cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Likelihood approaches for proportional likelihood ratio model with right‐censored data

Regression methods for survival data with right censoring have been extensively studied under semiparametric transformation models such as the Cox regression model and the proportional odds model. However, their practical application could be limited because of possible violation of model assumption or lack of ready interpretation for the regression coefficients in some cases. As an alternative, in this paper, the proportional likelihood ratio model introduced by Luo and Tsai is extended to flexibly model the relationship between survival outcome and covariates. This model has a natural connection with many important semiparametric models such as generalized linear model and density ratio model and is closely related to biased sampling problems. Compared with the semiparametric transformation model, the proportional likelihood ratio model is appealing and practical in many ways because of its model flexibility and quite direct clinical interpretation. We present two likelihood approaches for the estimation and inference on the target regression parameters under independent and dependent censoring assumptions. Based on a conditional likelihood approach using uncensored failure times, a numerically simple estimation procedure is developed by maximizing a pairwise pseudo-likelihood. We also develop a full likelihood approach, and the most efficient maximum likelihood estimator is obtained by a profile likelihood. Simulation studies are conducted to assess the finite-sample properties of the proposed estimators and compare the efficiency of the two likelihood approaches. An application to survival data for bone marrow transplantation patients of acute leukemia is provided to illustrate the proposed method and other approaches for handling non-proportionality. The relative merits of these methods are discussed in concluding remarks.
Defining the Group: Latino Identity and Political Participation

Latinos can opt for many different forms of ethnic group identity, ranging from that based on national origin to that based on a racialized non-White status. Unclear, however, is which of these forms of group identity is the most relevant to politics. The purpose of this study is twofold: to examine the different forms of Latino group consciousness and to uncover the relationship of each with political participation. This article outlines the three major forms of Latino group consciousness: national origin, panethnic, and racial. Ordered logistic and logistic models are used to determine the factors that predict strong identification with each form of group consciousness and the impact of those forms of consciousness on political participation. Although Latinos are more likely to evoke national origin or panethnic identities, racial identities are those that most strongly encourage political participation.
Bile acids in combination with low pH induce oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage: relevance to the pathogenesis of Barrett’s oesophagus

Background: Barrett’s oesophagus is a premalignant condition associated with an increased risk for the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (ADCA). Previous studies indicated that oxidative damage contributes to the development of ADCA. Objective: To test the hypothesis that bile acids and gastric acid, two components of refluxate, can induce oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage. Methods: Oxidative stress was evaluated by staining Barrett’s oesophagus tissues with different degrees of dysplasia with 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) antibody. The levels of 8-OH-dG were also evaluated ex vivo in Barrett’s oesophagus tissues incubated for 10 min with control medium and medium acidified to pH 4 and supplemented with 0.5 mM bile acid cocktail. Furthermore, three oesophageal cell lines (Seg-1 cells, Barrett’s oesophagus cells and HET-1A cells) were exposed to control media, media containing 0.1 mM bile acid cocktail, media acidified to pH 4, and media at pH 4 supplemented with 0.1 mM bile acid cocktail, and evaluated for induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results: Immunohistochemical analysis showed that 8-OH-dG is formed mainly in the epithelial cells in dysplastic Barrett’s oesophagus. Importantly, incubation of Barrett’s oesophagus tissues with the combination of bile acid cocktail and acid leads to increased formation of 8-OH-dG. An increase in ROS in oesophageal cells was detected after exposure to pH 4 and bile acid cocktail. Conclusions: Oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage can be induced in oesophageal tissues and cells by short exposures to bile acids and low pH. These alterations may underlie the development of Barrett’s oesophagus and tumour progression.
Estrogen regulation of adiposity and fuel partitioning. Evidence of genomic and non-genomic regulation of lipogenic and oxidative pathways.

Menopause is associated with increased adiposity and greater risk of metabolic disease. In the ovariectomized (OVX) rodent model of menopause, increased adiposity is prevented by estrogen (E2) replacement, reflecting both anorexigenic and potentially metabolic actions of E2. To elucidate metabolic and molecular mechanisms by which E2 regulates fat storage and fat mobilization independently of reduced energy intake, C57 BL/6 mice were ovariectomized, randomized to estrogen (OVX-E2) or control pellet implants (OVX-C), and pairfed for 40 days. E2 treatment was associated with reduced adipose mass and adipocyte size and down-regulation of lipogenic genes in adipocytes under the control of sterol-regulatory element-binding protein 1c. Adipocytes of OVX-E2 mice contained >3-fold more perilipin protein than adipocytes of pairfed control (OVX) mice, and this difference was associated with enhanced ex vivo lipolytic response to catecholamines and with greater levels of serum-free fatty acids following fasting. As in adipose tissue, E2 decreased the expression of lipogenic genes in liver and skeletal muscle. In the latter, E2 appears to promote the partitioning of free fatty acids toward oxidation and away from triglyceride storage by up-regulating the expression of peroxisome proliferation activator receptor-δ and its downstream targets and also by directly and rapidly activating AMP-activated protein kinase. Thus, novel genomic and non-genomic actions of E2 promote leanness in OVX mice independently of reduced energy intake.
Shoreline and Cove Sampling to Estimate Survival of Young Largemouth Bass in Lake Oconee, Georgia

Abstract Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) survival from age 0 to age I was estimated by using rotenone to collect samples from coves and also from 0.01-hectare shoreline areas in Lake Oconee, Georgia. Catch rates of age-0 largemouth bass from inshore sampling declined rapidly during the summer, but an apparent high within-summer mortality probably was due to reduced vulnerability and not to mortality. August estimates of abundance from shoreline sampling were consistentiy lower than estimates from cove samples for both age-0 and age-I largemouth bass. Based on the average density of these two age groups, annual survival estimates from shoreline sampling were 18 and 61% for the 1979 and 1980 year classes, respectively. Based on cove sampling, annual survival was 20 and 55% for the 1979 and 1980 year classes, respectively.
Identifying patients who may benefit from inferior turbinate reduction using computer simulations.

Objectives/Hypothesis (1) To determine objective criteria to predict which patients may benefit most from inferior turbinate reduction surgery. (2) To test whether the site of turbinate reduction, either along the nasal floor (bottom resection) or along the septal side (medial resection), impacts the extent to which nasal resistance is reduced. Study Design: Case series. Methods Three-dimensional reconstructions of the nasal anatomy of five nasal airway obstruction patients were created based on presurgical computed tomography scans. Inferior turbinate reduction models were created for each patient using virtual surgery. Airflow, heat transfer, and humidity transport during inspiration were simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Results Nasal resistance curves revealed little to no difference between bottom resection and medial resection models. In two patients, little change was observed in nasal resistance after virtual inferior turbinate reduction, which was attributed to the narrowest cross-sections being restricted to the anterior nose (i.e., anterior to the inferior turbinate). The three patients whose nasal resistances decreased substantially after virtual inferior turbinate reduction had a narrower airspace in the turbinate region and higher nasal resistance presurgery. Nasal air conditioning capacity was more affected by medial resections. Conclusions CFD simulations predicted no significant difference in the decrease in nasal resistance between virtual inferior turbinate reductions performed by bottom versus medial resection of the turbinate. However, bottom resections better preserved the calculated humidification efficiency. The simulations predicted that the greatest reduction in nasal resistance occurs in patients with the highest presurgical resistance in the turbinate region. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2015
Binding and subcellular distribution of cyclosporine in human fibroblasts

The uptake, binding, and subcellular sites of accumulation of [3H]-cyclosporine (CS) in two human gingival fibroblast strains, GN 23 and GN 54, have been examined. GN 23 responds to CS treatment with a decrease in collagenolysis, while GN 54 does not. Binding of the drug was determined using [3H]-CS concentrations ranging from 10−5 to 10−8 M in the absence or presence of excess unlabeled CS (1 mM). The binding of the drug to both strains was specific and reached a plateau within 10 min, remaining at that level for up to 1 h. Scatchard analysis of the specific binding of [3H]-CS to the responsive GN 23 strain revealed two dissociation constants: KD = 5 × 10−8 M (1.2 × 107 sites/cell) and KD = 1.4 × 10−6 M (2.2 × 108 sites/cell). GN 54, on the other hand, had only one class of low affinity binding site (KD = 0.47 × 10−6 M [1.2 × 108 sites/cell]). Unlabeled CS (0.01–1 mM) inhibited the binding of [3H]-CS in a dose-dependent manner to both strains, as did the calmodulin antagonist W-7, to a lesser extent. However, W-7 inhibited CS binding much more efficiently in GN 54 than in GN 23, suggesting that calmodulin may be the predominant CS receptor in GN 54. In both strains, 70% of the drug accumulated in the crude nuclear fraction after a 1 min incubation, with very little (⩽ 4%) being membrane associated, and the remainder was in the cytosol. In GN 23, CS levels in the crude nuclear fraction reached 80% by 20 min, and remained at this level for up to 1 h. In contrast, in GN 54, at incubation times of more than 1 min, the drug did not selectively accumulate in the crude nuclear fraction, but appeared to be in equilibrium between the nuclear and cytosolic fractions. These data show that the CS resistance of human gingival fibroblasts was not due to their inability to take up and bind CS. Rather, the different effects of CS on the collagenolysis of the responder and non-responder fibroblast strains may be related to the types of CS receptors they possess and differences in the cellular metabolism of CS occurring after binding, including the subcellular sites of drug accumulation. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Methods for improving protein disorder prediction

In this paper we propose several methods for improving prediction of protein disorder. These include attribute construction from protein sequence, choice of classifier and postprocessing. While ensembles of neural networks achieved the higher accuracy, the difference as compared to logistic regression classifiers was smaller than 1%. Bagging of neural networks, where moving averages over windows of length 61 were used for attribute construction, combined with postprocessing by averaging predictions over windows of length 81 resulted in 82.6% accuracy for a larger set of ordered and disordered proteins than used previously. This result was a significant improvement over previous methodology, which gave an accuracy of 70.2%. Moreover, unlike the previous methodology, the modified attribute construction allowed prediction at protein ends.
The effect of internalizing human single chain antibody fragment on liposome targeting to epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma

Immunoliposomes (ILs) anchored with internalizing human antibodies capable of targeting all subtypes of mesothelioma can be useful for targeted imaging and therapy of this malignant disease. The objectives of this study were to evaluate both the in vitro and in vivo tumor targeted internalization of novel internalizing human single chain antibody (scFv) anchored ILs on both epithelioid (M28) and sarcomatoid (VAMT-1) subtypes of human mesothelioma. ILs were prepared by post-insertion of mesothelioma-targeting human scFv (M1) onto preformed liposomes and radiolabeled with (111)In ((111)In-IL-M1), along with control non-targeted liposomes ((111)In-CL). Incubation of (111)In-IL-M1 with M28, VAMT-1, and a control non-tumorigenic cell line (BPH-1) at 37 °C for 24 h revealed efficient binding and rapid internalization of ILs into both subtypes of tumor cells but not into the BPH-1 cells; internalization accounted for approximately 81-94% of total cell accumulation in mesothelioma cells compared to 37-55% in control cells. In tumor-bearing mice intravenous (i.v.) injection of (111)In-IL-M1 led to remarkable tumor accumulation: 4% and 4.7% injected dose per gram (% ID/g) for M28 and VAMT-1 tumors, respectively, 48 h after injection. Furthermore, tumor uptake of (111)In-IL-M1 in live xenograft animal models was verified by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT). In contrast, i.v. injection of (111)In-CL in tumor-bearing mice revealed very low uptake in both subtypes of mesothelioma, 48 h after injection. In conclusion, M1 scFv-anchored ILs showed selective tumor targeting and rapid internalization into both epithelioid and sarcomatoid subtypes of human mesothelioma, demonstrating its potential as a promising vector for enhanced tumor drug targeting.
A dynamic priority scheme for broadband switching

A dynamic priority scheme for a broadband communication switching architecture that combines the flexibility of statistical multiplexing with the fixed size packet slots found in time-division multiplexing is proposed. The technique presented recognizes two major classes of customers with two levels of priority: higher-level priority for isochronous traffic and lower-level priority for nonisochronous traffic. At any point in time, packets belonging to the isochronous class are served in favor of their nonisochronous counterparts. Nonisochronous packets are served only when there are no isochronous packets ready for transmission. A subpriority counting scheme is exercised in the isochronous class to allocate the transmission facility effectively and equitably and hence minimize the variation of time delay not tolerable by most real-time applications. Under this transmission strategy, packet switching can be satisfactorily accommodated with or without adopting a slight modification to the switch. In addition, the proposed technique has a potentially high bandwidth utilization factor, the flexibility to adapt to different communication environments, and the inherent structural simplicity of the fixed-size packet approach. >
Elevated-Temperature Fracture Resistance of a Sintered α-Silicon Carbide

The fracture toughness of a dense, sintered commercial α-silicon carbide was determined for temperatures from 20° to 1400°C using both straight- and chevron-notched test specimens and also controlled-surface-microflaw specimens, all in three-point bending. The flexural strengths were also measured for the same range of temperatures and the trend is compared with that of the toughness. Measurements from this study are discussed and also compared with other results in the literature. Analysis reveals the importance of contrasting sharp crack and blunt crack techniques and also the need for addressing the microhardness indentation method separately. It is concluded that the fracture toughness of this silicon carbide is about 3 MPa · m½ and that the crack growth resistance is characterized by a flat R-curve behavior, both of which are independent of temperature from 20° to 1400°C.
Sevoflurane-N2O versus propofol/isoflurane-N2O during elective surgery using the laryngeal mask airway in adults

Abstract Study Objectives: To compare a sevoflurane-nitrous oxide (N 2 O) general anesthetic technique with a standard technique of propofol for induction, and isoflurane-N 2 O for maintenance. Design: Prospective, randomized study. Setting: University-affiliated tertiary-care hospital. Patients: 62 adults undergoing elective surgery using the laryngeal mask airway (LMA). Interventions: Patients received either the standard technique of propofol for induction and isoflurane-N 2 O for maintenance (controls) or sevoflurane-N 2 O for both induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Measurements: Induction and emergence times, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and end-tidal carbon dioxide were recorded. Main Results: Time to loss of consciousness was faster after propofol (mean ± SEM: 51 ± 3 sec) than after sevoflurane-N 2 O (85 ± 10 sec; p vs. 11 ± 1 min, respectively). All patients in the control group had apnea after LMA insertion compared with 4 patients in the sevoflurane-N 2 O group ( p 2 O group (69 ± 3 and 66 ± 3 bpm) versus the control group (81 ± 3 bpm and 74 ± 3 bpm, p 2 O groups (7, 8, and 12 min, respectively). The majority of patients in both groups (92% to 97%) rated their anesthetic experience as excellent or good. Conclusions: Sevoflurane-N 2 O and propofol provided comparable conditions for LMA insertion. Sevoflurane-N 2 O was not associated with a faster return of consciousness or faster time to exit the OR compared with isoflurane-N 2 O.
Wideband optical propagation measurement system for characterization of indoor wireless infrared channels

Present the design of a measurement set-up being used for characterizing an indoor wireless infrared communication system. This consists of an optical transmitter with a high-power laser diode and an optical receiver with a large-area avalanche photodiode. The receiver bandwidth, limited by the large capacitance and the long transit-time of the avalanche photodiode, is extended to 400 MHz using a transimpedence receiver design and a resonant-type analog equalizer. Some typical measured results are presented in the paper, as well. The impact of shadowing and receiver orientation on the channel frequency response are also shown for both line-of-sight and diffuse configurations.
Flash animation in introductory EE courses

We are developing interactive web pages for distance learning that use Macromedia Flash animation in undergraduate electrical engineering courses in circuits and signals and systems. We have animated key concepts such as steady-state analysis, time scale, time reversal, and convolution to allow students to better visualize these ideas. We are also developing ways to allow student input and immediate feedback in problem solving. The interactive web pages will be formally evaluated this year.
Running Forward New Frontiers in Endurance Exercise Biology

> Give every individual the right amount of exercise, not too little and not too much.1 > > —Hippocrates Physical activity has long been tied to good health. Hippocrates was guided by his theory of balanced humors to advocate that absolutely everyone, young or old, needs exercise, but not too much. A landmark 1953 study noted that drivers of public trolleys in London had twice as many acute coronary syndromes as did conductors of the same trolleys, the only notable difference being that conductors walked as they collected tickets and drivers sat.2,3 In the decades since this seminal epidemiological observation, nearly every aspect of human physiology has been demonstrated to benefit from exercise, ranging from lung and cardiac function to cognition and aging (Figure 1). The same decades, however, have witnessed a dramatic sedentarization of the US population (despite the newfound popularity of recreational exercise). Today, the consequences of sedentary lifestyles, synergizing with dramatic increases in caloric intake, are ubiquitous and devastating. Figure 1. The many long-term benefits of regular endurance exercise. Exercise is a fundamental component of the human condition. Humans are the only primates capable of sustained long-distance running, and this behavior likely significantly shaped the evolutionary departure of humans from other primates.4 For example, the need for heat dissipation during prolonged physical activity likely favored loss of body hair and the proliferation of sweat glands, thereby considerably altering the human form.5,6 Endurance exercise thus not only is good for us but in fact is part of what defines us. Not surprisingly, the study of exercise, including its mechanics, physiology, and health benefits, has long garnered fascination. Over the last decade, new molecular techniques have ushered in a new era of exercise research, focused on understanding fundamental mechanisms. The wealth of new information is staggering. …
Relative Thromboembolic Risks Associated with COX-2 Inhibitors

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical literature on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors to determine whether a greater incidence of thromboembolic events is universal within the drug class.DATA SOURCESA MEDLINE search was conducted (1996–March 2005) for key articles in the English language assessing the efficacy or safety of these agents.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTIONRandomized, double-blind, and controlled trials, as well as case–control and retrospective cohort studies, that assessed the cardiovascular safety of COX-2 inhibitors were reviewed.DATA SYNTHESISSeventeen published studies were reviewed, and the cardiovascular safety data were extracted from each trial. The mechanism by which COX-2 inhibitors may induce a thromboembolic event is likely multifactorial involving (1) COX-2–specific isoform binding affinity, (2) drug dose, (3) duration of therapy, and (4) cardiovascular risk profile of the patient. Evidence supports an association between cardiovascular adverse events and the use of rofecoxib, v...
Dual color beam recycling optical cavity development

Dual color beam recycling optical cavity was proposed to provide 402.5MHz 50ps UV laser pulses with a MW level peak power applicable to the laser assisted H-beam stripping for the Spallation Neutron Source.
Using protocol validation techniques to solve protocol conversion problems

Protocol conversion and protocol validation have some common problems to solve. A protocol converter is designed to realize a mapping at a given layer between two different communication protocols. Protocol validation is validation of the syntax properties of a converter. In this work the protocol conversion problem is transformed into the protocol validation problem so that existing techniques can be used to solve the protocol conversion problem. The functions of a converter are expressed explicitly through the interaction of several processes whose representations are easily constructed from the given CFSMs. An algorithm that routinely produces a converter and is free from syntax errors is presented. The validation technique used in the approach makes the algorithm very efficient for solving complicated protocol conversion problems. >
Are there empirically supported and clinically useful subtypes of alcohol dependence

Aims This paper provides an overview of several multidimensional empirically derived typologies of alcohol use disorders that have been derived primarily for research purposes in relation to their clinical utility. Methods Studies using multivariate statistical methods for identifying homogeneous groups of subjects were selected for inclusion. Theoretically based typologies were not included in this review. Results While formal diagnostic criteria typically identify separate categories of alcohol abuse and dependence, several studies using different statistical methods consistently suggest as many as four homogeneous types of alcoholism: a chronic/severe type, a depressed/anxious type, a mildly affected type and an antisocial type. Conclusions Even though the longitudinal outcomes of few empirically derived subtypes have been examined, alcoholism typologies remain a viable and potentially valuable tool for investigating etiological pathways, the effectiveness of treatments and the long-term course of alcohol use disorders.
Professional Formation with Emerging Adult Law Students in the 21-29 Age Group: Engaging Students to Take Ownership of Their Own Professional Development Toward Both Excellence and Meaningful Employment

Four factors have converged that require law faculty to add an additional foundational learning outcome, focused on helping each law student to take ownership over her own professional development, to the traditional emphasis of legal education on technical competencies such as doctrinal knowledge, legal analysis, and legal research and writing.First, we have a new understanding of the importance of the development of each student toward an internalized ethic of responsibility and service to others, plus an internalized commitment to professional development toward excellence. Second, there are both new data to consider on the developmental stages of students who are emerging adults in the 21-29 age group and new data that a substantial proportion of law students are at an earlier stage of taking ownership over their own professional development than where the faculty and the profession want them to be. Third, we have a new understanding of curriculum that is effective in helping each student take ownership of her own professional development. Fourth, both potential applicants (in deciding which institution to attend) and the federal government (concerned about student loan repayment) are increasingly emphasizing gainful employment outcomes.Taken together, the four factors are impelling law schools and the legal profession to define a professional formation learning outcome where each student takes ownership over creating and implementing a written plan to use her time in law school most effectively for her own professional development toward both excellence at the competencies needed to serve others well and, ultimately, meaningful employment.Recent empirical research on emerging adults in the 18-29 age range indicates their dominant motivation is to achieve self-sufficiency, which in turn has two principal sub-elements: (1) accepting responsibility for yourself; and (2) becoming financially independent. Legal educators (both faculty and staff) must help each student to understand that in order to achieve self-sufficiency, the student must take ownership to create and implement a written plan for his professional development toward excellence at the competencies needed to serve others well (this is the key learning outcome) across the whole arc of his or her studies, career, and life. This paper analyzes new assessment data demonstrating the effectiveness of a new curriculum designed to help each student take ownership over her professional development.
A cohort study examining headaches among veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan wars: Associations with traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and depression

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence and persistence of headache and associated conditions in an inception cohort of U.S. veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan wars. BACKGROUND: Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans (IAV) suffer from persistent and difficult-to-treat headaches that have been found to co-occur with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other deployment related comorbidities. METHODS: This longitudinal retrospective cohort study used data from the national Veterans Health Administration (VA) data repository for IAV who first received VA care in 2008 (baseline) and also received care each year in 2009, 2010, and 2011. We used ICD-9-CM codes, to identify those treated for headache each year (2008-2011). Individuals with headache diagnosed each year were classified as having persistent headache. We also identified comorbidities that may be associated with baseline headache using algorithms validated for use with ICD-9-CM codes. Comorbidities included TBI, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and conditions associated with these diagnoses (anxiety, memory/attention/cognition, neck pain, tinnitus/hyperacusis, photosensitivity/photo blurring, insomnia, malaise/fatigue, and vertigo/dizziness). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine characteristics associated with baseline headache as well as those associated with persistent headache. RESULTS: Among all IAV, 38,426 received their first year of VA care in 2008 and had care each year 2009-2011: 13.7% of these were diagnosed with headache in 2008. Veterans diagnosed with headache in 2008 were more likely than those without a headache diagnosis to also have a diagnosis of TBI alone (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] 6.75; 95% CI 5.79-7.86), TBI + depression (AOR 7.09; 95% CI 5.23-9.66), TBI + PTSD (AOR 10.16; 95% CI 8.96-11.53), TBI + PTSD + depression (AOR 9.40; 95% CI 8.12-10.09), and neck pain (AOR 2.44; 95% CI 2.14-2.77). Among those with headache diagnosis in 2008, 24.3% had a headache diagnosis each of the subsequent years of care (persistent headache). While diagnoses of TBI, PTSD, and/or depression at baseline were not associated with headache persistence, persistence was more likely for individuals with baseline tinnitus/hyperacusis (AOR 1.21; 95% CI 1.02-1.45), insomnia (AOR 1.19; 95% CI 1.02-1.39), and vertigo/dizziness (AOR 1.83; 95% CI 1.30-2.57). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that TBI alone is a strong predictor of headache in the first year of VA care among IAV and that comorbid psychiatric comorbidities increase the likelihood of headache among individuals with TBI. However, among those with baseline headache, only tinnitus, insomnia, and vertigo were baseline clinical predictors of headache persistence. These results suggest that attention to other symptoms and conditions early in the diagnosis and treatment of headaches may be important for understanding prognosis. These comorbidities offer potential targets for intervention strategies that may help address postdeployment headaches. Language: en
Death of a king: digital ritual and diaspora

In an age of social networking, transnational diasporic communities are actively participating in the flow of new media and technology, becoming increasingly interconnected and in closer cultural proximity. With the death of the Tongan King Tupou V, Tongans are communicating, (re)connecting, exchanging information and cultural practices as they turn not just towards Tonga but towards diasporic spaces of connecting. Tapu as a cultural practice deeply rooted and situated within Tongan social life is being renegotiated digitally as digital ritual. This paper adds to the concept of digital diaspora by including a digital ritual component that reconfigures the formation and contestation of social space and proposes a distinct sociospatial orientation to digital technology. The ritual literature is engaged as digital rituals are considered a sub-genre of Couldry's media rituals. Distinct indigenous cultural practices within diasporic communities are reconstituted and structured through digital ritual engagement...
Obesity Facts, Fads, and Fantasies

Diet crazes reflect an epidemic of obesity. Anxiety arising from the threat of obesity is compounded by the public being inundated with the claims of persons who are knowledgeable about nutrition and those who are not. Nutritional faddism remains one of America’s favorite indoor sports. Few will argue that dietary goals are needed — e.g. reduction in meal size, and such items as sugar, saturated fat, cholesterol, and meat. Increasing daily exercise as a substitute for eating is also required. Despite the massive industry the probability of success is very limited. Weight loss clubs can claim a short term mean 20 pound weight loss in 1/3 serious participants. Anorectic drugs can produce a 10 pound weight loss, but this is almost approached by the substitution of a placebo. Behaviour modification mean weight loss is also 10 pounds, but it is sustained for prolonged periods (>26 weeks).
US Exclusion for Small Business Capital Gains

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 was recently signed into law by the US President Obama, and one provision (section 126) in particular benefits venture capital, private equity, and other investors owning or planning to purchase a US corporation.
Protective and Opsonic Activities of a Native, pH 4.25 Intravenous Immunoglobulin G Preparation Against Common Bacterial Pathogens

The in vitro opsonic activity of a native, pH 4.25 immunoglobulin G preparation modified for intravenous use (IGIV pH 4.25) was compared with the activities of a standard reduced and alkylated, pH 6.8 preparation (IGIV-R/A pH 6.8) and a reduced and alkylated, pH 5.25 preparation (IGIV-R/A pH 5.25) against a variety of common bacterial pathogens. In most instances the opsonic titers of IGIV pH 4.25 equaled or exceeded that of IGIV-R/A pH 6.8; IGIV-R/A pH 5.25 usually had an intermediate level of activity. The protective activity of IGIV pH 4.25 against Escherichia coli in a neonatal rat model was also greater than that of IGIV-R/A pH 6.8. Thus, the functional activity of the new IGIV pH 4.25 apparently equals or exceeds that of standard reduced and alkylated preparations.
The cardiac patient in pregnancy; a five-year survey.

Abstract Much has been written about this subject by those who have made detailed studies of the associated conditions, and there are on record excellent recommendations, rules, and regulations for the care of this group. It is felt that any statements of this nature made here would be useless repetition. But for purposes of comparison, our experience and results should be of some value and it is with this idea in mind that this report is being made.
Comparison and Research of Line Selection Technology for Small Current Grounding of Coal Mine High-voltage Power Grid

The paper analyzed advantages and disadvantages of line selection methods for small current grounding of coal mine high-voltage power grid that are relatively mature in both theoretical research and application.Based on accuracy of line selection,no malfunction,a wide range of adaptability to different fault types and adaptability to neutral isolated or petersen-coil grounding modes,it proposed a complementary comprehensive selection method which combined steady-state and transient-state selection methods,and gave the block diagram of principle of the method.
Epilepsy in contemporary fiction: fates of patients.

L'epilepsie dans le roman contemporain: le sort des patients. Les recits sur l'epilepsie dans la fiction sont interessants parce qu'ils peuvent fournir de l'information sur les images et les visions du public sur l'epilepsie qu'on ne retrouve pas dans les textes medicaux. Les traditions medicales et non medicales forment l'histoire culturelle de l'epilepsie. Parmi les nombreux aspects possibles de l'epilepsie dans la fiction, cet article considere particulierement les connaissances des auteurs sur l'epilepsie; l'epilepsie en tant que handicap et motif de rejet social en se referant particulierement a l'epilepsie sous le regime Nazi; les menaces a la vie des patients; le theme de l'enfant epileptique comme un enfant divin; et l'epilepsie comme un sort et un motif de distinction. Les auteurs litteraires peuvent aider leurs lecteurs a comprendre qu'une personne qui souffre et qui combat une maladie comme l'epilepsie merite notre attention et notre sympathie. Sans etre exclusif, cet article accorde une attention speciale a l'epilepsie dans les ecrits des auteurs Canadiens.
Ultrasound and Radionuclide Studies of Urinary Extravasation with Hydronephrosis

AbstractTwo cases of urinary extravasation with hydronephrosis suspected by ultrasound studies and confirmed by radionuclide scans are reported. The value of ultrasound studies in patients with renal transplantation has been reported previously but studies in patients without transplantation are described rarely. Ureteral obstruction with hydronephrosis may cause urinary extravasation. The possibility of urinary extravasation or urinoma should be considered if a sonolucent lesion is seen around a hydronephrotic kidney and a renal scan with 99mtechnetium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid may confirm the finding.
Diagnosis Using CCTA and Management of Anomalous Right Coronary Artery from the Opposite Sinus.

Coronary anomalies can be observed in 1–1.2% of all angiograms performed. Majority of coronary anomalies are benign and do not lead to cardiac ischemia; however anomalous coronary arteries from the opposite sinus (ACAOS) are often associated with sudden cardiac deaths, typically in 0.11–0.35% of individuals who participate in vigorous physical activity (Penalver et al., 2012). Left and right ACAOS have an incidence of 0.15% and 0.92%, respectively. Left ACAOS are often associated with higher incidence of sudden cardiac death; this could be secondary to greater territory of myocardial perfusion by the left coronary artery. ACAOS are often asymptomatic and initially present as sudden death following exertion in young athletes. The management of left ACAOS is clear and surgery is usually indicated. However there is a lack of consensus on the management of certain cases of right ACAOS. In this paper a case of 20 yo M with right coronary artery from left sinus is going to be presented with a discussion on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.
Low-Power and High Performance Sinusoidal Clocked Dynamic Circuit Design

Important characteristic of any VLSI circuit isits power consumption, reliability, operating speed and siliconarea. Dynamic CMOS designs provide high operating speedscompared to static CMOS designs combined with low siliconarea requirements. Pipelines can be used for achieving highcircuit operating speeds. However, as the operating frequencyincreases, the number of pipeline stages should also increaseand so the memory elements. These memory elements increase thearea overhead and restrict the maximum achievable frequency dueto their delays. Memory-less pipelines based on dynamic designaddress these issues but, still require high power consumptionfor the clock signal. In this paper we propose a sinusoidalthree-phase clocking scheme that reduces the power required bythe clock and offers high circuit operating frequencies. Thusthe proposed technique provides advantages over preexistingtechniques in terms of power requirement, area of implementationand operating speed.
Intercalation of Alkynylplatinum(II) Terpyridine Complexes into a Helical Poly(phenylene ethynylene) Sulfonate: Application to Protein Sensing.

The interactions of two anionic poly(phenylene ethynylene) sulfonate-conjugated polyelectrolytes (mPPESO3– and pPPESO3–) with two alkynylplatinum(II) terpyridine complexes (Pt2+ and Pt3+) were studied. The Pt(II) complexes interact with helical mPPESO3– by intercalation within the polymer helix to form a “guest–host” ensemble. Titration of Pt(II) complexes into an aqueous solution of mPPESO3– gives rise to efficient quenching of the polymer’s fluorescence; meanwhile, triplet metal–metal-to-ligand charge transfer (3MMLCT) state emission from the intercalated Pt(II) complexes appears when the ensembles are excited into the polymer’s absorption band. The 3MMLCT state emission implies that the Pt(II) complexes aggregate or dimerize on the mPPESO3– scaffold. The responses of the mPPESO3– and Pt(II) complex ensembles to various proteins were examined by monitoring the mPPESO3– fluorescence change. Negatively charged proteins recover the mPPESO3– fluorescence more than the positively charged proteins under physi...
Elementary reaction profile and chemical kinetics study of [C(1D)/(3P) + SiH4] with the CCSD(T) method

Abstract Carbon and silicon-based molecules are omnipresent in the fields of combustion, atmospheric, semiconductor, and astronomical chemistry, among others. This paper reports the underlying elementary reactions for the [C(1D) + SiH4] and [C(3P) + SiH4] reaction profiles, optimized geometries of the intermediates, transition states (at the CCSD(T) level), RRKM and TST rate constants, and the corresponding branching ratios. Previously unreported van der Waals complex intermediates have been found for both reactions.
Trends in Sales of Flavored and Menthol Tobacco Products in the United States During 2011-2015.

Introduction Flavors can mask the harshness of tobacco and make it appealing to young people. This study assessed flavored and menthol tobacco product sales at the national and state levels. Methods Universal Product Code tobacco sales data collected by Nielsen were combined for convenience stores and all-outlets-combined during October 22, 2011-January 9, 2016. Products were characterized as flavored, menthol, or non-flavored/non-menthol. Total unit sales, and the proportion of flavored and menthol unit sales, were assessed nationally and by state for seven tobacco products. Joinpoint regression was used to assess trends in average monthly percentage change. Results Nationally, the proportion of flavored and menthol sales in 2015 was as follows: cigarettes (32.5% menthol), large cigars (26.1% flavored), cigarillos (47.5% flavored, 0.2% menthol), little cigars (21.8% flavored, 19.4% menthol), chewing tobacco (1.4% flavored, 0.7% menthol), moist snuff (3.0% flavored, 57.0% menthol), and snus (88.5% menthol). From 2011 to 2015, sales increased for flavored cigarillos and chewing tobacco, as well as for menthol cigarettes, little cigars, moist snuff, and snus. Sales decreased for flavored large cigars, moist snuff, and snus, and for menthol chewing tobacco. State-level variations were observed by product; for example, flavored little cigar sales ranged from 4.4% (Maine) to 69.3% (Utah) and flavored cigarillo sales ranged from 26.6% (Maine) to 63.0% (Maryland). Conclusions Menthol and flavored sales have increased since 2011, particularly for the products with the highest number of units sold, and significant state variation exists. Efforts to restrict flavored tobacco product sales could reduce overall U.S. tobacco consumption. Implications Flavors in tobacco products can mask the harshness of tobacco and make these products more appealing to young people. This is the first study to assess national and state-level trends in flavored and menthol tobacco product sales. These findings underscore the importance of population-based interventions to address flavored tobacco product use at the national, state, and local levels. Additionally, further monitoring of flavored and menthol tobacco product sales can inform potential future regulatory efforts at the national, state, and local levels.
Can Oxytocin Improve Core Brain and Behavioral Features of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of pervasive developmental conditions characterized in part by atypical development in social-communicative functions. Novel discoveries regarding the impact of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) on social behavior and its association with ASD prevalence and phenotypic presentation have generated a great deal of interest into OT’s possible role in ASD etiology and excitement about its potential as a therapeutic instrument. And yet, many challenges are faced by translational research efforts for OT in ASD. In this manuscript, some of these challenges are addressed, specifically the complexities of OT’s behavioral effects, the yet unknown long-term impact of OT, the undetermined neural mechanism underlying OT’s effects, and the non-linear impacts OT has on brain and behavior. In conclusion, guidelines for future translational research efforts are suggested.
Mixr: Flexible Runtime Rerandomization for Binaries

Mixr is a novel moving target defense (MTD) system that improves on the traditional address space layout randomization (ASLR) security technique by giving security architects the tools to add "runtime ASLR" to existing software programs and libraries without access to their source code or debugging information and without requiring changes to the host's linker, loader or kernel. Runtime ASLR systems rerandomize the code of a program/library throughout execution at rerandomization points and with a particular granularity. The security professional deploying the Mixr system on a program/library has the flexibility to specify the frequency of runtime rerandomization and the granularity. For example, she/he can specify that the program rerandomizes itself on 60-byte boundaries every time the write() system call is invoked. The Mixr MTD of runtime ASLR protects binary programs and software libraries that are vulnerable to information leaks and attacks based on that information.Mixr is an improvement on the state of the art in runtime ASLR systems. Mixr gives the security architect the flexibility to specify the rerandomization points and granularity and does not require access to the target program/library's source code, debugging information or other metadata. Nor does Mixr require changes to the host's linker, loader or kernel to execute the protected software. No existing runtime ASLR system offers those capabilities. The tradeoff is that applying the Mixr MTD of runtime ASLR protection requires successful disassembly of a program - something which is not always possible. Moreoever, the runtime overhead of a Mixr-protected program is non-trivial.Mixr, besides being a tool for implementing the MTD of runtime ASLR, has the potential to further improve software security in other ways. For example, Mixr could be deployed to implement noise injection into software to thwart side-channel attacks using differential power analysis.
Free Flap Reconstruction after Complications of Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Background Postoperative complications of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) include anterior surgical site dehiscence, hardware failure, infection, and amputation. Early intervention with free flap may provide TAA salvage. We report the largest series of failed TAA require microsurgical free tissue transfer, identify risk factors, and examine the long-term post-free flap outcomes. Materials and Methods This is a case series of consecutive patients from a single institution dedicated to limb salvage. Inclusion criteria included patients who underwent TAA with complications related to the index surgery and underwent microsurgical free tissue transfer. Nine patients were identified within the inclusion parameters. Results Patients presented with osteomyelitis 4 (44%), soft tissue infections 4 (44%), and wound dehiscence 1 (11%) following TAA. Three (33%) radial forearm free flaps and six (67%) anterolateral thigh flaps were used, with a 100% microsurgical success rate. Preoperative angiography revealed six (67%) patients with anterior tibial artery occlusion at the level of the ankle or below. Patients required an average of 2.7 ± 1 (range 1–4) operative debridements prior to free flap, with successful flap outcome and return to full weight bearing status in nine (100%) patients. The mean long-term lower extremity functional scale score was 62 out of 80 points. Conclusion Microsurgical free tissue transfer is an effective and favorable strategy to attain a stable soft tissue envelope for patients presenting with surgical site complications following TAA. We recommend early involvement with plastic surgery and endovascular angiography to evaluate the integrity of the anterior tibial artery.