cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adjusting for Bias in C-Reactive Protein Levels When Using a Vitros Slide Method in Infants

OBJECTIVE Low total serum protein levels may cause a positive bias on C-reactive protein (CRP) detected by the Vitros 250 Chemistry System (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc., Johnson & Johnson Co., Raritan, NJ). Low total serum protein levels are observed in some infants. Our objective was to define a cutoff value for normal levels of CRP measured on the Vitros System that is comparable to the cutoff value of 1.0 mg/dL measured by rate nephelometry on a Beckman Array System (Beckman Instruments Inc., Fullerton, CA). STUDY DESIGN CRP was prospectively measured on the same serum sample on Vitros and Beckman systems. Using a result of ≥1.0 as the "gold standard" definition of an abnormal CRP, measures of association were calculated. RESULTS CRP was measured in 981 blood samples that were collected from 361 infants. A cutoff CRP level using the Vitros system at 1.5 mg/dL had the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value comparable to 1.0 mg/dL measured by nephelometry. By regression analysis, each increase by 1 mg/dL by nephelometry caused an increase by 1.5 mg/dL on the Vitros system (R(2) = 0.94; p < 0.001; slope = 0.66; 95% confidence intervals, 0.65, 0.67). CONCLUSION In infants, when measuring CRP levels by Vitros CRP slide system, a normal reference level of 1.5 mg/dL instead of 1 mg/dL should be used.
Modification of the hemalog-hematology system for microanalysis.

The Technicon Hemalog automated hematology system is modified so that microsamples can be processed. This modification is accomplished by the use of a prediluted sample and by simple changes in the hydraulics and electronics systems of the Hemalog. This modification allows accurate determination of hemoglobin, leukocyte count, erythrocyte count, and platelet count on a sample size of 50 μ l. of whole blood, rather than the usual 1,300 μ l. Extensive studies demonstrated that the linearity, reproducibility and accuracy of the microsample system are such that useful results can readily be obtained. The problem of carryover is less than with the macrosample system because of the use of a prediluted sample. This modification expands the usefulness of the Hemalog and is especially appropriate in laboratories where large numbers of specimens from pediatric, geriatric, and critically ill patients are processed.
A Case for Realism in Mathematics

In an attempt to justify research efforts in various branches of science, scholars have tried to capture the essence of the relevant subject-matters in a def inition, or at least have declared these subject-matters to exist. Otherwise the study of topics in the branches would be of questionable value, to say the least. For example, when dealing with numbers, their ontological status somehow has to be declared.
Analysis of 576 iodine content in salt used by rural residents in Beijing Daxing district

Objective:To analyze 576 iodine content in salt used by rural residents in Daxing district during 2007-2009 period,find questions in time and adopt relevant intervenient measures,and guarantee the rural residents eat qualified iodized salt.Methods: Collected 576 salts from rural residents in 7 countries,conduct quantitative detection by direct titration as per GB/T13025.7-1999.Results:576 of qualified iodized salt in the salt samples of 540,non-iodized salt 36,the rate of coverage about iodine salt is 93.75%.Conclusion: The iodized salt for rural residents in Daxing District is well,but non-iodized salt has exist.Recommendations: to further strengthen the popularization of iodized salt in rural areas.
Analysis on the main causes of death among residents of Yanshi in Henan province

Objective To learn the main causes of death among residents of Yanshi city and to provide the scientific basis for disease prevention and control.Methods We studied the monitoring data of death covering all Yanshi city residents in 2011.The cause of death analysis software DeathReg2005and Excel 2003were used for statistical analysis.Results The mortality rate of residents in Yanshi city was 590.37/lakh,the standardized rate was 764.82/lakh.which was slightly lower than the province′s average level(standardized rate 773.9/lakh).The top 5causes of death are cardiopathy,cerebrovascular disease,cancer,injury and respiratory disease,which accounted for 87.92% of the total number of deaths.The acute myocardial infarction was the No.1cause of death among cardiopathy,accounting for 53.06% of the cardiopathy caused deaths.The esophagus cancer and cerebrovascular disease were the top 2causes of cancer death and accounted for 25.03% and 22.74%respectively.Road traffic accident ranked as the top of cause of death among the deaths caused by injury and poisoning,and accounted for 22.39% of the injury caused deaths.Conclusions Chronic diseases such as cardiopathy,cerebrovascular disease,cancer,respiratory disease and injury were the major diseases which harm the health of residents in Yanshi of Henna province.The chronic diseases prevention and control should still be key work of health sector.The government should bring injury and poisoning under the diseases prevention and control plan and coordinate with related departments for effective intervention.
Projected asymmetric response of Adélie penguins to Antarctic climate change.

The contribution of climate change to shifts in a species’ geographic distribution is a critical and often unresolved ecological question. Climate change in Antarctica is asymmetric, with cooling in parts of the continent and warming along the West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP). The Adelie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) is a circumpolar meso-predator exposed to the full range of Antarctic climate and is undergoing dramatic population shifts coincident with climate change. We used true presence-absence data on Adelie penguin breeding colonies to estimate past and future changes in habitat suitability during the chick-rearing period based on historic satellite observations and future climate model projections. During the contemporary period, declining Adelie penguin populations experienced more years with warm sea surface temperature compared to populations that are increasing. Based on this relationship, we project that one-third of current Adelie penguin colonies, representing ~20% of their current population, may be in decline by 2060. However, climate model projections suggest refugia may exist in continental Antarctica beyond 2099, buffering species-wide declines. Climate change impacts on penguins in the Antarctic will likely be highly site specific based on regional climate trends, and a southward contraction in the range of Adelie penguins is likely over the next century.
Analysis in ℂ p

This chapter tries to give the reader a taste of what analysis in ℂ p is like. Rather than attempt to be exhaustive, which would violate the goals of this book, we try to touch on a few remarkable points: the theory of Newton polygons, the p-adic Weierstrass Preparation Theorem, the description of entire functions. As usual, the first step is to re-appropriate all the results we obtained earlier. We then go on to consider how to extend the p-adic valuation to polynomials and power series. This will yield a norm on the spaces of polynomials and of power series, which will prove to be an important tool. We then go on to proving the main theorems themselves.
On the Plot of Residuals Versus Observed Y's in Regression

In applied regression one often examines a proposed model through residual plots. When the residuals are plotted against the X-variables or predicted Y's, as generally recommended, the impression of a "horizontal band" in each plot is viewed a..
Assessment of comprehensive analysis predictions of helicopter rotor blade loads in forward flight

Abstract Comparisons of helicopter rotor blade loads, between rotorcraft comprehensive analysis predictions using a free vortex wake model and measured data, are provided for the UH-60A, SA 330 (research Puma), SA 349/2, and H-34 rotors in forward flight. The rotors are modeled as being isolated from the rest of the vehicle. The comparisons encompass a total of 24 test points featuring wide variations in advance ratio for a thorough assessment of the predictions. With the exception of chord bending moment for the case of UH-60A, the analysis correctly predicts trends in half peak-to-peak values of blade structural loads and pitch link force. Most of the predictions in half peak-to-peak blade structural loads and pitch link force deviate from the measured data by no more than 40% and most of the deviations are underpredictions. The predictions typically resemble the measured data in shapes of the waveforms for both flap bending moment and normal force, but this is less often the case for chord bending and torsion moments. While the analysis may capture the 1/rev harmonic contents in pitching moment waveforms, it consistently underpredicts any higher harmonics.
Alkalinizing and Acidifying Solutions

Overview • Sodium lactate or NaHCO 3 administration increases the SID, whereas KCl and NH 4 Cl exert the opposite effect.
Mediation and Moderation of the Relationship Between Combat Experiences and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Active Duty Military Personnel.

ABSTRACT Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major health concern among the U.S. military population, affecting up to 12% to 24% of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Sleep disturbances, neuroticism, and childhood trauma have all been associated with the development of PTSD in military populations, especially in relation to combat experiences. The effects of disrupted sleep and post-traumatic stress can affect the physical well-being of soldier and sailors in the field and impact them for years after deployment. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between self-reported measures of combat experiences, PTSD symptoms, sleep, neuroticism, and childhood adversity in an active duty military population. Methods: 972 U.S. Navy Sailors serving in Afghanistan were given anonymous surveys that assess scales of combat stressors, PTSD symptoms, sleep problems, neuroticism, adverse child experiences (ACEs), and other covariates. Sleep disturbances were hypothesized as moderators,...
Talking When No One is Listening: Piggybacking City-scale IoT Control Signals Over LTE

This paper presents FreeIoT, a control plane paradigm that allows fine grained signaling for city-scale IoT deployments without installing any additional infrastructure. FreeIoT overlays control/wake-up information for sensors over existing standards compliant LTE through the following contributions: First, we develop a novel encoding scheme that changes the spatial positioning of Almost Blank Subframes (ABS) within a standard LTE frame to convey control information. ABS was originally defined in the standard to allow coexistence between the macro-cell eNB and nearby small cells, which FreeIoT leverages as a side channel for IoT signaling. Our approach works with any number of ABS settings chosen by the LTE eNB, and accordingly adjusts the encoding of control messages at maximum possible transmission rates. Second, a session management protocol is introduced to maintain contextual information of the control signaling. This allows FreeIoT to handle situations where the control message may span multiple frames, or when the LTE operator temporarily reduces the number of ABS. FreeIoT also incorporates an error detection and correction mechanism to counter channel and fading errors. Finally, we implement a proof of concept testbed to validate the operation of FreeIoT using a software defined LTE eNB and custom-designed RF energy harvesting circuit interfaced with off-the-shelf sensors.
Drug Information Association Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management Strategies 2017: Overview of the Generic Drug Program and Surveillance

The US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) generic drug program has dramatically increased the availability of affordable, high quality generic drugs. The foundation of generic drug approvals is a two-tiered regulatory framework of pharmaceutical equivalence and bioequivalence. Intrinsic to both of these is consideration of the clinical relevance of formulation and bioequivalence data to support an inference of therapeutic equivalence, based on clear evidence that there are no significant differences between the generic drug and the brand name drug. These analyses allow FDA to determine that the generic drug will perform in the patient in the same way, with the same safety and efficacy profiles, as the brand name drug. Allowable differences and the precise definition of what is meant by equivalence are critical to maintaining the quality, efficacy, and safety of generic drugs. The FDA Office of Generic Drugs' (OGD's) Clinical Safety Surveillance Staff (CSSS) has developed investigative processes that complement the broader FDA safety efforts that focus on the potential impact of allowable differences and equivalence determinations for generic drugs. Two recent examples of the CSSS's processes include a clonidine transdermal system and lansoprazole oral disintegrating tablet. Ongoing efforts of the CSSS result in improvements to the FDA's review processes and the quality of generic drugs in the US market.
Integration of virtual reality with an omnidirectional treadmill system for multi-directional balance skills intervention

This work introduces a framework that combines virtual reality with an omnidirectional treadmill system to facilitate rehabilitation of populations with balance deficits caused by injury, neurological disorders, or aging. The system uses full body motion tracking to control the movement direction of the treadmill and assist the patient through a set of tasks, in a virtual reality environment designed to motivate and guide the patient.
Evaluation of a 1-year levonorgestrel-releasing contraceptive implant: side effects, release rates, and biodegradability

Objective To determine the release rates, effects on ovulation, and side effects of two lengths of a biodegradable, subdermal contraceptive implant containing levonorgestrel in a caprolactone capsule. Design Phase II randomized clinical trial. Setting Public family planning clinic at an urban general hospital. Participants Forty-eight healthy, parous, ovulating volunteers. Intervention Subjects were randomly assigned either a 2.5- or a 4.0-cm contraceptive capsule that was worn under the skin of the upper arm for 1 year if not removed earlier for other reasons. Main Outcome Measures Serum concentrations of levonorgestrel, progesterone, estradiol, and lipoproteins were measured as were metabolic parameters. Vaginal bleeding and other side effects were recorded. After implant removal, remaining levonorgestrel, capsule viscosity, and molecular weight were measured. Results The 4-cm implant provided serum concentrations of levonorgestrel ranging from 0.65ng/mL shortly after insertion to 0.20ng/mL at 12 months, but the 2.5-cm implant resulted in levels too low for contraception. The 4-cm implant suppressed ovulation in approximately 80% of cycles over 1 year of use, but the 2.5-cm implant failed to suppress ovulation. The implants were rapidly and easily inserted and removed. They retained structural integrity through 1 year of use. Of 48 subjects, 32 had abnormal bleeding patterns; the mean number of days of bleeding per month was 7 with 23 days between episodes. Women using capronor maintained normal metabolic parameters except that low-density lipoprotein decreased slightly. Conclusions The 4.0-cm implant is a promising contraceptive. There were no important metabolic effects, but there were bothersome minor side effects typical of progestin-only contraception.
Analyzing the Effect of a Variable

Very often we can analyze rule contexts in terms of one or more contextual variables, v1,v2,... vk. We will let V stand for this set of variables. In the general case we assume that there are no restrictions on the possible co-occurrence of variables. We will assume that the contextual space of the correct description S* is accurately described by the set V of k variables. One way to derive S* is in terms of a sequence of the k variables. We start with no variables; that is, we start with the single-rule system S 0,which has essentially no contextual specification. We choose one of the k variables (say v1), which produces a system S(v 1 ) with m 1 rules. Then we choose from among the remaining k –1 variables a second variable (say v2), which along with vl produces a system S(v1v2) with m1•m2 rules. In other words, system S(v1v2) is derived by splitting up each of the ml rules of S(v 1 ) into m2 rules. In this same way we continue to select one variable at a time until we have chosen all k of the variables and have produced system S(v1v2...vk) with ml•m2...m k rules (that is, system S*).
Outbreak of Adenovirus in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Critical Importance of Equipment Cleaning During Inpatient Ophthalmologic Examinations.

Purpose Outbreaks of adenovirus in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) can lead to widespread transmission and serious adverse outcomes. We describe the investigation, response, and successful containment of an adenovirus outbreak in a NICU associated with contaminated handheld ophthalmologic equipment used during retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening. Design Epidemiologic outbreak investigation. Participants A total of 23 hospitalized neonates, as well as NICU staff and parents of affected infants. Main Outcome Measures Routine surveillance identified an adenovirus outbreak in a level IV NICU in August 2016. Epidemiologic investigation followed, including chart review, staff interviews, and observations. Cases were defined as hospital-acquired adenovirus identified from any clinical specimen (NICU patient or employee) or compatible illness in a family member. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and partial- and whole-genome sequencing assays were used for testing of clinical and environmental specimens. Results We identified 23 primary neonatal cases and 9 secondary cases (6 employees and 3 parents). All neonatal case-patients had respiratory symptoms. Of these, 5 developed pneumonia and 12 required increased respiratory support. Less than half (48%) had ocular symptoms. All neonatal case-patients (100%) had undergone a recent ophthalmologic examination, and 54% of neonates undergoing examinations developed adenovirus infection. All affected employees and parents had direct contact with infected neonates. Observations revealed inconsistent disinfection of bedside ophthalmologic equipment and limited glove use. Sampling of 2 handheld lenses and 2 indirect ophthalmoscopes revealed adenovirus serotype 3 DNA on each device. Sequence analysis of 16 neonatal cases, 2 employees, and 2 lenses showed that cases and equipment shared 100% identity across the entire adenovirus genome. Infection control interventions included strict hand hygiene, including glove use; isolation precautions; enhanced cleaning of lenses and ophthalmoscopes between all examinations; and staff furlough. We identified no cases of secondary transmission among neonates. Conclusions Adenovirus outbreaks can result from use of contaminated ophthalmologic equipment. Even equipment that does not directly contact patients can facilitate indirect transmission. Patient-to-patient transmission can be prevented with strict infection control measures and equipment cleaning. Ophthalmologists performing inpatient examinations should take measures to avoid adenoviral spread from contaminated handheld equipment.
The diversity of the proline-rich domain of pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA): Potential relevance to a broad-spectrum vaccine

Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is a surface exposed, highly immunogenic protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Its N-terminal α-helical domain (αHD) elicits protective antibody in humans and animals that can protect mice from fatal infections with pneumococci and can be detected in vitro with opsonophagocytosis assays. The proline-rich domain (PRD) in the center of the PspA sequence can also elicit protection. This study revealed that although the sequence of PRD was diverse, PRD from different pneumococcal isolates contained many shared elements. The inferred amino acid sequences of 123 such PRDs, which were analyzed by assembly and alignment-free (AAF) approaches, formed three PRD groups. Of these sequences, 45 were classified as Group 1, 19 were classified as Group 2, and 59 were classified as Group 3. All Group 3 sequences contained a highly conserved 22-amino acid non-proline block (NPB). A significant polymorphism was observed, however, at a single amino acid position within NPB. Each of the three PRD groups had characteristic patterns of short amino acid repeats, with most of the repeats being found in more than one PRD group. One of these repeats, PKPEQP as well as the NPB were previously shown to elicit protective antibodies in mice. In this study, we found that sera from 12 healthy human adult volunteers contained antibodies to all three PRD groups. This suggested that a PspA-containing vaccine containing carefully selected PRDs and αHDs could redundantly cover the known diversity of PspA. Such an approach might reduce the chances of PspA variants escaping a PspA vaccine's immunity.
Supplier selection and pre-positioning strategy in humanitarian relief

Abstract Pre-positioning of relief supplies is one important preparedness action for natural disasters. This paper proposes the importance of supplier selection in humanitarian relief, and integrates it into the pre-positioning strategy. These suppliers have own physical inventories for regular business, and relief agencies are assumed to be able to use such inventories for disaster response by providing compensation. The supplier selection criteria include price discounts offered by suppliers based on order quantity and required lead time as well as physical inventory. By considering disruption risks, this paper presents a two-stage stochastic programming model to produce plans including facility location and inventory, supplier selection, and distribution of relief supplies. A case study focused on hurricane threats in the Gulf Coast area of the US illustrates the application of the proposed model. Sensitivity analysis of comparison experiments offers managerial insights for relief agencies.
Ordering of colloidal hard spheres under gravity: from monolayer to multilayer

The phase behaviour of hard spheres confined by a gravitational potential to a thin layer (up to several monolayers) near a hard, flat surface is investigated using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation. Depending on the strength of the gravitational field, the bottom monolayer of spheres may adopt uniform hexagonal order before, during, or after the growth of the second layer of particles. The crossover from ordering with a sparsely populated overlayer to ordering with almost one-third of the system's particles forming a second layer is observed upon decreasing the dimensionless Peclet number Pe = mgσ/kBT from 18 to 16. The particular sensitivity of the nature of the transition to particle size in this range is interpreted in terms of competing influences on the base layer structure by particles in the overlayer: promotion of order through increased pressure, versus stabilization of defects through occupation of low-lying sites on top of them. Simulations of grain boundaries between 2-D ordered domains of different orientation are used to correlate the degree of overlayer coverage to its effects on grain boundary stiffness as an indicator of defect free energy. Finally, we examine the structure of the ordered phases at coexistence over a range of gravitational strengths and find that orientational ordering of the second monolayer occurs along with first-order transition of the base layer at Pe = 8 but not at Pe = 10.
Quercetin Potentiates Docosahexaenoic Acid to Suppress Lipopolysaccharide-induced Oxidative/Inflammatory Responses, Alter Lipid Peroxidation Products, and Enhance the Adaptive Stress Pathways in BV-2 Microglial Cells

High levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the phospholipids of mammalian brain have generated increasing interest in the search for its role in regulating brain functions. Recent studies have provided evidence for enhanced protective effects when DHA is administered in combination with phytochemicals, such as quercetin. DHA and quercetin can individually suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced oxidative/inflammatory responses and enhance the antioxidative stress pathway involving nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2). However, studies with BV-2 microglial cells indicated rather high concentrations of DHA (IC50 in the range of 60–80 µM) were needed to produce protective effects. To determine whether quercetin combined with DHA can lower the levels of DHA needed to produce protective effects in these cells is the goal for this study. Results showed that low concentrations of quercetin (2.5 µM), in combination with DHA (10 µM), could more effectively enhance the expression of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and suppress LPS–induced nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, phospho-cytosolic phospholipase A2, reactive oxygen species, and 4-hydroxynonenal, as compared to the same levels of DHA or quercetin alone. These results provide evidence for the beneficial effects of quercetin in combination with DHA, and further suggest their potential as nutraceuticals for improving health.
Reconnecting Cities with Nature, Building Resilience at the Urban Scale

Unsustainable, non-resilient urbanisation patterns and the neglect of inner-city urban areas have caused fragmentation, depletion and urban decline, led to humankind overpowering nature, causing biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems and their services. Urban regeneration projects allow us to ‘repair’ and restore some of this damage while enhancing urban resilience. For instance, increasing connectivity between existing and enhanced ecosystems and restoring them within cities and at the peri-urban fringe (e.g. through nature-based solutions and the re-naturing of neighbourhoods) is necessary to strengthen ecosystem resilience and the adaptive capacity to cope with the effects of climate change. There is growing recognition of the need for daily contact with green spaces and nature in order to live happy, productive and meaningful lives.
Disparities in Dietary Patterns by Urbanization Among US Adults, 2013–2016 (P04-104-19)

Rural populations are generally older, sicker, and poorer than their urban counterparts. Few studies have examined differences in dietary patterns by urbanization that may mirror differences in health by urbanization. Our objective is provide national estimates of dietary patterns among adults by urbanization level. Using a single 24 hour recall from NHANES 2013–2016, we estimated the mean consumption of fruits, vegetables, % of calories from added sugars and % of calories from saturated fats, by age, sex, education, race and Hispanic origin, and urbanization level among US adults aged 20 and over (n = 9939). We used SUDAAN to conduct all analyses and we evaluated differences between groups using a t statistic and tests of trend across ordinal variables using orthogonal contrast matrices. During 2013–2016, the average fruit intake (cup equivalence) was 0.9 (SE 0.03) for both men and women. After adjustment by age, education level, and race and Hispanic origin, fruit intake increased with higher level of urbanization, from 0.6 (SE 0.07) in rural areas, to 0.9 (SE 0.05) in medium or small urban areas, to 1.0 (SE 0.04) in large urban areas among men. After adjustment, differences by urbanization were not significant for women. The average % of calories from added sugars on a given day was 12% (SE 0.2) for both men and women. After adjustment, added sugars intake decreased with higher level of urbanization, from 14.0% (SE 0.9) in rural areas, to 12.6% (SE 0.3) in medium to small urban areas, to 12.0% (SE 0.2) in large urban areas among women. A similar pattern was also observed among men. There were no differences in vegetable consumption or % of energy from saturated fat by level of urbanization. Disparities in dietary patterns exist by urbanization. Additional research may show how these differences impact health and identify opportunities to improve health in rural communities. The National Center for Health Statistics and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded this study.
Epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria and influencing factors of severe cases in Anhui Province

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases and investigate the influencing factors of severe cases in Anhui Province, so as to provide the evidence for improving the control strategy. Methods The epidemiological data of imported malaria cases in Anhui Province from January 1st, 2012 to April 18th, 2017 were collected and analyzed. Results The imported malaria cases in Anhui Province were mainly young men of migrant workers. There were imported malaria cases in 79% (83/105) of counties (districts) in Anhui Province.. Totally 686 imported malaria cases were recorded, in which there were 62 severe cases (9.04%), and four death cases with the mortality rate of 0.58%. The age, education, initial diagnosed departments, initial diagnosed results, time from onset to seeing a doctor, and time from seeing a doctor to diagnosis were the influencing factors for the severe cases. Conclusions The proportion of severe imported malaria cases is high in Anhui Province. The monitoring sensitivity, clinician's awareness of malaria diagnosis, and health education for migrant workers should be improved.
Associations between obesity severity and medical comorbidities for children with obesity in low intensity hospital intervention.

Abstract Background Childhood obesity has increased dramatically in the United States. Most available research has followed obesity prevalence with little attention to medical comorbidities, which could guide prevention and intervention. Methods A retrospective chart review examined 2038 children referred to a Pediatric Weight Management Clinic providing low intensity ( Results Results revealed that children with Class III obesity severity had significantly greater risk for five of the seven medical conditions examined, with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure scores, and higher odds for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea. Conclusion The US Preventive Services Task Force has documented the effectiveness of intensive behavioral interventions (>26 contact hours for changes in diet, exercise, screen time) for reducing obesity severity in children. Additional research is required to determine whether more intensive behavioral approaches should be added before a child’s obesity reaches the Class III level of severity in order to prevent medical comorbidities.
The Trials of Nina McCall: Sex, Surveillance, and the Decades-Long Government Plan to Imprison “Promiscuous” Women

In 1918, the city health officer of Alma, MI, forced 18-year-old Nina McCall to undergo a painful vaginal exam; declared her to be “slightly diseased”; coerced her to voluntarily commit herself to ...
Exploring Spatio-Temporal and Cross-Type Correlations for Crime Prediction.

Crime prediction plays an impactful role in enhancing public security and sustainable development of urban. With recent advances in data collection and integration technologies, a large amount of urban data with rich crime-related information and fine-grained spatio-temporal logs has been recorded. Such helpful information can boost our understandings about the temporal evolution and spatial factors of urban crimes and can enhance accurate crime prediction. In this paper, we perform crime prediction exploiting the cross-type and spatio-temporal correlations of urban crimes. In particular, we verify the existence of correlations among different types of crime from temporal and spatial perspectives, and propose a coherent framework to mathematically model these correlations for crime prediction. The extensive experimental results on real-world data validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Further experiments have been conducted to understand the importance of different correlations in crime prediction.
On-chip optical spectrometer based on GaN wavelength-selective nanostructural absorbers

A spectrometer concept based on wavelength-selective semiconductor photodiodes is proposed and demonstrated. The absorption properties of individual photodiodes were tuned via local strain engineering in nanostructured InGaN/GaN. By varying the diameters of individual nanopillars, the cutoff wavelengths of absorption were varied across the chip. The intrinsic wavelength selectivity is insensitive to the incident angle of light. The top-down fabrication process shown in this work is also compatible with scalable manufacturing. A proof-of-concept spectrometer was demonstrated based on 14 photodiodes, without any external optics or spectral filtering components, in the wavelength range of 450–590 nm. Using a non-negative least squares algorithm enhanced by orthogonal matching pursuit, the spectrum of a test light source was reconstructed.
Transdimensional photonic lattices with multipole Mie-resonant nanoantennas

We analyze how van der Waals materials can be used as a material platform for designing metasurfaces and ultra-thin optical elements using transdimensional photonic lattices. Because of materials' strong response to light excitations in visible and near-infrared ranges, the nanostructure can be used for subwavelength light confinement. Nanoscatterers' characteristics can be controlled by nanoantenna dimensions and their arrangement. We analyze optical antennas made of van der Waals layered materials including highly conductive materials, with high refractive index, and natural material with strong anisotropy and hyperbolic dispersion. The nanoantennas in the periodic array support multipole Mie resonances including electric and magnetic dipoles and higher-order multipoles, and collective array response defines properties of multipole resonances.
The sensory basis of schooling by intermittent swimming in the rummy-nose tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)

Schooling is a collective behaviour that enhances the ability of a fish to sense and respond to its environment. Although schooling is essential to the biology of a diversity of fishes, it is generally unclear how this behaviour is coordinated by different sensory modalities. We used experimental manipulation and kinematic measurements to test the role of vision and flow sensing in the rummy-nose tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus), which swims with intermittent phases of bursts and coasts. Groups of five fish required a minimum level of illuminance (greater than 1.5 lx) to achieve the necessary close nearest-neighbour distance and high polarization for schooling. Compromising the lateral line system with an antibiotic treatment caused tetras to swim with greater nearest-neighbour distance and lower polarization. Therefore, vision is both necessary and sufficient for schooling in H. rhodostomus, and both sensory modalities aid in attraction. These results can serve as a basis for understanding the individual roles of sensory modalities in schooling for some fish species.
Does Structured Postgraduate Training Affect the Learning Curve in Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty? A Single Surgeon's First 200 Cases.

Background The direct anterior approach (DAA) used for primary total hip arthroplasty has been shown to improve early postoperative outcomes, but prior studies have identified a marked learning curve for surgeons transitioning to this approach. However, these studies do not capture surgeons with postgraduate fellowship training in DAA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning curve by comparing perioperative outcomes for the first 100 to latter 100 cases and first 50 to final 50 cases. Methods The first 200 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties performed by a single surgeon were prospectively followed up for up to 2 years postoperatively. Data on demographic and perioperative factors, 90-day readmissions, and short- and long-term complications were collected. Radiographic outcomes included acetabular cup anteversion and abduction measurements. Logistic regressions were used to calculate odds ratios and confidence intervals for surgical time greater than 2 hours. Results The first 100 and second 100 cases had significant differences in operative times (118.1 vs 110.4 minutes, P = .009), acetabular abduction (38.3 vs 35.5 degrees, P = .001) and anteversion (13.5 vs 15.1 degrees, P = .009), and incidence of neuropraxia (41 vs 9%, P < .001). Estimated blood loss, transfusions, discharge disposition, length of stay, readmission, and other complications had no statistical significance between the first and second 100 cases. The first 50 cases had higher odds of surgical time greater than 2 hours (odds ratio = 5.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.84-14.75, P = .002) than the final 50 cases. Conclusions When compared with the existing literature, incorporation of DAA into fellowship training can lead to reduction in fractures and reoperation rates.
Naresh Kumra and the Amazon Debacle (A)

This case series follows CEO Naresh Kumra of JMATEK, an a global leader in evaporative air coolers and portable air conditioners. Although Amazon had been a major sales channel in the previous year, 2017 sales were down significantly, threatening a major new round of funding. The (A) case allow students the opportunity to troubleshoot new business sales in a growing digital marketplace, and the (B) case shows how Kumra applied both his Hindu background and American MBA training to lead JMATEK out of its dilemma. Excerpt UVA-S-0310 Jan. 15, 2020 Naresh Kumra and the Amazon Debacle (A) Hong Kong 2017 "There was nothing we could do wrong," began Naresh Kumra, CEO of JMATEK, a 2007 pioneer in evaporative air coolers and a global leader in portable air conditioners. I had bought into the partnership with a management buy-in (MBI) in April 2013, and, with existing management in place, we grew quickly and improved gross margins and went from loss-making in 2012 to industry top-quartile profitability by 2016. We had tremendous growth in global sales, with offices in Buenos Aires, Mexico City, two offices in Europe, a few in Asia, and in New Jersey. We were the leaders in e-commerce in our segment, with a good position on Amazon, and retail presence in Lowe's and Best Buy and other, smaller, shops, and had global exclusive rights to represent Honeywell. . . .
Cannabidiol Inhibition of Murine Primary Nociceptors: Tight Binding to Slow Inactivated States of Nav1.8 Channels.

The nonpsychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to have analgesic effects in animal studies but little is known about its mechanism of action. We examined the effects of CBD on intrinsic excitability of primary pain-sensing neurons. Studying acutely dissociated capsaicin-sensitive mouse DRG neurons at 37°C, we found that CBD effectively inhibited repetitive action potential firing, from 15–20 action potentials evoked by 1 s current injections in control to 1–3 action potentials with 2 μm CBD. Reduction of repetitive firing was accompanied by a reduction of action potential height, widening of action potentials, reduction of the afterhyperpolarization, and increased propensity to enter depolarization block. Voltage-clamp experiments showed that CBD inhibited both TTX-sensitive and TTX-resistant (TTX-R) sodium currents in a use-dependent manner. CBD showed strong state-dependent inhibition of TTX-R channels, with fast binding to inactivated channels during depolarizations and slow unbinding on repolarization. CBD alteration of channel availability at various voltages suggested that CBD binds especially tightly [Kd (dissociation constant), ∼150 nm] to the slow inactivated state of TTX-R channels, which can be substantially occupied at voltages as negative as −40 mV. Remarkably, CBD was more potent in inhibiting TTX-R channels and inhibiting action potential firing than the local anesthetic bupivacaine. We conclude that CBD might produce some of its analgesic effects by direct effects on neuronal excitability, with tight binding to the slow inactivated state of Nav1.8 channels contributing to effective inhibition of repetitive firing by modest depolarizations. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to inhibit pain in various rodent models, but the mechanism of this effect is unknown. We describe the ability of CBD to inhibit repetitive action potential firing in primary nociceptive neurons from mouse dorsal root ganglia and analyze the effects on voltage-dependent sodium channels. We find that CBD interacts with TTX-resistant sodium channels in a state-dependent manner suggesting particularly tight binding to slow inactivated states of Nav1.8 channels, which dominate the overall inactivation of Nav1.8 channels for small maintained depolarizations from the resting potential. The results suggest that CBD can exert analgesic effects in part by directly inhibiting repetitive firing of primary nociceptors and suggest a strategy of identifying compounds that bind selectively to slow inactivated states of Nav1.8 channels for developing effective analgesics.
Evaluation of overall survival and barriers to surgery for patients with breast cancer treated without surgery: a National Cancer Database analysis.

Surgery remains the foundation of curative therapy for non-metastatic breast cancer, but many patients do not undergo surgery. Evidence is limited regarding this population. We sought to assess factors associated with lack of surgery and overall survival (OS) in patients not receiving breast cancer surgery. Retrospective cohort study of patients in the US National Cancer Database treated in 2004–2016. The dataset comprised 2,696,734 patients; excluding patients with unknown surgical status or stage IV, cT0, cTx, or pIS, metastatic or recurrent disease resulted in 1,192,294 patients for analysis. Chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to assess differences between groups. OS was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method with a Cox proportional hazards model performed to assess associated factors. In total 50,626 (4.3%) did not undergo surgery. Black race, age >50 years, lower income, uninsured or public insurance, and lower education were more prevalent in the non-surgical cohort; this group was also more likely to have more comorbidities, higher disease stage, and more aggressive disease biology. Only 3,689 non-surgical patients (7.3%) received radiation therapy (RT). Median OS time for the non-surgical patients was 58 months (3-year and 5-year OS rates 63% and 49%). Median OS times were longer for patients who received chemotherapy (80 vs 50 (no-chemo) months) and RT (85 vs 56 (no-RT) months). On multivariate analysis, age, race, income, insurance status, comorbidity score, disease stage, tumor subtype, treatment facility type and location, and receipt of RT were associated with OS. On subgroup analysis, receipt of chemotherapy improved OS for patients with triple negative (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.59–0.75, P 60) (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.45–0.83, P = 0.002) subgroups. Approximately 4% of women with breast cancer do not undergo surgery, particularly those with more aggressive disease and lower socioeconomic status. Despite its benefits, RT was underutilized. This study provides a benchmark of survival outcomes for patients who do not undergo surgery and highlights a potential role for use of RT.
Less light, better bite: How ambient lighting influences taste perceptions

Abstract Atmospheric factors within a retail environment provide efficient and effective methods for influencing customer behavior. Drawing on the concept of sensory compensation, this research investigates how ambient lighting influences taste perceptions. Three studies demonstrate that dim lighting enhances taste perceptions. The results of Studies 1a and 1b provide support that low lighting positively influences consumers' perceived taste of single taste dimension foods (e.g., sweet). Study 2 shows the number of taste dimensions (e.g., sweet vs. sweet and salty) stimulated serves as a boundary condition, attenuating the significant effect of dim lighting on taste perceptions.
Hypertrophy of rat sensory ganglion neurons following intestinal obstruction

Abstract Background : Neuroplastic changes following ileum hypertrophy have been reported in intrinsic enteric neurons. The hypothesis in the present study was that intestinal hypertrophy induces neuronal changes in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Methods : Under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia, partial obstruction was produced in the rat by tying a plastic ring around the terminal loop of ileum. Fast Blue (FB)(Sigma, St. Louis, MO) was injected into the obstructed ileum wall, and the rat was perfused after 8 days. DRG were immunostained and examined to identify and measure sizes of perikarya containing FB and/or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or FB and/or substance P (SP). Results : Of the DRG neurons that projected to the ileum in control or obstructed animals, approximately 50% were CGRP-immunoreactive (IR) and 30% were SP-IR (colchicine pretreatment was not used). Neurons that projected to the obstructed ileum were increased in size compared with neurons in nonobstructed controls. Some of these neurons were CGRP-IR or SP-IR; some were large FB-labeled neurons that were not SP-IR or CGRP-IR. Conclusions : The morphology of sensory autonomic neurons in adult animals is influenced by dynamic interactions with the targets they innervate, whether directly or transneuronally.
Client-server, Distributed Database Strategies in a Health-care Record System for a Homeless Population

Objective : To design and develop a computer-based health-care record system to address the needs of the patients and providers of a homeless population. Design : A computer-based health-care record system being developed for Boston's Healthcare for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) uses client-server technology and distributed database strategies to provide a common medical record for this transient population. The differing information requirements of physicians, nurses, and social workers are specifically addressed in the graphic application interface to facilitate an integrated approach to health care. This computer-based record system is designed for remote and portable use to integrate smoothly into the daily practice of providers of care to the homeless. The system uses remote networking technology and regular phone lines to support multiple concurrent users at remote sites of care. Results : A stand-alone, pilot system is in operation at the BHCHP medical respite unit. Information on 129 patient encounters from 37 unique sites has been entered. A full client-server system has been designed. Benchmarks show that while the relative performance of a communication link based upon a phone line is 0.07 to 0.15 that of a local area network, optimization permits adequate response. Conclusion : Medical records access in a transient population poses special problems. Use of client-server and distributed database strategies can provide a technical foundation that provides a secure, reliable, and accessible computer- based medical record in this environment.