cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The anatomy of lumbosacral posterior rami and meningeal branches of spinal nerve (sinu-vertebral nerves); with an experimental study of their functions.

The distribution of the lumbosacral posterior rami and the sinu-vertebral branches (ramus meningeus) of spinal nerves was determined by dissection of newborn and adult cadavera and by a detailed study of serial sections of human foetuses. In addition, blood pressure and respiration were recorded and electromyograms were made in decerebrate cats during electrical and mechanical stimulation of low-back structures. The posterior rami, in addition to their cutaneous and muscular distribution, give sensory fibers to fascia, ligaments, periosteum, and intervertebral joints. Adjacent divisions overlap in their area of supply. Interspinous ligaments are supplied mainly by branches from the next cranial level. Sinu-vertebral nerves supply posterior longitudinal ligament, dura mater, periosteum, and blood vessels, show intersegmental anastomoses, and contain sensory fibers. Painful stimulation of joints and ligaments of the lumbosacral region in cats produces reflex spasm of dorsal and hamstring muscles, as well as non-specific changes in respiration and blood pressure. It is suggested that clinically a painful stimulus to any deep structure in this region is poorly localized and can give rise to a common symptom complex which includes both low-back and leg pain.
Endocervical curettement: a newer technique in the diagnosis of gonorrhea in women

Abstract 1. An endocervical curettement is an additional help in making the diagnosis of gonorrhea by conventional culture. 2. A 3 year evaluation has proved it to be both effective and safe. 3. Contraindication to this technique is pregnancy. 4. The endocervical curettement increases the number of positive gonococcal cultures on conventional methods by 13 per cent.
The Mechanism of Magnetic Field Stimulation of the Stress Response Is Similar to other Environmental Stresses

There is a substantial and growing body of experimental evidence indicating that low-energy, low-frequency magnetic fields interact with cells and induce significant biological changes1. A recent NIEHS workshop on Theoretical Mechanisms and In Vitro Research on Magnetic Fields evaluated studies showing altered levels of mRNA and proteins2,3 (e.g., hsps in the cellular stress response), increased enzyme (e.g., ODC and Na,K-ATPase) activity4,5, altered endocrine and hormonal (e.g., melatonin) expression6, and changes in signal transduction pathways7. An understanding of how magnetic fields induce the stress response could provide a clue to magnetic field interaction mechanisms.
Duality Theory and Optimality Conditions

A fundamental problem in optimization is the characterization of the solution of the optimization problem. In linear programming theory, this is achieved by Duality theory. This theory establishes a relationship between optimal solutions of two closely related linear programs, called the pair of dual linear programs. We now introduce this theory.
Playing for the Nation, Fighting for the Revolution: Documentaries on Cuban Sports

Sports have played a dual role in the Cuban Revolution. International sport competitions symbolize the revolution’s success and compose a strategy for creating social cohesion. This essay explores how Cuban sports documentaries (as well as documentaries on Cuban sports made by foreign filmmakers) represent and problematize these complementary roles. It argues that Cuban sport documentaries offer insights about the Cuban Revolution over time and provide occasions to explore the sociocultural, economic, and political challenges that Cubans have faced in the revolution’s socialist and post-Soviet stages.
The Infectivity and the Immunizing Effect of the St. Louis Encephalitis Virus Propagated in the Mouse Brain and in the Chick Egg

Difficulty was encountered in producing with regularity any considerable degree of resistance to infection with the virus of St. Louis encephalitis following one subcutaneous inoculation of mice, 3 weeks to 3 months old, with active mouse-brain virus. Webster,' and Hodes and Webster,2 on the other hand, have reported a remarkable degree of immunity to the virus of St. Louis encephalitis developing in 4 to 7 days following 1 subcutaneous or intraperitoneal inoculation of 1,000 or more intracerebral lethal doses of the virus. However, they were unable to detect circulating neutralizing antibodies at a time when the resistance to infection was maximum. The virus which we used first for im-
Examining the Vectorial Folding Pathway of the β-Helical Peptide, Pertactin, using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Gram-negative bacteria, lacking an energy source at the outer membrane (OM), have evolved a number of unique systems in order to carry out necessary exchange of molecules across the OM. An example is the export of so-called ”virulence factors“, the passenger domain of autotransporters (AT), >97% of which are predicted to adopt right-handed β-helical structures. Given that these passenger domains have a stable C-terminal core, and cross the OM C-terminus to N-terminus, a vectorial folding pathway could direct secretion of the passenger domain across the OM without the need for an external energy source. To better understand the proposed vectoral folding pathway, we calculate the free energy landscape for the first turn of the β-helical protein, pertactin (PDB: 1DAB). Using the radius of gyration, RG, and the number of native hydrogen bonds, QH, we performed 2D umbrella sampling with replica exchange (REMD-US) on residues 438 to 481, while restraining residues 482 to 539 to their crystal structure. We examine how kinetic traps may affect the folding rate in the unconstrained pathway, whereas the vectorial pathway avoids these traps, leading to faster folding rates for the latter, which has been observed experimentally.
Statin-induced diabetes: incidence, mechanisms, and implications.

Persuasive data from many randomized controlled trials and large, long-term observational studies indicate a modestly increased risk for the emergence of new diabetes after statin initiation. Several meta-analyses of many statin trials as well as longitudinal population-based studies suggest that the risk factors for diabetes in statin-treated persons include underlying risk for diabetes at baseline (specifically features of metabolic syndrome), the intensity of statin therapy, certain genetic traits independent of diabetes risk, and adherence to lifestyle factors. Limited data suggest statins modestly worsen hyperglycemia and A1c levels in those with pre-existing diabetes or glucose intolerance. The precise mechanism(s) of diabetogenesis with statin therapy are unclear, but impaired insulin sensitivity and compromised β cell function via enhanced intracellular cholesterol uptake due to inhibition of intracellular cholesterol synthesis by statins, as well as other mechanisms, may be involved. Furthermore, while statins are known to have anti-inflammatory effects, it is hypothesized that, under dysmetabolic conditions, they might have pro-inflammatory effects via induction of certain inflammasomes. This concept requires further elucidation in the human. Finally, it is clear that the risk–benefit ratio for cardiovascular disease events is strongly in favor of statin therapy in those at risk, despite the emergence of new diabetes. Adherence to lifestyle regimen is critical in the prevention of new diabetes on statins.
Use of video-based education and tele-health home monitoring after liver transplantation: Results of a novel pilot study

Background In this observational study, we analyzed the feasibility and early results of a perioperative, video-based educational program and tele-health home monitoring model on postoperative care management and readmissions for patients undergoing liver transplantation. Methods Twenty consecutive liver transplantation recipients were provided with tele-health home monitoring and an educational video program during the perioperative period. Vital statistics were tracked and monitored daily with emphasis placed on readings outside of the normal range (threshold violations). Additionally, responses to effectiveness questionnaires were collected retrospectively for analysis. Results In the study, 19 of the 20 patients responded to the effectiveness questionnaire, with 95% reporting having watched all 10 videos, 68% watching some more than once, and 100% finding them effective in improving their preparedness for understanding their postoperative care. Among these 20 patients, there was an observed 19% threshold violation rate for systolic blood pressure, 6% threshold violation rate for mean blood glucose concentrations, and 8% threshold violation rate for mean weights. This subset of patients had a 90-day readmission rate of 30%. Conclusion This observational study demonstrates that tele-health home monitoring and video-based educational programs are feasible in liver transplantation recipients and seem to be effective in enhancing the monitoring of vital statistics postoperatively. These data suggest that smart technology is effective in creating a greater awareness and understanding of how to manage postoperative care after liver transplantation.
Coronary Artery Aneurysms in Kawasaki Disease: Risk Factors for Progressive Disease and Adverse Cardiac Events in the US Population.

Background The natural history of coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in the United States is not well described. We describe the natural history of CAA in US Kawasaki disease (KD) patients and identify factors associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and CAA regression. Methods and Results We evaluated all KD patients with CAA at 2 centers from 1979 to 2014. Factors associated with CAA regression, maximum CA z ‐score over time ( z Max), and MACE were analyzed. We performed a matched analysis of treatment effect on likelihood of CAA regression. Of 2860 KD patients, 500 (17%) had CAA, including 90 with CAA z ‐score >10. Most (91%) received IVIG within 10 days of illness, 32% received >1 IVIG, and 27% received adjunctive anti‐inflammatory medications. CAA regression occurred in 75%. Lack of CAA regression and higher CAA z Max were associated with earlier era, larger CAA z ‐score at diagnosis, and bilateral CAA in univariate and multivariable analyses. MACE occurred in 24 (5%) patients and was associated with higher CAA z ‐score at diagnosis and lack of IVIG treatment. In a subset of patients (n=132) matched by age at KD and baseline CAA z ‐score, those receiving IVIG plus adjunctive medication had a CAA regression rate of 91% compared with 68% for the 3 other groups (IVIG alone, IVIG ≥2 doses, or IVIG ≥2 doses plus adjunctive medication). Conclusions CAA regression occurred in 75% of patients. CAA z ‐score at diagnosis was highly predictive of outcomes, which may be improved by early IVIG treatment and adjunctive therapies.
Mucosal Manifestations of Gastrointestinal Disease

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders – including celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease – can present with intra-oral manifestations. Oral manifestations of GI disease are more common in children compared to adults. In some cases, particularly with Crohn’s disease, the oral lesions can present in the setting of subclinical GI symptoms or can even present several months to years before any GI manifestations. Oral lesions are the primary presenting sign preceding gastrointestinal symptoms in as much as 60 % of patients with Crohn’s disease.
Mycotoxins - Their Biosynthesis in Fungi: Zearalenone Biosynthesis1

Zearalenone [6-(10-hydroxy-6-oxo-trans-1-undecenyl)-β-resorcylic acid lactone] is biosynthesized by Fusarium roseum by head-to-tail condensation of acetate units via the acetate-malonyl-CoA (polyketide) pathway. Incorporation and distribution of 1-[14C]acetate into zearalenone was demonstrated by degradation of the molecule into the aromatic ring, CO2, oxalic, succinic and glutaric acids. Incorporation and distribution of 1-[13C]acetate and 1,2-[13C]acetate was demonstrated by 13C-NMR and confirmed the conclusion reached by 14C-incorporation studies. CO2 is rapidly fixed by cultures of F. roseum , presumably by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and pyruvate carboxylase and incorporated into zearalenone. The wild-type isolates of F. roseum normally produce optimum amounts of zearalenone on a solid medium such as rice and at lower temperatures (10-14 C), although mutants are available that produce copious amounts in liquid medium. Some wild-type isolates also produce zearalenone optimally at 20-25 C.
An analysis of five measures of global human identification

In two studies, we examined the interrelationships and relative utility of several recent measures of global human identification. In Study 1, McFarland, Webb, and Brown's (2012) Identification With All Humanity (IWAH) and Malsch and Omoto's (2007) Psychological Sense of Global Community (PSGC) scales overlapped substantially, but each contributed in regression analyses to predicting humanitarian concerns. Each measure consists of multiple factors, and most factors contributed to predicting these concerns. For Study 2, a measure of World Citizenship was added, derived from similar measures by Reese, Proch, and Cohrs (2014) and Reysen and Katzarska-Miller (2013). Study 2 largely replicated the Study 1 results while extending them to an added humanitarian concern for global poverty. Overall, the Global Self-Investment subscale of the IWAH most consistently predicted humanitarian concerns. The measure of World Citizenship correlated with all humanitarian concerns but did not contribute in predicting them beyond the IWAH and PSGC.
A Question of Balance: Using versus Abusing Biological Systems

Publisher Summary An effective scientist is an ardent observer of events that seem to lead to an outcome. The events are measured and modeled in a laboratory to see which factors appear to be most important. All emergent technologies arise out of a hope for their applications, but this hope always comes with a fear of implications. On the implications side, there is much uncertainty about possible risks to consumers and the environment. This chapter analyzes the balance factor, which is necessary in biological systems. Mimicking and adapting biological systems to meet societal needs is systematic, reverse engineering at its highest biological complexity. It is necessary to balance the benefits and opportunities with risks. Bioengineers are now analyzing, characterizing, and doing forensics on the natural mechanisms. Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) biochemodynamics are reviewed from an environmental perspective. S and N compounds are synthesized and manufactured in enormous volumes for agriculture. Both elements play huge roles in photosynthesis and other processes important to flora and microbes. Along with phosphorus and potassium, S and N compounds provide the macro- and micronutrients to ensure productive crop yields.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of Calcitonin Receptor Gene in South Indians

Two alleles of the calcitonin receptor gene exist: a base mutation T->C in the third intracellular Cterminal domain changes a proline (CCG) to a leucine (CTG). The Codon 447 polymorphism of CTR gen...
Aerobic Exercise: Evidence for a Direct Brain Effect to Slow Parkinson Disease Progression

No medications are proven to slow the progression of Parkinson disease (PD). Of special concern with longer-standing PD is cognitive decline, as well as motor symptoms unresponsive to dopamine replacement therapy. Not fully recognized is the substantial accumulating evidence that long-term aerobic exercise may attenuate PD progression. Randomized controlled trial proof will not be forthcoming due to many complicating methodological factors. However, extensive and diverse avenues of scientific investigation converge to argue that aerobic exercise and cardiovascular fitness directly influence cerebral mechanisms mediating PD progression. To objectively assess the evidence for a PD exercise benefit, a comprehensive PubMed literature search was conducted, with an unbiased focus on exercise influences on parkinsonism, cognition, brain structure, and brain function. This aggregate literature provides a compelling argument for regular aerobic-type exercise and cardiovascular fitness attenuating PD progression.
Durable lesion formation while avoiding esophageal injury during ablation of atrial fibrillation: Lessons learned from late gadolinium MR imaging

INTRODUCTION Adequate catheter/atrial tissue contact is critical for lesion formation during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-MRI) is a unique tool for the evaluation of lesion formation and detection of acute esophageal injury. METHODS LGE-MRIs were obtained prior, within 24 hours of, and at 115 ± 62 days after first AF ablation in 36 patients. The Visitag module of CARTO3 was used to collect contact force (CF) and duration from a CF sensing ablation catheter for each registered ablation point. The minimum CF resulting in permanent lesions was determined. Esophageal enhancement detected by acute LGE-MRI was classified as mild, moderate, and severe. The CF resulting in esophageal enhancement was determined. RESULTS A total of 4,642 registered ablation tags at 50 W power were analyzed. The mean RF duration (5.9 ± 3.7 vs. 5.6 ± 3.2 seconds, P < 0.05), CF (11.5 ± 5.6 vs. 10.9 ± 5.4 g, P < 0.001), and force time integral (FTI) (67.3 ± 54.5 vs. 62.2 ± 52.7 gs, P < 0.01) were significantly higher between ablation tags with and without associated LGE-MRI detected scar. The mean CF (15.7 ± 6.1 vs. 12.6 ± 5.9 g, P < 0.05, n = 17 patients) in areas of esophageal enhancement was greater than areas without. CONCLUSION Left atrial short duration ablation lesions with a CF greater than 12 g are more likely to be associated with permanent lesion formation. Ablating on top of the esophagus, CF less than 15 g would help minimize esophageal wall injury.
Working engineers’ satisfaction with helping people and society through their jobs

This research explored the extent that working engineers were satisfied with their ability to help or serve people and/or society through their jobs. Over 450 engineering graduates responded to an ...
Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus: New Criteria

New recommendations for the classification and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus include the preferred use of the terms "type 1" and "type 2" instead of "IDDM" and "NIDDM" to designate the two major types of diabetes mellitus; simplification of the diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus to two abnormal fasting plasma determinations; and a lower cutoff for fasting plasma glucose (126 mg per dL [7 mmol per L] or higher) to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. These changes provide an easier and more reliable means of diagnosing persons at risk of complications from hyperglycemia. Currently, only one half of the people who have diabetes mellitus have been diagnosed. Screening for diabetes mellitus should begin at 45 years of age and should be repeated every three years in persons without risk factors, and should begin earlier and be repeated more often in those with risk factors. Risk factors include obesity, first-degree relatives with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia or previous evidence of impaired glucose homeostasis. Earlier detection of diabetes mellitus may lead to tighter control of blood glucose levels and a reduction in the severity of complications associated with this disease.
Impact of a Comprehensive Adolescent-Focused Case Finding Intervention on Uptake of HIV Testing and Linkage to Care Among Adolescents in Western Kenya

BACKGROUND Low HIV testing uptake prevents identification of adolescents living with HIV and linkage to care and treatment. We implemented an innovative service package at health care facilities to improve HIV testing uptake and linkage to care among adolescents aged 10-19 years in Western Kenya. METHODS This quasi-experimental study used preintervention and postintervention data at 139 health care facilities (hospitals, health centers, and dispensaries). The package included health worker capacity building, program performance monitoring tools, adolescent-focused HIV risk screening tool, and adolescent-friendly hours.The study population was divided into early (10-14 years) and late (15-19 years) age cohorts. Implementation began in July 2016, with preintervention data collected during January-March 2016 and postintervention data collected during January-March 2017. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the numbers of adolescents tested for HIV, testing HIV-positive, and linked to care services. Preintervention and postintervention demographic and testing data were compared using the Poisson mean test. χ testing was used to compare the linkage to care rates. RESULTS During the preintervention period, 25,520 adolescents were tested, 198 testing HIV-positive (0.8%) compared with 77,644 adolescents tested with 534 testing HIV-positive (0.7%) during the postintervention period (both P-values <0.001). The proportion of HIV-positive adolescents linked to care increased from 61.6% to 94.0% (P < 0.001). The increase in linkage to care was observed among both age cohorts and within each facility type (both P-values <0.001). CONCLUSIONS The adolescent-focused case finding intervention package led to a significant increase in both HIV testing uptake and linkage to care services among adolescents in Western Kenya.
Fruit nutritional quality under deficit irrigation: the case of table grapes in California

Sustainable agricultural practices are needed to face current threats to agricultural production in areas where water scarcity, recurrent droughts, and decreased soil quality are endangering productivity and food security. Deficit irrigation (DI) practices consist of reducing irrigation applied at levels below full crop evapotranspiration losses throughout the growing season or at specific phenological stages of the specific crop. The goal of our study was to evaluate the physiological response of table grapes subjected to DI relative to fruit quality. DI treatments were developed as a percentage of the grower practice (evapotranspiration losses are fully replenished by irrigation) on commercial fields of table grapes in central California. DI practices began in 2011 and were continued throughout 2015. Grape berries were analyzed for mineral elements, berry weight, diameter and firmness, carbon and nitrogen content, pH, soluble solids, and total phenolic compounds. RESULTS In this study, DI practices in all treatments did not significantly increase or decrease nutraceutical compounds in grape berry and measured physiological responses to DI were mixed, with significant variation between years. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that DI practices could be safely used in dry areas for at least four years without affecting the nutritional quality of grape berry in ?Crimson seedless? and ?Sugraone?. ? 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasensitive label-free tobramycin detection with aptamer-functionalized ZnO TFT biosensor

Aminoglycoside antibiotic such as tobramycin is critical to the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and other respiratory problems routinely seen in military personnel. Bottom gate (BG) zinc oxide (ZnO) ultra-thin film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated and functionalized with thiol-anchored aptamers as sensitive tobramycin biosensors and a Lower Detection Limit (LDL) of 0.1 nM was extracted from the adsorption coverage isotherm. Sputter deposition of (ZnO) allows the control of film thickness, stoichiometry, defects and interface states. Intrinsically high surface morphology of ZnO allows improved aptamer functionalization and sensitivity of detection.
Effects of Nonnative Eurasian Watermilfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum , on Nekton Habitat Quality in a Louisiana Oligohaline Estuary

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) provides critical habitat for estuarine nekton in the Gulf of Mexico, but habitat quality of SAV beds may change when nonnative species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), become established. We compared the habitat value of Myriophyllum with another common native SAV (Ruppia maritima) by using field collections to document shifts in nekton community structure and a field experiment to compare growth rates of commercially important juvenile white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus). Similar communities were collected from both SAV species, though nekton abundance scaled with SAV biomass. The habitat quality provided by Myriophyllum for white shrimp appeared to meet or exceed that of Ruppia, with densities and growth rates of shrimp in Myriophyllum (2.2 ± 0.47 m−2, 1.0 ± 0.07 mm TL day−1, 25.7 ± 2.98 mg day−1) higher than in Ruppia (1.0 ± 0.36 m−2, 0.6 ± 0.09 mm TL day−1, 11.6 ± 2.04 mg day−1). Though differences were detected between SAV species, other factors, such as hypoxia and interspecific competition, likely contributed to the differences we documented between these habitat types in shrimp densities and growth. Our study provides an example of a nonnative habitat-forming species providing a viable alternative to native habitat. This result contradicts the paradigm of negative effects associated with nonnative species following their introduction into an ecosystem.
Liquid assisted grain growth in solution processed Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2

Abstract Many solution based methods of fabricating thin film Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cell absorbers can be described as a two step process, consisting of initial precursor deposition followed by high temperature post processing. This post processing step is termed “selenization” when the sample is treated in a selenium-rich environment, and is responsible for transforming the nanocrystalline or amorphous precursor layer into the large crystal grains that are necessary for high efficiency solar cells. Here we study the selenization of nanoparticle Cu(In,Ga)S2 precursor layers by a rapid thermal processing method, and develop a liquid assisted growth model to explain how large grain Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 crystals nucleate and grow. We find that processing with saturated selenium, achieved by maintaining a higher temperature for the selenium source than the sample, is a necessary but not sufficient condition for grain growth of a 1–2 μm thick Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 film. An additional necessary condition is an external supply of Na, without which grain growth of films on soda-lime glass stagnates at about 400 nm thickness, with the remainder of the film consisting of a bottom layer of fine grains. This stagnation of grain growth is hypothesized to be caused by diffusion limitations of Cu, In and Ga containing species from the coarsened selenized particles in the fine grain layer as well as accumulation of carbon left behind by the solution processing method which is rejected during grain growth. We find that deposition of a NaF layer on the nanoparticle precursor film followed by selenization at temperatures greater than 534 °C under a saturated selenium atmosphere results in large surface grains that span the thickness of the film, with only a thin bottom small grain layer primarily composed of carbon and selenium. Grain growth prior to stagnation is well described by a normal grain growth model, and our kinetic study yielded an estimated rate constant activation energy of 126.1 kJ/mol. Attempting to grow grains beyond the stagnation point results in abnormal grain growth. We develop a liquid assisted grain growth model to explain these observations.
Truth and Consequence: Alternative Facts and Discordant Realities

The following is an essay in applied psychoanalysis delivered to the International Association of Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in June 2018.* In this essay I attempt to apply what we...
The logic programming language prolog (tutorial presentation)

Prolog is often called a “very high level” language and it is one of the two commonly used languages in artificial intelligence research and development—Lisp being the other. It received wide attention as the language chosen for the Japanese fifth generation project. Prolog is based on a variant of first-order predicate calculus and is quite different from the common imperative paradigm. Rather than describing the algorithm to solve a problem, a Prolog program gives facts and rules inherent in the data; so, it may be said that the data is the program. Students find it easy to start using and fun to learn. Prolog provides significant enrichment to courses in programming languages and is occasionally used as a first programming language.
Laser speckle micro-rheology for biomechanical profiling of breast cancer (Conference Presentation)

Breast neoplasia is accompanied by a heterogeneous micromechanical remodeling of the tumor landscape. Nevertheless, the role of these micromechanical heterogeneities in the progression of invasive breast carcinoma remains unclear. We have developed a novel optical tool, termed laser speckle microrheology (LSM) for micro-mechanical mapping of the tissue to investigate mechano-pathological features of breast cancer progression. Results reveal distinct micromechanical properties both between tumor of different diagnosis and within various regions of each tumor. Additionally, distinct stiffness gradients are observed at the interface of tumors with different invasive potential. Taken together, these findings identify key micromechanical features involved in breast cancer progression.
SEX DIFFERENCES AND SUBMAXIMAL PARAMETER CORRELATIONS TO PEAK EXERCISE DURING CARDIOPULMONARY EXERCISE TESTING IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) quantifies total exercise performance by assessing peak exercise parameters, however peak exercise may not always be achieved. Clinical validity of submaximal exercise parameters may be helpful to assess cardiac reserve in children. Retrospectively reviewed
The Greatest Generation Meets Its Greatest Challenge: Vision Loss and Depression in Older Adults:

Having lived through the Great Depression and World War II, older adults now face the challenge of vision loss in record numbers. Depression is closely associated with functional loss and social is...
Patterns and explanations of delinquency among Korean youth using general strain theory

Abstract This study tests Agnew’s General Strain Theory (GST) using a national panel survey of Korean youth. The Korean Youth Panel Survey was conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute of Korea and interviewed a randomly selected sample of youth from 2003 to 2007. Using cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis, this study specifically examines the effects of family strain, school strain, and peer strain on delinquency patterns of Korean youth and examines whether the relationship between strain and delinquency is controlled by the youth’s attachments to family, teachers or peers, their exposure to delinquent peers, or self- control. According to the GST, delinquent responses to strain are more likely to occur in the presence of deviant conditions. The use of Korean data expands testing of the General Strain Theory to non-western samples, allowing examination of the relevance of this framework in non-western settings. The current study revealed that school strain has a consistent significant effect on both aggressive behavior and status offense, even after adding control factors. Finally, policy implications based on findings are discussed.
Sound Therapy for Tinnitus: Options for Audiologists

Purpose Sound therapy to reduce the emotional and functional effects of tinnitus has been used by audiologists since the 1970s when Jack Vernon introduced the masking method to provide a sense of r...
The Minimum Wage and Fathers’ Residence with Children

The minimum wage is an important determinant of earnings among lower-skilled parents and may have implications for their children’s living arrangements. We used nationally representative data to examine associations between the minimum wage and fathers’ residence with their biological children. Results revealed no association between the minimum wage and father residence among all low-income families. However, this finding masks important heterogeneity within these families based on which parent’s earnings were sensitive to minimum wage levels. In families where only fathers’ earnings were sensitive to minimum wage levels, fathers were more likely to live with their children as minimum wages increased, consistent with research that shows the importance of economic stability for fathers’ residence and custody arrangements. In contrast, in families where only mothers’ earnings were sensitive to minimum wage levels, higher minimum wages were negatively associated with fathers’ residence, consistent with theories of maternal independence. These associations with residence were not observed in situations where both parents’ earnings were sensitive to the minimum wage. Results indicate that these economic policies may be consequential for family processes and well-being in key subsets of low-earning families.
Applying a Verified Trusted Computing Base to Cyber Protect a Vulnerable Traffic Control Cyber-Physical System

Traffic control systems were developed with operational performance, reliability, and safety in mind. Traffic control systems were designed well before the heavy integration of advanced communications including radio frequency (RF), the Internet and cellular transmissions. These technologies were integrated to provide more control and enable the traffic systems to become adaptive to real-time traffic flow and environmental conditions. These advances increase the opportunity for attackers to affect traffic system operations, sometimes creating a congestion which essentially halts traffic. The Secure SCADA Framework presents eight objectives which would increase the cyber resilience of an existing vulnerable cyber physical system, such as a traffic control system [1]. This approach retains the current operational performance, reliability, and safety. The concept of using a Trusted Computing Base (TCB) in a cyber-physical system is one goal of the eight presented for the Secure SCADA Framework. The SCADA TCB (STCB) project designs, develops, and verifies a core set of hardware, software, and firmware which operate in conjunction to establish a high level of security protecting a traffic control system. This research defines the requirements of a traffic control system, establishes a security policy, develops a trusted computing base, identifies and designs attacks on the system, and meets the development life-cycle requirements to proceed with implementation, verification, and testing.
Susceptibility of Pimephales promelas and Carassius auratus to a strain of koi herpesvirus isolated from wild Cyprinus carpio in North America

Cyprinid herpesvirus-3 (CyHV-3, syn. koi herpesvirus) is an important pathogen worldwide and a common cause of mass mortality events of wild common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in North America, however, reference strains and genomes obtained from wild carp are not available. Additionally, it is unclear if fishes in North America are susceptible to CyHV-3 infection due to incomplete susceptibility testing. Here we present the first North American type strain and whole-genome sequence of CyHV-3 isolated from wild carp collected from a lake with a history and recent incidence of carp mortality. Additionally, the strain was used in an in-vivo infection model to test the susceptibility of a common native minnow (Pimephales promelas) and goldfish (Carrasius auratus) which is invasive in North America. Detection of CyHV-3 DNA was confirmed in the tissues of a single fathead minnow but the same tissues were negative for CyHV-3 mRNA and samples from exposed fathead minnows were negative on cell culture. There was no detection of CyHV-3 DNA or mRNA in goldfish throughout the experiment. CyHV-3 DNA in carp tissues was reproducibly accompanied by the detection of CyHV-3 mRNA and isolation on cell culture. Additionally, environmental CyHV-3 DNA was detected on all tank filters during the study. These findings suggest that fathead minnows and goldfish are not susceptible to CyHV-3 infection and that detection of CyHV-3 DNA alone in host susceptibility trials should be interpreted with caution.
Quantitative OCT features of outer retina for early diagnosis and objective classification of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of preventable blindness. Early detection and reliable stage classification are essential to ensure prompt medical interventions. Recent study suggests that the outer retina, i.e., photoreceptors, can be affected by early DR. We demonstrate here the potential of using quantitative OCT features in outer retina for objective detection and stage classification of DR. The OCT intensity change is observed to be mostly sensitive, compared to retina thickness and bandwidth, to DR stages. It is also confirmed that the relative intensity changes of photoreceptor outer segment are more sensitive than inner segment for DR classification.
Disease Modeling and Disease Gene Discovery in Cardiomyopathies: A Molecular Study of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Generated Cardiomyocytes.

The in vitro modeling of cardiac development and cardiomyopathies in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) provides opportunities to aid the discovery of genetic, molecular, and developmental changes that are causal to, or influence, cardiomyopathies and related diseases. To better understand the functional and disease modeling potential of iPSC-differentiated CMs and to provide a proof of principle for large, epidemiological-scale disease gene discovery approaches into cardiomyopathies, well-characterized CMs, generated from validated iPSCs of 12 individuals who belong to four sibships, and one of whom reported a major adverse cardiac event (MACE), were analyzed by genome-wide mRNA sequencing. The generated CMs expressed CM-specific genes and were highly concordant in their total expressed transcriptome across the 12 samples (correlation coefficient at 95% CI =0.92 ± 0.02). The functional annotation and enrichment analysis of the 2116 genes that were significantly upregulated in CMs suggest that generated CMs have a transcriptomic and functional profile of immature atrial-like CMs; however, the CMs-upregulated transcriptome also showed high overlap and significant enrichment in primary cardiomyocyte (p-value = 4.36 × 10−9), primary heart tissue (p-value = 1.37 × 10−41) and cardiomyopathy (p-value = 1.13 × 10−21) associated gene sets. Modeling the effect of MACE in the generated CMs-upregulated transcriptome identified gene expression phenotypes consistent with the predisposition of the MACE-affected sibship to arrhythmia, prothrombotic, and atherosclerosis risk.
Cigarette Filter Ventilation and Biomarkers-Reply.

We thank Lee and Fry for their input on our article. To summarize, we compared smokers' levels of urinary or blood biomarkers of exposure and potential harm by level of filter ventilation of their cigarette brand ([1][1]). We also examined the relationship between filter ventilation of the smokers'
RefineMind: A Mobile App for People with Dementia and Their Caregivers

Although there is no cure for dementia, in the earlier disease stages, while symptoms are not very severe, some non-pharmacological treatments aimed towards memory support and social interactions may preserve autonomy and dignity of dementia patients. With this goal in mind, we designed a tablet application called RefineMind that refreshes and reminds patients of important details about themselves and others, and aids them with daily life tasks and interactions with caregivers. The app features a photo book, a medication reminder, a daily schedule reminder and a game module with interfaces designed using evidence-based principles. 5 caregivers of dementia patients assessed the app for its usability and provided feedback on the app’s usefulness. The app received an average score of 64.5 on the System Usability Score, which translates to excellent usability. Everyone agreed that the app can improve interactions between people with dementia and their caregivers. A usability evaluation of the app is being planned with people with dementia.
Preoperative ultrasound accurately characterizes surgically confirmed extracranial spinal accessory nerve injuries.

OBJECTIVE To determine the accuracy of preoperative ultrasound and MRI in surgically confirmed spinal accessory nerve injuries and present the benefits of a multimodality image review. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review of 38 consecutive patients referred to a peripheral nerve surgical practice at an academic teaching hospital with surgically confirmed spinal accessory nerve injuries. All cases were reviewed for patient demographics, date and cause of injury, preoperative EMG, and surgical diagnosis and management. Additionally, prospective interpretation of preoperative ultrasound and MRI reports were reviewed for concordance or discordance with the surgical diagnosis. RESULTS Iatrogenic injury was present in 37 (97%) cases and most commonly a result of an excisional lymph node biopsy (68%). Surgically confirmed spinal accessory nerve injury diagnoses consisted of 25 (66%) stump neuromas and 13 (34%) incomplete nerve injuries. Nine months was the average time from injury to surgery. Twenty-nine patients underwent preoperative ultrasound and/or MRI evaluation: 12 ultrasound only, 10 MRI only, and seven with both ultrasound and MRI. Eighteen (95%) preoperative ultrasound reports compared to four (24%) preoperative MRI reports were concordant with the surgical diagnosis. In the seven cases with both preoperative ultrasound and MRI, six had discordant ultrasound and MRI imaging diagnoses for which the ultrasound was concordant with the surgical diagnoses in all cases. CONCLUSION Preoperative ultrasound more accurately characterizes spinal accessory nerve injuries compared to MRI and should serve as the modality of choice when a spinal accessory nerve injury is suspected.
Kinematics and biomechanical validity of shoulder joint laxity tests as diagnostic criteria in multidirectional instability

Abstract Background Clinical laxity tests are commonly used together to identify individuals with multidirectional instability (MDI). However, their biomechanical validity in distinguishing distinct biomechanical characteristics consistent with MDI has not been demonstrated. Objective To determine if differences in glenohumeral (GH) joint laxity exist between individuals diagnosed with multidirectional instability (MDI) and asymptomatic matched controls without MDI. Methods Eighteen participants (9 swimmers with MDI, 9 non-swimming asymptomatic matched controls without MDI) participated in this observational study. Participants were classified as having MDI with a composite laxity score from three laxity tests (anterior/posterior drawer and sulcus tests). Single plane dynamic fluoroscopy captured joint motion with 2D-3D joint registration to derive 3D joint kinematics. Average GH translations occurring during the laxity tests were compared between groups using an independent sample's t-test. The relationship of composite laxity scores to overall translations were examined with a simple linear regression. Differences of each laxity test translations between groups was analyzed with a two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results Mean composite translations for swimmers were 1.7 mm greater (p = 0.04, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.1, 3.3 mm) compared to controls. A moderate association occurred (r2 = 0.40, p = 0.005) between composite laxity scores and composite translation. Greater translations for the posterior drawer (-2.4 mm, p = 0.04, 95% CI: -0.1, -4.6) and sulcus tests (-2.7 mm, p = 0.03, 95% CI: -0.3, -5.0) existed in swimmers compared to controls. Conclusion Significant differences in composite translation existed between symptomatic swimmers with MDI and asymptomatic control participants without MDI during GH joint laxity tests. The results provide initial biomechanically based construct validity for the clinical criteria used to identify individuals with MDI.
Longer Range View of Nuclear Energy

IT MAY be startling to realize that only about 3 per cent of the U.S. national income is spent to furnish the energy we use. From this, it is evident that no golden age can be created by reducing this expenditure — not even by reducing it to nothing.
Bio-logging as marine scientific research under the law of the sea: A commentary responding to James Kraska, Guillermo Ortuño Crespo, David W. Johnston, bio-logging of marine migratory species in the law of the sea, Marine Policy 51 (2015) 394–400

Abstract Rapid advances in attaching miniaturized electronic devices to marine animals for the purpose of learning more about their behavior and interaction with the marine environment, known as bio-logging, raise important and unsettled questions under the international law of the sea. Part XIII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides coastal states with the right to regulate and authorize marine scientific research in offshore areas under their sovereignty and jurisdiction. In their recent article published in this journal, James Kraska, Guillermo Ortuno, and David W. Johnston, assert that although bio-logging is a form of marine scientific research, Part XIII of UNCLOS does not apply to tagged animals that collect scientific information within a coastal state’s 200 mile exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, or internal waters. This commentary rejects Kraska et al.'s interpretation and provides evidence to support the claim that coastal state consent under Part XIII of UNCLOS may, under some circumstances, apply to bio-logging. In light of the immense scientific contributions that bio-logging research provide to global marine conservation efforts and the possible burdens that may be imposed on researchers if coastal states begin to assert their rights under UNCLOS, it is important that the international community engage in a robust and candid discussion of the issue and develop a consensus-based approach on how best to move forward.
River meanders in a tray

Meanders are a feature of some of the world's noblest rivers, but laboratory models have failed to meander convincingly. A new experiment succeeds, promising us a refined understanding of this familiar but vexing phenomenon.
Olfactory Receptor Neurons

Olfactory receptor neurons are the primary sensory cell in a system designed to detect and discriminate between a large and diverse array of chemical ligands called odours. The mechanisms employed for this task are a model of biological engineering. Keywords: sensory; odour; perception; signalling
From Hope to Despair in Thessalonica: Situating 1 and 2 Thessalonians

Preface Abbreviations Part I: 1. Introduction Part II: 2. Grieving without hope 3. Anxious and fearful 4. In need of reassurance Part III: 5. Shaken and terrified 6. Perseverance under threat 7. Explaining the problem of 'idleness' and the conclusion: the situation underlying 2 Thess. 3:6-15 and 3:16-18 Part IV: 8. Synthesis and conclusion Appendix: Michael, the restrainer removed (2 Thess. 2:6-7) Bibliography.
Concatenated space-time codes for quasi-static fading channels: constrained capacity and code design

The problem of designing codes with close-to-capacity performance on the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) quasi-static fading channel (QSFC) is addressed. We consider three different coding schemes - namely, direct transmission of random-like codes, concatenation with linear processing orthogonal space-time block codes (o-STBC) and concatenation with space-time trellis codes (STTC). The constrained modulation outage capacity of each of these schemes is computed. It is shown how low-density parity check (LDPC) codes may be used to approach capacity in these cases. For the STTC, the serial concatenation scheme of Gulati et al. (2001) turns out to have close to capacity performance.