cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is There a Causal Relationship Between the Amount of Alcohol Consumption and Stroke Risk

See related article, pages 13–19 In a review of the topic, Gorelick noted that alcohol consumption has been recognized as a possible risk factor for stroke for over 3 centuries.1 Subsequent studies find that the association between drinking alcohol and stroke risk is not straightforward. Literature on the subject is complicated by nonstandardized definitions of the level of alcohol consumption, varying study designs, inadequate sample sizes, differing inception cohorts, as well as case-ascertainment and other potential biases. It is therefore not surprising that a systematic literature review revealed that individual studies report inconsistent relationships between the overall amount of alcohol use and stroke (although most show an association between recent use and increased stroke risk).2 However, the weight of available evidence indicates that light to moderate drinking is associated with a protective effect, whereas heavy consumption is associated with an increased risk of stroke (a so-called “J-shaped” or “U-shaped” relationship).3–6 This …
Microhabitat factors and the distribution of exotic species across forest edges in temperate deciduous forest of southern Illinois, USA1

Abstract Honu, Y. A. K. and D. J. Gibson (Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Department of Plant Biology, Center for Ecology, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6509, USA). Microhabitat factors and the distribution of exotic species across forest edges in temperate deciduous forest of southern Illinois, USA. J. Torrey Bot. Soc. 133(2): 255–266. 2006.—The study of microhabitat factors has attracted the attention of ecologists for about half a century. We examined crop-forest, access road-forest, and hay field-forest edge types in temperate deciduous forest in Southern Illinois to obtain information that may contribute to the control and management of exotic species. Forest edges have different abiotic factors compared to the interior, a phenomenon known as an edge effect. To investigate microhabitat factors, three 90 m transects were established from the forest boundary into the interior at each of the three edges in July 2002. Twelve 3.14 m2 circular plots at 5 m intervals from each o...
Surface denoising with directional fuzzy vector median filtering

This paper proposes a novel approach for smoothing surfaces represented by triangular meshes. The proposed method is a two-step procedure: surface normal smoothing through fuzzy vector median (FVM) filtering followed by vertex position update based on the least square error criteria. This paper applies the fuzzy ordering theory to the vector based data and introduces the fuzzy vector median. The application of FVM filters to surface normal smoothing yields improved results over previously introduced normal smoothing algorithms. The improved filtering results, coupled with LSE vertex position update, produces surface smoothing that minimizes the effects of noise while simultaneously preserving detail features. Simulation results are presented showing the performance of the proposed method and its advantages over commonly used surface smoothing algorithms. Additionally, optimization procedures for FVM are derived and evaluated.
Frequency-Hopped Quadrature Frequency Synthesizer in 0.13- $\mu$ m Technology

This paper presents a Wireless-USB/WiMedia-compliant fast-hopping frequency synthesizer architecture with quadrature outputs based on sub-harmonic injection-locking. The synthesizer features a cross-coupled quadrature digitally-controlled oscillator, that is injection-locked to a sub-harmonic frequency. An intuitive closed-form expression for the dynamics of the quadrature injection-locked oscillator and a technique to achieve fast frequency-hopping, are presented. The overall architecture, based on this technique, is a CMOS-only implementation and has been fabricated in a 0.13-μm SiGe BiCMOS process. On-chip mixers have been implemented to measure the quadrature accuracy of the outputs. Measurement results indicate lock-times of less than 2.5 ns, a locked phase noise of -114 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset and a quadrature accuracy of better than 0.5°. The frequency synthesizer (excluding output buffers) occupies an area of 0.27 mm2 and consumes 14.5 mW of power. The best and worst case spur suppression achieved are 47 and 31 dB, respectively. This is the lowest power fast-hopping quadrature frequency synthesizer that has been reported to date.
Manuscript thinking: Stories by hand

This essay suggests that permitting ourselves to be implicated in the 'flex-point' of manuscript space-time has much to teach. And not least of the teaching is the importance of allowing ourselves to be wounded by the aspects of our primary materials that seem at first blush to be non-meaningful, non-intellectual, non- verifiable. This approach to manuscripts might be termed 'empathic codicology' - a feeling-into the study of the codex. Why not call this manuscript thinking: writing thought by hand, thinking by written hand?
The Ethical Use of Social Media in Marriage and Family Therapy Recommendations and Future Directions

Increasingly, people spend time online, communicating via e-mail, websites, instant messages, and various social media platforms that incorporate text, video, and online photo albums. Social media ...
A parallel implementation of MRSB

The design of a parallel implementation of multilevel recursive spectral bisection (PMRSB) is described. The code is fast enough to enable dynamic repartitioning of adaptive meshes and to partition meshes that are too large for workstations. Two innovations in the implementation are recursive asynchronous task teams and a parallel version of the multilevel accelerator. A performance improvement of a factor of 140 over the best available serial implementation is demonstrated (a high-end workstation compared to a 256-processor T3D, partitioning a large problem into 256 domains).
Cost-Aware Mobile Web Browsing

A cost-aware mobile browsing framework automatically adapts Web content as a function of a user's data pricing plan and usage levels, reducing costs. This also enhances browsing experiences by forwarding the best possible version of a page for a given data allowance.
Sentence Recall as Affected by Task Instructions and Delay

Summary.-The present experiment was designed to investigate the effects of orienting tasks on sentence recall. Three task conditions were included, a phonemic-task, a sernantic-task, and a "no-orienting-task" control group. Both immediate and delayed recall were tested. As predicted, subjects in the semantic condition performed significantly better than those given phonemic instructions. On immediate recall, the performance of control subjects was similar to that of semantic subjects but superior to phonemic subjem. When the retention test was delayed, the difference between control and phonemic groups was nonsignificant. The results are not consistent with the depth-of-processing model. Numerous studies have examined the effects of orienting tasks on the retention of words (Craik & Tulving, 1975; Hunt & Mitchell, 1978; Jenkins, 1974; Nelson & Vining, 1978,). The orienting task is assumed to control how stimulus materials are encoded. For example, a structural task (e.g., letter checking) focuses the subject's attention on the physical characteristics of each item while a semantic task (e.g., rating words for pleasantness) forces the subject to consider the meaning of the items. In general, encoding with greater semantic involvement lead to superior recall performance. When subjects are instructed to perform a meaningful orienting task, their performance on a subsequent memory test is similar to the performance of control~subjects given standard learning instructions. In contrast, subjects who are tested after a non-meaningful orienting task demonstrate relatively poor recall performance. A possible interpretation for these findings is that control subjects spontaneously adopt a semantic-encoding strategy, for their strategy is as effective as a semantic task in facilitating immediate recall. Few researchers have investigated the effects of processing depth on the recall of sentences. In one experiment, Mistler-Lachman (1974) used three different processing tasks to study depth of comprehension and sentence memory. All three tasks required semantic processing. As predicted, the task which encouraged the deepest level of sentence comprehension was associated with the best sentence recall. Another study conducted by Treisman and Tuxworth (1974) compared a semantic task with a phonemic task. The authors were interested in the immediate and delayed recall of sentences following sentence monitoring. They 'Requests for reprints should be sent to Susan E. Mason at the Deparunent of Psychology, Niagara University, Niagara University, New York 14109.
Effects of ammonium on elemental nutrition of red spruce and indicator plants grown in acid soil

Abstract Decline of high elevation red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) forests in the northeastern United States has been related to Ca and Mg deficiencies induced by input of air‐borne nitrogenous nutrients into the forest ecosystem. This research investigated the effects of N nutrition on mineral nutrition of red spruce and radish (Raphanus sativus L.), as an indicator plant, grown in acid forest soil. Red spruce and radishes in the greenhouse were treated with complete nutrient solutions with 15 mM N supplied as 0, 3.75, 7.5, 11.25, or 15 mM NH4 + with the remainder being supplied as NO3. Growth of each species was chlorotic and stunted by increased NH4 + in the nutrient solution. Increasing NH4 + from 0 to 15 mM depressed soil pH by about 1 unit (from 4.5 to an average of 3.5). Accumulation of N, K, Ca, and Mg by each species was restricted as the proportion of NH4 + increased, although the magnitude of these restrictions were small. The restrictions in growth were attributed directly to NH4 + toxicity an...
Myopia, liquidity constraints, and aggregate consumption: what do the data say?

Abstract This letter attempts to explain an apparent ‘sensitivity puzzle’ relating to US consumption data as resulting from agents who expect their income to rise over their working lives prior to retirement being liquidity constrained when young.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Chronic Inflammation: Pharmacotherapeutic Implications

Objective:To examine the relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic inflammation and analyze data regarding pharmacologic therapies that are recommended to reduce CVD risk in PCOS and the impact of those therapies on chronic inflammation.Data Sources:A search of MEDLINE (1950-October 2011) was conducted to identify clinical studies pertaining to the identification and treatment of CVD and chronic low-grade inflammation in PCOS, Search terms included polycystic ovary syndrome, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, metformin, thiazolidinedione, and statin. Bibliographies of these studies and review articles were also examined.Study Selection and Data Extraction:English-language clinical studies evaluating the effect of metformin, thiazolidinediones, and statins on inflammatory markers, endothelial function, adhesion molecules, fibrinolysis, cytokines, and adipokines in PCOS were included.Data Synthesis:Women with PCOS have an...
Educational Research in Developing 3‐D Spatial Skills for Engineering Students

The ability to visualize in three dimensions is a cognitive skill that has been shown to be important for success in engineering and other technological fields. For engineering, the ability to mentally rotate 3‐D objects is especially important. Unfortunately, of all the cognitive skills, 3‐D rotation abilities exhibit robust gender differences, favoring males. The assessment of 3‐D spatial skills and associated gender differences has been a topic of educational research for nearly a century; however, a great deal of the previous work has been aimed at merely identifying differences. The author has been conducting applied research in the area of spatial skills development for more than a decade aimed at identifying practical methods for improving 3‐D spatial skills, especially for women engineering students. This paper details the significant findings obtained over the past several years through this research and identifies strategies that appear to be effective in developing 3‐D spatial skills and in con...
Molecular characterization of uterine clear cell carcinoma

Clinicopathological studies support a broad classification of endometrial carcinoma into two major types, designated as type I and type II, which correlate with their biological behavior. More recently, molecular studies have provided further insights into this classification scheme by elucidating the genetic events involved in the development and progression of endometrial carcinoma. Microsatellite instability and mutations in the PTEN gene have been widely associated with type I (endometrioid) endometrial carcinoma, while p53 mutations have been identified in the majority of type II endometrial carcinoma, of which uterine serous carcinoma is the prototype. Uterine clear cell carcinoma (UCC) is an uncommon variant of endometrial carcinoma, and clinicopathological studies have produced conflicting results regarding its biological behavior with 5-year survival ranging from 21 to 75%. The molecular characteristics of endometrioid and serous carcinoma have been studied extensively; however, there have been few molecular genetic studies of the clear cell subtype. In this study, we evaluated 16 UCCs (11 pure and 5 mixed) for mutations in the p53 gene, PTEN gene and for microsatellite instability. Although we found that these alterations were uncommon in pure clear cell carcinomas, all three were identified. In addition, two cases of mixed serous and clear cell carcinoma showed an identical mutation of the p53 gene in the histologically distinct components and one case of mixed clear cell and endometrioid carcinoma had identical mutations in the PTEN and p53 genes, and microsatellite instability in both components. Our data suggest that UCC represent a heterogeneous group of tumors that arise via different pathogenetic pathways. Additional molecular studies of pure clear cell carcinoma are required to further elucidate the genetic pathways involved in its development and progression.
A vision system for inspection of ball bonds and 2-D profile of bonding wires in integrated circuits

A critical stage in the manufacture of integrated circuit devices is inspection of the wire bonds which connect the chip to the lead fingers of the device. This paper describes a vision system for 1) automatic inspection of that part of the wire bond where the wire connects to the bond pad on the chip and 2) inspection of the 2-D profile of the bonding wire. A popular type of bonding (connection to bond pad) known as "ball bond" is considered here. Using two-dimensional images taken from the top of the IC wafer, the system determines several geometric measures which are important in determining the quality of the bond and the wire. These include the center and the boundary of the bond as well as the degree of straightness of the wire. A bond shape analysis based on the parameters of the best fitting ellipse to the bond is developed. The bonding process can be monitored through tracking the statistics of the bond shape measures. The system has been tested in a prototype manufacturing environment with excellent results. >
Online Health Social Networks and Patient Health Decision Behavior: A Research Agenda

Patients and health care practitioners alike are using the Internet and specifically online health social networks to gain access to knowledge and social support that they could not obtain as quickly or efficiently from their traditional face-to-face social networks. Given concerns about the quality of information available on the Internet and the differences between social interaction online and offline, it is important to determine whether this new phenomenon influences health decision behavior. We propose a framework for investigating the influence online health social networks may have on the health decisions that patients and their physicians make. We also propose a number of research questions that flow from this framework.
Continental‐scale multiobservation calibration and assessment of Colorado State University Unified Land Model by application of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) surface albedo

[1] This study attempts to establish the first continental-scale multiobservation calibration and assessment of a land surface model (LSM) over the conterminous United States by using the Colorado State University Unified Land Model (CSU ULM) within the NASA GSFC’s Land Information System and the Parameter Estimation (PEST) model. This study aims to calibrate the vegetation and soil optical parameters in different landcover classes by comparing model-predicted surface albedo and those derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) (including black- and white-sky albedo for visible and near-infrared band). The sum of squared deviations (Y) between model- and MODIS-derived albedo is iteratively reduced via the GaussMarquardt-Levenberg (GML) algorithm. The first calibration process (1) reduced Y by about 80% for noncalibrated as well as calibrated seasons and years, (2) revealed the functional biases related to diffuse-radiation upscattering parameters in two-stream canopy radiation scheme (which was fixed before the second calibration), and (3) shows that the parameter related to the leaf angle distribution function could not be tuned. The second calibration was implemented from the lessons learned from the first calibration, and results in the more realistic convergence of the parameters. After calibration, the summertime surface energy budget simulated by offline ULM changed significantly over the less vegetated regions; for example, net shortwave radiation and available energy increased by more than 40 W m � 2 and radiative temperature increased by more than 1.6 K in the postcalibrated experiment.
Natural Analog Support for Unsaturated Transport Modeling Using Data from The Akrotiri Archaeological Site

A review of the natural analog study at the Akrotiri archaeological site is provided with regard to its use in support of long-term predictive modeling of chemical transport. Evidence for a plume of contaminants was collected using samples taken from the area under the location where artifacts were buried in silicic tuff for 3600 years. A transport model was developed using site characterization data, but no data for the plume. Qualitative data from the field support the model result that flux of metals from the artifacts was small. However, transient transport characteristics and the role of notable system heterogeneities and complexities were not fully represented by the model. The Akrotiri natural analog study indicates that long term releases and transport may be limited in an unsaturated repository site, but releases may be strongly affected by unknown processes or processes that are neglected in simplified models.
Taking to the Streets Theory and Evidence on Protests under Authoritarianism

In recent decades, citizens all over the world took to the streets to oppose predatory autocracies. In this paper, we examine both theoretically and empirically the conditions that facilitate civil uprisings against autocratic regimes and the determinants of their success. We ask why citizens opt to risk their lives and protest; what the resulting dynamics of civil protest is; and what are the conditions under which protest successfully leads to regime breakdown. To answer these questions, we first develop a game theoretic signaling model identifying when protests are likely to escalate into mass civil disobedience. We then generate two testable hypotheses from our theory: more repressive autocratic regimes are in principle more stable, in part because they are better able to deter civil opposition. However, protest that takes place in a more repressive autocratic regime reaches its maximum information revealing potential and hence is more likely to cascade into a successful uprising. We provide evidence in support of these two conclusions using data from contemporary regimes from 1950 " 2000.
The Locus of Control

How many times have you heard someone at work say, "Things have just spun way out of control" or "That was lucky"? Perhaps your colleagues are more inclined to say, "I'm to blame" or "I have to accept responsibility for that." Even though most of us fancy ourselves unique individuals, psychologists have spent years etching out patterns in our personality traits that suggest we share some very similar qualities: those who believe they are capable of controlling events in their lives and those who don't. This note assumes that your students have taken the Locus of Control instrument and are ready to interpret the results. Terry Pettijohn developed a variation to Rotter's original Locus of Control survey, which can be accessed at http://www.dushkin.com/connectext/psy/ch11/survey11.mhtml. The test has no time limitation and consists of 20 true or false questions. Once you have completed the test, click on "Tally My Answers," and within a few seconds the screen will return with your choices and score. Some of the questions act as a diversion from the test's intent and are not included in the test score. This note will help you and your students interpret the results.
Central Venous Catheter-Associated Right Atrial Thrombus.

A 26-year-old female recently diagnosed with stage III infiltrating ductal carcinoma of her left breast, was referred to our outpatient oncology clinic for initiation of chemotherapy. Her pretreatment workup was unremarkable, including a normal transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) with an ejection fraction of 55%. She was referred to the vascular surgeon to establish intravenous access for treatment and on May 11, 2015 underwent central venous catheter (CVC) insertion in her right internal jugular vein. She received her first course of chemotherapy on May 12, which included carboplatin, docetaxel, pertuzumab and trastuzumab. She tolerated her first treatment well and received her second course of chemotherapy on June 11. On June 19, she underwent a routine follow-up TTE that showed a large mobile right atrial (RA) mass measuring 2.7 2.1 cm attached to the lateral wall of the RA and located just above the tricuspid valve. This was a new finding compared to her pretreatment TTE about a month back. She was immediately evaluated by a cardiologist and according to the patient, she had been largely asymptomatic since the beginning of her treatment, however, since the last 2 weeks she has been experiencing mild shortness of breath with exertion associated with occasional palpitations. On the same day, she underwent a transesophageal echocardiogram to further characterize the mass. Transesophageal echocardiogram (Figure) showed a large echogenic multilobulated mass measuring 3.1 2.7 cm, which was highly mobile and attached to the free wall of the RA. The mass did not involve the tricuspid valve and there were no evidence of any valvular vegetations. The catheter tip (* in Figure B) was seen entering from the superior vena cava into the RA and lying close to the mass. The possible differentials for the RA mass were vegetation, malignancy or a thrombus, however, based on the size of the mass she had an increased risk for pulmonary embolization. After a detailed discussion about her findings, risks of embolization and her treatment options, she decided on FI
A Second Breeding Record for the Grey-Hooded Gull (Larus Cirrocephalus) on the Coast of Peru

minor feather wear. It was photographed, measured (weight, 10.6 g; flattened wing chord, 80 mm; tarsus, 17.1 mm; culmen length, nares to tip, 8.2 mm) and released with British Museum band BJ80002 on the right leg and a red celluloid band on the left leg. These data and five color slides have been deposited in the American Museum of Natural History, New York. The Blackpoll Warbler is well known for its long migration and tendency to wander (L. Griscom and A. Sprunt, The warblers of North America, DevonAdair, New York, 1957). The individual we caught was presumably lost, perhaps during spring migration.
Distribution of Microctonus aethiops and M. colesi, Parasites of the Alfalfa Weevil, in the Eastern United States

Recent research has shown that both species of parasites are much more widely established than was previously known. M. aethiops (Nees), a bivoltine, biparental parasite of adult Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), is now present in at least 47 counties in 11 States. M. colesi Drea. a univoltine, uniparental parasite which attacks alfalfa weevil larvae, is known now from at least 36 counties in 11 States. The available evidence indicates that the actual distributional limits of each species is even wider than that presented here.
Dextran, an antigen in man.

SummaryIt has been confirmed that native and clinical dextrans are antigenic in man. Three weeks after injection of 1 mg of dextran precipitins and cutaneous wheal and erythema sensitivity developed. The presence in human sera of antibodies to the pneumococcal polysaccharides which cross react with dextrans in other species (rabbit and horse) appears to have little to do with the reaction of humans to dextran. Antibodies produced after immunization with dextran have been shown to be specific for dextran. The persistence of antibodies to dextran has been shown.
Block Statistical Features-based Face Verification on Second Generation Identity Card

Face verification has been extensively studied in recent decades. Nevertheless, face verification for identity card has subject to relatively little attention. This paper proposes a block statistical features(BSF) learning method combining with local Gabor binary pattern(LGBP) for face verification in both second generation identity card(2nd ID card) and video set, which show many differences in biometric caused by age gap and image acquisition conditions. To alleviate computation complexity of Gabor transformation, we exploit energy check Gabor filters to speed up calculation. Specially, the verification rate of our approach on NEU-ID database achieves 97.71 %. It has a comparable performance with lower computation complexity.
Deep brain stimulation for the relief of chronic pain.

Electrical stimulation of the brain has been used since the turn of the century to activate excitable tissue and determine its function from the resulting physiologic changes. The therapeutic use of electrical stimulation is a relatively recent addition to the armamentarium for treatment of otherwise intractable pain and suffering.
Ataxia-Oculomotor Apraxia Syndrome

A new spinocerebellar degenerative syndrome has been described in 14 patients from 10 families and reported from the Hopital des Enfants Malades, Paris, France; Montreal Neurological Institute, Canada; Rashid Hospital, Dubai, UAE; Tokyo Women's Medical College, Japan; and University of Colorado Medical School, Boulder, CO.
Love in Modern Australia and Among the Indigenous People of Australia, Polynesia, and Southeast Asia

This chapter highlights the development of love as conceptualized today in Australia, Polynesia, and Southeast Asia. A number of ethnographic studies mentioned in this chapter show the impact native people of these regions as well as Western colonists of the past have had on the concept of love and its societal implications. This mixture of beliefs, feelings, expressions, and ideals has ultimately influenced what is considered normal in terms of love and its many forms. Although Westernization has greatly impacted cultural norms in these regions, native ideals and beliefs have maintained a profound traditional influence.
The role of the vaginal microbiome in gynaecological cancer.

Human microbiome research has shown commensal bacteria to be a major factor in both wellness and disease pathogenesis. Interest in the microbiome has recently expanded beyond the gut to include a multitude of other organ systems for which the microbiome may have health implications. Here, we review the role of the vaginal microbiome in health and disease, with a particular focus on gynaecologic malignancies. Further, we suggest that it may be possible to expand the use of probiotics in the treatment of gynaecological cancers. Tweetable abstract A review of the research to date on the relation between the vaginal microbiome and gynaecological cancers.
Radiation injury to cardiac arteries and myocardium is reduced by soy isoflavones

The negative effects of incidental radiation on the heart and its vessels, particularly in the treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, esophageal cancer, left-sided breast cancer, and lymphoma, are known. Late cardiac events induced by radiotherapy including coronary artery disease, ischemia, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction can manifest months to years after radiotherapy. We have previously demonstrated that soy isoflavones mitigate inflammatory responses induced in lungs by thoracic irradiation resulting in decreased vascular damage, inflammation, and fibrosis. In the current study, we investigate the use of soy isoflavones to protect cardiac vessels and myocardium from radiation injury. Mice received a single dose of 10-Gy thoracic irradiation and daily oral treatment with soy isoflavones. At different time points, hearts were processed for histopathology studies to evaluate the effect of soy isoflavones on radiation-induced damage to cardiac vessels and myocardium. Radiation damage to arteries and myocardium was detected by 16 weeks after radiation. Soy isoflavones given in conjunction with thoracic irradiation were found to reduce damage to the artery walls and radiation-induced fibrosis in the myocardium. Our histopathological findings suggest a radioprotective role of soy isoflavones to prevent cardiac injury. This approach could translate to the use of soy isoflavones as a safe complement to thoracic radiotherapy with the goal of improving the overall survival in patients whose cancer has been successfully controlled by the radiotherapy but who otherwise succumb to heart toxicity.
Paleontological Note: A Mistaken Report of a Peccary from the Pleistocene of Louisiana

West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, is one of the few areas of the state from which Pleistocene vertebrate fossils are commonly reported. Hay (1924) listed the occurrence of mastodon, mammoth and horse from this area. Proboscidean remains are often found in the area but seldom receive notice other than an occasional comment in a local paper.
Quantification of noninvasive fat reduction: A systematic review

Background and objective Noninvasive fat reduction appears effective, but there are various methods for quantifying changes. The objective of this review is to assess comparative utility measures of subcutaneous fat. Study design/materials and methods Articles describing noninvasive fat reduction were searched using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Scopus electronic databases on two dates (January 28, 2014 and February 16, 2016). Titles of studies and abstracts were screened for eligibility. Manual review was performed by two investigators to detect those that: (1) included original data; (2) were randomized controlled trials, or prospective or retrospective cohort studies; (3) quantified fat outcomes; and (4) enrolled at least 10 subjects. Results Of 1,057 retrieved articles, 36 met criteria. Most reported four or more measurement techniques. Circumference measurements were most commonly cited. Other objective techniques, like caliper thickness, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and three-dimensional (3D) photography, were also used. Common subjective methods were evaluation of standardized photographs by blinded raters and patient satisfaction surveys. Conclusions For quantifying noninvasive fat reduction, all available methods had significant limitations: photographic comparisons were subjective; circumference or caliper measurements were confounded; ultrasound was operator dependent; MRI was expensive; computed models and simulations were in early development. As new technologies are developed, the need for reliable, accurate and practical measures of subcutaneous fat will increase. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:96-110, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A physical theory of the living state: application to water and solute distribution.

This review begins with a summary of the disproof of the membrane-pump theory and the alternative theory of the living cell, the association-induction (AI) hypothesis. Being alive in the AI hypothesis represents the maintenance of a high (negative) energy-low entropy state in which the two major components K+ and water of the living cell are closely associated with the third major component of the living cells, proteins. K+ is adsorbed singly on beta- and gamma- carboxyl groups and the bulk of cell water in multilayers on the exposed NHCO groups of fully extended polypeptide chains of cell proteins. These adsorptions account for both the constancy of cell K+ and cell water per unit of cell proteins. ATP plays a key role in the maintenance of the cooperatively linked protein-ion-water assembly at the living state by its adsorption on key protein site and exercises the controlling influence through its strong inductive effects. Water polarized in multilayers demonstrates size-dependent exclusion of solutes, e.g., large (hydrated) Na+ is excluded from water in living cells or model systems while smaller urea that fits into the dynamic water structure is not excluded. The confirmation of the polarized multilayer theory of cell water by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), dielectric, neutron scattering, and other studies not only reverses the conventional belief of the existence of the cell water as normal liquid water; it also gives a new definition to colloids.
Ultrasonic Measurement of Thickness, Density and Elastic Moduli of a Layer Embedded into a Solid

Ultrasonic spectroscopy has for a long time been thought promising for characterization of thin layers immersed in water or embedded between two known materials (similar or dissimilar). Significant effort has been put forth by many authors.
Chemical Carcinogenesis: Interactions of Carcinogens with Nucleic Acids

Some of the major conceptual advances in chemical carcinogenesis made during the past several years have been (1) the discovery of the enzymatic activation of procarcinogens to reactive ultimate carcinogens, (2) the characterization of interactions of the active metabolites of many carcinogens with a variety of tissue nucleophiles including DNA, RNA, and protein, and (3)the development of model systems for a sequential analysis of the initiation phase of carcinogenesis. This chapter primarily focuses on the interactions of chemical carcinogens and their activated metabolites with nucleic acids, both DNA and RNA.
Hypocretin Receptor-Activated G Proteins Revealed by [35S]GTPγS Autoradiography

The focus of this chapter is the hypocretin (orexin) ligand-receptor system as quantitatively characterized by [35S]guanylyl 5′-(γ-thio) triphosphate ([35S]GTPγS) autoradiography. We highlight future ways in which hypocretin-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding may provide insights into functional roles of the hypocretinergic system. For a comprehensive discussion of [35S]GTPγS binding and autoradiography, the reader is referred to recent reviews (1, 2, 3, 4).
Spotlight on Dance: Examination and Affirmation

(1969). Spotlight on Dance. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 40, No. 7, pp. 85-86.
Thrombocytopenia in septic shock patients : a prospective observational study of incidence, risk factors and correlation with clinical outcome

The objectives of the study were to study the incidence of various degrees of severity of thrombocytopenia in septic shock, the risk factors for its development and the correlation with clinical outcome. Complete blood counts, chemistry panel, arterial lactate, serum cortisol, APACHE II score, logistic organ dysfunction score and SOFA score were determined in 69 septic shock patients within 24 hours of admission or onset of septic shock. We followed the patients until they died or for six months to determine the mortality rate. The incidence of thrombocytopenia in our study group was 55%. Patients with thrombocytopenia had significantly higher serum creatinine, SOFA score, vasopressor requirement, lower PaO2/FiO2 ratio and higher mortality than those without thrombocytopenia (P < 0.05). Higher SOFA score, low P(a)O2/FiO2 ratio and high vasopressor dose were independent risk factors for development of thrombocytopenia. The presence of thrombocytopenia had significant correlation with SOFA score (P = 0.008). On receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis, platelet count was found to be predictive of increased mortality (area under curve = 0.56). Thrombocytopenic patients had 1.4 times the risk of mortality and lower survival probability at six months (log rank test P = 0.03). In conclusion, thrombocytopenia is common in septic shock and is associated with worse clinical outcome. Higher SOFA score, low P(a)Os/FiO2 ratio and high vasopressor dose are independent risk factors for development of thrombocytopenia in septic shock.
Relationship Churning and Desistance From Intimate Abuse

It is essential to understand how desistance from intimate abuse occurs so it can be facilitated for those experiencing it. Recognizing the category of churning relationships-in which partners separate and reunite-gives us analytic leverage in identifying the relationship dynamics that predict abuse desistance. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a longitudinal survey of parents in urban areas, we compare desistance among churners (who experience a breakup only) with those who repartner (who experience a breakup and a new partnership) and those who are stably together (who experience neither a breakup nor a new partnership). We examine whether abuse desistance patterns are distinct for those who breakup and reconcile versus those who breakup and form new partnerships-that is, we can separate out the association between abuse desistance and the breakup versus the new partnership. We find that, among those with a history of intimate abuse, churners and those who later repartner are overrepresented. However, among those who do experience abuse, the repartnered are most likely to experience desistance from intimate abuse, controlling for individual sociodemographic characteristics. In breaking up and entering a new relationship, the repartnered may be most successful in developing a healthier relationship dynamic than the churners who reunite with one another.
Flattening Need and Steepening Responsibility: Navigating Access to Islands of Care for Children Living with HIV in Uganda

In this chapter, I look at an organization providing care for children living with HIV in Uganda as an example of how NGOs define childhood in particular ways, which in turn determines which children are able to access care and what kinds of assistance they receive. I use the metaphor of landscapes to explore the ways in which responsibilities become overlaid onto needs to create islands of care—alternately placing children on these islands, or leaving them stranded with no way to access them. The tensions between vulnerability and responsibility, and dependency and entitlement manifested at a treatment center for children living with HIV as children and caregivers attempted to navigate the terrain created by both on-the-ground service providers and distant donors. I wish to complicate the responsibilization of children and young people, not denying their agency, but recognizing the circumstances which constrain it. I evoke a Kiganda ethics of interdependence, to demonstrate that dependency is not necessarily irresponsible nor disempowering but can be a viable strategy for accessing resources. In brief, I join the many scholars who have criticized the dominance of sustainable development rhetoric and I call for a reconsideration of the viability of unconditional aid.
The Penn World Table (Mark 5): An Expanded Set of International Comparisons, 1950–1988

The Penn World Table displays a set of national accounts economic time series covering many countries. Its expenditure entries are denominated in a common set of prices in a common currency so that real quantity comparisons can be made, both between countries and over time. It also provides information about relative prices within and between countries, as well as demographic data and capital stock estimates. This updated, revised, and expanded Mark 5 version of the table includes more countries, years, and variables of interest to economic researchers. The Table is available on personal computer diskettes and through BITNET.
Adapted Feeding Utensils for People With Parkinson's-Related or Essential Tremor.

OBJECTIVE. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of four adapted feeding utensils with participants with essential tremor (ET) or tremor related to Parkinson’s disease (PD). METHOD. Participants performed a simulated feeding task under five conditions: (1) standard spoon (control condition), (2) weighted spoon with standard handle, (3) weighted spoon with built-up handle, (4) swivel spoon, and (5) Liftware Steady™ spoon, a product using active tremor cancellation technology. Participants rated each adapted utensil in comparison with the standard spoon regarding performance, ease of use, speed, neatness, and aesthetics. RESULTS. Participants preferred the Liftware Steady spoon and weighted spoon with standard handle. Friedman’s test did not reveal statistically significant differences in ratings between the two preferred utensils. CONCLUSION. Participants had varied reactions to the different adaptive utensils and gave different reasons for preferences. These findings support the need for people with tremor related to ET or PD to have access to trial use of all four devices assessed in this study.
Nutrition and Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening genetic disorder characterized by malnutrition and lung disease. In the United States, approximately 30,000 individuals live with CF, and approximately 1000 infants are born with CF every year. In 2009, the median age of survival for patients with CF was 36 years. The primary method of diagnosis for CF has transitioned from the traditional method using signs and symptoms prior to 2004 to nationwide newborn screening. Malnutrition in CF is caused by increased losses from maldigestion/malabsorption due primarily to pancreatic insufficiency, increased requirement from increased energy expenditure associated with pulmonary infection, and decreased intake from poor appetite associated with CF complications. Nutritional therapy for CF patients focuses on a high-caloric, high-fat diet combined with pancreatic enzyme therapy, with the goal of promoting normal growth for children and normal weight status for adults. Guidelines for nutritional assessment and management of CF patients are presented in this chapter.
Coordinating the Team

Every 4 years, the sporting world gets intensely focused as nations come together to prove which team is better on the football pitch. The World Cup is a dizzying tournament of games where national pride and individual legacies are at stake. Preparation and qualification for the World Cup is a long and arduous process, so in totality, the event is really much longer than the month the tournament runs. Despite the long period of qualifying, an entire nation’s hopes and dreams, particularly in countries with rich traditions of football, are tied to the events and outcomes of those tournament games.
Effect of temperature variations on the stability mechanism of the confined functionally graded porous arch with nanocomposites reinforcement under mechanical loading

Abstract This paper presents the effect of temperature variation on the stability behavior of the confine functionally graded porous (FGP) arch reinforced by nanocomposites, which is represented by the graphene platelets (GPLs). Both the pores and the GPLs are distributed symmetrically to the mid-axis in the thickness direction of the cross-section. An analytical prediction is derived to express the quantitative effect of the temperature variation on the pressure capacity of the confined FGP-GPLs arch. Subsequently, numerical verification is taken successfully by comparing the numerical and analytical pressure capacity, as well as the equilibrium paths. In addition, the confinement effect is quantized by comparing the pressure capacity between the confined and unconfined arches. Finally, the effects of several parameters on the pressure capacity are analyzed parametrically. These parameters are: temperature variation, porosity coefficient, weight fraction and geometric shape of the nanocomposites, the central angle of the arch, interface friction between the arch and medium, Young's modulus of the medium.
Prematriculation Healthcare Employment Predicts Success in Clerkship Environment.

The average age of the matriculating medical student is increasing as more students take time between college and medical school. Increasing numbers of students are employed in the healthcare field during these gap years. Studies have explored the relationship between matriculation age and medical school performance with conflicting findings. The impact of prior healthcare employment (PHE) on future clerkship performance has not been explored. We hypothesize that medical school performance metrics would be higher for students with PHE than their peers. A retrospective review of four medical school classes at a single institution was conducted. Each student’s admission application was examined to identify students with at least 6 months paid employment in a clinical healthcare position (i.e., pre-matriculation direct patient interaction, PHE cohort). Multiple medical school performance metrics were obtained for each student. Of the 434 included students, 49 were PHE (11.29%) and percent of students with PHE trended up over time. MCAT scores, USMLE Step 1, and Step 2 CK scores were not different for PHE and non-PHE medical students. PHE students had significantly higher NBME subject exams, clinical clerkship scores, and cumulative year 3 performance. Students who matriculate to medical school with prior healthcare employment outperform their peers in the clinical environment, possibly due to acquisition of knowledge or skills from their prior employment. These findings support students seeking paid healthcare experiences prior to medical school and have implications for pre-medicine advising, admissions, and medical school curricula.
Variance in Group Ability to Transform Resources into Performance, and the Role of Coordinated Attention

Theory on group performance has long suggested that groups exhibit variance in their ability to transform resources into performance, but empirical approaches have typically examined the average ef...
Responsiveness of Retinal Ganglion Cells Through Frequency Modulation of Electrical Stimulation: A Computational Modeling Study *

Electrical stimulation of surviving retinal neurons has proven effective in restoring sight to totally blind patients affected by retinal degenerative diseases. Morphological and biophysical differences among retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are important factors affecting their response to epiretinal electrical stimulation. Although detailed models of ON and OFF RGCs have already been investigated, here we developed morphologically and biophysically realistic computational models of two classified RGCs, D1-bistratified and A2-monostratified, and analyzed their response to alternations in stimulation frequency (up to 200 Hz). Results show that the D1-bistratified cell is more responsive to high frequency stimulation compared to the A2-monostratified cell. This differential RGCs response suggests a potential avenue for selective activation, and in turn different encoded percept of RGCs.