cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of overburden characteristics on dynamic failure in underground coal mining

Abstract Dynamic failures, or “bumps”, remain an imperative safety concern in underground coal mining, despite significant advancements in engineering controls. The presence of spatially discrete, stiff roof units are one feature that has been linked to these events. However, an empirical stratigraphic review indicates that no significant difference exists in the relative commonality of discrete units between bumping and non-bumping deposits. Instead an apparent relationship exists between reportable bumping and the overall stiffness of the host rock. However, this initial study is too simplistic to be conclusive; to weight the relative impact of changes in a single variable, such as the thickness or location of sandstone members, it must be examined in isolation—i.e., in a setting where all other variables are held constant. Numerical modelling provides this setting, and the effects of variability in a stiff discrete member in a hypothetical longwall mining scenario are investigated within the context of three stratigraphic “types”, Compliant, Intermediate and Stiff. A modelling experiment examines changes in rupture potential in stiff roof units for each stratigraphic type as discrete unit thickness and location are manipulated through a range of values. Results suggest that the stiff-to-compliant ratio of the host rock has an impact on the relative stress-inducing effects of discrete stiff members. In other words, it is necessary to consider both the thickness and the distance to the seam, within the context of the host rock, to accurately anticipate areas of elevated rupture-induced hazard; acknowledging the presence of a discrete unit within the overburden in general terms is an insufficient indicator of risk. This finding helps to refine our understanding of the role of individual stiff, strong roof members in bumping phenomena, and suggests that a holistic view of overburden lithology and site-specific numerical modelling may be necessary to improve miner safety.
Continuous surveillance of oxygen saturation and respirations after bariatric surgery

Background: Continuous, post-operative patient monitoring can provide healthcare workers with earlier warning signs of patient deterioration. The Masimo Pulse CO-Oximeter (Masimo Corporation, Irvine, CA) has acoustic monitoring technology which measures respiratory rate (RR) by analyzing acoustic signals generated across the upper airway while breathing. We continuously monitored for 19-24 hours (hrs) post-surgery RR and oxygen saturation (SpO2) in obese patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for bariatric surgery weight loss. The objective was to assess incidence of decreased RR ( 30, between 30 and 10, and < 10 breaths per minute). The percentage of time that the patient spent in each range was calculated. Median values were calculated for each category. Results: During the extended monitoring period, the median percentage of time spent with SpO2 below 90% was 5.4%. The median percentage of time that a subject had a RR of less than 10 respirations/min was 0%. There was no correlation between SpO2 and respiratory rate. Fourteen patients in our study population were on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and reported VAS scores between 3 and 6. This may have prevented them from being deeply sedated. There were no apnea periods longer than 30 seconds. Conclusions: In this small group of obese patients, a low RR was not encountered during an extended post-operative period. These patients did not experience desaturation, apnea, or significant reductions of RR.
Monitored Anesthesia Care vs Intubation for Vertebrobasilar Stroke Endovascular Therapy

Importance No consensus regarding the ideal sedation treatment for stroke endovascular therapy has been reached, and practices remain largely based on local protocols and clinician preferences. Most studies have focused on anterior circulation strokes; therefore, little is known regarding the optimal anesthesia type for vertebrobasilar occlusion strokes. Objective To compare clinical and angiographic outcomes between monitored anesthesia care (MAC) and general anesthesia (GA) in patients presenting with vertebrobasilar occlusion strokes. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective, matched, case-control study of consecutive vertebrobasilar occlusion strokes treated with endovascular therapy at 2 academic institutions. The study took place between September 2005 and September 2015 at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Stroke Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and between September 2010 and September 2015 at the Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center at Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia. Patients requiring emergent intubation prior to endovascular therapy were excluded. The remaining patients were categorized into (1) MAC and (2) elective intubation for the procedure (elective GA). Patients who converted from MAC to GA during the procedure were included in the MAC group. The 2 groups were matched for age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and glucose levels. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome measure was the shift in the degree of disability among the 2 groups as measured by the modified Rankin scale at 90 days. Results A total of 215 patients underwent endovascular therapy for vertebrobasilar occlusion strokes during the study period. Thirty-nine patients were excluded owing to emergent pre–endovascular therapy intubation. Sixty-three patients had MAC (36%) and 113 patients had GA (64%). The conversion rate from MAC to GA was 13% (n = 8). After matching, 61 pairs of patients (n = 122) underwent primary analysis. The 2 groups were well balanced in terms of baseline characteristics. Median age was 69 years (interquartile range, 60-75 years) in the MAC group vs 67 years (interquartile range, 55.5-78.5 years) in the GA group ( P = .83). Fifty-four percent of the patients in the MAC group were men vs 41% in the GA group ( P = .44). When compared with the elective GA group, patients who underwent the procedure with MAC had similar rates of successful reperfusion, good clinical outcomes, hemorrhagic complications, and mortality. The modality of anesthesia was not associated with any significant changes in the modified Rankin scale score distribution (MAC: OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.80-2.90; P = .19). Conclusions and Relevance In endovascular therapy for acute posterior circulation stroke, MAC is feasible and appears to be as safe and effective as GA. Future clinical trials are warranted to confirm our findings.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in US Women.

Genetic factors likely influence individuals' concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], a biomarker of vitamin D exposure previously linked to reduced risk of several chronic diseases. We conducted a genome-wide association study of serum 25(OH)D (assessed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) and 386,449 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Our sample consisted of 1829 participants randomly selected from the Sister Study, a cohort of women who had a sister with breast cancer but had never had breast cancer themselves. 19,741 SNPs were associated with 25(OH)D (p<0.05). We re-assessed these hits in an independent sample of 1534 participants who later developed breast cancer. After pooling, 32 SNPs had genome-wide significant associations (p<5x10-8). These were located in or near GC, the vitamin D binding protein, or CYP2R1, a cytochrome P450 enzyme that hydroxylates vitamin D to form 25(OH)D. The top hit was rs4588, a missense GC polymorphism associated with a 3.5 ng/mL decrease in 25(OH)D per copy of the minor allele (95% confidence interval [CI]: -4.1, -3.0; p=4.5x10-38). The strongest SNP near CYP2R1 was rs12794714, a synonymous variant (p=3.8x10-12; =1.8 ng/mL decrease in 25(OH)D per minor allele [CI: -2.2, -1.3]). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations from samples collected from some participants 3-10 years after baseline (811 cases, 780 non-cases) were also strongly associated with both loci. These findings augment our understanding of genetic influences on 25(OH)D and the possible role of vitamin D binding proteins and cytochrome P450 enzymes in determining measured levels. These results may help to identify individuals genetically predisposed to vitamin D insufficiency.
Quantifying rates of soil deflation with Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry in west Greenland

ABSTRACTAeolian processes are important drivers of geomorphic change in cold regions. Because these processes often occur at slow timescales over large areas, it can be difficult to quantify rates using traditional field methods. In the Kangerlussuaq region of Greenland, strong katabatic winds have shaped distinct erosional landforms, or deflation patches, that appear to expand across the landscape. The modern erosion rate along the active margins, or scarps, of these deflation patches is unknown. We use Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry to quantify the geomorphic change of ten deflation patches between 2014 and 2016. During the two-year study period, significant positive and negative change occurred at all sites, suggesting that deflation patches are active landforms and that geomorphic change is highly heterogeneous and localized. We observed significant change primarily along the scarps, while little to no change occurred in the center of the patches. Along the scarps, the mean negative change...
Synthesis of Alkaline Anion Exchange Membranes with Chemically Stable Imidazolium Cations: Unexpected Cross-Linked Macrocycles from Ring-Fused ROMP Monomers

In order to prepare base-stable, mechanically strong, and synthetically feasible alkaline anion exchange membranes (AAEMs) for applications in alkaline fuel cells, an imidazolium-fused cyclooctene monomer was prepared and subjected to ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) conditions. Surprisingly, macrocyclic oligomers were obtained instead of high molecular weight polymers. High-performance AAEMs were synthesized by using a bifunctional monomer to cross-link the macrocycles. The resultant AAEMs showed high ionic conductivities (σOH– = 59 mS/cm at 50 °C), robust mechanical properties, and excellent alkaline stabilities.
Predicting Relative Protein Affinity of Novel Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) by An Efficient Molecular Dynamics Approach

With the phasing out of long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), production of a wide variety of alternative PFASs has increased to meet market demand. However, little is known about the bioaccumulation potential of these replacement compounds. Here, we developed a modeling workflow that combines molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation techniques to estimate the relative binding affinity of a total of 15 legacy and replacement PFASs for human and rat liver-type fatty acid binding protein (hLFABP and rLFABP). The predicted results were compared with experimental data extracted from three different studies. There was good correlation between predicted free energies of binding and measured binding affinities, with correlation coefficients of 0.97, 0.79, and 0.96, respectively. With respect to replacement PFASs, our results suggest that EEA and ADONA are at least as strongly bound to rLFABP as perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and as strongly bound to hLFABP as perfluorooctanoic acid...
Adolescent Psychological Development

The focus of this chapter will be to try to develop some useful answers to the following questions: What does the forensic psychiatrist need to know about normal adolescent psychological development and about adolescent psychiatry and psychopathology to be able effectively to make an informed assessment of psychopathology in the adolescent who is brought to his or her attention in the court, hospital, or detention center setting; and to make an informed treatment recommendation for the adolescent in trouble seen in those same settings?
WIND ENERGY FOR PUMPING AGRICULTURAL WATER

ABSTRACT Windmills have been used for centuries to pump water and grind grain. Asians used wind power to lift water for growing crops, while Europeans have used windmills to pump water into the sea so that land could be reclaimed for agricultural production. Americans have used wind power primarily for year-round water supply for livestock and domestic needs. The multiblade American wind turbine ranged in size from 2 to 6 meter (m) diameter and produced from 0.25 to 1.5 kilowatt (kW). The volume of water pumped using the piston pump ranged up to 0.5 liters/second (l/s). Irrigation pumping requires large amounts of power because most crops transpire a liter per second per hectare of water, thus requiring 30 to 50 l/s from each pump. Power requirements then range between 10 and 150 kW, depending on lift and discharge pressure. Four wind-powered pumping systems have been developed and tested by the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Bushland, Texas. A 40-kW mechanical-drive, vertical-axis wind turbine was combined with a 57-kW electric motor to power a deep-well turbine pump. A 25-kW, horizontal-axis and a 100-kW vertical-axis wind turbine were used to generate electricity, which in turn was used to supply power to a sprinkler irrigation system. A 4-kW stand-alone mechanical system was developed to pump water from small reservoirs. All systems have successfully been tested and are technically feasible; however, because of the high initial investments, systems must be used year-round for economical benefit.
Self-Efficacy and the Physiological Stress Response

In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in attention to the construct of stress. Whereas a few decades ago the term was hardly used, in the modern age most of us probably hear the term daily (Lazarus & Folk-man, 1984). One reason for this increased attention has been our growing understanding of the effects of stress and other emotional processes on important health outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease and infectious illness (Contrada, Leventhal, & O’Leary, 1990). Stress can influence health through two pathways. The first involves its effects on the adoption of health-impairing behaviors, such as the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other recreational drugs—or avoiding medical care or treatment—whereas the second concerns its direct effects on tissues and organs. This second pathway is mediated by activity in the major stress-responsive body systems, whose neuroendocrine products (to be reviewed) mediate the process.
Effects of Emission Controls and Stratospheric Ozone Loss on Tropospheric Ozone Production

In the past, air polluton generated from human activity was viewed as a local phenomenon. However, it is becoming well recognized that political boundaries do not contain air pollutants. These regional or even global consequences of anthropogenic emissions have challenged atmospheric scientists and policy decision makers. The complexity of regional scale air pollution problems is especially true for the eastern United States. The eastern United States represents one of three major areas on the globe with a high density urban/agricultural corridor (Chameides, et al., 1994). This mix of economic vitality have lead to intensified energy consumption resulting in a major source area of tropospheric pollutants.
Functional biomarkers of homologous repair (HR) deficiency to guide novel DNA damage response targeted therapy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

4576Background: Treatment for advanced ccRCC has rapidly evolved; however, responses are not uniform and synthetic lethal treatments with associated predictive biomarkers are still lacking. We prev...
Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in Native American, Hispanic, and White College Women

The sociocultural model of eating disorders asserts that societies which emphasize the thin-ideal have higher rates of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Recent research questions the related presumption that non-White cultures value a larger ideal female and thus have lower rates of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. The limited research on these constructs in racial/ethnic minorities primarily has used non-validated instruments. The current study investigated rates of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating with validated, widely used measures. Measures of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating were completed by 896 college women in the United States: 473 Hispanics, 341 non-Hispanic whites, and 82 Native Americans. Although Native Americans and Hispanics had higher body mass indices (and larger ideal shapes) than White women, the groups had similar body dissatisfaction scores. Native Americans reported somewhat less restricted eating compared to White women. When controlling for body mass index and age, group differences on body dissatisfaction emerged and the group differences in eating disorder symptoms became more pronounced, with White women showing more pathology. Reliability and validity across groups were good. This study offers some support for the sociocultural model of eating disorders and provides mean scores for Native American and Hispanic females on widely-used eating disorder measures. Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
Kentucky High Schools with SROs and Without: An Examination of Criminal Violation Rates

School violence has become a focal point, sparked by violent mass killings throughout the nation. One of the most substantial efforts for improving school safety and security is the utilization of ...
Role of Steroids in Preventing Osteoradionecrosis of the Head and Neck: A Systematic Review.

Objective: The aim of this study was to summarize the effectiveness of steroids in the prevention of osteoradionecrosis of the head and neck.Data Sources: PubMED, MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane trial registries.Methods: A systematic review of these data sources was performed through September 2018 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Included were English-language studies evaluating patients of all age groups diagnosed with head and neck cancer who underwent radiation therapy while receiving peritreatment steroids compared with those who did not receive steroids.Results: Two retrospective cohort studies were identified for qualitative review. On the basis of analysis of 25 328 participants (36-82 years of age) with head and neck cancer who underwent radiation therapy, the use of peritreatment steroids was associated with a significantly lower risk for osteoradionecrosis in both studies, with a hazard ratio of 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.94; P = .012) and a relative risk of 0.04 (95% confidence interval, 0.003-0.560; P = .017). Meta-analysis was precluded by clinical and statistical heterogeneity. Overall, the studies were of limited quality with high risk for bias and poor methodology.Conclusions: Limited retrospective data suggest that steroids are predictive of a reduced risk for osteoradionecrosis; however, no definitive conclusions can be made given the poor quality of the available literature. Well-designed, comparison-controlled trials are needed to clarify the promising role of steroids in the prevention of osteoradionecrosis of the head and neck.
The absence of hemolytic disease in the newborn rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Hemolytic disease of the newborn has not been observed in rhesus monkeys even though the newborn's erythrocytes may be coated with maternal antibodies. Using a 51chromium-erythrocyte survival assay, we found that maternal antibodies do not mediate immune elimination of newborn's red blood cells. However, certain allogeneic or xenogeneic antibodies mediate clearance via sequestration by the reticuloendothelial system, or by intravascular hemolysis, or by a combination of these. The class of antibody plays a major role in elimination since red cells coated with IgG but not with IgM were rapidly cleared. In addition, the quantity of antibody controls the rate and extent of clearance. A comparison of rhesus alloantisera suggests that coating of multiple antigenic sites is necessary for clearance. Passive immunization with selected high-titered anti-erythrocyte alloantisera can induce some hematologic signs of erythrocyte destruction in newborn monkeys.
New Proton-Ionizable Lariat Ethers with Picrylamino-Type Side Arms and Their Alkali Metal Salts. Synthesis and Structural Studies(1).

Twelve novel proton-ionizable dibenzo lariat ethers with picrylamino-type sidearms attached to the central carbon of a three-carbon bridge have been prepared in high yields by a three-step synthesi...
Ego Readings vs. Reading for Psyche

Jung claims that visionary imaginative literature, because its source is the collective unconscious, helps the collective psyche self-regulate. Proving Jung’s claim is difficult since shifts in collective consciousness have many causes, but an instance of literature’s playing a part in such a shift is Robert Browning’s The Ring and the Book which contributed to collective realization of the inherent limitations of point of view. Sometimes literature contributes to collective consciousness through tales bringing into focus a collective crisis, such as Jorge Luis Borges’s stories “The Garden of Forking Paths,” “The Library of Babel,” and “The Secret Miracle” which convey the modern dilemma of loss of absolute transcendent truths. Literature, however, cannot bring unconscious contents to consciousness if readers read with rigid ego boundaries, what I call ego readings. Slipping free from ego readings is more likely if one becomes aware that one is so reading. If readers already have experience of psyche beyond ego, they are more likely to be able to read for psyche. Still, even if readers do not have such experience, literature itself can initiate one into the existence of psyche as my reading of Mark Twain’s The Mysterious Stranger initiated me. One can become aware of performing ego readings through clues such as habitually discovering in the text what one already thinks, reading for plot, becoming angry at a text, discovering that one has been in denial about a text, and reading to find support for an argument. This latter practice characterizes literary criticism, as illustrated by Jacques Lacan’s, Jacques Derrida’s, and Barbara Johnson’s responses to Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Purloined Letter.” Paradoxically, the professional response to literature may obstruct reading literature for psyche. If one can overcome ego resistance to a text, as I suggest through my experience of reading D.H. Lawrence’s “The Rocking Horse Winner,” one can garner a story’s psychological riches. Still, resistance may arise from ethical concerns, including responsibility to oneself, so that the relationship between self and text requires conscious and conscientious negotiation, an unsettling process as I detail in reference to my reading of Roberto Bolano’s 2666. Once readers are aware of performing ego readings, they can attempt to loosen their ego boundaries through focused attention (an insight emerging from reading Virginia Woolf’s “Kew Gardens”), particularly toward numinous moments for characters in a text or numinous responses in themselves. Reading for psyche also is furthered through re-reading, conscious intention, and reflection. For the institutions of literary criticism and of teaching to help readers be open to the contents of the unconscious psyche in literature, teachers and critics need to be aware of the difference between ego readings and reading for psyche. Jungian literature teachers and literary critics can take the lead.
Redefining or reinforcing accountability? An examination of meeting routines in schools

Accountability has been a major feature of educational policy making across the globe, including in the US where there is a persistent focus on student achievement results. This paper examines how accountability influences organizational routines in US schools, paying particular attention to meeting routines. We draw upon in-depth qualitative data gathered in four urban middle schools in which approximately 40 math teachers were engaged in collaboration and data use in order to improve instruction. Over a period of 3 years, we conducted extensive observations of teacher team meetings and interviews with teachers and administrators. An analysis of data reveals that many meetings were dominated by organizational routines that reflected state accountability systems, regardless of whether the topic was assessment, curricular pacing, or planning. At times, teachers and administrators made attempts to shift meeting routines from test-based accountability to a focus on instruction and professional accountability; however, existing routines endured. The findings from this study have important implications for thinking through whether and how the field may move towards more intelligent forms of accountability in the presence of external demands and deeply embedded patterns.
An Update on Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Gliomas

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant tumor predisposition syndrome that affects children and adults. Individuals with NF1 are at high risk for central nervous system neoplasms including gliomas. The purpose of this review is to discuss the spectrum of intracranial gliomas arising in individuals with NF1 with a focus on recent preclinical and clinical data. In this review, possible mechanisms of gliomagenesis are discussed, including the contribution of different signaling pathways and tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we discuss the recent notable advances in the developing therapeutic landscape for NF1-associated gliomas including clinical trials and collaborative efforts.
A Novel Radar Imaging Method Based on Random Illuminations Using FMCW Radar

Compressed Sensing (CS) has provided a viable approach to undersample a sparse signal and reconstruct it perfectly. In this paper, the simulation results of a frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar, which employs a CS based data acquisition and reconstruction algorithm to recover a sparse 2-D target frame using fewer number of scans are presented. A 16-element antenna array based on digital beamforming approach is used on the receiver end to obtain random spatial measurements of the target frame, which is the key to compressed sensing. A linear relationship is established between the total received FMCW beat signal for each scan and the 2-D sparse target frame using a basis transform matrix. Simulations of the proposed radar are performed in MATLAB and the reconstruction results for different noise levels are presented.
Chapter 3 – Adaptation

Adaptations are heritable traits or characteristics that have been “selected for” in a species because of their positive effects in promoting genetic fitness and that are typically present in all or most members of that species. Adaptations can come about from new genes and traits being added to a species, as when horizontal gene transfer adds new genes and traits to a receiving prokaryote. They also evolve when traits already present are altered to take on a new and different function—such as wings that evolved from the forelimbs in birds and bats or when leaves evolve into flower petals. Cases like this are known as exaptations, and they occur when a trait that is already present takes on a new function that bestows fitness value in a new way. Adaptations can also result from the loss of traits no longer needed for achieving fitness. While not every feature of an organism is necessarily an adaptation, it is true that most of the traits resulting from heritable genes and alleles can be considered to be adaptations.
Algorithmic Approach to Fibroinflammatory Sinonasal Tract Lesions

Fibroinflammatory lesions of the sinonasal tract are one of the most common head and neck lesions submitted to surgical pathology. When the fibroinflammatory pattern represents the lesion (i.e., not surface reactive ulceration), an algorithmic approach can be useful. Separated into reactive, infectious, and neoplastic, and then further divided based on common to rare, this logical progression through a series of differential considerations allows for many of these lesions to be correctly diagnosed. The reactive lesions include chronic rhinosinusitis and polyps, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis. Infectious etiologies include acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, rhinoscleroma, and mycobacterial infections. The neoplastic category includes lobular capillary hemangioma, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, and NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type. Utilizing patterns of growth, dominant cell types, and additional histologic features, selected ancillary studies help to confirm the diagnosis, guiding further clinical management.
Critical periods of bone health across the lifespan for individuals with cerebral palsy: Informing clinical guidelines for fracture prevention and monitoring

Abstract Background Skeletal fragility is a major burden for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), but little is known clinically about when to prevent fractures or monitor bone health for this population. Critical periods of bone health (CPBH) are important windows for intervention to augment bone growth or mitigate bone loss. However, CPBH from the general population may not align with the needs or timing of skeletal fragility for individuals with CP. The objective of this study was to identify discrepancies when evaluating individuals with CP using CPBH across the lifespan from the general population, and propose new CP-specific CPBH. Methods Data from 2016 administrative claims databases were used, including the Optum's De-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database and a random 20% sample of the Medicare fee-for-service database from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Sex-stratified fracture prevalence was compared between individuals with and without CP across the lifespan starting at 2 years of age using age groups to capture important stages of development and 3–4-year age bands in adulthood (up to >80 years). Sex-specific CPBH from the general population included: rapid bone accrual, peak bone mass, menopause, and elderly. Results There were 23,861 individuals with CP and 9,976,161 individuals without CP. CPBH from the general population did not align with the timing of skeletal fragility for CP. For example, fractures were rare and decreased throughout the CPBH of peak bone mass for males without CP, but males with CP had a greater relative fracture risk (2.9–5.6-fold higher) and a substantially increased rate of fracture (CP-slope 14× higher than non-CP-slope). For females with CP, fracture risk was increased by 18–21 years, with additional inflection points (e.g., decade before menopause and again by 57–60 years). For males with CP, fracture risk in mid-life exhibited a pattern similar to elderly males without CP. Conclusions This study identified discrepancies in evaluating fracture risk for individuals with CP if using established CPBH from the general population. We therefore propose new CP- and sex-specific CPBH for fracture monitoring and prevention.
Spatial Variability in COVID-19 Mortality.

COVID-19 emerged as a global pandemic in the spring of 2020. Since that time, the disease has resulted in approximately 150 million cases and 3 million deaths worldwide. However, there is significant spatial variation in the rate of mortality from COVID-19. Here, we briefly explore spatial variations in COVID-19 mortality by country groupings and propose possible explanations for the differences observed. Specifically, we find that there is a statistically significant difference in COVID-19 mortality between countries grouped into categories based on (1) developed, primarily western diets and healthcare systems; (2) “Scandinavian” countries with advanced healthcare systems and generally anti-inflammatory diets, and (3) developing countries. We do not infer causality but believe that the observed associations provide hypotheses for future research investigations. Moreover, our results add further evidence to support additional exploration of vitamin D exposure/status and COVID-19 mortality.
Acute Myocardial Infarction With Diffuse ST-Segment Elevation: Where Is the Culprit?

A patient in their sixties with history of hypertension but no other cardiac history presented with 2 hours of severe substernal chest pain, diaphoresis, and lightheadedness. The patient’s heart rate was 68 beats per minute and their blood pressure was 112/78 mm Hg. Cardiac examination revealed distant heart sounds but no murmur or gallop. The Figure, A demonstrates the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) taken on admission. In addition to probable left ventricular hypertrophy, it showed first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block and ST-segment elevation both in the inferior and in the anterior leads. The patient underwent emergency cardiac catheterization, which revealed single-vessel disease with acute thrombotic occlusion. Identify all potential conflicts of interest that might be relevant to your comment. Conflicts of interest comprise financial interests, activities, and relationships within the past 3 years including but not limited to employment, affiliation, grants or funding, consultancies, honoraria or payment, speaker's bureaus, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, royalties, donation of medical equipment, or patents planned, pending, or issued. Err on the side of full disclosure. If you have no conflicts of interest, check "No potential conflicts of interest" in the box below. The information will be posted with your response. Not all submitted comments are published. Please see our commenting policy for details.
Atg5 knockdown induces age-dependent cardiomyopathy which can be rescued by repeated remote ischemic conditioning

Altered autophagy is implicated in several human cardiovascular diseases. Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is cardioprotective in multiple cardiovascular injury models and modifies autophagy signaling, but its effect in cardiomyopathy induced by gene manipulation has not been reported. To investigate the cardiac effects of chronically reduced autophagy as a result of Atg5 knockdown and assess whether RIC can rescue the phenotype. Atg5 knockdown was induced with tamoxifen for 14 days in cardiac-specific conditional Atg5 flox mice. Autophagy proteins and cardiac function were evaluated by Western blot and echocardiography, respectively. RIC was induced by cyclical hindlimb ischemia and reperfusion using a tourniquet. RIC or sham procedure was performed daily during tamoxifen induction and, in separate experiments, chronically 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Cardiac responses were assessed by end of the study. Cardiac-specific knockdown of Atg5 reduced protein levels by 70% and was associated with a significant increase in mTOR, a reduction of LC3-II and increased upstream autophagy proteins including LC3-I, P62, and Beclin. The changes in biochemical markers were associated with development of an age-related cardiomyopathy during the 17-month follow-up indicated by increased heart weight body weight ratio, progressive decline in cardiac function, and premature death. RIC increased cardiac ATG5 and rescued some of the Atg5 knockdown-induced cardiomyopathy phenotype and associated morphological remodeling. We conclude that cardiac-specific Atg5 knockdown leads to the development of age-related cardiomyopathy. RIC reverses the molecular and structural phenotype when administered both acutely and chronically.
A Nonparametric Maximum Likelihood Approach to Mixture of Regression

Mixture of regression models are useful for regression analysis in heterogeneous populations where a single regression model may not be appropriate for the entire population. We study the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator (NPMLE) for fitting these models. The NPMLE is based on convex optimization and does not require prior specification of the number of mixture components. We establish existence of the NPMLE and prove finite-sample parametric (up to logarithmic multiplicative factors) Hellinger error bounds for the predicted density functions. We also provide an effective procedure for computing the NPMLE without ad-hoc discretization and prove a theoretical convergence rate under certain assumptions. Numerical experiments on simulated data for both discrete and non-discrete mixing distributions demonstrate the remarkable performances of our approach. We also illustrate the approach on two real datasets.
WE‐D‐213‐00: Preparing for the ABR Diagnostic and Nuclear Medicine Physics Exams

Adequate, efficient preparation for the ABR Diagnostic and Nuclear Medical Physics exams is key to successfully obtain ABR professional certification. Each part of the ABR exam presents its own challenges: Part I: Determine the scope of basic medical physics study material, efficiently review this material, and solve related written questions/problems. Part II: Understand imaging principles, modalities, and systems, including image acquisition, processing, and display. Understand the relationship between imaging techniques, image quality, patient dose and safety, and solve related written questions/problems. Part III: Gain crucial, practical, clinical medical physics experience. Effectively communicate and explain the practice, performance, and significance of all aspects of clinical medical physics. All three parts of the ABR exam require specific skill sets and preparation: mastery of basic physics and imaging principles; written problem solving often involving rapid calculation; responding clearly and succinctly to oral questions about the practice, methods, and significance of clinical medical physics. This symposium focuses on the preparation and skill sets necessary for each part of the ABR exam. Although there is some overlap, the nuclear exam covers a different body of knowledge than the diagnostic exam. A separate speaker will address those aspects that are unique to the nuclear exam. Medical physicists who have recently completed each of part of the ABR exam will share their experiences, insights, and preparation methods to help attendees best prepare for the challenges of each part of the ABR exam. In accordance with ABR exam security policy, no recalls or exam questions will be discussed. Learning Objectives: 1. How to prepare for Part 1 of the ABR exam by determining the scope of basic medical physics study material and related problem solving/calculations 2. How to Prepare for Part 2 of the ABR exam by understanding diagnostic and/or nuclear imaging physics, systems, dosimetry, safety and related problem solving/calculations 3. How to Prepare for Part 3 of the ABR exam by effectively communicating the practice, methods, and significance of clinical diagnostic and/or nuclear medical physics
Clinical characteristics and antibiotic utilization in surgical patients with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) remains a significant problem in surgical patients. To address this, we prospectively studied all episodes of treated CDAD in surgical inpatients at the University of Virginia hospital from December 1996 through March 1998. CDAD accounted for 3.2 per cent (32) of 1000 total infections. Compared with a randomly selected control group with other nosocomial infections, patients with CDAD had a longer period from the time of admission to diagnosis of infection (19 ± 4 versus 9 ± 1; P = 0.01), were more likely to be female (66% versus 37%; P = 0.009), and had a higher overall crude mortality (31% versus 11%; P = 0.01), although there were no deaths directly attributable to CDAD. Ciprofloxacin (19%) and cefoxitin (16%) were the most common individual antibiotics prescribed before the diagnosis of CDAD. The average time from completion of antibiotic therapy to diagnosis of CDAD was 7 ± 2 days (range, 0-58). Sixteen per cent (5 of 32) developed CDAD after administration of prophylactic perioperative antibiotics only. The high crude mortality rate associated with CDAD suggests that this may be a significant predictor of poor outcome among infected surgical patients. Antibiotics used commonly but not classically associated with CDAD frequently precipitate this infection. Finally, the use of prophylactic antibiotics is not without risk, as demonstrated by the significant percentage of CDAD occurring after routine administration of these agents.
How Competition Is Viewed Across Cultures A Test of Four Theories

Competition is a pervasive aspect of human life. Yet the values and attitudes that people have concerning competition vary widely, from the belief that it underpins the social order to the belief that it corrodes positive social ties. This research examines the structural and cultural roots of these attitudes across societies. Contrasting predictions from five social theories (Marxism, system justification, Protestant ethic, postmaterialism, and individualism) were derived and tested using data from the World Values Survey. Study 1 tests the various hypotheses examining differences between societies. Using a mixed-level model, Study 2 examines the individuals' attitudes toward competition in the context of both individual-level and societal-level factors. Results indicate that competitive values are consistently related to Protestantism, both at the level of individual affiliation and cultural religious history, especially when structural factors are controlled. However, only limited support was found for...
Hypophosphatemia--incidence, etiology, and prevention in the trauma patient.

Hypophosphatemia is associated with a number of undesirable physiologic consequences and has been reported to occur frequently in trauma patients. We studied patients in the immediate posttraumatic period to document a) the decrease in serum P, b) renal P excretion, and c) the response to prophylactic PO4 administration. In both group 1 (n = 12) and group 2 (n = 10) patients, we measured serum P, creatinine, ionized Ca, urinary P excretion, and creatinine clearance daily for the first 3 to 4 days postinjury. Patients in group 2 also received 0.5 mmol/kg.day of PO4 for the first 48 h after admission. Group 1 patients exhibited a significant (p less than .05) decrease in serum P over the first 24 h (1.00 +/- 0.30 to 0.75 +/- 0.23 mmol/L). In contrast, group 2 patients did not demonstrate a decrease in serum P. Urinary P excretion in group 1 accounts for the observed decrease in serum P. The results of our study show that the immediate posttraumatic period is associated with a decrease in serum P and massive urinary P excretion. We also showed that prophylactic administration of 0.5 mmol PO4/kg.day prevents serum P decrease.
Linear Analysis of Axial Sheared Flow in Astrophysical Jets

A linear analysis of axial sheared flow in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) jets with helical magnetic fields is presented. A linearized set of ideal MHD equations allows the investigation of plasmas with both magnetic shear and flow shear included in the equilibrium profile. These equations are integrated numerically by following the linear development in time of an initial seed perturbation. Global instability growth rates are obtained after the numerical solution converges to the fastest the growing mode. It is shown that axial sheared flow reduces the growth of current-driven instabilities in plasma jets with constant magnetic pitch P = r B z/B θ.
Lariat ether bola-amphiphiles: formation of crown ether based bola-amphisomes

The first crown ether-based bola-amphiphiles are prepared and are shown to aggregate into a previously unknown type of niosome.
LKB1--a master tumour suppressor of the small intestine and beyond.

Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare, inherited intestinal polyposis syndrome that is associated with a significantly increased risk of several types of cancer — particularly those of the gastrointestinal and reproductive systems. Most cases of PJS have been associated with loss-of-function mutations in the ubiquitously expressed LKB1 gene, which encodes a serine/ threonine kinase. Recent studies have begun to illustrate the molecular mechanisms by which LKB1 functions as an important new tumour suppressor.
High Power Density Levitation-Induced Vibration Energy Harvester

We report a levitation-induced vibration energy harvester based on a double-repulsion configuration in the moving magnet composite. Computational modeling clearly illustrated the advantages of the double-repulsion configuration over the single-repulsion and no-repulsion configurations. Double-repulsion configuration provided the best dynamics (displacement and velocity) and out- put response (voltage). Based on the modeling results, an AA battery-sized harvester with the double-repulsion con- figuration was fabricated. The harvester exhibited high power response at low frequencies (12.9 mW at 1g and 16 Hz) and also exhibited a high normalized power den- sity at low excitations (15.33 mW cm �3 g �2 at 0.25g and 13 Hz). The harvester was used to charge a cellphone at 4.7 V DC.
A polymer physics perspective on driving forces and mechanisms for protein aggregation.

Protein aggregation is a commonly occurring problem in biology. Cells have evolved stress-response mechanisms to cope with problems posed by protein aggregation. Yet, these quality control mechanisms are overwhelmed by chronic aggregation-related stress and the resultant consequences of aggregation become toxic to cells. As a result, a variety of systemic and neurodegenerative diseases are associated with various aspects of protein aggregation and rational approaches to either inhibit aggregation or manipulate the pathways to aggregation might lead to an alleviation of disease phenotypes. To develop such approaches, one needs a rigorous and quantitative understanding of protein aggregation. Much work has been done in this area. However, several unanswered questions linger, and these pertain primarily to the actual mechanism of aggregation as well as to the types of intermolecular associations and intramolecular fluctuations realized at low protein concentrations. It has been suggested that the concepts underlying protein aggregation are similar to those used to describe the aggregation of synthetic polymers. Following this suggestion, the relevant concepts of polymer aggregation are introduced. The focus is on explaining the driving forces for polymer aggregation and how these driving forces vary with chain length and solution conditions. It is widely accepted that protein aggregation is a nucleation-dependent process. This view is based mainly on the presence of long times for the accumulation of aggregates and the elimination of these lag times with “seeds”. In this sense, protein aggregation is viewed as being analogous to the aggregation of colloidal particles. The theories for polymer aggregation reviewed in this work suggest an alternative mechanism for the origin of long lag times in protein aggregation. The proposed mechanism derives from the recognition that polymers have unique dynamics that distinguish them from other aggregation-prone systems such as colloidal particles.
Migration patterns of thymus and bursa lymphocytes in normal chickens and Obese strain chickens with spontaneous thyroiditis

Abstract The migration patterns of different populations of lymphocytes were studied in normal White Leghorn and Obese strain chickens, the latter having spontaneously occuring autoimmune thyroiditis. Suspensions of spleen, thymus, or bursa cells were labeled in vitro with either 3 H-adenosine or chromium-51 injected into recipient chickens of the same age and strain as the donor and traced by autoradiography or counts of whole organs. The migration patterns of bursa or thymus cells were also studied by autoradiography following in situ labeling of these organs by local injection of 3 H-thymidine. All three populations of cells had similar migration patterns in both chicken strains following in vitro or in vivo labeling. The majority of cells “home” to the spleen. Smaller numbers of labeled cells were observed in the cecal tonsils, thymus medulla and in perivascular accumulations of lymphoid tissue found in various non-lymphoid organs. In the Obese strain chickens with thyroiditis, labeled cells from all three cell populations also localized in thyroid infiltrates.