cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of managed care on generic prescribing rates: an analysis of HMO physicians

Retail expenditures on prescription drugs continue to grow annually by double digits, while the share of prescriptions dispensed as generics remains relatively constant. Efforts to curtail rising drug expenditures have been exhibited by Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), yet drug expenditures continue to rise. Using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) for 1997–2000, this study examines how managed care, specifically Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), influence the physician's decision to prescribe the generic version of a multi-source drug. The findings show that HMO physicians are not significantly more likely to prescribe generic drugs than non-HMO physicians. Among HMO physicians, different cost reduction tools effect generic prescribing behaviour in different ways, with, the size of the effect depending on the patient and physician relationship with the HMO.
Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) Mapping a Research Agenda That Incorporates an Organizational Perspective

Multidisciplinary coordinated Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) are a growing model of providing health, legal, and emotional support services to victims of sexual assault. This article conceptualizes SARTs from an organizational perspective and explores three approaches to researching SARTs that have the potential of increasing our understanding of the benefits and challenges of multidisciplinary service delivery. These approaches attend to several levels of organizational behavior, including the organizational response to external legitimacy pressures, the inter-organizational networks of victim services, and the negotiation of power and disciplinary boundaries. Possible applications to organizational research on SARTs are explored.
Developement of an Infrared Laser Absorption Tomography System for a Scramjet Combustor

Researchers at the University of Virginia and NASA Langley Research Center are developing a measurement technique for determining spatially resolved distributions of temperature and water vapor concentration in a model scramjet combustor. This technique is called infrared laser absorption tomography and is the combination of infrared laser spectroscopy and tomographic image reconstruction. The feasibility of implementing a tomographic system employing the Maximum Likelihood–Expectation Maximization (MLEM) tomographic reconstruction algorithm on a supersonic combustion tunnel, such as the one at the University of Virginia, is examined. Several data collection geometries compatible with the supersonic combustion facility at the University of Virginia are used to explore the effect of parameters such as number and location of absorption measurements on reconstruction accuracy by calculating nearness and percent error of the reconstructed distributions with respect to the original test map.
Circuits for pseudoexhaustive test pattern generation

Implementation methods based on cyclic codes are presented for pseudoexhaustive testing of combinational logic networks with restricted output dependency. A modified linear-feedback shift register (LFSR) is used to generate exhaustive test patterns for every output of the circuit. All detectable, combinational faults (those that do not change a combinational circuit to a sequential circuit) in each cone of logic driving a single output are guaranteed to be detected. Examples indicate that LFSRs based on cyclic codes have lower hardware cost and shorter or comparable test lengths than other approaches. These test-pattern generators are well suited to applications where short testing time, low hardware overhead, and 100% single-stuck-at fault coverage are required. >
Subtyping dietary restraint and negative affect in a longitudinal community sample of girls.

Objective: This study tests the validity of the ‘‘dietary-depressive’’ subtype (typified by greater negative affect) and a ‘‘dietary’’ subtype (typified by dietary restraint only) using a diverse longitudinal community sample. Method: Girls at ages 10, 12, and 14 completed the Child Eating Attitudes Test, the Child Symptom Inventory-4, and Body Image Measure. Body Mass Index was assessed at each age. Results: Unlike previous studies, cluster analysis revealed an at-risk ‘‘dietarydepressive’’ (R 1) subtype (18.7%,100/534) and a not at-risk (R 2) subtype, distinguished by few depressive symptoms and
Circuit of Life

I am given the opportunity to talk about myself, but my message is simple. I have always tried to be a better analog designer. I will attempt to explain what aspects of my life have contributed to that. Perhaps this will help make you a better designer as well.
Recent advances in the pharmacotherapy of epilepsy

The therapeutic options for the treatment of epilepsy have expanded during the 1990s. Since 1993, four novel agents (felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, and topiramate) have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, primarily for adjunctive treatment of partial seizures. In addition, a water-soluble pro-drug of phenytoin, fosphenytoin, and a sustained-release preparation of carbamazepine have been introduced. The novel anticonvulsants represent a potential improvement for patients whose seizures are incompletely controlled or who experience significant adverse effects with older anticonvulsants. Felbamate, lamotrigine, and topiramate appear to have a broad spectrum of action in seizure control, but felbamate use is limited by the potential for serious adverse effects. Gabapentin, lamotrigine, and topiramate are all well tolerated. Gabapentin has no known drug interactions, whereas lamotrigine and topiramate have limited interactions compared with older agents. The sustained-release preparation of carbamazepine may decrease the incidence of adverse effects and increase patient compliance. Fosphenytoin offers a safer method for intravenous administration of phenytoin and the added flexibility of intramuscular administration. Taken together, these recent advances in treatment may bring about improved efficacy and decreased adverse effects for many patients with epilepsy.
Newborns' discrimination among mid- and long-wavelength stimuli ☆

Abstract Recent anatomical and behavioral evidence suggests that important visual functions like color vision may be severely limited at birth. Therefore. we examined human newborns' ability to discriminate among stimuli of different wavelength by habituating them to a 16° chromatic square of widely varying luminance (as wide as 1.1 log cd/m2) and then testing for recovery of habituation to a different chromatic square of the same size. In the first experiment, newborns showed evidence of recovery to a 650-nm (peak wavelength) red square after habituating to 545-nm green squares, but they did not recover to the red or the green after habituating to 585-nm yellow squares. In a second experiment using the same procedure, newborns did not show evidence of discriminating the 650-nm red from the 545-nm green when the stimulus size was reduced to 8°. These data suggest that human newborns are capable of making a chromatic discrimination within the spectral region above 540 nm (the Rayleigh region) but their ability is limited to chromatic stimuli of very wide spectral separation and of very large size. Possible neurological bases underlying this immaturity are discussed.
Increase in serum and bile cholesterol and HMG-CoA reductase by lovastatin in rats

Lovastatin, a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, is effective in the treatment of hypercholesterolemic patients and is currently being evaluated as a potential agent for dissolving gallstones. We therefore evaluated its effect on cholesterol metabolism in a rat model. A low-cholesterol diet containing 0.1% lovastatin was fed 15 h and 7 and 21 days. Microsomal HMG-CoA reductase activity, hepatic cholesterol synthesis, blood cholesterol, and biliary lipid output were determined and compared with control rats. Hepatic cholesterol synthesis increased ninefold after 7 days and levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity sevenfold. Biliary cholesterol excretion maximally increased fourfold. Biliary lipid output was still elevated after 21 days of treatment (cholesterol 3-fold and phospholipid 2-fold, P less than 0.01). Bile salt output did not change. Augmented responses to lovastatin were present but less on the high-cholesterol diet. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that lovastatin increases HMG-CoA reductase activity through a feedback mechanism that promoted increased cholesterol synthesis, biliary lipid secretion, and elevated blood cholesterol. There was an apparent coupling of biliary cholesterol output with phospholipids but not with bile salts. Although lovastatin also increased microsomal HMG-CoA reductase activity in humans, cholesterol synthesis is not stimulated but is inhibited. This may be explained by higher permeability of the microsomal membranes for lovastatin. Thus the effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on cholesterol synthesis in different species should then depend on the properties of microsomal membranes.
Effects of fronto‐occipital artificial cranial vault modification on the cranial base and face

Artificial reshaping of the cranial vault has been practiced by many human groups and provides a natural experiment in which the relationships of neurocranial, cranial base, and facial growth can be investigated. We test the hypothesis that fronto-occipital artificial reshaping of the neurocranial vault results in specific changes in the cranial base and face. Fronto-occipital reshaping results from the application of pads or a cradle board which constrains cranial vault growth, limiting growth between the frontal and occipital and allowing compensatory growth of the parietals in a mediolateral direction. Two skeletal series including both normal and artificially modified crania are analyzed, a prehistoric Peruvian Ancon sample (47 normal, 64 modified crania) and a Songish Indian sample from British Columbia (6 normal, 4 modified). Three-dimensional coordinates of 53 landmarks were measured with a diagraph and used to form 9 finite elements as a prelude to finite element scaling analysis. Finite element scaling was used to compare average normal and modified crania and the results were evaluated for statistical significance using a bootstrap test. Fronto-occipitally reshaped Ancon crania are significantly different from normal in the vault, cranial base, and face. The vault is compressed along an anterior-superior to posterior-inferior axis and expanded along a mediolateral axis in modified individuals. The cranial base is wider and shallower in the modified crania and the face is foreshortened and wider with the anterior orbital rim moving inferior and posterior towards the cranial base. The Songish crania display a different modification of the vault and face, indicating that important differences may exist in the morphological effects of fronto-occipital reshaping from one group to another.
Predicting Performance on a Loosely Controlled Event System

We contend that event systems will become the kernel of distributed middleware for multicore systems due to their asynchronous nature. In a concurrent system, the fewer points of synchronization between independent activities, the better the achievable parallelization. As physical devices are integrated into distributed middleware the timeliness of the execution of functions becomes increasingly important. Precise guarantees require complete control of all the elements which influence the execution. However, the purpose of middleware is to abstract from the exact nature of the underlying platform. Here we outline an approach that allocates processor shares to event queues, thus controlling the rate of events handled at any given queue. We show how this in turn allows us to predict the likely throughput through a queue. This prediction is achieved through model fitting and calibration.
Exposure to Community Violence and Childhood Delinquency

Community-level factors such as disadvantage, disorder, and disorganization have been linked to a variety of antisocial and illicit activities. Although crime and deviance tend to concentrate in areas with these characteristics, not all residents of disorganized neighborhoods participate in proscribed activities. This study examines the relationship between exposure to community violence and involvement in assaultive behavior and weapon carrying among a sample of at-risk youth. Findings demonstrate that controlling for the effects of neighborhood disadvantage as well as other common correlates of delinquency (e.g., family supervision and structure, school attachment, and peer delinquency), youth who witnessed more violence in their neighborhoods were more likely to self-report assaultive behavior and weapon carrying. This research has important implications for the study of delinquency by further identifying the social costs of community violence.
No effect of familiarity on the Coolidge effect in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)

The Coolidge effect, the reliable resumption of copulation by a sexually satiated animal following introduction of a new stimulus partner, was studied in prairie voles, a generally monogamous species, in an attempt to assess whether prior familiarity with the second female affects the resumption of copulation. In Experiment 1, satiated males were paired with either the original female, a novel female, or a different, but familiar, female. There were no significant differences in resumption rates or the amount of copulatory activity. In Experiment 2, a more rigorous satiety criterion was imposed. Again, no significant differences were noted in resumption rates or the amount of copulatory activity across conditions. Prior familiarity with a female does not affect the resumption of copulatory activity by satiated male prairie voles.
Changing Banner Ad Executions on the Web: Impact on Clickthroughs and Communications Outcomes

Online advertisers change banner ad executions to overcome negative returns from repetition, improve clickrates and communication outcomes. We investigate the effect of level of repetition to banner ads, same and varying ad executions and consumer navigation orientation on behavioral response (clickrate) and memory-based outcomes (unaided recall, aided recall and recognition). We found that number of clickthroughs, aided recall and recognition scores are higher when subjects are experientially oriented. There is no significant effect of executions or repetition on clickthroughs and unaided recall. Recognition is higher under high repetition and same ads in goal-directed condition and varying executions in experiential orientation.
Library Space: Its Role in Research

ABSTRACTAs librarians reflect upon their role in supporting research, they should seriously consider the issue of library space allocation. Because they serve the entire educational community through planned programs of services and resources within a structured learning space, libraries constitute a pivotal site for self-directed intentional learning and research. How collections are arranged and accessed influences which resources are used. Reference services, both for just-in-time guidance and subject or process guides, can facilitate research progress. The mix of flexible and dedicated spaces offers opportunities for concentrated work. Especially as libraries try to the increase their value, one area of concentration should be space to support research, assessing their current effectiveness as perceived by a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Several studies demonstrated ways to conduct needs assessment that can drive renovations and reallocation of library space.
A Compound Probability Law for a Pattern More Dispersed Than Random and with Areal Inhomogeneity

(1966). A Compound Probability Law for a Pattern More Dispersed Than Random and with Areal Inhomogeneity. Economic Geography: Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 172-179.
A Design Approach For A Thermally Compensated Injection Laser Stack Transmitter/Receiver

A thermal analysis has been completed on an injection laser stack based on the electrical power dissipation within the laser stack material during operation. The thermal gradient existing in the laser stack during operation can cause large wavelength variations among individual lasers of the stack if certain fabrication procedures are not followed. For a given electrical power dissipation, a "monochromatic" injection laser stack can be designed (i.e., the spectral peaks of all lasers within the stack being at the same wavelength). A prescription for laser diode preselection prior to fabrication is given. The dominant source of temperature variations within the stack is electrical resistance nonuniformities of solder connections, causing nonuniform heating of the laser stack during a current pulse. Results of an experiment for measuring the temperature distribution of the injection laser stack after a single pulse which demonstrate electrical resistance nonuniformities within the stack are de-scribed. Finally, the minimum receiver filter spectral bandwidth corresponding to this thermally compensated injection laser stack is calculated.
A Methodology for Evaluating the Costs and Benefits of Employee Assistance Programs

Employee assistance programs (MPs) represent a relatively new fringe benefit for workers; the number of these programs has been steadily increasing in worksites of all sizes. Despite this surge in ...
Evaluation of anal cytology and dysplasia in women with a history of lower genital tract dysplasia and malignancy

Abstract Objective To compare the prevalence of abnormal anal cytology, high-risk anal HPV and biopsy proven anal dysplasia among women with a history of lower genital tract malignancy compared to those with dysplasia. Methods A prospective cohort study was performed from December 2012 to February 2014 at outpatient clinics at an academic medical center. Women with a history of high-grade cervical, vulvar, or vaginal dysplasia, or malignancy were recruited. Anal cytology and HPV genotyping were performed. All women with abnormal anal cytology were referred for high-resolution anoscopy and biopsy. Results Sixty-seven women had a lower genital tract malignancy and 123 had a history of genital dysplasia. Average age in the malignancy group was 52.6years (range 27–86) versus 43.5years (range 21–81) in the dysplasia group ( p p =1.0). Six women in the malignancy group had anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN2+) compared to 2 in the dysplasia group ( p =0.03). Conclusions We found high rates of abnormal anal cytology and HPV in women with lower genital tract dysplasia and malignancy. We also found high rates of anal dysplasia in both groups with a trend towards increased rate in those women with history of genital malignancy. Since precancerous anal lesions are detectable and treatable, anal cancer screening may be potentially useful in both of these higher risk groups.
The Analysis of Water Resource Management Policy of European Union and Its Revelation to the Management about the Transnational River in Our Country

As the important international organization, European Union is playing the vital role in running water resource management policy on the transnational river. The Europe water resource management policy has experienced the water quality standard formulation stage, the pollution discharge limit stage and synthesis management stage. "uropean Union Water Framework Directive" was promulgated in 2000. It has established a comprehensive water resources management frame, has provided an essential method, goal, principle and the measure. The development of European Union water resource management policy has the vital signifi cance and the enlightenment function to our country running water resource management policy to the transnational river.
Bayesian Communication of Research Results over the World Wide Web

The World Wide Web provides a unique opportunity to reconsider how the results of scientific studies can best be presented to clinicians. For decades statisticians, philosophers, medical investigators, and others interested in data analysis have assumed that the Bayesian paradigm is the proper approach for reporting the findings of scientific analyses for use by client computers and readers. At the heart of that approach is the inclusion of the reader's preexisting knowledge and beliefs. Yet, to date, the methods for inclusion have been too complicated for non-statisticians to use. We believe that the World Wide Web provides an ideal environment for putting the Bayesian paradigm into practice: the author publishes the data from the server side, the reader uses the client to represent her or his prior belief, a downloaded program (a Java applet) combines the two. This article describes a prototype implementation for two-arm clinical trials with normally distributed outcomes.
NF-κB as a target for anti-inflammatory gene therapy : suppression of inflammatory responses in monocytic and stromal cells by stable gene transfer of IκBα cDNA

NF-κB as a target for anti-inflammatory gene therapy: suppression of inflammatory responses in monocytic and stromal cells by stable gene transfer of IκBα cDNA
Native Gel Electrophoresis to Study the Binding and Release of RNA Polymerase by 6S RNA

RNA-protein interactions are critical in diverse aspects of gene expression and often serve to mediate regulatory events. Many procedures are available to gain information about RNA-protein interactions. They span from initial identification of an interaction, such as through co-immunoprecipitation studies, to highly detailed atomic resolution definition of the interaction gained from crystallographic and NMR studies. One of the most versatile techniques uses native gel electrophoresis to study RNA-protein complexes, which is often called band shift, gel retardation, or electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Gel shift assays have been used to study a plethora of RNA-protein interactions in all organisms, but here we will use the 6S RNA:RNA polymerase interaction from Escherichia coli as an example to direct discussion of questions that can be addressed, including the ability to follow the dynamics of complexes over time.
A Decision-Theoretic Method for Assessing a Change in the Rate of Non-Acceptable Inpatient Claims

A health care measure that assesses the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event may be costly to obtain. For instance, measuring whether an inpatient hospital stay was necessary according to accepted clinical protocols is a relevant, though expensive analysis. Prior research (Rosenberg, 1998; Rosenberg, et al., 1999; Rosenberg and Griffith, 2000) has shown that a Bayesian logistic regression model is an excellent tool to predict the rate of Non-Acceptable inpatient hospital Claims (NACs). This paper describes a decision-theoretic approach to determine whether a change in the NAC rate warrants investigation. The Bayesian model is used to estimate, by principal discharge diagnosis, the posterior distribution of the NAC rate for a group of claims at the time of the audit (defined as time 0). This distribution of the NAC rate is compared against another posterior distribution of the NAC rate obtained at a later time (without further audit). Claim and investigation costs are included in the assessment of whether an investigation of a change in the NAC rate should be undertaken. This approach provides an inexpensive, supplemental level of control between audits for monitoring the level of the NAC rate. The methodology is also applicable to other health care measurements.
Comparison between electric field for plasmonic dipole and bow-tie ONA structures

In this work, electric field distribution is compared between the dipole and bow-tie Optical Nano Antenna (ONA) structures using the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations. These results are very crucial for sensing applications. It will help us decide how much thickness would be appropriate for covering the ONA structues.
Utility of nasal swab and age in detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric head and neck abscesses.

Objective To identify risk factors associated with the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in surgical cultures taken from incision and drainage (I&D) of head and neck abscesses in the pediatric population. Study Design Retrospective case series. Methods All patients under 18 years of age with a head and neck abscess requiring I&D from 2009 to 2015 were reviewed. MRSA nasal swab cultures were taken from all patients upon hospitalization. Surgical cultures were obtained from all patients and correlated with MRSA nasal swab results. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed, and odds ratios (ORs) along with descriptive statistics were analyzed. Results Of a total of 272 patients, there were 68 (25%) MRSA-positive abscesses. The majority (86.8%) of these abscesses were in children under 2 years of age. Overall, 12 (4.4%) presented with positive admission MRSA nasal swabs. Of these, 91.7% had MRSA-positive abscess cultures. Decreasing age in years showed an OR of 1.650 (P < 0.001) for MRSA-positive abscess, with children less than 1 year old having the highest OR of 10.74 (P < 0.001). Conclusion Younger age and MRSA nasal colonization were two statistically significant risk factors for developing an MRSA abscess of the head and neck. This study demonstrates a high positive predictive value for MRSA-positive neck abscesses when nasal swab screenings were MRSA-positive (91.7%). Children under 2 years of age—especially those under 1 year of age—or those with MRSA nasal colonization can be considered a high-risk population that may benefit from empiric antibiotics against MRSA for head and neck abscesses. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2017
Identifying Seasonal Opportunities to Save Water: Using Weekly Rainfall and Evapotranspiration Patterns to Evaluate Outdoor Water Restriction Policy in South Florida

Evaluating trends of historical rainfall and lawn water demand on a weekly and seasonal basis is needed for optimizing lawn and landscape water conservation policy. Outdoor water restrictions are a common conservation strategy and typically feature a “day of the week” schedule to limit the frequency and duration of urban lawn water use. However, outdoor water restrictions may not necessarily result in more conservative behaviors from end-users. Lawn water demand is directly related to weekly rainfall and evapotranspiration (ET) totals, yet regional rainfall and climate variables are seldom taken into account in water restriction strategies which generally sanction a static number of watering days per week, regardless of weather conditions. Where weekly irrigation schedules do not recognize weekly rainfall and are not connected to actual net irrigation needs, there is the potential to unintentionally promote overwatering. Ideally, to maximize water conservation, policy should be based on climate variables and conservation strategies should be synced as closely as possible to the specific hydrologic setting. In this paper, we present the results of a project that used historical rainfall and ET data to determine the typical seasonal and weekly variability of the net irrigation needs in an urbanized corridor of South Florida, USA. We identified times of the year when rainfall provides a significant amount of water on a weekly basis to meet the demand of residential lawns and landscapes and thereby identified opportunities to better align policy with regional climate. We demonstrate the benefit of using a weekly approach to analyze long-term trends in net irrigation need to identify periods or seasons when the 2 or 3 days per week allowed by typical outdoor water restriction strategies would allow a significant amount of overwatering. We propose this weekly perspective is valuable to inform efforts to better sync water restriction policies with climate.
Sustainability of a Community-Based CHOICE Program to Improve the Health and Nutrition Status of Mothers and Infants in Indonesia

Objectives Few studies have been undertaken to determine whether and how project results are sustained. University of Notre Dame (ND) and Project Concern International conducted a Post-Project Sustainability Study (PSS) of a USAID-funded program (CHOICE), implemented in Indonesia, Banten province, between 2003 and 2007, in order to determine lasting effects and improve PSS methodologies. Methods Sustainability was measured through a comparison of data collected on mother–infant pairs in 2014 with final evaluation data from 2007; and through a comparison of 2014 data collected from the CHOICE villages and comparison villages. Results The analysis showed positive differences in multiple indicators in CHOICE villages between 2007 and 2014, including births attended by skilled personnel (Mean Difference 48.56, 95% CI 38.68 to 58.43) and treatment of diarrhea (MD 16.42, 95% CI − 0.94 to 33.37). However, only one statistically significant difference between intervention and comparison groups in 2014 was observed, infants with diarrhea whose mothers sought advice or treatment (MD − 5.48, 95% CI − 9.55 to 1.39), showing more mothers in intervention group sought advice or treatment. Because contextual factors were not studied in detail and baseline data was not available for the comparison villages, it is difficult to determine the reasons for the results. Given that longitudinal data was not collected, it is also difficult to determine whether results fluctuated between 2007 and 2014. Conclusions for practice This PSS contributes to the limited body of knowledge in sustainability research. Lessons learned from this study will increase potential for sustainable impact of projects, as more rigorous measurement will lead to greater overall understanding of how sustainability actually “happens”.
High-Risk Features of Delayed Clinical Progression in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: A Proposed Prediction Score for Early Intervention.

Background Anticoagulation is the mainstay treatment for cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). A subset of patients might deteriorate despite anticoagulation, and in such cases, endovascular therapy is recommended. Methods A retrospective review was performed on subjects with CVT from January 2005 to October 2016. The primary outcome was clinical deterioration. Bivariate analysis, multiple logistic regression modeling, and linear discriminant analysis were used to determine a predictive model for deterioration; the results from these models were used to construct a CVT score in order to measure the individual likelihood of deterioration. Results We identified 147 subjects with CVT. The majority were treated with anticoagulation (n = 109, 74.15%); 38 (25.85%) were found to have deterioration, 12 (8.16%) of whom underwent endovascular intervention. The most important risk factors of deterioration, per bivariate analysis, included decreased level of consciousness (odds ratio [OR] = 5.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.59-12.77) and papilledema (OR = 4.52; 95% CI 1.55-13.18). The final multivariable model also included CVT location score (number of sinuses involved), oral contraceptive pill use, sodium level, platelet count, and seizure activity on presentation. This model had a predictive ability to identify deterioration of 83.2%, with a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 76.2%. Patients with a CVT score of ≥5 have at least 50% chance of deterioration. Conclusions Decreased mental status, seizure activity, papilledema, number of involved sinuses, as well as sodium level and platelet count are the most important factors in predicting deterioration after CVT. This group may represent a subset of patients in whom early endovascular therapy may be considered.
Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy of Nanostructured Magnetic Materials

Transmission electron microscopy has become the most powerful tool for characterizing the structure of magnetic materials. We can divide the structure of magnetic materials into physical structure such as crystal structure, morphology, grain size, texture, grain boundaries, volume fraction of each phase, inter-phase interfaces, surfaces, defects, etc. and magnetic structure such as magnetic-domain structure, and recording pattern in magnetic recording media. This chapter will focus on the physical structure of magnetic materials. The advantages using TEM include: Sensitivity: structural properties for a few atomic layers in a film can be readily examined by plan-view or cross-section samples. Resolution: TEM is the only tool that can provide the internal structure information of a material at the atomic level. The reported resolution achievable by TEM exceeds 0.1 nm. The object that can be analyzed is also extremely small: as small as a single heavy atom. Simplicity: in the imaging mode when the conditions are set right the image is simply the projection of the structure. This eliminates the tedious image or diffraction simulation. Versatility: TEM can be used in both image mode and diffraction mode or combined image mode and diffraction mode. Therefore both structural and morphological information can be retrieved. Compositional analysis by X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry or energy loss spectroscopy are conveniently integrated in commercial TEMs. In general, all conventional techniques can be applied to magnetic materials with attention paid to the following: first there is a strong interaction between the magnetic specimen and the objective lens.
Interoperability Between DSRC and LTE for VANETs

Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) have emerged as a promising approach to support communications between autonomous cars and the accompanying intelligent transportation systems. Research in this area, namely vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, is focusing on two types of technologies: dedicated-short-range communication (DSRC) and advances in cellular networks. However, both technologies have limitations in performance, especially in high-density vehicular scenarios. In this paper, we propose a cognitive protocol translator capable of translating between LTE Sidelink device-to-device (D2D) and IEEE 802.11p DSRC packets, allowing interoperability of the two technologies. We propose this hybrid architecture as a potential solution to address the challenge of interoperability. We demonstrate through simulations the feasibility of our solution and show how the protocol converter has no adverse affect on packet delivery performance of the component DSRC and LTE ProSe technologies.
Synthesis of nanocrystalline equiatomic nickel-cobalt-iron alloy powders by mechanical alloying and their structural and magnetic characterization

Abstract Mechanically alloying equiatomic Ni, Co, and Fe powder blends for 9 h resulted in the formation of nanocrystalline equiatomic NiCoFe alloy powders comprised of γ-phase. The crystallite size and the lattice parameter was ∼20 ± 5 nm and 0.3597 ± 0.0005 nm, respectively. The mode of the powders was 3–7 μm. The saturation magnetization (MS) and the intrinsic coercivity (HCI) of the alloy, at 300 K, was ∼136 ± 5 Am2/kg and ∼2.0 ± 0.2 kA/m, respectively. Both MS and HCI, irrespective of the milling media and milling atmosphere, decreased with increase in temperature from 60 K to 300 K. At elevated temperatures (400 K to 880 K), the alloy powders maintained the γ-phase up to 640 K, thereafter it was comprised of γ-phase and α-Fe. In the temperature regime 300–640 K, the percentage decrease in MS and HCI was ∼12% and ∼30%, respectively. The MS and HCI at 300 K, after the magnetization versus applied magnetic field (M-H) run at 640 K, was ∼136 Am2/kg and ∼1.5 kA/m, respectively; while the same after the M-H run at 880 K was ∼154 Am2/kg and ∼1.0 kA/m, respectively. Annealing of the nanocrystalline alloy powders is likely to improve its soft-magnetic properties.
Novel Development of Parafoveal Capillary Density Deviation Mapping using an Age-Group and Eccentricity Matched Normative OCT Angiography Database

Purpose We evaluate the impact of age and signal strength index (SSI) on foveal avascular zone (FAZ) metrics and parafoveal capillary density measured using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), and propose a deviation mapping approach that accounts for age-group, SSI, eccentricity, and variation in FAZ size. Methods Parafoveal OCT-A with full vascular layer was obtained for 261 controls and four patients with retinal abnormalities. Parafoveal capillary densities were measured within eight consecutive 200-μm wide annuli from the FAZ border. In controls, the impacts of age and SSI on FAZ metrics and parafoveal capillary density were evaluated. Deviation maps highlighting regions with density at the lower and upper tails of the age-group and eccentricity matched distribution were generated. Results Linear regressions showed significant correlations between age, SSI, and mean parafoveal capillary density. There was a significant difference in FAZ metrics and parafoveal capillary densities with different age groups after controlling for SSI using univariate analysis. However, the effect of age on parafoveal capillary density disappeared after controlling for SSI using multivariate linear regression analysis. Our deviation mapping approach was able to identify regions with abnormal density in four patients. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the relationship between parafoveal capillary density and age is confounded by SSI. Parafoveal capillary density is SSI- and eccentricity-dependent. An age-group and eccentricity matched normative database was used as the basis for a parafoveal capillary density deviation mapping technique, providing an intuitive way to assess the status of parafoveal capillary density in individual eyes. Translational relevance Understanding the impact of age and SSI on parafoveal capillary density is critical for providing accurate interpretation of OCT-A. We demonstrate an age-group and eccentricity matched deviation mapping technique for an intuitive assessment of retinal regions with abnormal density.
Chapter 19 – Epidemiology of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

After the introduction of automated chemistry panels, including the routine measurement of serum calcium, there was a dramatic rise in the incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in the early 1970s. In addition, the clinical spectrum shifted from complicated symptomatic to uncomplicated asymptomatic disease. After the initial identification of previously unrecognized cases, the incidence rate fell and continued to decline until the middle to late 1990s when the incidence once again increased for uncertain reasons. Postmenopausal women have the highest incidence rate of PHPT and blacks also appear to have a greater risk. Conflicting information exists regarding death in patients with PHPT, with North American data not demonstrating increased mortality compared to European populations, where survival is reduced. Although current cost-effectiveness studies of surgery versus observation of asymptomatic PHPT are limited by the lack of long-term randomized data, available information suggests that surgery benefit exceeds cost after 5–6 years.
Medical Device Failure—Implant Retrieval, Evaluation, and Failure Analysis

Abstract The ever-expanding use of modern medical implants demands continual development to improve implant performance and extend their useful lifespan. Systematic implant retrieval and evaluation describes a method of scientific analysis for determining the efficacy and safety or biocompatibility of medical implants in vivo. Its clinical value is rooted in patient safety through detailed analysis of clinical complications associated with an implanted device and biocompatibility at the implant–tissue interface. It is complimentary to global regulatory pathways and helps meet the recognized need for scientific evidence to support claims of substantial equivalence across various medical implant categories. Implant retrieval and evaluation generates long-term data on implant performance and provides an evidence-based approach for driving change in implant biomaterials, designs, and related technology. Ultimately, it benefits patients through improvements in implant safety and effectiveness. This chapter focuses on the human biological response and performance of implant biomaterials and designs after they have functioned in people during general clinical use. Case studies covering a broad spectrum of implants (i.e. intrauterine devices, hip joint replacements, heart valves, surgical mesh) are instructive for linking implant retrieval, evaluation, and failure analysis to biomaterials performance, clinical outcomes, and subsequent regulatory actions.
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms in wild type transthyretin amyloidosis.

To propose a correlation between polyneuropathy and ATTRwt based on retrospective analysis of patients with ATTRwt. We reviewed 151 ATTRwt patients followed by the amyloid cardiac clinic (group A) for symptoms of neuropathy and 12 patients with ATTRwt evaluated in the Neurology Department (group B) with objective measures of neuropathy. Medical history, electrodiagnosis, laboratory and skin biopsies were assessed; 30.5% of group A had neuropathy symptoms. Alternative explanations for neuropathy symptoms were explored, including, age, gender, BMI, diabetes mellitus, B12 deficiency. No difference was observed for BMI, age, gender and spine disease for those with and without neuropathic symptoms (P > .05). All of group B (n = 12) were diagnosed with neuropathy, confirmed by electrodiagnostic testing or skin biopsy, while two patients had not yet developed cardiac symptoms. We observe a higher prevalence of neuropathic symptoms in ATTRwt patients than previously believed. Neuropathic symptoms may precede cardiac symptoms. Our findings suggest a possible causative relationship that requires further investigation.
Competition against common sense

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into peer-to-peer (P2P) lending which has served as one important tool to mitigate financial exclusion. The main proposition of this research is that P2P platforms, which in many ways resemble auctions, naturally instill competitive mindset among lenders; furthermore, given only limited objective decision criteria, certain borrower personal characteristics fuel interpersonal competition enough to impact lending decisions in suboptimal ways. The two experiments support this proposition. As the result, while P2P lending offers unprecedented financial opportunities to some consumer groups, it may unintentionally exclude others, and even pose threat to the financial well-being of lenders. Design/methodology/approach – Two experiments were used to collect data and are reported here. Rigorous pretesting of manipulation stimuli preceded a pilot (exploratory) and the main experiment. Findings – The authors generally find a significant age bias, where cete...
The evolutionary stages of the complexity of biological catalysts mark and clarify the phases of the origin of the genetic code: A model for the origin of the reading frame with codons from proto-mRNAs with different frames.

Abstract I analyse the origin of the genetic code in the light of the evolution of biological catalysts. I discuss the rudimentary forms that the genetic code assumed in the presence of a catalysis performed by ions or by low molecular weight molecules, such as nucleotide coenzymes. However, it is only with the advent of a mixed polymer made of RNA and peptides - covalently linked - that the genetic code took on a clearer form. Indeed, the first true form of coding appeared. Furthermore, interacting peptidated RNAs promoted an extremely rudimentary form of protein synthesis. This stage evolved into a stage in which proto-mRNAs guided interactions among peptidated RNAs aimed at the synthesis of peptidated RNAs having an active catalytic function. Finally, the invasion of aminoacylated proto-tRNAs with specific amino acids, coming from amino acid metabolism, and recognising only three bases on these proto-mRNAs with reading frames larger than three bases, would have triggered the birth of actual mRNAs, i.e. the origin of codons. All this would have linked the metabolism of amino acids to the origin of mRNAs and therefore to the origin of the organization of the genetic code, as maintained by the coevolution theory of the genetic code.
IL-6 signaling pathway contributes to exercise pressor reflex in rats with femoral artery occlusion in association with Kv4 activity in muscle afferent nerves

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) via trans-signaling pathway plays a role in modifying muscle sensory nerve-exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in rats with ligated femoral arteries, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. It is known that voltage-gated potassium channel subfamily member Kv4 channels contribute to the excitabilities of sensory neurons and neuronal signaling transduction. Thus, in this study, we determined that 1) IL-6 regulates the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in rats with peripheral artery disease (PAD) induced by femoral artery ligation and 2) Kv4 channels in muscle dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are engaged in the role played by IL-6 trans-signaling pathway. We found that the protein levels of IL-6 and its receptor IL-6R expression were increased in the DRGs of PAD rats with 3-day of femoral artery occlusion. Inhibition of muscle afferents' IL-6 trans-signaling pathway (gp130) by intra-arterial administration of SC144, a gp130 inhibitor, into the hindlimb muscles of PAD rats alleviated blood pressure response to static muscle contraction. On the other hand, we found that 3-day femoral occlusion decreased amplitude of Kv4 currents in rat muscle DRG neurons. The homo IL-6/IL-6Rα fusion protein (H. IL-6/6Rα), but not IL-6 alone significantly inhibited Kv4 currents in muscle DRG neurons; and the effect of H. IL-6/6Rα was largely reverted by SC144. In conclusion, our data suggest that via trans-signaling pathway upregulated IL-6 in muscle afferent nerves by ischemic hindlimb muscles inhibits the activity of Kv4 channels and thus likely leads to adjustments of the exercise pressor reflex in PAD.
Can urban parks bridge deep divides? Assessing the effects of inter-racial social interaction in parks and public spaces on trust

The ability of urban parks and public spaces to address distrust and social isolation needs to be rigorously tested, as the predominance of such claims may crowd out discussions of environmental ra...
David Oliver: UK trained doctors, “part time” working, and ongoing commitment to the NHS

Over the past few months, in response to stories about GP shortages, I’ve seen many opinion columns and letters arguing that too many UK trained doctors are working less than full time (LTFT) or are leaving the NHS for alternative employment. Some of the writers propose that if doctors aren’t prepared to work a certain number of years for the NHS, and full time at that, they should repay the cost of their “£250 000 taxpayer funded training.”12 In essence, they argue, we could solve the NHS’s medical workforce crisis by forcing people to work full time, tying them into NHS working for a fixed number of years, or even cutting pay or pensions so that they have little choice. Sadly, I’ve also seen many remarks that too many women are becoming doctors and that motherhood will make them part time workers—something that The …