cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medical Students’ Exposure to and Attitudes About Drug Company Interactions: A National Survey

ContextWhile exposure to and attitudes about drug company interactions among residents have been studied extensively, relatively little is known about relationships between drug companies and medical students.ObjectiveTo measure third-year medical students’ exposure to and attitudes about drug company interactions.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsIn 2003, we distributed a 64-item anonymous survey to 1143 third-year students at 8 US medical schools, exploring their exposure and response to drug company interactions. The schools’ characteristics included a wide spectrum of ownership types, National Institutes of Health funding, and geographic locations. In 2005, we conducted a national survey of student affairs deans to measure the prevalence of school-wide policies on drug company–medical student interactions.Main Outcome MeasuresMonthly frequency of students’ exposure to various activities and gifts during clerkships, and attitudes about receiving gifts.ResultsOverall response rate was 826/1143 (72.3%), with range among schools of 30.9%-90.7%. Mean exposure for each student was 1 gift or sponsored activity per week. Of respondents, 762/818 (93.2%) were asked or required by a physician to attend at least 1 sponsored lunch. Regarding attitudes, 556/808 (68.8%) believed gifts would not influence their practices and 464/804 (57.7%) believed gifts would not affect colleagues’ practices. Of the students, 553/604 (80.3%) believed that they were entitled to gifts. Of 183 students who thought a gift valued at less than $50 was inappropriate, 158 (86.3%) had accepted one. The number of students who simultaneously believed that sponsored grand rounds are educationally helpful and are likely to be biased was 452/758 (59.6%). Students at 1 school who had attended a seminar about drug company–physician relationships were no more likely than the nonattending classmates to show skepticism. Of the respondents, 704/822 (85.6%) did not know if their school had a policy on these relationships. In a national survey of student affairs deans, among the 99 who knew their policy status, only 10 (10.1%) reported having school-wide policies about these interactions.ConclusionsStudent experiences and attitudes suggest that as a group they are at risk for unrecognized influence by marketing efforts. Research should focus on evaluating methods to limit these experiences and affect the development of students’ attitudes to ensure that physicians’ decisions are based solely on helping each patient achieve the greatest possible benefit.
Reinforcement learning for neural networks using swarm intelligence

In this paper, we propose a swarm intelligence based reinforcement learning (SWIRL) method to train artificial neural networks (ANN). Basically, two swarm intelligence based algorithms are combined together to train the ANN models. Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is applied to select ANN topology, while Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is applied to adjust ANN connection weights. To evaluate the performance of the SWIRL model, it is applied to double pole problem and robot localization through reinforcement learning. Extensive simulation results successfully demonstrate that SWIRL offers performance that is competitive with modern neuroevolutionary techniques, as well as its viability for real-world problems.
Perinatal psychiatry: Innovative practice and transitions of care

During my post-graduate year two (PGY2) psychiatry specialty residency, I developed an interest in women's mental health. For a number of reasons, I identified this patient population as an area that I wanted to focus my efforts in researching, understanding and treating. Specifically, mental illness during pregnancy surfaced as a special population that needed the care of a pharmacist. Our detail-oriented approach and evidence-based rationale is of utmost importance to these women and their children. I arrived at my PGY2 residency eager to focus on women and children after completing my PGY1 residency at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Though female veteran medical care was a priority, the majority of my specific experiences had been in a male population. For that reason I jumped at the opportunities to learn more about women's mental health issues.
First electrodes for blood Po2 and Pco2 determination

This essay looks at the historical significance of an APS classic paper that is freely available online: Severinghaus JW and Bradley AF. Electrodes for blood Po2 and Pco2 determination. J Appl Phys...
Reward structure and payoff preferences in human learning

Ss’ preferences when choosing between a pair of token rewards, one a known and the other an unknown value, were determined under two conditions, (1) the range of possible reward values was known from the outset of the experiment and (2) the range had to be learned. Analysis of choice probabilities and latencies indicated choices yielded almost optimal outcomes although there was some tendency to choose a non-optimal unknown alternative if it might possibly yield a large reward. Choices of known alternatives closer to the endpoints of the range of values were made more quickly even though choice probabilities were equal, and choices were made more slowly by Ss who had to learn the range of values.
A comparison of United States and European union taxation of e-commerce

Transactional taxes are an important source of revenue for government operations. The growth of borderless e-commerce, and digitally delivered goods and services, has created confusion about the e-vendor's obligation to collect and remit transactional taxes extra-jurisdictionally, resulting in a potential loss of tax revenue. This paper analyzes and compares transactional taxes in the United States (U.S.) and European Union (E.U.). In the U.S., a transactional tax is imposed, as a sales or use tax, by the states rather than by the national government. A proposed solution to the unique constitutional impediments to a U.S. state's ability to collect transactional taxes from e-commerce vendors is presented. Within the E.U., the member states impose a value added tax (VAT) on sales transactions. The implications and issues relevant to the E.U. directive affecting the taxation of E-commerce are discussed. Finally, a multi-jurisdictional agreement is recommended as a global solution.
The role of media use and active learning in higher education: the development of an instrument to determine the dimensions of teaching

The competition fostered in today's environment is demanding increased accountability of collegiate instructors and re-evaluation of traditional teaching methods. Without reliable and valid instructional measurement systems, it is virtually impossible to benchmark new techniques or identify effective instructors. In addition, these measures need to be comprehensive. This research describes the development of a faculty evaluation instrument that incorporates traditional dimensions of teaching with two new educational concepts: active learning and media use. Structural equation modeling is used to assess reliability and construct and discriminant validity. The results confirm the importance of five historically strong components of teaching, as well as support the importance of media use and active learning within an academic environment.
Parametric study of ice thermal storage system with thin layer ring by Taguchi method

Abstract A numerical study of material, thickness and arrangement of thin layer ring has been comparatively conducted to achieve heat transfer enhancement in the building thermal storage system. The parameters of thin layer ring from three perspectives have been numerically investigated and optimized by the Taguchi method to find the optimal combination. Nine combinations of model are carried out by combining different levels of each factor, and ice generated area of each combination has been statistically analysed. The results show that material and arrangement of thin layer ring have the most significant impact on the ice formation, but the thickness of thin layer ring has trifling effects on the ice formation. From this study, the optimal combination (A3B2C1) is acquired, and the reproducibility of the results is verified by two analytical results.
Has the amount of spontaneous electrical activity in experimental neuromas been overestimated

Previous studies of experimental neuromas have indicated that some axons terminating in the neuroma exhibit both spontaneous and mechanosensitive discharges. Since these spontaneous discharges appear to occur in potentially nociceptive axons (A delta and C fibers), it has been speculated that this activity may relate to pain that occurs after peripheral nerve injury. Recent results from our laboratory have revealed several possible sources of error in prior electrophysiological studies of neuromas. Most notably, gallamine, a muscle-paralyzing agent that has been used in the majority of previous studies of experimental neuromas, has profound potassium-channel-blocking properties that may increase spontaneous activity in damaged axons. The present study was conducted to re-evaluate the incidence of spontaneous activity in experimental neuromas, and the fiber types involved in these discharges. A group of 44 male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent unilateral saphenous axotomy 1-8 weeks prior to acute neurophysiological recording experiments, and 6 additional rats underwent acute control recording procedures only. Recording was performed in all animals using a modification of the microfilament recording technique to determine the conduction velocities (CVs) and origins of spontaneously discharging axons. A thorough search for spontaneous discharges was made in each nerve both before and after the administration of gallamine. Spontaneous activity was rare in acutely severed saphenous nerve and was not significantly affected by gallamine administration. In rats with 1- to 4-week-old experimental saphenous neuromas, spontaneous activity was rare but was increased by a factor of 12.75 after gallamine treatment. Gallamine administration produced significantly more of both A alpha beta and A delta activity, compared to control recordings. No spontaneous C-fiber activity was found originating in neuromas either before or after gallamine. C-fiber spontaneous discharges in the apparently isolated saphenous nerve segment had receptive fields in fascia, superficial vasculature, and hairy skin of the medial hindlimb. Our conclusions are as follows: (1) Neuromas exhibit only rare spontaneous discharges unless exposed to potassium-channel-blocking agents; (2) all C-fiber activity recorded in saphenous nerve with a distal neuroma is derived from vascular, fascial, and other receptive fields rather than from the neuroma; (3) these data are consistent with known clinical phenomena in that neuromas are not usually spontaneously painful.
From attitude formation to behavioral response in organ donation: using marketing to increase consent rates.

Abstract This article presents a theoretical analysis of attitude formation and the relationship to stated behavioral intentions as it relates to the decision to donate organs. This analysis reveals the presence of three distinct paths to behavior of potential donors, groups differing in their involvement with organ donation. Promotional objectives and campaign strategies designed to influence attitudes and behaviors should differ according to the behavioral path in operation and the involvement of the audience. Mass media campaigns are likely to reach high involvement groups only. Therefore, personal selling, underutilized in previous donation campaigns, should be brought into the donation strategy to appeal to low involvement groups. By recognizing differences in audience involvement and implementing different strategies, overall donation rates could substantially increase.
The Care and Feeding of Marketing Consultants

There is a way to use competent outside consulting services. There is a way to discriminate between those who are competent and those who are not. There is a way for management to utilize outside c...
TRICUSPID REGURGITATION PREVALENCE AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH LEFT HEART VALVE DISEASE

Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR) in the setting of left sided valve disease (LVD) is aggressively treated since TR is an independent and potent mortality risk in this population. Although transcatheter aortic valve therapy is becoming common in elderly populations, percutaneous devices for TR are not
Large-scale field tests of soil applications of aldicarb for suppression of populations of boll weevils.

In-furrow and sidedress applications of aldicarb were compared with foliar applications of azinphosmethyl for suppression of populations of Athonomus grandis Boheman in an area near the Texas High Plains boll weevil control zone. The applications of aldicarb reduced populations of adult boll weevil 94–96% until long-range movement of weevils began in late August. Meanwhile, 4 applications of azinphosmethyl reduced populations only 73%. Some increase in populations of Heliothis spp. occurred in most plots treated with an insecticide; however, the greatest increases occurred in those plots treated with sidedress applications of aldicarb.
Effect of cortisone on connective tissues of the rat.

SummaryThe effect of cortisone administration upon the hexosamine-collagen ratio (H/C) of several tissues was investigated. The H/C of skin, sternum, trachea, lung, aorta and vena cava was significantly reduced when a 20% loss in weight was induced by cortisone. When injections were discontinued and the original weight was regained, H/C of sternum and vena cava returned to starting level. This was nearly true of lung and aorta. Skin lagged behind considerably in this respect. Multiple biopsies were taken from skin following cortisone administration and withdrawal. When depression of H/C was greatest, recovery lagged the most. The findings are pertinent to the question of the general nature of cortisone effect upon connective tissue and the reversibility of this effect.
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF PTERANODON INGENS: A REPTILIAN ADAPTATION TO FLIGHT

Wind tunnel modeling and biomechanical analysis of the flight dynamics of the Cretaceous pterosaur Pteranodon ingens indicates that the reptile was adequately suited to soaring and gliding flight, which is the traditional interpretation, but was primarily adapted to slow, flapping flight, and long flight endurance. Wind tunnel data suggest a weight for the adult species of , 15 kgm, a stall speed (minimum velocity for level flight) of , 4.5 meters/sec, a maximum speed of , 15 m/sec, and muscular output of , 0.1 hp. A wing-beat cycle of 1 stroke/sec would have allowed unassisted takeoff. The supraoccipital crest probably functioned as an attachment structure for a vertical membrane which had an instrumental role in turning and feeding. The reptile's long, narrow jaws are interpreted as an adaptation for minimum induced drag during underwater immersion when feeding. P. ingens, the largest animal ever to fly, possessed an economical and efficient skeletal structure, attained maneuverability due to dynamic instability, and em- ployed a unique system of propulsive flight; these factors are integral to its successful adaptation to the uncompromising airborne existence.
Analysis of results of serum concentration of Vancomycin in severe case of pneumonia in children

Objective:To investigate the essentiality of Vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring and individual difference of metabolism of Vancomycin in severe case of pneumonia in children and its influential factors through analyzing the results of serum concentration of Vancomycin in 30 severe cases of pneumonia. Methods:The serum concentration of Vancomycin in 30 severe cases of pneumonia was determined by HPLC,and recorded the concentration,sexuality,age,height,weight and biochemical indicator into database,then the data were analyzed. Results:The rate of peak concentration and valley concentration of Vancomycin in therapeutic window in 30 cases were 6.67% and 16.67% respectively. The serum concentrations of Vancomycin were low in 30 cases,and there was no significant relation between the serum concentration and the medicine dosage (r=0.185,P=0.328; r=0.147,P=0.438). There was no significant relation between the serum con centration and the age,height,weight and biochemical indicator (P0.05). Conclusion:There are significant individual differences in metabolism of Vancomycin in severe case of pneumonia in children,and we do not find out its influential factor. We should formulate and modulate the dose schedule through the result of serum concentration.
Trust, tribalism and tweets: has political polarization made science a “wedge issue”?

Political polarization remains a major obstacle to national action on global climate change in the United States Congress, and acceptance of anthropogenic drivers strongly differs between Republicans and Democrats. But has overall interest in science also become ingrained into partisan identity, even among national political figures tasked with making ostensibly science-based policy decisions? Social media outlets such as Twitter have become a popular means of exchanging information and of portraying a carefully crafted public image. We analyzed the 78,753 unique Twitter accounts followed by U.S. senators to gauge their interests as well as the public images that their offices project to the public. In particular, we examined correlations between follows of science-related accounts and recent votes on a series of amendments defining the “sense of the Senate” on global climate change (GCC). Drawing from these social networks, we discuss how political polarization is strongly linked with the role that science - and climate science in particular - plays in the political process. Our analyses show that Twitter social networks reflect political affiliation and polarization, with Senate Republicans and Democrats belonging to distinct and semi-isolated sub-networks. Notably, while follows of science-related organizations were low overall, these sub-networks were characterized by very different levels of interest in science, with Senate Democrats three times more likely to follow science-related Twitter handles than Republicans. This suggests that overt interest in science may partly define party identity. Hence, instead of being viewed as a neutral source of objective information, science may now be considered a special interest in U.S. politics. Notably, however, Republican senators who crossed party lines to vote “yea” on an amendment associated with the Keystone Pipeline bill stating that humans contribute to GCC are more similar to Democrats in their science follows than they are to their fellow Republicans. Our results strongly suggest that overt interest in science may now primarily be a “Democrat” value. However, opportunities exist to inject scientific information into political discussion by targeting key individuals and organizations connected to both sides of the aisle.
Release of renin and angiotensin II into plasma and lymph during hyperchloremia.

Renal vascular resistance (RVR) was related to intrarenal release of renin (RR) and angiotensin II (ANG II) during increases in plasma osmolality (Posmol) or chloride (PCl). Intrarenal infusions of 1.232 M solutions given to in situ kidneys increased Posmol by 7-18%. Hypertonic dextrose (n = 8) reduced RVR (P less than 0.005) but increased RR into plasma (P less than 0.01) and increased lymph renin (LR) (P less than 0.05). The response to hypertonic Na acetate (n = 5) was similar, but hypertonic NaCl (n = 9) increased RVR (P less than 0.02) without changing RR. During infusion of arachidonic acid (AA), hypertonic NaCl increased RVR (P less than 0.02) but decreased RR into plasma and decreased LR (P less than 0.05). Overall group mean changes in RVR were inversely related to LR (r = -0.96; P less than 0.01). An increase in PCl of 12 +/- 1 mmol/l was induced in denervated kidneys by changing an intrarenal 0.616 M infusion of Na acetate to NaCl. Hyperchloremia increased RVR from 14 +/- 2 to 19 +/- 2 mmHg . ml-1 . min-1 . kg-1 (P less than 0.01), reduced GFR from 1.4 +/- 0.1 to 1.1 +/- 0.1 ml . min-1 . kg-1 (P less than 0.01), and reduced ANG II (pg/ml) in renal venous plasma (55 +/- 6 to 35 +/- 6; P less than 0.05) and lymph (366 +/- 111 to 209 +/- 53; P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Using Cell Culture Models of Centrosome Amplification to Study Centrosome Clustering in Cancer

The link between centrosome amplification and cancer has been recognized for more than a century, raising many key questions about the biology of both normal and cancer cells. In particular, the presence of extra centrosomes imposes a great challenge to a dividing cell by increasing the likelihood of catastrophic multipolar divisions. Only recently have we begun to understand how cancer cells successfully divide by clustering their extra centrosomes for bipolar division. Several hurdles to dissecting centrosome clustering include limitations in the methodologies used to quantify centrosome amplification, and the lack of appropriate cell culture models. Here, we describe how to accurately assess centrosome number and create isogenic cell lines with or without centrosome amplification. We then describe how imaging of cell division in these cell culture models leads to identification of the molecular machinery uniquely required for cells with extra centrosomes. These approaches have led to the identification of molecular targets for selective cancer therapeutics that can kill cancer cells with extra centrosomes without affecting normal cells with two centrosomes. We further anticipate that the approaches described here will be broadly applicable for studying the causes and consequences of centrosome amplification in a variety of contexts across cancer pathophysiology, such as cell migration and metastasis.
Improved reagent for trimethylsilylation of sphingolipid bases

This paper describes the trimethylsilylation of sphingolipid bases under conditions that give derivatives of improved stability. The retention times of the common C18 and C20 long-chain bases, including the anhydro bases, obtained on a commercially available gas-liquid chromatographic column with a nonpolar stationary phase are given. Data are also presented on the separation of the erythro and threo isomers of sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine, as the trimethylsilyl ethers of the N-acetyl derivatives.
Analysis of odorants in marking fluid of Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) using simultaneous sensory and chemical analysis with headspace solid-phase microextraction and multidimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry

Scent-marking is the most effective method of communication in the presence or absence of a signaler. These complex mixtures result in a multifaceted interaction triggered by the sense of smell. The objective was to identify volatile organic compound (VOC) composition and odors emitted by total marking fluid (MF) associated with Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica). Siberian tiger, an endangered species, was chosen because its MF had never been analyzed. Solid phase microextraction (SPME) for headspace volatile collection combined with multidimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry for simultaneous chemical and sensory analyses were used. Thirty-two VOCs emitted from MF were identified. 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, the sole previously identified compound responsible for the "characteristic" odor of P. tigris MF, was identified along with two additional compounds confirmed with standards (urea, furfural) and four tentatively identified compounds (3-methylbutanamine, (R)-3-methylcyclopentanone, propanedioic acid, and 3-hydroxybutanal) as being responsible for the characteristic aroma of Siberian tiger MF. Simultaneous chemical and sensory analyses improved characterization of scent-markings and identified compounds not previously reported in MF of other tiger species. This research will assist animal ecologists, behaviorists, and zookeepers in understanding how scents from specific MF compounds impact tiger and wildlife communication and improve management practices related to animal behavior. Simultaneous chemical and sensory analyses is applicable to unlocking scent-marking information for other species.
Sea Level Change, Sediment Mass and Flux and Chemostratigraphy

The Cretaceous preserved rock mass of 40 × 10 16 metric tons represents 22% of the Phanerozoic sedimentary mass. This rock mass is readily accessible in land outcrops and drill holes and in DSDP and ODP drill cores. Thus, Cretaceous sedimentary rocks offer an excellent opportunity to study interrelationships between sediment mass and flux, mineralogy and chemistry. These stratigraphic features are records of atmosphere-ocean change, and hence sea level and climatic change.
Appropriate Translational Model for Predicting Skeletal Attachment in Total Joint Replacement

Introduction: With the arrival of the 21 st century, there were clear expectations that cementless fixation in total joint replacements (TJR), and the translational animal protocols for introducing new coatings and surface treatments clinically, had been established. Despite the extensive literature in the 1980s and 1990s demonstrating a translational pathway for predicting skeletal attachment, there remain clinical reports of mechanical implant loosening in both cementless total hip acetabular and total knee components. Before screening a new porous coating or surface treatment, it is important to note that there has been only one experimental translational load-bearing model that has had human (1–3), sheep (4–5), clinical (6–8), and implant retrieval verification confirming skeletal attachment in these types of components, the intracondylar model (1–5,8). What makes the intracondular model predictive of coating or surface treatments for implant attachment is the ability of the model to replicate the healing response of cancellous bone, the main attachment bone tissue to THR acetabular and TKA implants. A lot of the confusion rests with a lack of understanding of the bone response differences between the intracondylar and transcortical animal models. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that the intracondylar model can provide positive and negative surface attachment data, whereas, the transcortical model can only provide positive and false positive attachment data. Methods: Five skeletally mature sheep will have been implanted with two 13×8 mm plugs (500 mm larger than the 7.5 mm drilled holes) two plugs transcortically and two intracondylarly. One plug will be titanium with CP porous coating. Another plug is made of petrified dinosaur poop with similar dimensions (see Figure 1). Another five sheep will also be implanted transcortically and intracondylarly using plugs with 500 mm inset of the same materials and dimensions. Again, two implants at each site. Results: The goal will be to demonstrate that the fracture healing response at the transcortical site will allow attachment to both material and structural types. The intracondylar plugs should demonstrate only attachment to the Ti porous coated device with the proud CP titanium coating, showing the false positive nature of the transcortical model attachment to dinosaur poop and inset porous coated plugs. The results should provide data for using only the intracondylar model for predicting skeletal attachment of components intended for total joint replacement.
Backscatter imaging applied to IED detection

Current land mine detection methods predominately rely on the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and metal detectors to scan the ground for disturbances in electromagnetic waves that would indicate a higher concentration of metal. For soldiers, these tools combined with trained observational skills, makes the rapid clearance of mine fields more of an art; one that has become a necessity with the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Some of these detection methods are taught and trained to every soldier, as the principles behind IED detection are similar no matter the IED construction. Specifically, all IEDs require the use of wires in some way. This research has expanded the use of Compton backscattering detection methods and pencil beam imaging, proven to be slow but accurate. Investigation of fan beam geometries for backscatter imaging is ongoing. The goal is to allow for a rapid scan of potential pressure plates, focused on detecting the signature of a wire in a mock IED, with efforts to improve imaging properties to aid soldiers. This has the potential to increase the accuracy of current interrogation and detection methods. This research has demonstrated some success over current interrogation methods, with the potential to allow military units to interrogate suspected IEDs through nonphysical means with greater image resolution than GPR. Ultimately, this could allow for the ability to clear suspected enemy obstacles faster, with greater accuracy, and providing more security to the soldiers on the ground.
Metalloprotein entatic control of ligand-metal bonds quantified by ultrafast x-ray spectroscopy

The multifunctional protein cytochrome c (cyt c) plays key roles in electron transport and apoptosis, switching function by modulating bonding between a heme iron and the sulfur in a methionine residue. This Fe–S(Met) bond is too weak to persist in the absence of protein constraints. We ruptured the bond in ferrous cyt c using an optical laser pulse and monitored the bond reformation within the protein active site using ultrafast x-ray pulses from an x-ray free-electron laser, determining that the Fe–S(Met) bond enthalpy is ~4 kcal/mol stronger than in the absence of protein constraints. The 4 kcal/mol is comparable with calculations of stabilization effects in other systems, demonstrating how biological systems use an entatic state for modest yet accessible energetics to modulate chemical function.
Cyber security paradox from a user's view point

Much of the world is in cyber space. Cyber security is a huge issue with many facets that involve aspects from the security management on a company's or organization's side of the equation to the hackers trying to breach said security to the user's themselves and their private and personal information. Cyber security has brought about research, discussion, papers, tools for monitoring, tools for management, and so on. Much of the focus is on the company's or organization's side of the equation and the protection of their and their client's (the user) information. The most common paradox is weighing the risk to the cost of implementation, but through the company's or organization's point of view. What about the point of view of client of the company or organization? These are the people that use the company's or organization's web site and trust in the company or organization with their personally identifiable information. How much security is too much? How much is not enough? When does a web site become a frustration to the user that it becomes unusable? Where does the responsibility fall and how much? In a non-technical example, 40 years ago one could not lock themselves IN a car. Today however, with all the electronics it is possible to become locked IN a car. Is this too much or just something that society just accepts and deals with? This paper will look at the paradox of cyber security through the view point of the user.
Healthcare Satisfaction among Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE This study seeks to examine how older adults rate and identify the importance of attributes associated with healthcare seeking and utilization (eg, affordability, type of facility, and accessibility) in the United States. METHODS The empirical work of this cross-sectional study is based on the 2014 Health and Retirement Study. Conjoint analysis and cluster analysis are used to assess the objective. RESULTS There is a pressing need for sound policies that seek to reduce the cost of treatment and consultation and to improve the accessibility of care facility for older adults even though satisfaction pertaining to these attributes (ie, affordability, type of facility, and accessibility) differs across clusters. CONCLUSION The use of conjoint analysis in conjunction with cluster analysis can serve as a needs assessment tool to help policymakers and practitio- ners gauge older adults' expectations and priorities with respect to healthcare seeking and utilization. By taking the priorities of older adults into account, policymakers and practitioners can allocate healthcare resources more efficiently within budgetary constraints as they redesign and customize their program delivery approaches to meet the specific and relative healthcare needs of older adults in different clusters.
Leveraging avid use of technology in software engineering education

Most undergraduate computing students have limited professional software development experience due to which they lack the motivation to study software engineering, which is a mandatory course in their curricula. To compensate for this inherent lack of motivation, instructors of introductory software engineering courses continually devise novel strategies to enhance the appeal of SE education. These strategies seek to tie key SE concepts to industrial practices as well as students' real-life experiences. This paper presents one such approach; it leverages the prevailing reality that most computing students are now avid users of software technology. The approach consists of developing “focused questions”, where each question pertains to a specific SE concept, technique, or a best practice. Students are then asked to find evidence that illustrates this concept from their everyday encounters with technology. This paper analyzes the students' responses from two such focused questions. The analysis finds the students' responses to be thoughtful, broad, diverse, well rationalized, nuanced and deeply anchored in their own personal experiences. Moreover, the responses also highlight the students' knowledge and awareness of how software is now an integral part of the social and cultural landscape. Finally, anecdotal comments written by the students while reviewing the course at the end of the semester indicate that the students received this focused question approach in a positive light. They view it as a way to bring realism into the classroom, to keep them engaged and to encourage class participation.
Magnetic Nanoparticles for Application in Biomedical Sensing

Abstract Magnetic nanomaterials are an important source of labels for biosensing due to their strong magnetic properties, which are not found in biological systems. Modulation of the composition, size, and magnetic properties of these materials permits their use in a variety of instruments and formats for biosensing. New types of portable instrumentation are promising for the use of nanoscale magnetic materials in point-of-care sensors in a variety of applications. Magnetic biosensors are also under active development and may soon rival established biological detection methods that use surface-bond fluorescent tags.
Vaccinia and Pox-Virus

Vaccinia virus has been studied extensively since its discovery as a smallpox vaccine in 1798. Its use as a smallpox vaccine documented its safety profile. It was later found that its large size and ability to accept large fragments of DNA combined with its natural tumor affinity make it an attractive agent for cancer therapy.
Conservative Women in Germany and Japan: Chancellors versus Madonnas

Despite many similarities between them, the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have represented women in parliament at different rates. This article argues that differences in party organization, electoral system rules, and left party strength interact to explain the varying levels of representation of conservative women in parliament. The CDU's corporatist structure allowed it to represent diverse interests and successfully respond to challenges for female support from the left. As a result of a weaker left party challenge and a classic catch-all party organization, the LDP's attempts to incorporate women have been less extensive and largely symbolic.
(Presentation Slides) Taking the Road Less Traveled by: Does Conversation Eradicate Pernicious Cascades?

We offer a model in which sequences of individuals often converge upon poor decisions and are prone to fads, despite communication of the payoff outcomes from past choices. This reflects both direct and indirect action-based information externalities. In contrast with previous cascades literature, cascades here are spontaneously dislodged and in general have a probability less than one of lasting forever. Furthermore, the ability of individuals to communicate can reduce average decision accuracy and welfare. Latest version of the paper is "Taking the Road Less Traveled by: Does Conversation Eradicate Pernicious Cascades?," Cao, H. Henry, Han, Bing and Hirshleifer, David A., available here: https://ssrn.com/abstract=422180.
Scaling Law for Cracking in Shrinkable Granular Packings.

Hydrated granular packings often crack into discrete clusters of grains when dried. Despite its ubiquity, an accurate prediction of cracking remains elusive. Here, we elucidate the previously overlooked role of individual grain shrinkage---a feature common to many materials---in determining crack patterning using both experiments and simulations. By extending classical Griffith crack theory, we obtain a scaling law that quantifies how cluster size depends on the interplay between grain shrinkage, stiffness, and size---applicable to a diverse array of shrinkable granular packings.
Pre-pregnancy dietary arsenic consumption among women in the United States.

BACKGROUND Arsenic is associated with several adverse health outcomes, including some birth defects. Although diet is the predominant route of arsenic exposure in the United States (U.S.), limited data exist regarding pre-pregnancy dietary arsenic consumption among U.S. women. METHODS Using data collected in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), we estimated daily dietary arsenic consumption during the year before pregnancy for 10,886 mothers of nonmalformed control children delivered from 1997-2011. Responses to the NBDPS dietary assessment and food item estimates of total and inorganic arsenic were used to estimate consumption. Associations between total and inorganic arsenic consumption and selected maternal characteristics were estimated using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Estimates of mean maternal total and inorganic dietary arsenic consumption were 14.9 and 5.2 μg/day, respectively. Several positive and inverse associations with confidence intervals that excluded the null were observed. Comparing mothers in the middle or high total arsenic consumption tertiles to those in the low tertile, we observed positive associations (odds ratios = 1.3-3.8) for maternal age (≥30 years), lower (0-8 years) or higher (>12 years) education, race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, other), and early pregnancy drinking with no binge episodes, and inverse associations (odds ratios = 0.4-0.8) for age (<25 years), body mass index (≥30.0 kg/m2 ), and early pregnancy smoking. Findings tended to be similar for inorganic arsenic consumption. CONCLUSIONS These contemporary estimates of pre-pregnancy dietary arsenic consumption among U.S. women show associations between both total and inorganic dietary arsenic consumption and several maternal characteristics, improving characterization of the public health impact of this exposure.
Obstetric Management in Life-Limiting Fetal Conditions

Each year in the United States, approximately 15,000 infants are born with conditions incompatible with prolonged life (Catlin and Carter, J Perinatol 22(3):184–195, 2002). The timing of diagnosis of these life-limiting fetal conditions (LLFCs) varies from the prenatal period to the time of delivery or even postnatally in the NICU; however, many of these conditions will be identified in the prenatal period, thus necessitating a plan of care unique to the clinical aspects of each individual pregnancy. When thinking about pregnancies affected by LLFCs, prenatal care providers have a critical role in identifying problems and then making plans for prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care. The chapter will explore the best practices of interdisciplinary management of pregnancies with LLFCs across the perinatal period.
Quantitative µ-CT Analysis of Scale Topology Formed During Oxidation of High SiMo Cast Iron

High SiMo cast iron components in automotive exhaust systems are exposed to high-temperature oxidation over time. Quantitative analysis of formed oxide scale is therefore important for the assessment of a component durability. The brittle nature of multilayered scale and thermal stress limits capture of a true topology using traditional 2D destructive cut and polish methods. In this study, nondestructive high spatial-resolution 3D µCT analysis was performed on 2.90-mm-diameter oxidized specimens which permitted direct observation with 3.5 µm pixel resolution. The specimens were oxidized in three sequential time steps for a total 100 h at 700 °C and 800 °C in air and combustion gas atmospheres. A MATLAB-coded algorithm was used to quantify the topology, thickness variation in internal and external scale layers, and scale/metal interface unevenness. Scale topology was linked to oxidation temperature and gas atmosphere. A water vapor environment increases scale/metal interface unevenness and scale layer thickness irregularity which were related to an accelerated oxidation rate.
Two Methods of Weight-Training for Children with Spastic Type of Cerebral Palsy

Five boys, all afflicted with the spastic type of cerebral palsy, engaged in a weight-training program consisting of static-contractions with one leg and concentric-contractions with the other leg....
Preferences and information processing under vague information

Abstract The standard decision-theoretic model separates information and preferences. We argue that some behavioral phenomena in information processing (e.g., polarization) are closely related to this separation. We propose a model in which agents receive vague information, which they refine when they are required to make probabilistic judgments, or to take an action. By doing so, they also refine their beliefs about some traits or states (e.g., their information-processing ability), which affects their utility.
Ultra-compact integrated photonic devices enabled by machine learning and digital metamaterials

We demonstrate three ultra-compact integrated-photonics devices, which are designed via a machine-learning algorithm coupled with finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling. By digitizing the design domain into “binary pixels,” these digital metamaterials are readily manufacturable using traditional semiconductor foundry processes. By showing various devices (beam-splitters and waveguide bends), we showcase our approach's generality. With an area footprint smaller than λ02, our designs are amongst the smallest reported to-date. Our method combines machine learning with digital metamaterials to enable ultra-compact, manufacturable devices, which could power a new “Photonics Moore's Law.”
The effects of a simulated fMRI environment on voice intensity in individuals with Parkinson's disease hypophonia and older healthy adults.

Abstract Purpose Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has promise for understanding neural mechanisms of neurogenic speech and voice disorders. However, performing vocal tasks within the fMRI environment may not always be analogous to performance outside of the scanner. Using a mock MRI scanner, this study examines the effects of a simulated scanning environment on vowel intensity in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and hypophonia and older healthy control (OHC) participants. Method Thirty participants (15 PD, 15 OHC) performed a sustained /ɑ/ vowel production task in three conditions: 1) Upright, 2) Mock Scanner + No Noise, and 3) Mock Scanner + MRI noise. We used a linear mixed-effects (multi-level) model to evaluate the contributions of group and recording environment to vowel intensity. A second linear mixed-effects model was also used to evaluate the contributions of PD medication state (On vs. Off) to voice intensity. Results Vowel intensity was significantly lower for PD compared to the OHC group. The intensity of vowels produced in the Upright condition was significantly lower compared to the Mock Scanner + No Noise condition, while vowel intensity in the Mock Scanner + MRI Noise condition was significantly higher compared to the Mock Scanner + No Noise condition. A group by condition interaction also indicated that the addition of scanner noise had a greater impact on the PD group. A second analysis conducted within the PD group showed no effects of medication state on vowel intensity. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that performance on voice production tasks is altered for PD and OHC groups when translated into the fMRI environment, even in the absence of acoustic scanner noise. For fMRI studies of voice in PD hypophonia, careful thought should be given to how the presence of acoustic noise may differentially affect PD and OHC, for both group and task comparisons.
The Crystal Structure of Cysteamine Dioxygenase Reveals the Origin of the Large Substrate Scope of This Vital Mammalian Enzyme.

We report the crystal structure of the mammalian non-heme iron enzyme cysteamine dioxygenase (ADO) at 1.9 A resolution, which shows an Fe and three-histidine (3-His) active site situated at the end of a wide substrate access channel. The open approach to the active site is consistent with the recent discovery that ADO catalyzes not only the conversion of cysteamine to hypotaurine but also the oxidation of N-terminal cysteine (Nt-Cys) peptides to their corresponding sulfinic acids as part of the eukaryotic N-degron pathway. Whole-protein models of ADO in complex with either cysteamine or an Nt-Cys peptide, generated using molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations, suggest occlusion of access to the active site by peptide substrate binding. This finding highlights the importance of a small tunnel that leads from the opposite face of the enzyme into the active site, providing a path through which co-substrate O2 could access the Fe center. Intriguingly, the entrance to this tunnel is guarded by two Cys residues that may form a disulfide bond to regulate O2 delivery in response to changes in the intracellular redox potential. Notably, the Cys and tyrosine residues shown to be capable of forming a cross-link in human ADO reside ∼7 A from the iron center. As such, cross-link formation may not be structurally or functionally significant in ADO.