cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-G-206-17: RadShield: Semi-Automated Shielding Design for CT Using NCRP 147 and Isodose Curves

Purpose: Computed tomography (CT) exam rooms are shielded more quickly and accurately compared to manual calculations using RadShield, a semi-automated diagnostic shielding software package. Last year, we presented RadShield's approach to shielding radiographic and fluoroscopic rooms calculating air kerma rate and barrier thickness at many points on the floor plan and reporting the maximum values for each barrier. RadShield has now been expanded to include CT shielding design using not only NCRP 147 methodology but also by overlaying vendor provided isodose curves onto the floor plan. Methods: The floor plan image is imported onto the RadShield workspace to serve as a template for drawing barriers, occupied regions and CT locations. SubGUIs are used to set design goals, occupancy factors, workload, and overlay isodose curve files. CTDI and DLP methods are solved following NCRP 147. RadShield's isodose curve method employs radial scanning to extract data point sets to fit kerma to a generalized power law equation of the form K(r) = ar^b. RadShield's semiautomated shielding recommendations were compared against a board certified medical physicist's design using dose length product (DLP) and isodose curves. Results: The percentage error found between the physicist's manual calculation and RadShield's semi-automated calculation of lead barrier thickness was 3.42% and 21.17% for the DLP and isodose curve methods, respectively. The medical physicist's selection of calculation points for recommending lead thickness was roughly the same as those found by RadShield for the DLP method but differed greatly using the isodose method. Conclusion: RadShield improves accuracy in calculating air-kerma rate and barrier thickness over manual calculations using isodose curves. Isodose curves were less intuitive and more prone to error for the physicist than inverse square methods. RadShield can now perform shielding design calculations for general scattering bodies for which isodose curves are provided.
Systematic and Quantitative Analysis of G-Quadruplex DNA Folding

G-quadruplex (GQ) is a noncanonical secondary structure that forms in G-rich sequences of DNA or RNA. GQ has been implicated in gene regulation and human diseases, yet its biological role is still unclear. We sought to investigate the folding propensity of potential GQ forming sequences and measure the GQ folding strength in a systematic and quantitative manner. We prepared over 400 GQ forming sequences by modulating the loop length and sequence composition within the context of [G3 N G3 N G3 N G3] where “N” represents the loop. First, we used the induced fluorescence of N-methyl mesoporphrin IX (NMM) (1) to quantify the parallel conformation of GQ folding in both single (ss) and double stranded (ds) DNA. Second, we established DNA polymerization (DNAP) assay in which tight GQ folding inhibits DNA extension. The folding stability measured by DNAP showed a high correlation to the NMM fluorescence observed in ssDNA, suggesting that parallel conformation is likely responsible for the GQ folding strength. Third, we employed in vitro transcription assay in which mRNA synthesis is detected in real time. Taken together, we provide quantitative biochemical and biophysical platforms to profile GQ folding sequences in DNA and RNA.1. Kreig, A., Calvert, J., Sanoica, J., Cullum, E., Tipanna, R. and Myong, S. (2015) G-quadruplex formation in double strand DNA probed by NMM and CV fluorescence. Nucleic Acids Res.
Preoperative Medical Weight Management in Bariatric Surgery: a Review and Reconsideration

Bariatric surgery is the most robust treatment for extreme obesity. The impact of preoperative medical weight management sessions designed, in theory, with the primary goal of promoting preoperative weight loss, is unclear. This paper reviews studies that have investigated the relationship between preoperative weight loss and bariatric surgical outcomes, both with respect to postoperative weight loss and complications. We conclude that the most robust of preoperative interventions has not been implemented or evaluated in a manner which would conclusively assess the value of this element of care. We offer a reconsideration of the role of preoperative medical weight management and provide recommendations for future research in this area.
Retraining Engineers for New Skills and Getting Jobs in a Modern World

The profession as an electrical engineer has undergone many changes in the last 20 years. Many of the design jobs have been outsourced, downsized or eliminated. While there is an oversupply of one type of engineer, there is a significant shortage of another type of engineer. Jobs in New York area represent the pulses of the engineering profession. Defense contractors have moved out of the area but microwave engineers are still in demand. Programmers in Java and C# .NET are especially in acute shortages. In the banking, construction, finance and healthcare industry, project manager is the hottest job title. For the displaced electrical engineers, several options remain. First one is to continue sending resume to the design manufacturing firm and trying to get work. Second one is to start his/her own design engineering firm. Then the problem is marketing. Most engineers dreaded marketing. This new design company is normally shortlived. The third choice is to take courses to get new skills that the modern society needs. To take a course in Java, C# or project management, the cost is $1,200 at a two-year college or $2,500 at a professional training organization. Since 1993, IEEE North Jersey Section provided 16 low-cost courses (specifically on C Programming, C++ Programming, Java Programming, Advanced Java Programming, Project Management, Marketing Research, and C# .NET Programming), training a total 214 engineers/professionals by this author. The collaboration between academia, industry and private firms make it possible to achieve the retraining goals. It generated an inventory of the effective activities, developed the action plan and delivered the end results. The bottom line: successfully retrained engineers to work as Java Programmer, C# programmer, project manager or related title. Some of them obtained jobs as Math teachers in high schools or teaching programming courses in colleges/universities. IEEE North Jersey Section, a volunteer organization, also benefited from the financial gains $50,000 running these courses. The money was used to cover many IEEE North Jersey Section activities. The same program may apply to German engineers, since many of the German firms are also outsourcing and downsizing their engineering workforce. Therefore this paper provides a roadmap for international professional societies to retrain their engineers to fit the needs of the modern world.
Chemical Formation of Methanol and Hydrocarbon ("Organic") Derivatives from CO2 and H2-Carbon Sources for Subsequent Biological Cell Evolution and Life's Origin.

Formation of methanol and hydrocarbon derivatives from CO2 and H2, their simplest molecular building blocks, under biocompatible conditions is proposed. Alternate panspermia of similar extraterrestrially formed and observed hydrocarbons to earth is also discussed. The simple molecular building blocks derived from CO2 and H2 are carbon sources in the initial stage of biological evolution of cells leading to life’s origin.
Abstract 270: Decrease of BNP Concentrations in Blood Perfusing Extremities of Patients with Advanced Peripheral Arterial Disease

Rationale: The role of cardiac natriuretic peptides (NPs) in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or thromboangiitis obliterans (TA) is unknown. Recent studies in mice suggested that BNP may be produced outside the heart in the ischemic limbs contributing to peripheral angiogenesis. Objective: Determine if synthesis or consumption/degradation of NPs occur in the ischemic legs of patients with PAD or TA. Methods: 32 patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) or claudication (PAD n=31; TA n=1; 20 males; mean age 72.9 years) underwent diagnostic angiography or revascularization. We determined differences of concentrations of BNP, NT-proBNP, and CNP in the blood of proximal veins and arteries of both legs. Concentrations differences were then compared between the more ischemic target and the contralateral self-control legs. Results: Values are means ± SD. P values In the PAD group, in the target extremity, concentration step-ups of NT-proBNP (11±68; p=0.40) and CNP (0.45±6.22; p=0.71) were not significant from the arterial to venous blood. In the contralateral self-control legs, NT-proBNP and CNP concentrations drops were also not significant (-37±160, p=0.7; -0.89±4.09, p=0.23). Venous BNP concentrations were significantly lower than arterial both in the target (-66±153, p Conclusion: Significantly lower venous BNP concentrations suggest possible BNP consumption/degradation in the ischemic legs. Concentrations of NT-proBNP, that has a longer half-life than BNP, were more stable suggesting no significant local production or conversion to BNP. CNP concentrations were stable. Recognizing the angiogenic properties of NPs and lack of evidence of peripheral production, studies are warranted in humans with PAD to determine the potential angiogenic properties of exogenous NPs supplementation in what could be considered a local NPs deficiency state.
The Role of Interleukin-15 on Natural Killer Cell Homeostasis and Activity in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract Interleukin-15 (IL-15) has been demonstrated to play a critical role in the regulation of natural killer (NK) cells. IL-15 induces the differentiation of NK cells from hematopoietic progenitors, stimulates the expansion of peripheral NK cells, and supports their survival. We investigated the role of IL-15 as a homeostatic regulator of NK cells in 29 patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the potential role of IL-15 in enhancing the anti-tumor activity of NK cells in AML patients. The percentage of circulating NK cells was lower (p
Big Wars versus Small Wars and the Politics of Durable Peace

Nations that experience one civil war are at risk of a relapse into renewed conflict. A number of studies have examined the factors the account for the durability of post-civil war peace and the risk of peace failure. Inconsistencies in the findings are in part a function of differing data sets employed to estimate models. In particular, the Uppsala-PRIO Armed conflict data set includes a number of smaller conflicts that do not appear in other widely used data sets. Recent studies using the ACD data on post-civil war peace spells produce different findings from similar studies using data that includes only major civil wars. This divergence in findings leads to the question that motivates this paper: are the predictors of post-war peace duration different for the "small" wars compared to the "major" wars included in that data set. We will explore this question by using several versions of the ACD data, with different criteria for including a conflict and determining the start and end dates of those conflicts, to determine whether the peace that follows low level conflicts is more fragile or less fragile than that which follows major armed conflicts and, if so, what factors explain this difference in the sustainability of peace following different types of civil wars. This should contribute to our understanding of the inconsistencies across studies in the findings on what explains the duration of post-civil war peace. It should also give us some insights into how best to make use of the ACD data, depending up the research question that one is exploring.
SPECT functional brain imaging. Technical considerations.

The technical aspects of functional brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, referring primarily to the most common SPECT brain function measure--regional cerebral blood flow--are reviewed. SPECT images of regional cerebral blood flow are influenced by a number of factors unrelated to pathology, including tomographic quality, radiopharmaceuticals, environmental conditions at the time of radiotracer administration, characteristics of the subject (e.g., age, sex), image presentation, and image processing techniques. Modern SPECT scans yield excellent image quality, and instrumentation continues to improve. The armamentarium of regional cerebral blood flow and receptor radiopharmaceuticals is rapidly expanding. Standards regarding the environment for patient imaging and image presentation are emerging. However, there is still much to learn about the circumstances for performances and evaluation of SPECT functional brain imaging. Challenge tests, primarily established in cerebrovascular disease (i.e., the acetazolamide test), offer great promise in defining the extent and nature of disease, as well as predicting therapeutic responses. Clearly, SPECT brain imaging is a powerful clinical and research tool. However, SPECT will only achieve its full potential in the management of patients with cerebral pathology through close cooperation among members of the nuclear medicine, neurology, psychiatry, neurosurgery, and internal medicine specialties.
A four-antenna baseband multipath emulator for millimeter-wave channels

This paper presents a four-channel baseband channel emulator for multi-antenna millimeter-wave system characterization. The emulator is fabricated in 65 nm CMOS and occupies 1.45 mm × 1.2 mm. It comprises an array of four semidigital FIR filters each with 40 complex-valued taps (or 80 real coefficients). The emulator supports upto 2Gb/s QPSK, with 6bit resolution in each coefficient and a maximum power consumption of 279 mW.
Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of the trans-difluoro-bis-phenoxo-bridged iron(III) complex FeIII2(BBPA)2F2 (H2BBPA = N,N-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine)

Abstract The bis-phenoxo-bridged dinuclear iron(III) compound Fe2(BBPA)2F2 (H2BBPA = N,N-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) was structurally and magnetically characterized. It has distorted octahedral iron(III) centers with each iron(III) site having two cis-Fe(BBPA)F fragments that are bridged by two μ-phenoxo oxygen atoms. The dinuclear compound has a singlet ground state and thermally populated S = 5 undecet excited state 114 cm−1 above the ground state as the magnetic susceptibility can be fit to the Van Vleck dimer equation (H = −2JSa·Sb) with g = 2.02, J/kB = −15 K (−10.4 cm−1), and a room temperature effective moment of 7.16 μB/FeIII2 in accord with weak antiferromagnetic coupling within the iron(III) dimer.
Injuries associated with bunk beds occurring at schools: results using a US national data base.

Objective To investigate bunk bed injuries occurring across all educational institutions using a national data base. Methods National Electronic Injury Surveillance System data for the years 2006–2015 associated with bunk beds was analysed. Results There were an estimated 639 700 emergency department (ED) visits for bunk bed injuries; 1.3% occurred at school. Those occurring at school were older than those not at school (18.2 vs 12.8 years), and more commonly female (56.4% vs 40.6%), Caucasian (91.7% vs 68.3%) and associated with alcohol (10.8% vs 0.4%). For those occurring at school, the average age for those involving the trunk, upper extremity, lower extremity and head/neck areas was 17.9, 14.9, 19.2 and 18.7 years, respectively (p −4 ). A fracture was present in 6.4%, 52.3%, 21.2% and 9.6% of the trunk, upper extremity, lower extremity and head/neck areas, respectively (p=0.009). Males had a higher percentage of lacerations and females had a higher percentage of internal organ injuries. The vast majority of the fractures and strain/sprains occurred in the extremities; lacerations in the head/neck and contusion/abrasions predominantly involved the extremities and head/neck. Conclusions 1.3% of all ED visits due to bunk bed injuries occurred in places of education. The majority of these were during college age. Prevention strategies should be directed at educational institutions and students, as well as following proper bunk bed equipment guidelines. Education regarding alcohol risks might assist college age students.
Band Edge Alignment and Quantum Size Effects in Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon/Germanium Superlattice Structures

We deduce conduction and valence band alignments in hydrogenated amorphous silicon/germanium superlattices from the layer thickness dependence of coplanar conductivity and thermoelectric power, Schottky barrier height and optical absorption. We find that the amorphous germanium conduction band edge lies ~ 0.5 eV below and the valence band edge ~ 0.15 eV above the corresponding amorphous silicon edge.
Stature and growth compensation for spinal curvature.

UNLABELLED Spinal curvatures alter measured stature and may influence the evaluation of skeletal maturity and growth based on stature measurements. METHODS A dataset of calibrated measurements of vertebral positions of 407 radiographs in the frontal plane, together with clinically measured Cobb angles was used to determine the difference between spinal length and spinal height ('height loss') as a function of Cobb angles for radiographs indicating both single (N=182) and double (N=225) curves. RESULTS An apparently quadratic relationship: Height loss (mm)=1.0+0.066*Cobb+0.0084*Cobb*Cobb was found between height loss and each patient's mean Cobb angle for double curves. There was close agreement of the regression coefficients for single and double curves, and the present findings were very similar to the relationship reported by Ylikoski (Eur Spine J, 2003, 12:288-291). The relationships differed substantially from those proposed by Bjure (Clin Orthop, 1973 93:44-52) and by Brookenthal (SRS Exhibit 15, 2002). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study indicate that height loss (in mm) occurring with a 10 degrees increase in mean Cobb angle (for two curves) would be 1.1+0.16 times the mean Cobb angle (in degrees). For example, for a Cobb angle change from 30 to 40 degrees, the expected height loss would be 1.1+35*0.16 mm=6.7 mm. This assumes that height loss occurs only as a result of altered curvature, without alteration in disc height associated with an increase in scoliosis.
Perceived Synergistic Risk for Lung Cancer After Environmental Report-Back Study on Home Exposure to Tobacco Smoke and Radon.

Purpose:To examine the short-term impact of a personalized environmental report-back intervention to reduce home exposure to tobacco smoke and radon on perception of synergistic risk for lung cance...
Acidic and Basic Injuries

Caustic injuries often present as surgical emergencies. Herein, the authors provide a review of the presentation of acidic and basic injuries and appropriate workup. Whereas acids result in coagulation necrosis and eschar formation that limits depth of penetration and injury, alkalis leads to liquefactive necrosis and saponification that promotes deeper tissue penetration. Identification of degree of injury is critical to determine management and intervention. Conservative and surgical interventions are described, to be acted upon review of clinical data. Follow-up and management of strictures are also discussed.
Automating CSI Measurement with UAVs: from Problem Formulation to Energy-Optimal Solution

Indoor localization has been an active research area given the popularity of Location-Based Services. The CSI fingerprinting based approach is one of the most practical and effective approaches since it can provide adequate accuracy with low overhead for users. The key drawback that limits its wide application is the huge amount of human effort required to build the fingerprint map. This paper is the first to explore addressing this limitation by automating CSI map construction using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Given the limited battery capacity of commodity UAVs, it is extremely important yet challenging to optimize energy efficiency for the UAV during the CSI measurement task. To address this challenge, we formulate an energy optimization problem based on a novel graph model that includes the cost of possible actions for UAVs. We then transform the formulated problem to the classic Generalized Traveling Salesman Problem (GTSP), which can be solved efficiently. We implement the system on an off-the-shelf programmable drone equipped with a CSI measurement module. We achieve great energy efficiency improvement over the conventional coverage path planning algorithm. Meanwhile, accurate indoor localization can be achieved using the CSI data collected by our UAV system.
Guideline Adherence in Diagnostic Testing and Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Children.

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine emergency department (ED) physician adherence with the 2011 Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines for outpatient management of children with mild-to-moderate community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods A cross-sectional survey of physicians on the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Emergency Medicine Survey listserv was conducted. We evaluated ED physicians' reported adherence with the PIDS/IDSA guidelines through presentation of 4 clinical vignettes representing mild-to-moderate CAP of presumed viral (preschool-aged child), bacterial (preschool and school-aged child), and atypical bacterial (school-aged child) etiology. Results Of 120 respondents with analyzable data (31.4% response rate), use of chest radiograph (CXR) was nonadherent to the guidelines in greater than 50% of respondents for each of the 4 vignettes. Pediatric emergency medicine fellowship training was independently associated with increased CXR use in all vignettes, except for school-aged children with bacterial CAP. Guideline-recommended amoxicillin was selected to treat bacterial CAP by 91.7% of the respondents for preschool-aged children and by 75.8% for school-aged children. Macrolide monotherapy for atypical CAP was appropriately selected by 88.2% and was associated with obtaining a CXR (adjusted odds ratio, 3.9 [95% confidence interval, 1.4-11.1]). Guideline-adherent antibiotic use for all vignettes was independently associated with congruence between respondent's presumed diagnosis and the vignette's intended etiologic diagnosis. Conclusions Reported ED CXR use in the management of outpatient CAP was often nonadherent to the PIDS/IDSA guidelines. Most respondents were adherent to the guidelines in their use of antibiotics. Strategies to increase diagnostic test accuracy are needed to improve adherence and reduce variation in care.
A controlled laboratory environment to study EO signal degradation due to underwater turbulence

Temperature microstructure in the ocean can lead to localized changes in the index of refraction and can distort underwater electro-optical (EO) signal transmission. A similar phenomenon is well-known from atmospheric optics and generally referred to as “optical turbulence”. Though turbulent fluctuations in the ocean distort EO signal transmission and can impact various underwater applications, from diver visibility to active and passive remote sensing, there have been few studies investigating the subject. To provide a test bed for the study of impacts from turbulent flows on underwater EO signal transmission, and to examine and mitigate turbulence effects, we set up a laboratory turbulence environment allowing the variation of turbulence intensity. Convective turbulence is generated in a large Rayleigh- Benard tank and the turbulent flow is quantified using high-resolution Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter profilers and fast thermistor probes. The turbulence measurements are complemented by computational fluid dynamics simulations of convective turbulence emulating the tank environment. These numerical simulations supplement the sparse laboratory measurements. The numerical data compared well to the laboratory data and both conformed to the Kolmogorov spectrum of turbulence and the Batchelor spectrum of temperature fluctuations. The controlled turbulence environment can be used to assess optical image degradation in the tank in relation to turbulence intensity, as well as to apply adaptive optics techniques. This innovative approach that combines optical techniques, turbulence measurements and numerical simulations can help understand how to mitigate the effects of turbulence impacts on underwater optical signal transmission, as well as advance optical techniques to probe oceanic processes.
Lifecycle consumption under different income profiles: Evidence and theory

Abstract We report on a series of economic decision-making experiments exploring how individuals make lifecycle consumption and saving plans when they face different income profiles, representing different pension replacement rates. We aim to assess whether variations in pension replacement rates might aid or hinder individuals’ ability to make good lifecycle consumption and saving plans. We find that pension replacement rates matter for subjects’ experimental payoffs and consumption behavior. In particular, our treatment with a 100% pension replacement rate yields the highest experimental payoff, and more subjects in this treatment choose the status quo strategy of consuming endowments in every period. We show that a model of rational inattention is useful for explaining subjects’ responses to different pension replacement rates.
The Spectrum of He 3 I

Helium isotope shift measurements previously reported have been extended and the ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ hyperfine structure partially resolved. The hfs of the $^{3}S$ levels is inverted, indicating a negative nuclear magnetic moment as expected. The splitting of the $2^{3}S$ level is 0.221\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, while higher $^{3}S$ levels have a splitting of about 0.216 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, agreeing exactly with the expected values. The observed hfs agrees very well with that calculated by taking into account the perturbations of neighboring fine structure levels. The stronger hfs components of transitions to the $^{3}P$ and $^{3}D$ levels are not resolved, but the structure must be considered in evaluating the isotope shifts. By including contributions from reduced mass and coupling effects, it is found that the predicted and observed shifts differ by \ensuremath{\sim}0.1 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ in the sense that the ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ $^{3}S$ and $^{3}D$ terms are higher and the $^{1}S$ and $^{1}D$ terms lower than expected, with respect to the $^{3}P$ and $^{1}P$ levels. The differences for $S$ levels show an approximately linear decrease with term value $T$ of $\ensuremath{\sim}\ensuremath{-}2.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}T$. In addition, the trend of the differences for successive $D$ series members indicates an increase in the repulsion of the $^{3}D$ and $^{1}D$ terms near the crossing at $n=8$ owing to the fact that the ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ $^{3}D$ his is larger than the ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ $^{3}D$ fine structure. The results suggest that the Hughes-Eckart coupling terms for the $2^{3}P$ and $2^{1}P$ levels are too low, by about 12 and 20 percent, respectively, when calculated with one-electron wave functions.
Facilitating neural dynamics for delay compensation: A road to predictive neural dynamics?

Goal-directed behavior is a hallmark of cognition. An important prerequisite to goal-directed behavior is that of prediction. In order to establish a goal and devise a plan, one needs to see into the future and predict possible future events. Our earlier work has suggested that compensation mechanisms for neuronal transmission delay may have led to a preliminary form of prediction. In that work, facilitating neuronal dynamics was found to be effective in overcoming delay (the Facilitating Activation Network model, or FAN). The extrapolative property of the delay compensation mechanism can be considered as prediction for incoming signals (predicting the present based on the past). The previous FAN model turns out to have a limitation especially when longer delay needs to be compensated, which requires higher facilitation rates than FAN's normal range. We derived an improved facilitating dynamics at the neuronal level to overcome this limitation. In this paper, we tested our proposed approach in controllers for 2D pole balancing, where the new approach was shown to perform better than the previous FAN model. Next, we investigated the differential utilization of facilitating dynamics in sensory vs. motor neurons and found that motor neurons utilize the facilitating dynamics more than the sensory neurons. These findings are expected to help us better understand the role of facilitating dynamics in delay compensation, and its potential development into prediction, a necessary condition for goal-directed behavior.
Does habitat partitioning by sympatric plovers affect nest survival

The vertical structure and composition of vegetation can influence the quantity and quality of potential nesting sites for birds. Interspecific competition for high-quality nesting habitat may force some individuals into suboptimal habitat and lead to reduced reproductive success, eventually leading to changes in distribution or abundance. Large climate-mediated shifts in vegetation, including the rapid expansion of shrubs onto tundra, are occurring in the Arctic across important breeding grounds of many shorebird species of conservation concern. We investigated effects of vegetation structure and composition on nest-site selection and nest success of sympatrically breeding American Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis dominica) and Pacific Golden-Plovers (P. fulva), which nest along an elevational gradient ranging from coastal tundra meadows to alpine tundra. Both species strongly selected nest sites with less cover of tall shrubs and other tall vegetation than available at random sites within their territories. American Golden-Plovers selected territories and nest sites that were higher in elevation and had more rocky substrates and less graminoid vegetation than those selected by Pacific Golden-Plovers. The daily nest survival rate was equivalent in the 2 species (0.966, 95% CI: 0.955, 0.975) and similar to that found in other Arctic-breeding shorebirds; however, contrary to predictions, nest survival was not associated with habitat features selected for nest sites for either species. Strong selection of open habitat for nest sites suggests that continued climate-related shrub expansion may reduce the amount of suitable breeding habitat for both species, but partitioning along the elevational gradient and differences in body size suggest that impacts may be more severe for Pacific Golden-Plovers. Additional research is needed to determine if differential selection of nesting habitat is related to survival of the adults or their young.
The cost of the clinic visit - a short research project exploring the cost of clinic appointments, financial and otherwise, to families visiting Alder Hey Children's Hospital

Background: Although parents do not pay for health care for children in the UK, there may be indirect costs of attending appointments. Aims: Considering the link between poverty and health outcomes in childhood, the aim of this small research project was to contribute to the limited evidence base regarding the financial burden upon patients who use healthcare services in the UK. Methods: A validated questionnaire, which included the themes of 9loss of income9, 9childcare9 and 9transport9, was completed by parents of children attending a variety of respiratory clinics. Results: 36 families completed the questionnaire, evaluating both qualitative and quantitative data. The mean cost of attending a clinic appointment was £35.36 (42.55 euros). The biggest cost was on 9income lost9, with a mean loss within this group of £50 (60.14 euros). 8% of families had missed a clinic appointment in the past due to financial concerns. Conclusion: This research has contributed to the evidence base as well as helped to open discussions locally regarding financial barriers to accessing healthcare. Attending respiratory appointments is expensive for parents in the UK. Given substantial rates of poverty, efforts should be taken to minimise these costs, and develop ways of reviewing children without pysical attendance at hospital.
Mass loss on the horizontal branch: An application to NGC 6791

The presence of a substantial number of hot stars in the extremely metal-rich open cluster NGC 6791 has been a mystery. If these hot stars are in their core helium-burning phase, they are significantly bluer (hotter) than predicted by canonical stellar evolution theory. No obvious explanation is available yet. We consider the effects of mass loss during the evolution of horizontal-branch (HB) stars as their possible origin. We find that the addition of mass loss causes HB stars to evolve to be hotter and fainter. Mass loss has a more pronounced effect for less massive stars and thus naturally widens the temperature (and color) distribution on the HB. If mass-loss rates are higher for more metal-rich stars, this phenomenon would be even more pronounced in the metal-rich populations, such as NGC 6791. We find that mass loss on the HB may be a viable method of forming subdwarf B (sdB) stars both in the field and in clusters, especially when the metallicity is high.
How effective are electronic cigarettes for reducing respiratory and cardiovascular risk in smokers? A systematic review

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are widely promoted as harm-reduction products for smokers, and smokers commonly perceive them as less harmful than combustible cigarettes. One of the key questions regarding public health consequences of e-cigarettes is the magnitude of harm reduction achievable by smokers who switch from combustible cigarettes to e-cigarettes. We conducted a systematic literature review of epidemiological studies that estimated odds of respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes among former smokers who use e-cigarettes compared to current smokers. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. We searched the PubMed and Embase databases in September 2020 to identify epidemiological studies that compared odds of cardiovascular and respiratory outcomes among former smokers who transitioned to e-cigarettes relative to odds among current smokers not using e-cigarettes (current exclusive smokers). We included studies that provided direct estimates of relevant odds ratios (ORs). We also included studies where indirect estimates of relevant ORs could be calculated based on published results. Two reviewers independently extracted data and conducted quality appraisals. Six population-based studies with sample sizes ranging from 19,475 to 161,529 respondents met review inclusion criteria, five of which were cross-sectional and one longitudinal. Three studies reported respiratory outcomes and three reported cardiovascular outcomes. ORs of respiratory outcomes (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, and wheezing) in former smokers who transitioned to e-cigarettes versus current exclusive smokers were below 1.0, ranging from 0.58 (95%CI 0.36–0.94) to 0.66 (95%CI 0.50–0.87; all p < 0.05). All ORs for cardiovascular outcomes (including stroke, myocardial infarction, and coronary heart disease) did not differ significantly from 1.0. Though our review included a small number of studies, it provided consistent results. Former smokers who transitioned to e-cigarettes showed ~ 40% lower odds of respiratory outcomes compared to current exclusive smokers. Switching from smoking to e-cigarette does not appear to significantly lower odds of cardiovascular outcomes. Since the utility of cross-sectional studies for causal inference remains limited, both randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies are needed to better evaluate contributions of e-cigarettes as harm reduction tools for smokers.
Critical Care Requirements Under Uncontrolled Transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Objectives. To estimate the critical care bed capacity that would be required to admit all critical COVID-19 cases in a setting of unchecked SARS-CoV-2 transmission, both with and without elderly-specific protection measures.Methods. Using electronic health records of all 2432 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in a large hospital in Madrid, Spain, between February 28 and April 23, 2020, we estimated the number of critical care beds needed to admit all critical care patients. To mimic a hypothetical intervention that halves SARS-CoV-2 infections among the elderly, we randomly excluded 50% of patients aged 65 years and older.Results. Critical care requirements peaked at 49 beds per 100 000 on April 1-2 weeks after the start of a national lockdown. After randomly excluding 50% of elderly patients, the estimated peak was 39 beds per 100 000.Conclusions. Under unchecked SARS-CoV-2 transmission, peak critical care requirements in Madrid were at least fivefold higher than prepandemic capacity. Under a hypothetical intervention that halves infections among the elderly, critical care peak requirements would have exceeded the prepandemic capacity of most high-income countries.Public Health Implications. Pandemic control strategies that rely exclusively on protecting the elderly are likely to overwhelm health care systems.
Development of current ambient background threshold values for sediment quality parameters in U.S. lakes on a regional and statewide basis.

Abstract For the first time, background threshold values have been developed for a large suite of sediment quality parameters from 969 lakes spanning the conterminous United States (U.S.). These values provide a statistical basis for estimating current ambient background, which refers to chemical and physical (e.g., grain size) concentrations derived from natural and/or widespread diffuse anthropogenic sources (e.g., nonpoint sources like atmospheric deposition and land runoff). Surficial sediment quality data, collected based on the randomized, probability-based sampling design of the 2017 National Lakes Assessment (NLA) study, were utilized for this effort. These data included 16 metal(loid)s, 25 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 53 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, 27 legacy organochlorine pesticides and metabolites, total organic carbon (TOC), and grain size parameters. The data were analyzed based on different geographic areas, including: 10 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regions, two major ecoregions bisecting the State of Minnesota (i.e., Temperate Plains and Upper Midwest), and for Minnesota. Hypothesis testing of 47 sediment quality parameters was performed on three geographic areas bisecting Minnesota, and there were many statistically significant (p 20% detects using 95% one-sided upper tolerance limit (UTL) with 95% coverage (UTL95-95) values. The UTL95-95 represents the value below which 95% of the population values are expected to fall with 95% confidence. These values were compared to matching sediment quality guidelines for the protection of benthic organisms, both with and without potential outliers removed. Applications and limitations of the UTL95-95 values are discussed. Jurisdictions within the continental U.S. could use these same publicly available sediment quality data to calculate UTL95-95 values for specific geographic areas, and other countries could design similar probabilistic field studies to determine current ambient background of sediment quality parameters in lake sediments.
Acrometastases

Metastases distal to the elbow and the knee (acrometastases) are rare, accounting for approximately 0.1 % of all cases. Acrometastases can appear in patients of every age, with men being twice as likely as women to be affected. The most common primary cancer site is the lung (>50 %), followed by the colon, breast and genito-urinary tract. They mainly appear in cancer patients with wide-spread disseminated disease. Rarely, they may be the first presentation of occult silent cancer, mimicking a benign condition. Current evidence supports that the tumor cells reach the bones of the hands through the circulation and not the lymphatic system; the malignant cells from the lungs have an easy access through the arterial circulation of the arms. The rare incidence of foot acrometastases is believed to be due to the lack of red marrow in these bones, a further distance from the primary cancer site, and the valveless paravertebral venous plexuses (Batson’s plexuses), which allow retrograde tumor cell embolization through the iliofemoral venous system. Treatment depends on staging and tumor extent. Amputative surgery is the more common approach, especially for cancers with poor response to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In the majority of cases, disarticulation of the ray is required to achieve wide margin resection. In the foot, amputation can be that of a ray, midfoot or transtibial, depending on the location and spread of the tumor. If unresectable, palliative treatment with radiation therapy, bisphosphonates and chemotherapy is recommended. The prognosis of the patients with acrometastatic cancer is poor; the mean survival time after diagnosis is <6 months. An exception seems to be the patients with renal cell carcinoma, if treated with radical surgical resection, and a long latency period between nephrectomy and metastasis has occurred.
Effect of crystals, spores, and exotoxins of six varieties of Bacillus thuringiensis on selected corn insects

Laboratory tests and bioassays were carried out to determine the relative toxicity of spore-crystal preparations and exotoxins produced by six varieties of Bacillus thuringiensis against the European corn borer, the black cutworm, the fall armyworm, and the armyworm. Three out of six varieties produced spore-crystal preparations toxic against the com borer, and four varieties produced thermostable exotoxins toxic to all tested insects. Feeding inhibition was noticed whenever high concentrations of the exotoxins were used. The feeding inhibition was found to occur in all tested lepidopterans but not in the house fly. The European com borer was more susceptible to the exotoxins than the black cutworm.
10 GHz VCO for 0.13/spl mu/m CMOS Sonet CDR

A 10 GHz VCO with 1.3:1 K/sub VCO/ variation and 2 MHz/V supply pushing is developed for a dual channel Sonet CDR IC using MOS inversion mode varactors with their backgates tied to a common mode voltage and with an automatic leveling loop to control oscillator amplitude and varactor linearization. Three such oscillators are combined with buffers and a passive switch MUX to achieve an 8-12 GHz tuning range and 27mW DC power consumption on a 1.8V unregulated supply. The VCOs are fabricated in a 0.13/spl mu/m CMOS digital process with added MIMCAP support but thin metal interconnect using thick oxide transistors normally provided for 3V I/O. A moderate -112 dBc/Hz phase noise at 1 MHz offset is achieved which is sufficient to exceed OC-192 Sonet random jitter generation requirements by a factor of 2.
Norovirus Diagnostics and Serology in Travelers' Diarrhea—Where Do We Go From Here?

In addition to being the leading cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks in the developed world, and second only to rotavirus as a cause of significant morbidity in the developing world, noroviruses (NoVs) cause a substantial proportion of acute enteric illness among travelers to the developing world (and most recently as a risk to consider among those who may be undergoing fecal microbiota transplantation).1,2 However, a number of gaps exist in our current knowledge base with respect to NoV epidemiology in travelers, including disease burden, history of natural infection, acquired immunity, etc. Understanding the epidemiology of such infections can be challenging, especially for a pathogen that is opportunistic (eg, causes asymptomatic infection), antigenically diverse, and genetically unstable.3 In this issue of the journal, Ajami and colleagues present data comparing detection of NoV by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in stool and serological responses to dominant GI.1 and GII.4 strains, and a more recently developed functional histoblood group antigen (HBGA) antibody blocking assay.4 To put the results and limitations of this study in context, it is first worthwhile to review the relevant biology of NoV which makes detection by molecular and serological methods a challenge. NoV, like most single stranded RNA viruses, generates a high rate of mutation given the lack of proofreading ability of the viral RNA polymerase. The major viral capsid protein, VP1, includes a shell domain (S) and a protruding domain (P), the latter of which is involved in … Corresponding Author: Mark S. Riddle, MD, Enteric Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA. E‐mail: mark.riddle{at}med.navy.mil
Literatura y estética cotidiana: hacia la formulación de una hipótesis abductiva

El presente articulo muestra el camino recorrido para la formulacion de una hipotesis abductiva en relacion con la estetica cotidiana y el estudio de la literatura en la educacion superior. Partiendo de la experiencia docente del autor, el texto da cuenta de un proceder metodologico abductivo que apunta hacia un acto de creacion. Categorias como hecho sorprendente, icono, enigma, indicio, sospecha y conjetura conducen a la enunciacion final de la hipotesis en forma de pregunta. Dicha pregunta constituye uno de los momentos iniciales de un proyecto de investigacion en proceso de formulacion, que busca fundamentar la estetica cotidiana a partir de la literatura como principio para la educacion superior.
Syntactic Indices of Language Use of Mentally Retarded and Normal Children

Three groups of 11-year old children institutionalized and non-institutionalized retardates and normals, were compared in their language usage on responses to TAT cards. The distribution of their words into common and uncommon, and over the part of speech categories was analysed, as well as the complexity and diversity of their sentences, verb and noun phrases. Retarded children did not differ from normal children in their usage of common and uncommon words, nor in their use of part of speech categories. Also, their verb phrases and noun phrases were in many respects comparable to those used by normal children. The clearest differences were found in the measures of sentence complexity and diversity: institutionalized retardates received the lowest scores of the three groups on these measures (significantly lower than the scores of the normal children), the scores of the non-institutionalized retardates were intermediate and those of the normal children the highest. Additional comparisons of the patterns o...
Effects of Complex Effluents on Photosynthesis in Lake Erie and Lake Huron

Phytoplankton are the base of the food chain in most large lake ecosystems; if affected by environmental pollutants, significant ecosystem changes can result with potential impact on higher trophic levels. The research determined the effects of a complex effluent discharge from the River Raisin in Monroe County, Michigan, on the Lake Erie ecosystem. The river flows through southern Michigan and has large nutrient and industrial inputs, especially in the Monroe Harbor area. The functional parameters measured were bacterial uptake rate of acetate, zooplankton feeding and reproduction rates, and primary production. The results of the effects of complex effluents on gross photosynthesis, measured as carbon-14 ((14)C) uptake, are presented in the paper.
Localized order parameter on superconducting wire networks

The rich structure in the magnetic field dependence of the mean field transition temperature of square superconducting wire networks from which bonds have been removed randomly washes out with decreasing bond occupation probability p. These results appear to be associated with localization of the mean field superconducting order parameter on the network.