated the in vivo DNA adduct formation by BPA by examining covalent modification in DNA. Administration of a single or multiple dose of 200 mg/kg of BPA to CD1 male rats produced two major and several minor adducts in liver DNA. The two major in vivo adducts matched the adduct profile of DNA or dGMP-bisphenol-o-quinone. To determine how BPA may be converted to DNA-binding metabolites, adducts were examined after incubation of DNA with BPA in the presence of a microsomal activation system. The in vitro incubation of BPA with DNA in the presence of a microsomal activation system revealed one major adduct and several minor adducts. The formation of adducts in DNA by BPA in the presence of a microsomal activation system was drastically decreased by known inhibitors of cytochrome P450. Adduct formation in DNA when cumene hydroperoxide or NADPH was used as a cofactor showed adducts with similar chromatographic mobilities as those from the reaction of dGMP-bisphenol-o-quinone. These data demonstrate that BPA is capable of binding covalently to DNA. DNA binding can be inhibited by the inhibitors of cytochrome P450. One of the DNA-binding metabolite(s) both in vitro and in vivo may be bisphenol-o-quinone. Covalent modifications in DNA by in vivo exposure of BPA may be a factor in the induction of hepatotoxicity.
On limit cycles and the describing function method in periodically switched circuits

Examines existence, uniqueness, and stability of limit cycles in periodically switched circuits. The motivation comes from the field of power electronics where switched circuit models composed of passive elements, independent sources, and ideal switches are studied. The paper then studies the describing function method for computation of limit cycles in these switched circuits. Typical power circuit models have nonlinear elements with characteristics that do not satisfy a Lipschitz continuity condition. As a result of these nonsmooth characteristics, previously developed justifications for the describing function method are not applicable. The present paper develops a justification for the describing function method that relies on the incrementally passive characteristics of the network elements comprising typical power electronic circuit models. This justification holds for nonsmooth circuit nonlinearities, and takes the form of a set of asymptotically convergent bounds on the errors incurred with the describing function method. In particular, the developed bounds become arbitrarily tight as the number of harmonics included in the analysis increases. >
Apocalypse Soon? Dire Messages Reduce Belief in Global Warming by Contradicting Just-World Beliefs

Though scientific evidence for the existence of global warming continues to mount, in the United States and other countries belief in global warming has stagnated or even decreased in recent years. One possible explanation for this pattern is that information about the potentially dire consequences of global warming threatens deeply held beliefs that the world is just, orderly, and stable. Individuals overcome this threat by denying or discounting the existence of global warming, and this process ultimately results in decreased willingness to counteract climate change. Two experiments provide support for this explanation of the dynamics of belief in global warming, suggesting that less dire messaging could be more effective for promoting public understanding of climate-change research.
Laser spectroscopy of neptunium; first ionization potential, lifetimes and new high-lying energy levels of Np i

The first ionization potential of neptunium has been determined from the photoionization threshold and from Rydberg series observed by laser spectroscopy techniques. The Rydberg series convergence limits yield the most accurate value of 50 536(4) cm−1 [6.2657(5) eV]. The radiative lifetimes of five levels in the 26 200–29 050-cm−1 range have been measured. New energy levels, 27 odd and 37 even, in the 33 000–37 000-cm−1 range have been determined with approximately ± 0.5-cm−1 precision.
Differential Expression of miR-130a in Postmortem Prefrontal Cortex of Subjects with Alcohol Use Disorders.

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that neuroadaptations to alcohol may result from chronic alcohol consumption-induced expression changes of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes. Studies with animal or cell culture models have demonstrated that ethanol exposure leads to miRNA expression alterations. However, there is limited information on miRNA expression in the brains of subjects with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The present study aimed to analyze expression changes of miRNAs and their target genes in postmortem prefrontal cortex (PFC) of AUD subjects. Methods: Genome-wide miRNA and mRNA expression was examined in postmortem PFC of 23 European Australia AUD cases and 23 matched controls using the Illumina HumanHT-12 v4 Expression Bead Chip array, which targets 43,270 coding transcripts and 3,961 non-coding transcripts (including 574 miRNA transcripts). Multiple linear regression analysis and permutation test were performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and their target mRNAs. Target gene prediction, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GESA), and DAVID functional annotation clustering analysis were applied to identify AUD-associated gene sets and biological modules. Results: Two miRNAs and 787 coding genes were differentially expressed in the PFC of AUD cases [miR-130a (downregulated): Ppermutation=0.023, miR-604 (upregulated): Ppermutation=0.019, coding genes: 1.6×10-5≤Ppermutation≤0.05; but all P values did not survive multiple-testing correction]. GESA showed that the 202 predicted target genes of miR-130a were highly enriched in differentially expressed genes (Pnominal<0.001), but not the 116 predicted target genes of miR- 604 (Pnominal=0.404). DAVID functional clustering further revealed that the hub target genes (e.g., ITPR2 and ATP1A2) of miRNA130a were mainly responsible for regulating ion channel function. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that downregulation of miR-130a may lead to altered expression of a number of genes in the PFC of AUD subjects. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings in replication samples and other reward-related brain regions.
Comparison of Cytochrome P450 Genes from Six Plant Genomes

Plants depend on cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes for nearly every aspect of their biology. In several sequenced angiosperms, CYP genes constitute up to 1% of the protein coding genes. The angiosperm sequence diversity is encapsulated by 59 CYP families, of which 52 families form a widely distributed core set. In the 20 years since the first plant P450 was sequenced, 3,387 P450 sequences have been identified and annotated in plant databases. As no new angiosperm CYP families have been discovered since 2004, it is now apparent that the sampling of CYP diversity is beginning to plateau. This review presents a comparison of 1,415 cytochrome P450 sequences from the six sequenced genomes of Vitis vinifera (grape), Carica papaya (papaya), Populus trichocarpa (poplar), Oryza sativa (rice), Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis or mouse ear’s cress) and Physcomitrella patens (moss). An evolutionary analysis is presented that tracks land plant P450 innovation over time from the most ancient and conserved sequences to the newest dicot-specific families. The earliest or oldest P450 families are devoted to the essential biochemistries of sterol and carotenoid synthesis. The next evolutionary radiation of P450 families appears to mediate crucial adaptations to a land environment. And, the newest CYP families appear to have driven the diversity of angiosperms in mediating the synthesis of pigments, odorants, flavors and order-/genus-specific secondary metabolites. Family-by-family comparisons allow the visualization of plant genome plasticity by whole genome duplications and massive gene family expansions via tandem duplications. Molecular evidence of human domestication is quite apparent in the repeated P450 gene duplications occurring in the grape genome.
The Goblin Spider Genus Ischnothyreus (Araneae, Oonopidae) in the New World

ABSTRACT Although originally described from St. Vincent in the Lesser Antilles, the goblin spider genus Ischnothyreus Simon appears to be an Old World taxon that is represented in the New World only by two presumably introduced, pantropical, synanthropic species: I. peltifer (Simon) and I. velox Jackson. Two specific names based on New World specimens (I. barrowsi Chamberlin and Ivie from Florida, and I. indressus Chickering from the Lesser Antilles) are placed as junior synonyms of I. velox, which is newly recorded from Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Venezuela, Brazil, Madagascar, the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, Hawaii, the Marquesas Islands, and New Caledonia. A third species, I. browni Chickering, that is supposedly from Costa Rica was apparently based on mislabeled specimens that are actually from the Philippines. The type specimens of I. browni resemble those of the Seychelle species Ischnothyrella jivani (Benoit) in that the dorsal abdominal scutum of males is extremely weak and that of...
Regulation of Chorionic Gonadotropin Gene Expression

I. Introduction CHORIONIC gonadotropin (CG) is a placental hormone that maintains the corpus luteum of pregnancy. Because CG is expressed at high levels soon after fertilization and implantation, it is used to detect pregnancy at early stages and to monitor the progress of pregnancy during the first trimester (1). CG is also produced in trophoblastic disease and in a variety of different malignancies, and it is useful as a tumor marker in these conditions (2). The mechanisms that control CG production have been investigated extensively, and there are several recent comprehensive reviews (3, 4). CG is a heterodimer composed of α- and β-subunits (Fig. 1). The α-subunit is identical to that in other members of the glycoprotein hormone family (TSH, FSH, LH), whereas the β-subunits in each of the hormones are distinct and confer receptor and biological specificity (5). Little hormone is stored intracellularly and, for the most part, hormone secretion reflects de novo biosynthesis. Therefore, many recent studie...
Teaching patient empathy: the ED visit program.

. Objective: Residency programs only are not challenged with developing competent emergency clinicians, but should strive to develop caring, empathetic, and community-minded physicians. An exercise was designed to help residents experience emergency department (ED) visits from the patient's perspective. Methods: This study occurred in emergency medicine residency program at an urban teaching institution with an annual ED census of 94,000. On the first day of residency orientation, each resident was given a clinical scenario and registered through triage into the ED. Nurses were blinded to the study. The study concluded when the examining physician entered the exam room. Residents were then presented with a simulated bill based on their scenario. Residents completed a survey initially and at six months. Survey ratings were measured using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) (0 = not at all; 100 = a great deal). Results: Twenty-five residents participated over two years. Sixty-four percent had never been an ED patient before. Median length of stay was 139 minutes. This exercise was found to improve resident empathy for patients on initial survey, 66 mm (range 16-71), and at follow-up, 66 mm (range 23-91). Residents found the exercise useful both initially, 50 mm (range 4-86), and at follow-up, 49 mm (range 15-81). Ninety-two percent of the residents thought the goals of the exercise had been met. Residents also stated the study changed their approach to patient care (45 mm, range 4-76) and made them a better physician (49 mm, range 5-80). Conclusions: The ED visit study enhanced patient empathy within residents and was useful in improving patient care attitude.
Optimization of one-bit full adders embedded in regular structures

We study the problem of optimizing the transistor sizes in the one-bit nMOS full adder either isolated or embedded in a regular array. A local optimization method that we call the critical-path optimization method is developed. In this method, two parameters at a time are changed along the critical path until a locally optimal choice of transistor sizes is found. The critical-path optimization method uses the Berkeley VLSI tools and the hierarchical layout language ALLENDE developed at Princeton. First, we optimize the isolated one-bit full adder implemented in three ways: as a PLA, data selector, and with random logic. The details of the critical-path optimization method and power-time tradeoff curves are illustrated here. Second, we optimize the one-bit full adder embedded in a simple array multiplier. The entire 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 8 × 8, and 10 × 10 multipliers are optimized and their local optima are compared. Because the optimization of the entire circuit becomes less practical when the circuit becomes larger, we develop a method that makes use of circuit regularity. We prove that some small array of one-bit full adders, called the canonical configuration, has the same local optima as the n × n multiplier for large n, with the criterion of minimizing the delay time T. Hence, we can greatly reduce the computation load by optimizing this canonical configuration instead of optimizing the entire circuit. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of this approach.
Incorporating Heterogeneous XML Formats Using Relational Database

Todays business world relies on information technology for their daily operations. One of the main concerns in the business world is the communication among their peers so that they can do their business and continue to thrive. However, no single information technology dominates whole business world. Consequently there exist multiple technologies that the business community must deal with and is struggling to find a way to communicate each other. There have been many attempts to make this interoperability among different technologies and different data formats using XML(extensible markup language). In this paper, we are proposing a noble approach to make universal relational table that can capture any XML documents contents with elements and attributes. With this table, XML files can be easily uploaded to any relational database and achieve interoperability among heterogeneous XML files.
Enhanced energy confinement and performance in a low-recycling tokamak.

Extensive lithium wall coatings and liquid lithium plasma-limiting surfaces reduce recycling, with dramatic improvements in Ohmic plasma discharges in the Current Drive Experiment-Upgrade. Global energy confinement times increase by up to 6 times. These results exceed confinement scalings such as $\mathrm{ITER}98\mathrm{P}(y,1)$ by $2--3$ times, and represent the largest increase in energy confinement ever observed for an Ohmic tokamak plasma. Measurements of ${D}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ emission indicate that global recycling coefficients decrease to approximately 0.3, the lowest documented for a magnetically confined hydrogen plasma.
Three-dimensional structure of human follicle-stimulating hormone.

The crystal structure of a βThr26Ala mutant of human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH) has been determined to 3.0 A resolution. The hFSH mutant was expressed in baculovirus-infected Hi5 insect cells and purified by affinity chromatography, using aβ hFSH-specific monoclonal antibody. The βThr26Ala mutation results in elimination of the βAsn24 glycosylation site, yielding protein more suitable for crystallization without affecting the receptor binding and signal transduction activity of the glycohormone. The crystal structure has two independent hFSH molecules in the asymmetric unit and a solvent content of about 80%. The α- andβ subunits of hFSH have similar folds, consisting of central cystine-knot motifs from which three β-hairpins extend. The two subunits associate very tightly in a head-to-tail arrangement, forming an elongated, slightly curved structure, similar to that of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The hFSH heterodimers differ only in the conformations of the amino and carboxy termini and ...
Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents (DICA)

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the evolution of the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents (DICA) as well as the goals of the instrument and the issues surrounding its use. Method Administration procedures, psychometric properties, and comparisons with other measures are reviewed. Results The DICA, once considered a structured interview, can now be used in a semistructured format. It displays good reliability and works well with younger children. Conclusion The DICA is a useful measure for both research and clinical settings, and it provides a reliable tool for assessing psychiatric information in children and adolescents.
Comparing motivation of Japanese computer personnel versus these of the United States

A survey of perceptions of I.S. computer personnel managers, analysts, programmer/analysts and application programmers-was conducted in Japan, using the JDS-DP II, a modification of the job diagnostic survey instrument. Data were collected on 15 job variables, related to four motivation aspects: job components, satisfaction levels, need for growth/achievement and goal participation/feedback. The results were compared to those of a similar survey for the same job types in the United States. The survey revealed that the work itself was ranked highest among 11 motivating factors, for both countries, In two job categories, middle management and analysts, Japanese respondents had responses significantly different from their U.S. counterparts. On the other dimensions the responses in Japan were similar to those in the United States. Cultural factors that might have affected the survey results are discussed. >
Effect of Class III bone anchor treatment on airway

ABSTRACT Objectives: To compare airway volumes and minimum cross-section area changes of Class III patients treated with bone-anchored maxillary protraction (BAMP) versus untreated Class III controls. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight consecutive skeletal Class III patients between the ages of 10 and 14 years (mean age, 11.9 years) were treated using Class III intermaxillary elastics and bilateral miniplates (two in the infra-zygomatic crests of the maxilla and two in the anterior mandible). The subjects had cone beam computed tomographs (CBCTs) taken before initial loading (T1) and 1 year out (T2). Twenty-eight untreated Class III patients (mean age, 12.4 years) had CBCTs taken and cephalograms generated. The airway volumes and minimum cross-sectional area measurements were performed using Dolphin Imaging 11.7 3D software. The superior border of the airway was defined by a plane that passes through the posterior nasal spine and basion, while the inferior border included the base of the epiglottis to ...
Diagnosing abstraction failure for separation logic-based analyses

Abstraction refinement is an effective verification technique for automatically proving safety properties of software. Application of this technique in shape analyses has proved impractical as core components of existing refinement techniques such as backward analysis, general conjunction, and identification of unreachable but doomed states are computationally infeasible in such domains. We propose a new method to diagnose proof failures to be used in a refinement scheme for Separation Logic---based shape analyses. To check feasibility of abstract error traces, we perform Bounded Model Checking over the traces using a novel encoding into SMT. A subsequent diagnosis finds discontinuities on infeasible traces, and identifies doomed states admitted by the abstraction. To construct doomed states, we give a model-finding algorithm for "symbolic heap" Separation Logic formulas, employing the execution machinery of the feasibility checker to search for concrete counter-examples. The diagnosis has been implemented in SLAyer, and we present a simple scheme for refining the abstraction of hierarchical data structures, and illustrate its effectiveness on benchmarks from the SLAyer test suite.
EC: an efficient error correction algorithm for short reads

Background In highly parallel next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques millions to billions of short reads are produced from a genomic sequence in a single run. Due to the limitation of the NGS technologies, there could be errors in the reads. The error rate of the reads can be reduced with trimming and by correcting the erroneous bases of the reads. It helps to achieve high quality data and the computational complexity of many biological applications will be greatly reduced if the reads are first corrected. We have developed a novel error correction algorithm called EC and compared it with four other state-of-the-art algorithms using both real and simulated sequencing reads.
Identifying the Multiple Skills in Skill-Biased Technical Change

US median wages have stagnated for 30 years, yet this masks a surprising amount of variation among different groups. A large literature documents that skill-biased technical change (SBTC) has led to substantial real wage increases on average for those with at least a college degree, and declines on average for those with less education. However, SBTC is not a single dimensional construct. We identify seven orthogonal dimensions of skill across 514 occupations and examine how the earning power of each skill changed over the period 2006-2014. We find that (1) different skills accrue different levels of wage, (2) these wage effects vary on both the actual use of IT in the occupation as well as the general level of IT intensity in the industry, and (3) the technology-skill effects on wage are nonlinear. We discuss implications for workers, educators and policymakers.
Modern Logic as a Tool for Remedying Ambiguities in Legal Documents and Analyzing the Structure of Legal Documents’ Contained Definitions

There are three forms of indeterminacy in legal documents (statutes, constitutions, regulations, contracts, briefs, forms and other): (1) ambiguity , (2) scope of reference , and (3) vagueness . The first two, ambiguity and scope of reference indeterminacies, can be avoided – and should be. The third, vagueness , is inevitable, but its scope can be managed. For example, “giving notice” can be required in 24 hours, 30 days, one year or in a timely fashion. The solution of the drafters, for example, of the Uniform Commercial Code (of the United States) was “seasonable notice”. So, sometimes deliberate vagueness is the course of wisdom and preferred choice.The First Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article 9-608 of the Uniform Commercial Code contain various ambiguities and indefiniteness in scope of reference that are analyzed here in detail along with our proposed resolutions.
Using Allostatic Load as a Framework for Neonatal Research and Practice

This article is a brief overview of the appropriateness of the theory of allostatic load as a framework for performing neonatal research and practice. By using the theory of allostatic load as a framework, researchers and practitioners will not negate the effects of stressors experienced by the fetus during pregnancy - as well as stresses inherent in birth – which are compounded by potentially traumatic interventions. Infant temperament, response to noxious stimuli (such as circumcision, heelstick blood draws, and vaccination for examples), and response to separation from their mother can all be affected by such prenatal and birth stressors when taken in the context of the theory of allostatic load.
Associations and the accumulation of preference.

This paper presents a theory of multi-alternative, multi-attribute preferential choice. It is assumed that the associations between an attribute and an available alternative impact the attribute’s accessibility. The values of highly accessible attributes are more likely to be aggregated into preferences. Altering the choice task by adding new alternatives or by increasing the salience of preexisting alternatives can change the accessibility of the underlying attributes and subsequently bias choice. This mechanism is formalized by use of a preference accumulation decision process, embedded in a feed-forward neural network. The resulting model provides a unitary explanation for a large range of choice-set-dependent behaviors, including context effects, alignability effects, and less is more effects. The model also generates a gain–loss asymmetry relative to the reference point, without explicit loss aversion. This asymmetry accounts for all of the reference-dependent anomalies explained by loss aversion, as well as referencedependent phenomena not captured by loss aversion.
House fly age as a factor in their response to certain carbamates.

Adult house flies, Musca domestica L., treated topically with Baygon® ( o -isopropoxyphenyl methyicarbamate), Banol® (6-chloro-3,4-xylyl methyicarbamate), and carbaryl were most resistant to these chemicals when 5 days old. Susceptibility was greatest in adults 1 and 15 days old. Neither total cholinesterase activity nor its sensitivity to the insecticides, varied sufficiently in flies of different ages to explain the mortality data. Rates of penetration and excretion of carbaryl-C14 were not related to the mortality changes. However, in vivo inhibition of cholinesterase did correlate with the observed toxicity of the carbonates to adult house flies, suggesting that accumulation of the toxicant at the site of action varied in insects of different ages.
Reduction of Aerodynamic Drag on a Commercial Pickup Truck via External Flow Devices

To reduce the aerodynamic drag on commercial pickup truck, this paper proposed and showed five different external flow devices on the control model all with the intent to redirect the aerodynamic flow of air around the truck bed in order to reduce the drag. The five external flow devices are as follows: a cowl, a louvered tailgate, a small roof spoiler, side panels, and a combination of the roof spoiler and side panels.Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were completed for each configuration in order to observe the aerodynamic flow and calculate the coefficient of drag. All of the added devices reduced the coefficient of drag however some were much more effective. The percent of drag coefficient reduction were compared to the control model for the cowl, louvered tailgate, small roof spoiler, side panels, and the combination of the roof spoiler and side panelsto find the most effective and least effective drag reducing devices.
Suppression of a learned response by punishment when an alternative learned response is provided

Three groups of 16 rats were trained in a T-maze which contained a large reward in one arm and a small reward in the other. A forced choice technique insured that all Ss entered each arm of the maze an equal proportion of the time. After the Ss had learned to correctly choose the large reward side, the Ss in Group 1 were given a 1 sec. mild shock (.2 ma) upon entering the large reward goal box, Group 2 a 1 sec. strong shock (1.2 ma) and Group 3 a.2 ma shock which was gradually increased by.1 ma on each succeeding block of six trials. The results indicated that: (1) During acquisition the Ss showed great reluctance to enter the arm containing small reward. (2) Presentation of shock to the Ss in Groups 2 and 3 suppressed the approach tendency to the large reward side. However, the Ss also refused to go to the arm containing small reward.
Interested Parties and Their Roles in Self-health Care and Self-medication

OBJECTIVE:To set up a framework responsible for self-health care and self-medication of Chinese people.METHODS:The relation between self-health careself-medication and the interested parties such as pharmaceutical manufacturer,pharmacy,consumers,healthcare professionals and governmental control agency was expounded;and the roles and functions of these parties played in self-health care and self-medication were discussed.RESULTSCONCLUSION:All the interested parties including pharmaceutical manufacturer,pharmacy,consumers,healthcare professionals and governmental control agency should go into partnership with each other so as to promote a responsible self-health care and self-medication in China.
George B.Cressey and Geology in Republican China

As a famous American Geographer, George. B. Cressey is notable not only for Chinese Geography, but also for his close relationship with Chinese geology in Republican China, consisting of his geological education, the establishment of Geological and Geographical Department and the cultivation of geologists in Shanghai University, the geological investigation and study of China and the interactions with Chinese geologists. All those, to some extent, also provide us an outer perspective to probe into China's modern geological history.
Review: good adherence (compared with poor adherence) to drug therapy is associated with a reduction in mortality.

Source Citation Simpson SH, Eurich DT, Majumdar SR, et al. A meta-analysis of the association between adherence to drug therapy and mortality. BMJ. 2006;333:15. 16790458
Economics and technology, 1600–1789

Glickl bas Judah Leib advised her husband on business matters while bearing and raising their twelve children. At his death, she took over the whole business, rescuing her eldest son from repeated bankruptcies, and expanding into new markets: I had a manufactory for Hamburger stockings, many thousands worth of which I turned out for my own account … I procured wares from Holland, I bought nicely in Hamburg as well, and disposed of the goods in a store of my own. I never spared myself, summer and winter I was out on my travels, and I ran about the city the livelong day. What is more, I maintained a lively trade in seed pearls. I bought them from all the Jews, selected and sorted them, and then resold them in towns where I knew they were in good demand. Glickl was in many ways highly unusual. She was a woman operating in a man’s world, running a factory, traveling to trade fairs and markets, and handling large amounts of merchandise, including luxury goods such as pearls, jewels, and gold lace. In this her Judaism proved an advantage. Because Jews were prohibited from staying in most inns run by Christians, they often had networks of friends with whom women could stay safely, and because Judaism prized the life of a scholar more than that of a merchant, Jewish women were often freer to run businesses than their Christian neighbors. Even more unusually, as we saw in chapter 8, Glickl decided to recount her life story for her children and grandchildren.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation versus Debridement in the Treatment of Osteochondritis Dessicans of the Capitellum

Objectives:The purpose of this systematic review and meta- analysis is to compare clinical results and functional outcomes in patients with osteochondritis dessicans (OCD) lesions of the capitellum treated with either osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS) or debridement with or without microfracture.Methods:Systematic review of multiple medical databases was performed after PROSPERO registration and using PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed using the multiple medical databases and the methodological quality of the individual studies was assessed by two review authors using the Cochrane Collaboration’s “Risk of Bias” tool. Case reports were excluded and only case series of more than five patients and higher level of evidence were included. All study, subject, and surgery parameters were collected. Data was analyzed using statistical software. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated when possible. Data were compared using Pearson Chi-Square and independent sample T tests when applicable.R...
Maximization of ellipsoidal design space for continuous-time systems: A robust optimal control approach

In the pharmaceutical industry, it is common to determine the maximum allowable set of uncertain parameters—called the design space—that guarantees that the product quality attributes obtained by a manufacturing process are within specified limits. In industrial practice, design spaces are constructed without considering the effects of process dynamics or feedback control, which results in poor characterization of operations. This paper presents an approach for determining the design space for a continuous-time state-space model with linear fractional uncertainties and for simultaneously synthesizing a linear feedback controller. For a set of ellipsoidal quality attributes, a parameterization of the ellipsoidal design space is proposed. Then, a robust optimal control technique is presented to ensure the ellipsoidal quality attributes are satisfied while maximizing the volume of the ellipsoidal design space. The proposed approach is illustrated in a simulation example.
A Smartphone-Based System for Clinical Gait Assessment

In 2010, There were more than forty million doctor visits of people with lower joints complaints, including more than one million surgeries involving total or partial hip, knee, and ankle replacement in the US. Generally, these procedures require some level of post-op physical therapy (PT), to recover most of the walking capabilities. Therefore, it is important to have a method to assess the walking capabilities of the patients in order to track their improvement over time. This paper presents a smartphone-based system to perform the Functional Gait Analysis test to assess the balance and fall risk of patients with walking difficulties. The paper addresses most of the shortcomings of current systems for the same purpose, including: 1) low cost, as it uses one off-the-shelf smartphone and the sensors embedded in it; 2) self-care, as it does not need of a specialist or physician; 3) mobile; 4) accurate, as it eliminates the ambiguities incurred by specialists; 5) information-based, as it enhances the diagnostic including other metrics that assess the gait of individual limbs and provides historical data to assess the evolution of the patient over time; and 6) easy to use and unobtrusive.
A Method For Quantitative Evaluation Of Scatter Corrections To Rollo Phantom Images

A method to quantify the degradation of planar gammacamera images of a phantom (applied in this case to a Rollo phantom) due to Compton-scatter is presented. This provides an essential tool for testing and optimizing an energy-based scatter-correction currently under development. We use a numerical model of the Rollo phantom to construct a projection image corresponding to that expected from an ideal imaging system. This is then convolved with the measured spatial point response (in air) of the actual imaging system to produce a realistic estimate of the scatter-free image. Summary statistics derived from comparisons between this image and the raw and scatter-corrected images are extremely reliable quantitative measures of the detrimental effects of scatter. Position and energy (xyE) list mode data were acquired for several isotopes, each with 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm of Lucite intervening between the phantom and the collimator face to induce varying amounts of scatter. Quantitative results based on these data and the numerical Rollo model are presented.
Controlling simultaneous switching noise with built-in decoupling capacitors

This work describes two modeling methodologies to evaluate simultaneous switching noise (SSN) for a four layers printed circuit board (PCB). The first modeling was done using Ansoft Q3D to extract related loop inductances for 16 simultaneous switching outputs (SSO) and estimate the noise voltage. The second modeling was done using Sigrity SPEED2000 to evaluate 128 SSOs and their design practice to keep the noise voltage within 5% of the operational voltage. Simulation results for both tools were also compared and discussed.
Physician preference and patient satisfaction with radioactive seed versus wire localization.

Abstract Background Nonpalpable breast lesions require localization before excision. This is most commonly performed with a wire (WL) or a radioactive seed (SL), which is placed into the breast under radiographic guidance. Although there are advantages of each modality, there are no guidelines to address which patients should undergo WL versus SL. We investigated factors influencing the selection of SL versus WL at our institution and assessed patient satisfaction with each procedure. Methods Patients undergoing preoperative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions from May 2014 through August 2015 were included. Physicians were surveyed on surgical scheduling to evaluate factors influencing the decision to perform SL or WL. Patient satisfaction was evaluated with a survey at the first postoperative visit. Retrospective chart review was performed. Results 341 patients were included: 104 (30%) patients underwent SL and 237 (70%) underwent WL. There was no difference in patient age, benign versus malignant disease, or need for concomitant axillary surgery comparing the SL versus WL groups. Physician survey indicated that 18% of patients were candidates for WL only. Of the patients who were eligible for both, 88 (41%) ultimately underwent SL and 126 (59%) had WL. The most commonly cited reason for selection of one localization method or the other was physician preference, followed by patient preference or avoiding additional visit. There was no significant difference in self-reported preoperative anxiety level, convenience of the localization procedure, pain of the localization procedure, operative experience, postoperative pain level or medication requirement, or overall patient satisfaction comparing patients who underwent SL and WL. Conclusions SL and WL offer patients similar comfort and satisfaction. Factors influencing selection of one modality over the other include both logistic and clinical considerations.
Defining the Scope of Aid Reduction and Its Challenges for Civil Society Organizations: Laying the Foundation for New Theory

Much of the literature on local civil society organizations and foreign aid focuses on the short-term consequences of funding cycles and contract conditions, but treats foreign aid at the macrolevel like a largely stable condition, as though countries receiving foreign aid will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Empirical evidence of aid reduction, however, suggests that this approach neglects long-term phenomena. This article examines aid patterns on a global scale and explores their potential consequences for civil society organizations. Working from World Bank data, we identify general patterns in country-level aid reduction. We examine the frequency of country-level aid reduction, the magnitude of reduction, its duration, and whether aid reduction tends to be rapid or gradual. Mapping these patterns establishes that country-level reductions in aid are a regularly occurring, global phenomenon. Moreover, even as global ODA levels increase, instances of country-level aid reduction are also increasing. Our findings lay the foundation for building new, generalizable theory about aid reduction and allow us to identify pressing questions about the consequences for civil society organizations in need of further research.
Patient, provider, and environmental factors associated with adherence to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular clinical practice guidelines in the ED.

Abstract Objectives Myocardial infarction and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Both diseases have clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) specific to the emergency department (ED) that improve patient outcomes. Our primary objectives were to estimate differences in ED adherence across CPGs for these diseases and identify patient, provider, and environmental factors associated with adherence. Methods Design: Retrospective study at 3 hospitals in Colorado using standard medical record review. Population: Consecutive adults (≥ 18) hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), or acute ischemic stroke (AIS), who were admitted to the hospital from the ED and for whom the ED diagnosed or initiated treatment. Outcome: ED adherence to the CPG (primary); in-hospital mortality and length-of-stay (secondary). Analysis: Multivariable logistic regression using generalized estimating equations was used. Results Among 1053 patients, ED care was adherent in 84% with significant differences in adherence between CPGs (p Conclusions Adherence to ED CPGs for ACS, STEMI and AIS differs significantly between cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and is more likely to occur when the diagnosis is highly suggested by the patient's complaint and acknowledged as the primary diagnosis by the treating ED physician.
A Literature Review of Academic Interventions for College Students With Learning Disabilities

The number of students with learning disabilities (LD) enrolling in postsecondary education has increased rapidly over the past decade. It is imperative to investigate what interventions have been ...
Recurring Themes Across Fractal Issues Facing International Students: A Thematic Analysis of 2016 Dissertations and Theses

This section shares recent dissertations and theses with the Journal of International Students readers. There were about 139 graduate dissertations and theses related to the issues and challenges of international students in 2016. The complete versions of these selected dissertations are available in the ProQuest, Michigan-based electronic publisher. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global is the world's most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses from around the world, spanning from 1743 to the present day. This database has found 17,164 results from 1922-2018 while searching the keywords “international student” in its search engine.
Integrating Social Media in Modern Oncology Practice and Research

The widespread adoption and diffusion of social media provides oncology professionals with a unique and unprecedented opportunity to engage with the public. However, there remains a paucity of literature examining how clinicians and researchers can effectively use social media to complement modern oncology practice and research. In this review, we dissect the benefits and risks of professional social media use in oncology and offer several best practices for clinicians and researchers to achieve effective engagement. We also describe how to participate constructively in Twitter conversations at the time of medical or scientific conferences. Additionally, we demonstrate how to communicate appropriately and safely with patients and families online. Finally, we explore the exciting and nascent field of social media research and highlight the need to investigate its potential value in personalized cancer medicine.
Severe Asthma in Adults: Pathology to Clinical Aspects

Severe asthma consists of a group of patients with frequent and high intensity health care utilization, despite treatment with high dose corticosteroids, long-acting beta agonists and/or leukotriene modifiers. Severe asthma likely afflicts less than 10% of asthma population and represents a heterogeneous group of patients. Risk factors for severe asthma include both genetic and environmental factors, with allergen exposure, cigarette smoke and viral infection all recognized environmental risk factors. Genetic risk factors are less clear, although polymorphisms in Th2 pathway elements have been implicated to date. Pathologically, severe asthma can be divided into eosinophilic or non-eosinophilic phenotypes, with the eosinophilic phenotype related to increases in exacerbations and associated remodeling of the subepithelial basement menbrane. Neutrophilic inflammation may also be seen in severe asthma, often in association with lower lung function. Important things for evaluation of severe asthma are confirmation that the disease is asthma, evaluation excerbating factor and phenotype. The evaluation of severe asthma includes confirming that the disease is, in fact asthma and then determining which phenotype of severe asthma the patient may have. Treatment of severe asthma then should be targeted to the clinical, immunologic and inflammatory phenotype.