cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survey on preventive methods availability for cervical cancer in medical institutions and cognition on cancer screening among women in Ningbo

Objective To assess the preventive methods availability for cervical cancer in medical institutions in Ningbo,and to understand the cognition on cancer screening among women.Methods Using cluster sampling methods,19 medical institutions at different levels and 3900 women were randomly selected and a questionnaire survey was conducted in Ningbo.SPSS 17.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results All surveyed medical institutions of municipal,county and township levels had carried out screenings for cervical cancer,and 6 screening tests including VIA or VILI,pap smear examination,liquid base cytology were all available in municipal institutions,but only 6 medical institutions conducted HPV-DNA testing and 9 did pathologic diagnosis.71.71% of women surveyed knew that cervical cancer could be found as early as possible through screening and the cognitive rate was closely related to age,education,occupation,household location and income(χ2=19.711,69.696,257.236,88.373,91.290,P0.05).Only 28.10% women realized that continuing high-risk type of HPV infection was the major cause of cervical cancer.There were 85.48% of women who claimed willingly to accept the screening and 48.91% could afford the cost of less than 100 RMB.Only half of the women were actually screened in the last 2 years.Conclusions The medical institutions in Ningbo are capable of screening for cervical cancer.Some local women in Ningbo are still lack of knowledge about cervical cancer screening and the cause of the cancer,which is associated with age,education,occupation,and income.
Angiotensin II type 1 receptor-mediated stimulation of c-fos gene expression in astroglial cultures

Angiotensin II (ANG II) stimulates plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) gene expression in astroglial cells prepared from rat brains. In this study, we investigated whether c-fos gene expression may be involved in this cellular action of ANG II. Incubation of astroglial cultures with ANG II caused a time- and dose-dependent transient stimulation of the steady-state levels of c-fos mRNA, with a maximal stimulation of 50-fold observed with 100 nM ANG II within 30-45 min. This stimulation was completely abolished by the presence of the type 1 ANG II (AT1) receptor antagonist losartan but not by the type 2 ANG II receptor blocker PD-123177. Depolarization of brain cell cultures with 50 mM K+ also caused a 100-fold increase in c-fos mRNA levels, an effect partially blocked by losartan. These observations show that AT1 receptor activation stimulates expression of the c-fos gene, which may act as a third messenger in the regulation of cellular actions of ANG II, including PAI-1 gene expression in astroglial cells.
Correction of the deficient alveolar ridge

The success of a denture is dependent on a good foundation; therefore, construction of the prosthesis begins with extraction of the teeth. The teeth should be maintained as long as possible if they can be restored. When the teeth are extracted, bone resorption usually starts, owing to systemic and local factors. Good communication between the prosthodontist and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon must exist during the diagnostic procedure, must be maintained through the various stages of treatment, and must prevail through the follow-up care of the patient. Each clinician must be aware of both the objectives and the possible limitations of the treatment the other will provide, to ensure optimal care for the edentulous patient. The development of the osteointegrated titanium implant system opens an exciting new avenue with respect to total rehabilitation of the edentulous patient. This is the future, and in our opinion, the preferred technique for mandibular reconstruction.
Next-Generation Sequencing in the Clinical Laboratory

Abstract Next-generation (or massively parallel) sequencing has rapidly supplanted traditional Sanger sequencing as the preferred methodology for acquiring clinical sequence data. Massively parallel sequencing offers numerous advantages including high sensitivity and specificity for genetic variants, the ability to consolidate numerous molecular tests to a single platform, and unprecedented sequencing throughput. However, reaping the full benefit of this new technology is a complicated, collaborative undertaking, and relies upon the interdependency of three disciplines: chemistry, computer science, and clinical medicine. Specialized sequencing instruments can simultaneously sequence a host of genetic targets in numerous patient samples, generating millions of sequence reads per reaction. Thus, informatics tools are necessary for searching these data and structuring information in a format that can be understood by a molecular pathologist. Finally, clinical understanding of the impact of genetic variants on disease diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis is used to generate a relevant clinical report.
Review: Medication adherence may reduce mortality and morbidity

Source Citation McDermott MM, Schmitt B, Wallner E. Impact of medication nonadherence on coronary heart disease outcomes: a critical review. Arch Intern Med. 1997 Sep 22;157:1921-9.
Long-term effects of a renin inhibitor versus a thiazide diuretic on arterial stiffness and left ventricular diastolic function in elderly hypertensive patients.

Arterial stiffness and cardiac function are important predictors of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension, even with adequate blood pressure (BP) control. We evaluated whether a direc...
Third Generation Neural Networks: Spiking Neural Networks

Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are based on highly simplified brain dynamics and have been used as powerful computational tools to solve complex pattern recognition, function estimation, and classification problems. Throughout their development, ANNs have been evolving towards more powerful and more biologically realistic models. In the last decade, the third generation Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) have been developed which comprise of spiking neurons. Information transfer in these neurons models the information transfer in biological neurons, i.e., via the precise timing of spikes or a sequence of spikes. Addition of the temporal dimension for information encoding in SNNs yields new insight into the dynamics of the human brain and has the potential to result in compact representations of large neural networks. As such, SNNs have great potential for solving complicated time-dependent pattern recognition problems defined by time series because of their inherent dynamic representation. This article presents an overview of the development of spiking neurons and SNNs within the context of feedforward networks, and provides insight into their potential for becoming the next generation neural networks.
A History of Modern Iran: “Royal despots”: state and society under the Qajars

Kingdoms known to man have been governed in two ways: either by a prince and his servants, who, as ministers by his grace and permission, assist in governing the realm; or by a prince and by barons, who hold their positions not by favor of the ruler but by antiquity of blood. Such barons have states and subjects of their own, who recognize them as their lords, and are naturally attached to them. In those states which are governed by a prince and his servants, the prince possesses more authority, because there is no one in the state regarded as superior, and if others are obeyed it is merely as ministers and officials of the prince, and no one regards them with any special affection. Examples of the two kinds of government in our time are those of the Turk and the King of France. Nicolo dei Machiavelli, The Prince THE QAJAR STATE Nineteenth-century Europeans tended to depict the Qajars as typical “oriental despots.” Their despotism, however, existed mainly in the realm of virtual reality. In theory, the shah may have claimed monopoly over the means of violence, administration, taxation, and adjudication. His word was law. He appointed and dismissed all officials – from court ministers, governor-generals, and tribal chiefs, all the way down to village and ward headmen. He made and unmade all dignitaries, bestowing and withdrawing honors and titles. He even claimed to own all property, treating the country as his own private estate.
Is social skills training effective for students with emotional or behavioral disorders? Research issues and needs

The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the factors that may influence the long-term effectiveness of social skills training. Potential impediments to the success of social skills trai...
Advanced Algorithms for 1-D Adaptive Filtering

In adaptive filtering practice, the Least Mean Squares (LMS) algorithm is widely used due to its computational simplicity and ease of implementation. However, since its convergence rate depends on the eigenvalue ratio of the autocorrelation matrix of the input noise signal, an LMS adaptive filter converges rather slowly when trained with colored noise as the input signal. However, with the continuing increase of computational power that is currently available in modern integrated signal processors (simply called “DSP chips” throughout the following discussion), adaptive filter designers should be free in the future to use more computationally intensive adaptive filtering algorithms that can perform better than the simple LMS algorithm in real time applications. The objective of this chapter is to explore several of these more computationally intensive, but potentially better performing, adaptive filtering algorithms. In particular, we will consider four classes of algorithms that have received attention by the research community over the last few years: 1) data-reusing LMS algorithms, 2) orthogonalization by pseudo-random (PR) modulation, 3) Gauss-Newton optimization for FIR filters, and 4) block adaptive IIR filters using preconditioned conjugate gradient techniques.
A mechanism for injury through cerebral arteriole inflation

An increase in arterial pressure within the cerebral vasculature appears to coincide with ischemia and dysfunction of the neurovascular unit in some cases of traumatic brain injury. In this study, we examine a new mechanism of brain tissue damage that results from excessive cerebral arteriole pressurization. We begin by considering the morphological and material properties of normotensive and hypertensive arterioles and present a computational model that captures the interaction of neighboring pressurized arterioles and the surrounding brain tissue. Assuming an axonal strain-induced injury criterion, we find that the injury depends on vessel spacing, proximity to an unconfined free surface, and the relative difference in stiffness between the arterioles and the surrounding tissue. We find that a steeper heterogeneity (stiffer vessels surrounded by softer brain tissue) causes larger axial strains to develop at some distance from the arteriole wall, within the brain parenchyma. For a more gradual heterogeneity (softer vessels), we observe more larger strain fields close to the arteriole walls. Both deformation patterns are comparable to damage seen in previous pathology studies on postmortem TBI patients. Finally, we use an analytical model to approximate the interplay between internal pressure, arteriole thickness, and the variation in mechanical properties of arterioles.
There and back again: natal homing by magnetic navigation in sea turtles and salmon

Diverse marine animals migrate across vast expanses of seemingly featureless ocean before returning as adults to reproduce in the area where they originated. How animals accomplish such feats of natal homing is an enduring mystery. Growing evidence suggests, however, that sea turtles and salmon imprint on the magnetic field of their home area when young and then use this information to return as adults. Both turtles and salmon have the sensory abilities needed to detect the unique 'magnetic signature' of a coastal area. Analyses have revealed that, for both groups of animals, subtle changes in the geomagnetic field of the home region are correlated with changes in natal homing behavior. In turtles, a relationship between population genetic structure and the magnetic fields that exist at nesting beaches has also been detected, consistent with the hypothesis that turtles recognize their natal areas on the basis of magnetic cues. Salmon likely use a biphasic navigational strategy in which magnetic cues guide fish through the open sea and into the proximity of the home river where chemical cues allow completion of the spawning migration. Similarly, turtles may also exploit local cues to help pinpoint nesting areas once they have arrived in the vicinity. Throughout most of the natal homing migration, however, magnetic navigation appears to be the primary mode of long-distance guidance in both sea turtles and salmon.
The Effects of Co-Treatment on Concept Development in Children With Down Syndrome:

This preliminary study investigated the effects of co-treatment by an adapted physical educator and speech-language pathologist on basic concept vocabulary learning in preschool children with Down ...
Abstract 3493: Tumor treating fields (TTFields) significantly alters how tumor cells repair double stranded breaks using homeologous Alu sequences

Tumor Treating fields (TTfields) are an FDA-approved therapeutic modality that utilizes low intensity alternating electric fields. Although the therapy’s primary mechanism seems to cause aberrant mitosis in dividing cells and subsequently cellular death, TTfields have also been reported to alter DNA repair pathways. Recent reports showed that chromosomal double strand breaks (DSBs) repair is delayed after TTfields treatment of glioma cells. DSBs are often repaired by error-prone pathways that can be influenced by proximity of repetitive sequences, such as Alu elements. Alu elements are known to contribute to genetic instability though homeologous recombination due to their sequence similarity and high density in the genome. We find that different tumor cells resolve the Alu heteroduplexes formed during DNA repair in different ways. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological effects of TTfields exposure, we examined mechanistic aspects of DNA repair using our previously published Alu/Alu recombination system in HEK293 and HeLa cells. Of note, our assay probes the recombination properties that occur in the cells that survive TTfields treatment, thus providing potential insights into therapeutic resistance. Our Alu/Alu recombination system is able to efficiently measure both the rate of Alu/Alu recombination (Single Strand Annealing-SSA), as well as Alt-Non Homologous End Joining (Alt-NHEJ) deletions that cause a deletion in the vicinity of the two Alu elements in the system. Sequence verification confirmed that most of the genetic deletions that occurred post TTfields treatment were the result of Alu/Alu recombination events that predominantly arose from repair by SSA in HEK293 and HeLa. This increase in SSA repair could be the result of SSA-intermediates that escaped heteroduplex rejection. These observations suggest the possibility that treatment of TTfields significantly alters how tumor cells repair DSBs using homeologous Alu sequences. Citation Format: Maria E. Morales, Tiffany K. Kaul, Prescott L. Deininger. Tumor treating fields (TTFields) significantly alters how tumor cells repair double stranded breaks using homeologous Alu sequences [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3493.
Investigation of Cavitation-Induced Damage on PDMS Films

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are complex phenomena that create epidemic healthcare and financial concerns. Recent studies have theorized that cavitation exists during a TBI and has potential to induce significant damage to the surrounding anatomy. This study seeks to implement polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films as a placeholder of the brain to elucidate the damage that the surrounding brain tissue would experience from nearby cavitation. The apparatus includes an existing methodology that implements controlled cavitation. 3D confocal microscopy and interferometry techniques are used to characterize the surface damage to the PDMS films. Visual representation and roughness parameters on the nanoscale help elucidate a distinct difference between control and experimental samples. These results help legitimize the concern of cavitation in the skull and also help motivate future studies to analyze the cellular response to surrounding cavitation.
SCC Health: A Framework for Online Estimation of Disease Severity for the Smart and Connected Community

Development of a smart and connected community (SCC) health framework is an indispensable part in the development of smart cities. Smartphones with increased processing capability, integrated sensors, storage capacity, and cloud connectivity have a key role to play in developing this SCC Health framework. In this paper, we report a novel smartphone-based framework for continuous monitoring of arrhythmia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and flu. In addition to personalized monitoring, community-wide temporal and spatial monitoring are also possible in this approach. A custom smartphone app is developed that has the ability for collection of body sensor data via Bluetooth, loading machine learning algorithms dynamically from the webserver, computing disease severity in real-time, sharing of anonymous data, and visualization of community health status via the webserver. The framework has been tested for online monitoring of OSA, COPD, and flu severity. An accuracy of ± 1°F has been achieved for flu measurement and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 8.27 AHI has been achieved for OSA severity estimation using heart rate variability and SpO 2 . The app has a power consumption of 218 mW when active, uses a memory of 7 MB, and requires a total storage space of 9.36 MB. This framework aims to improve community health, reduce waste in healthcare spending, and facilitate early treatment in case of disease exacerbation.
Prostatic Artery Preservation: A Novel Technique for Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract Introduction: Oncologic control without untoward effects on patient continence or potency remains the goal of robot-assisted radical prostatectomies (RARPs). Prostatic artery preservation ...
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and ADHD Symptoms in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Children: Differentiation Using Categorical and Dimensional Approaches.

A nationally representative sample of U.S. children was used to determine the empirical and clinical differentiation of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (...
Germination characteristics of Peganum harmala L. (Nitrariaceae) subjected to heavy metals: implications for the use in polluted dryland restoration

Phytoremediation is an effective and low-cost technique for the rehabilitation and cleanup of lands polluted with heavy metals. Selection of native plant species could avoid the ecological risks that are associated with the usage of non-native species. However, utilizing native species in phytoremediation and restoration of lands polluted by heavy metals requires information about their seed germinability and propagation requirements. The aim of this work was to assess the effects of four heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, lead and zinc) on the germination and early seedling growth of Peganum harmala L., a native Mediterranean species that has the potential to restore arid degraded lands. The results display that the germination characteristics (percent seed germination and Timson’s index) and growth parameters (hypocotyl and radicle lengths) worsened as the concentrations of all the heavy metals increased. Cadmium was found to be the most toxic element regarding these parameters, with toxicity decreasing in the following pattern: Cd > Pb > Cr > Zn. Radicle growth was more affected by the heavy metals compared to hypocotyl growth and the seedlings appeared to be more resistant to Zn. The germination ability of P. harmala over a wide range of heavy metals suggests that this species can grow easily in polluted soils.
A Golden Tree in the “Garden of Pages”: The Genoese Embassy to Morocco of 1292

This article offers a critical evaluation of a purported diplomatic mission from Genoa to the Marīnid sultan of Morocco, Abū Yaʿqūb Yusuf (r. 1286–1307 CE). Ibn Abī Zarʿ, author of a famous chronicle known as the Rawḍ al-qirṭās, or “Garden of Pages,” recorded the arrival of the Genoese along with their impressive gift: a golden or gilded tree with singing birds. His inclusion of the episode in a narrative otherwise devoted to the deeds of the dynasty and history of Fez raises several interesting questions. How did the Genoese construct or acquire the tree? Why was the nature of this gift important, and what might have been the goals of the Genoese embassy in bringing such a costly object along? I propose that we understand the embassy and its inclusion in the narrative as part of a Marīnid desire to promote the dynasty as legitimate heirs of previous Islamic rulers. This desire made use of symbols of pious and wise kingship, including the mechanical marvel represented by the tree, which bore an impressive ideological pedigree in Islamic and Christian literary and representational traditions. For their part, the Genoese may have been motivated by a desire to repair relations with Abū Yaʿqūb damaged by the activity of Benedetto Zaccaria in the straits of Gibraltar. Taken as a whole, this brief but under-studied event suggests both the Mediterranean scope of this symbol of kingship and its use by medieval diplomats to achieve practical ends.
Abstract A11: STAT1 mediates resistance to experimental oral cancer that is associated with enhanced antitumor T-cell responses

Cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx remain among the 10 most prevalent cancers in the United States. Signal Transducer and Activation of Transcription 1 (STAT1) is a transcription factor primarily involved in mediating responses to IFNs, as well as interleukin (IL) 21, 27, and 35. STAT1 has been shown to promote or suppress tumors in different cancer types, but its role in oral cavity cancers has not been examined. We examined the role of STAT1 in oral cancer using orthotopic models in wild-type (WT) and STAT1-deficient BALB/c mice. Metastatic (LY2) or nonmetastatic (B4B8) HNSCC cell lines were injected into the oral cavity and tumor development was monitored over a period of three or six weeks, respectively. At terminal sacrifice, tumors, spleens, draining lymph nodes, and bone marrow tissues were analyzed for tumor growth, metastasis, and immunologic responses. Tumors from STAT1-deficient mice injected with B4B8 cells were twice as large as tumors from WT mice. Interestingly, LY2-injected STAT1-deficient mice possessed tumors that were five times as large as tumors from LY2-injected WT mice. The increased tumor burdens in metastatic tumors were associated with a decrease in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell infiltration into the draining lymph nodes of tumor-bearing STAT1-deficient mice compared to WT mice. Further, lymph node and splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tumor-bearing STAT1-deficient mice produced significantly lower TNF-alpha compared to WT mice. Finally, tumor-bearing STAT1-deficient mice displayed a significant accumulation of CD11b+ Ly6G+ myeloid cells in the spleens and bone marrow compared to WT counterparts in both metastatic and nonmetastatic HNSCC models. Our results demonstrate that STAT1 mediates resistance to oral tumor development that is associated with enhanced T-cell migration, TNF-alpha mediated antitumor T-cell responses, and diminished accumulation of tumor-promoting CD11b+ Ly6G+ myeloid cells. Citation Format: Nathan Ryan, Kelvin Anderson, Greta Volpedo, Omar Hamza, Sanjay Varikuti, Abhay Satoskar, Steve Oghumu. STAT1 mediates resistance to experimental oral cancer that is associated with enhanced antitumor T-cell responses [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Optimizing Survival and Quality of Life through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; 2019 Apr 29-30; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(12_Suppl_2):Abstract nr A11.
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting and Pain After Robotic-Assisted Mitral Valve Repair.

Objective To determine the rate and clinical factors associated with postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and severe pain after robotic-assisted mitral valve repair. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Major quaternary academic medical center. Participants Adult patients undergoing robotic-assisted mitral valve repair from May 5, 2018 through September 13, 2019. Interventions Participant electronic medical records were abstracted for clinical characteristics, PONV within the first 72 postoperative hours, episodes of severe pain (defined as pain score ≥7 using an 11-point numerical pain rating scale), and opioid use within the first 24 postoperative hours. Multivariate analyses were performed. Measurements and Main Results Of 124 participants, PONV was noted in 83 (67%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 58%-75%) patients and severe pain in 96 (77%, 95% CI 69%-84%) patients. The median (interquartile range) time to PONV was 6.1 (3.7-14.7) hours. After adjusting for age, sex, and duration of surgery, pre-incisional use of methadone was associated with reduced risk for severe pain (odds ratio 0.40 [95% CI 0.16-0.99]; p = 0.048) and a lower 24-postoperative hour opioid requirement (estimate –29.0 mg intravenous morphine equivalents [95% CI –46.7 to –11.3]; p = 0.006). However, methadone was not associated with a reduction of the cumulative opioid dose (intraoperative and 24-hour postoperative opioid dose; p = 0.248). Both severe pain and PONV were associated with longer hospital stay. Conclusion PONV and severe pain are common after robotic-assisted mitral valve repair. Peri-incisional methadone is associated with a modest decrease in the severe pain rate but without a reduction in opioid dose or hospital stay.
Application of Digital Volume Correlation to X-ray Computed Tomography Images of Shale

We investigated the Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio of Green River oil shale at elevated temperatures under triaxial conditions using an X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanner for in situ imagi...
A multiscale modeling of damage accumulation and permeability variation in shale rocks under mechanical loading

Abstract This paper presents a hierarchal multiscale model to simulate the damage behavior of transversely isotropic shales, where the damage mechanism is attributed to microcrack growth under mechanical loading. An anisotropic damage model is presented in which the state of damage is described by a scalar crack density parameter. Furthermore, a simplified permeability model is incorporated to couple the evolution of damage to permeability variation through the damage density parameter. The Maximum Entropy principle is employed to account for uncertainty in the main parameters of the multiscale model representing the subscale structural and compositional features. This probabilistic multiscale damage model provides a framework to simulate the probabilistic descriptions of poromechanical and damage properties and the subsequent variation in microcrack-induced permeability. This framework is used to simulate nonlinear stress-strain behavior in uniaxial compression tests for varying loading directions with respect to the bedding plane of transversely isotropic shale rocks. The outcome of this study includes probabilistic characteristics of stiffness degradation, crack growth, and permeability variation under different loading conditions.
The Effect of Physical Properties on Welding Induced Distortion in Dissimilar Steel Lap Joint

Welding of stainless steel with medium carbon steel is required where a certain part of the assembly needs to be protected from corrosion. Distortion produced during the welding of dissimilar steel joints causes an assembly fit-up problem. In order to predict and control distortion, welding simulations are performed using finite element analysis. In this research welding simulation of ASTM A36 medium carbon steel with AISI 430 stainless steel is performed in lap joint weld configuration. The effect of thermal and mechanical properties on welding induced distortion is studied. It is concluded in this research that the difference in thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion is the major contributor to welding induced distortion. The optimum weld parameters should be selected to control and mitigate distortion produced during welding.
Abstract 071: Ten-year Change In Tv Viewing Is Associated With Concurrent Change In Pericardial Adipose Tissue In Middle-aged Adults: The Coronary Artery Risk Development In Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Introduction: Pericardial adipose tissue (PAT), an ectopic adipose depot surrounding the coronary arteries, is a pathogenic risk factor for cardiometabolic disease; however, the association of sede...
A brief history of modern crystallography and how taking risks run in the family

The history of X-ray crystallography and X-ray diffraction, and their important contributions to science as a whole, is profound. From the first images of Wilhelm Roentgen and Madame Curie taking a...
Acute myocardial infarction associated with abacavir and tenofovir based antiretroviral drug combinations in the United States

Author(s): Dorjee, Kunchok; Desai, Manisha; Choden, Tsering; Baxi, Sanjiv M; Hubbard, Alan E; Reingold, Arthur L | Abstract: IntroductionAlthough individual antiretroviral drugs have been shown to be associated with elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, data are limited on the role of antiretroviral drug combinations. Therefore, we sought to investigate CVD risk associated with antiretroviral drug combinations.MethodsUsing an administrative health-plan dataset, risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) associated with current exposure to antiretroviral drug combinations was assessed among persons living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) across the U.S. from October 2009 through December 2014. To account for confounding-by-indication and for factors simultaneously acting as causal mediators and confounders, we applied inverse probability of treatment weighted marginal structural models to longitudinal data of patients.ResultsOver 114,417 person-years (n = 73,071 persons) of ART exposure, 602 cases of AMI occurred at an event rate of 5.26 (95% CI: 4.86, 5.70)/1000 person-years. Of the 14 antiretroviral drug combinations studied, persons taking abacavir-lamivudine-darunavir had the highest incidence rate (IR: 11/1000; 95% CI: 7.4-16.0) of AMI. Risk (HR; 95% CI) of AMI was elevated for current exposure to abacavir-lamivudine-darunavir (1.91; 1.27-2.88), abacavir-lamivudine-atazanavir (1.58; 1.08-2.31), and tenofovir-emtricitabine-raltegravir (1.35; 1.07-1.71). Tenofovir-emtricitabine-efavirenz was associated with reduced risk (0.65; 0.54-0.78). Abacavir-lamivudine-darunavir was associated with increased risk of AMI beyond that expected of abacavir alone, likely attributable to darunavir co-administration. We did not find an elevated risk of AMI when abacavir-lamivudine was combined with efavirenz or raltegravir.ConclusionThe antiretroviral drug combinations abacavir-lamivudine-darunavir, abacavir-lamivudine-atazanavir and tenofovir-emtricitabine-raltegravir were found to be associated with elevated risk of AMI, while tenofovir-emtricitabine-efavirenz was associated with a lower risk. The AMI risk associated with abacavir-lamivudine-darunavir was greater than what was previously described for abacavir, which could suggest an added risk from darunavir. The results should be confirmed in additional studies.
Civic Education at Shortridge High School

This chapter will focus on Donnan’s 1889 National Education Association (NEA) presentation, in which she outlined a framework for civic education in schools and developed a rationale for mandatory civics curriculum as a graduation requirement based on her own teaching and curriculum. In her presentation, she outlined progressive methods and skills that were innovative for the period, and still advocated by teacher educators today, such as: primary source analysis, experiential and place-based learning, simulation, role-play, inquiry and project-based learning, discussion and deliberation, and extracurricular activities to support her teaching in the classroom. All of these activities contributed to the civic culture Donnan created at Shortridge, by allowing multiple ways for students to engage with the civic content, and resulting in five outcomes specific to civic and social education, even today.
Arthroplasty in organ transplant patients

The number of solid organ transplants performed in the United States continues to increase annually as does survival after transplant. These unique patients are increasingly likely to present to arthroplasty surgeons for elective hip or knee replacement secondary to a vascular necrosis from chronic immunosuppression, or even age-related development of osteoarthritis. Transplant recipients have a well-documented increased risk of complications but also excellent pain relief and dramatic improvement in quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach with the assistance of the medical transplant services for risk stratification and perioperative medical optimization is necessary. Prior solid organ transplant is not a contraindication to surgery; however, it is the responsibility of the surgeon to educate patients about the relative risks and benefits of prior to surgery.
Chromatophore heterogeneity explains phenomena seen in Rhodobacter sphaeroides previously attributed to supercomplexes

It is generally considered that metabolic reactions are well described by homogeneous kinetic models in which the reaction phase is statistically uniform. In membranes, especially in photosynthetic systems where the protein complement is high, it has recently been recognized that effects of local heterogeneity might contribute additional factors that perturb the kinetic behavior, and require more extensive treatment. We show in this paper that statistical heterogeneity in vesicular systems can also contribute to quite marked discrepancies from the behavior expected from standard kinetic and thermodynamic models, for reactions involving free diffusion in the aqueous phase. We explain the kinetic and thermodynamic effects observed in studies of photosynthetic electron transfer in cells and chromatophores from Rhodobacter sphaeroides previously attributed to supercomplexes, in terms of a model based on heterogeneity in distribution of electron transfer components among the chromatophore population. We discuss examples of data inconsistent with the supercomplex model, but well explained by the heterogeneity model.
ResearchOps: The case for DevOps in scientific applications

DevOps (a portmanteau of “development” and “operations”) is a software development method that extends the agile philosophy to rapidly produce software products and services and to improve operations performance and quality assurance. It was born to accelerate the delivery of web-based systems and quickly bring new value to users. Many web-based systems evolve according to usage trends without a clear long-term goal. Before the widespread use of web services, most software with a clear goal were delivered as packages that users installed on their own system. New versions were delivered with a much lower frequency, with periods in between versions ranging from months to years. Development cycles were divided into large design, coding and testing phases culminating in the release of a new stable version. In software development in the context of applied science, even when the goal is clear, the process to attain it is not. Hence, working releases that capture the current software state must be released frequently in order to reduce the risks for all stakeholders and to make it possible to assess the current state of a project and steer it in the right direction. This paper explores the usefulness of DevOps concepts to improve the development of software that supports scientific projects. We establish the similarities and differences between scientific projects and web applications development, and discuss where the related methodologies need to be extended. Unique challenges are discussed herewith developed solutions, and still open questions. Lessons learned are highlighted as best practices to be followed in research projects. This discussion is rooted in our experience in real-life projects at the IBM Research Brazil Lab, which just as well apply to other research institutions.
Commissioning results of an automated treatment planning verification system.

A dose calculation verification system (VS) was acquired and commissioned as a second check on the treatment planning system (TPS). This system reads DICOM CT datasets, RT plans, RT structures, and RT dose from the TPS and automatically, using its own collapsed cone superposition/convolution algorithm, computes dose on the same CT dataset. The system was commissioned by extracting basic beam parameters for simple field geometries and dose verification for complex treatments. Percent depth doses (PDD) and profiles were extracted for field sizes using jaw settings 3 × 3 cm2 – 40 × 40 cm2 and compared to measured data, as well as our TPS model. Smaller fields of 1 × 1 cm2 and 2 × 2 cm2 generated using the multileaf collimator (MLC) were analyzed in the same fashion as the open fields. In addition, 40 patient plans consisting of both IMRT and VMAT were computed and the following comparisons were made: 1) TPS to the VS, 2) VS to measured data, and 3) TPS to measured data where measured data is both ion chamber (IC) and film measurements. Our results indicated for all field sizes using jaw settings PDD errors for the VS on average were less than 0.87%, 1.38%, and 1.07% for 6x, 15x, and 18x, respectively, relative to measured data. PDD errors for MLC field sizes were less than 2.28%, 1.02%, and 2.23% for 6x, 15x, and 18x, respectively. The infield profile analysis yielded results less than 0.58% for 6x, 0.61% for 15x, and 0.77% for 18x for the VS relative to measured data. Analysis of the penumbra region yields results ranging from 66.5% points, meeting the DTA criteria to 100% of the points for smaller field sizes for all energies. Analysis of profile data for field sizes generated using the MLC saw agreement with infield DTA analysis ranging from 68.8%–100% points passing the 1.5%/1.5 mm criteria. Results from the dose verification for IMRT and VMAT beams indicated that, on average, the ratio of TPS to IC and VS to IC measurements was 100.5 ± 1.9% and 100.4 ± 1.3%, respectively, while our TPS to VS was 100.1 ± 1.0%. When comparing the TPS and VS to film measurements, the average percentage pixels passing a 3%/3mm criteria based gamma analysis were 96.6 ± 4.2% and 97 ± 5.6%, respectively. When the VS was compared to the TPS, on average 98.1 ± 5.3% of pixels passed the gamma analysis. Based upon these preliminary results, the VS system should be able to calculate dose adequately as a verification tool of our TPS.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation

This article provides a brief survey of maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and its applications in analysis of biomedical signals and images. The article also explains why MLE is a useful technique for both parameter estimation and pattern classification. Finally, some specific applications of MLE in biomedical engineering are briefly described. Keywords: maximum likelihood estimation; parameter estimation; estimation of probability distribution function; classification; pattern recognition; biomedical image processing; biomedical signal processing; system identification
Visualizing environmental correlates of species geographical range limits

Although many studies have treated aspects of species geographical distributions and numerous approaches exist for understanding overall ecological correlates of distributions, software tools for exploring environmental correlates of distributional limits are relatively few. We focused on the challenge of understanding spatial correlates of distributional limits, and developed an extension to arcview that provides a simple, univariate test and visualization for such explorations. The ‘Boundary U-test’ seeks out environmental variables that show steep gradients associated with user-defined boundaries across geography. We illustrate the tool and its applications with an example of the likely historical distribution of Mexican wolf (Canis lupus).
The Slow Violence of Climate Change in Poor Rural Kenyan Communities: "Water is life. Water is Everything."

Climate change is the most pressing global environmental problem and the most unyielding worldwide environmental injustice of our time. Although some social workers have begun to address climate change, this literature is centered on its generalized impact, rather than its specific effects on vulnerable populations. As a concept, slow violence offers a frame to understand the slow occurring effects of climate change on the global poor. This study used an ethnographic approach to examine the effects of climate change on two poor rural Kenyan communities. Findings discussed include the consequences of droughts, the connection between droughts and deforestation, failed governmental responses, problematic foreign aid responses, and local adaptive measures for survival by affected Kenyan communities. These findings support the argument that social work should be more involved in mitigating the unjust effects of climate change, and a variety of actions are presented.
Advanced guidance algorithms for spacecraft formation-keeping

This paper presents advanced formation-keeping guidance algorithms that use linear programming (LP) to determine fuel-optimal control inputs and state trajectories. The overall formation-keeping problem is analyzed in terms of two key issues: (i) what dynamics model should be used to specify the desired state to maintain a passive aperture; and (ii) what dynamics model should be used in the LP to represent the motion about this state. Several linearized models of the relative dynamics are considered in this analysis, including Hill's equations for circular orbits, modified linear dynamics that partially account for the J/sub 2/ effects, and Lawden's equations for eccentric orbits. A controller is developed for formation-keeping using each of these models. A modified LP formulation is presented to include robustness to sensor noise while ensuring a feasible solution. The guidance algorithms are implemented in numerous very detailed nonlinear simulations that demonstrate effective control in the presence of all expected disturbances and sensor noises. The average fuel cost for the formation-keeping maneuvers over a two week simulation is on the order of 4 mm/s per orbit.
Animal science student attitudes to farm animal welfare

AbstractUnderstanding attitudes toward farm animal welfare has the potential to foster an important link between the researching of welfare issues and the implementation of those findings. In this study, we examined the attitudes and knowledge base of university animal science students, who represent both potential consumers and future industry stakeholders. Eighty-seven students were surveyed to assess attitudes and knowledge base regarding farm animal welfare. In 2003, 58 introductory animal science (INTRO) and 29 applied animal behavior (AN BEH) students were surveyed at the beginning (week 1, Early) and end (week 14, Late) of spring semester using a 58-item questionnaire. Evidence of students' knowledge base was lower than anticipated. AN BEH students demonstrated a higher knowledge base than did INTRO students. Some clear species perception differences were exposed. Students perceived that horses felt pain more similarly to humans than did other species, experienced boredom more similarly to humans t...
Medical Student Judgments of Adolescents With Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD)

The clinical encounter presents opportunities for detection and intervention of adolescent alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Aims: Investigate (a) identification rate of AUDs, (b) whether AUD identification predicts clinical judgment, and (c) patient characteristics influences on clinical judgment. Medical students (n = 123) read a case study and completed questions on diagnosis and clinical judgment. Twenty-five percent of participants identified AUD adolescents, who were more negatively rated than non-AUD adolescents. Prior clinical experience and addiction training predicted AUD identification. Patient race and gender influenced clinical judgment ratings. Addictions training is needed to improve identification rates. Study limitations are noted.
Equivalence between Spin Waves and Lattice Bosons with Applications to the Heisenberg Model

Abstract An equivalence theorem is proved between a spin wave system and its corresponding lattice boson system. We then apply the theorem to the anisotropic Heisenberg model in a magnetic field, but with a z-axis rotational symmetry; the model is characterized by two parametcrs, the magnetization M per site along the z-axis (which can vary from −1 to 1) and the anisotropicity A. We give two systematic expansions: one is valid for arbitrary A when 1 − M is small and the other holds for arbitrary 1 − M when A is small.
Mechanistic Considerations on the Reversed Phase Liquid Chromato-Graphic Separation of Proteins

Abstract The effect of column length, stationary phase chemistry, flow rate and gradient variation and direction on the separation of seven proteins was evaluated. In general, resolution increased with shorter columns and higher flow rates. Nontraditional reverse gradients (from acetonitrile to buffer) sometimes produced better protein separations than traditional reversed phase gradients. Bonded phase chemistry has little effect on gradient protein separations, but silica gel properties (e.g., surface area, pore size, etc.) did. Both retention and resolution varied considerably with the nature of the gradient used.
Strength and toughness of aisi 304 and 316 at 4 K

Structural design of superconducting magnets in fusion energy devices requires reliable property data at 4 K. Nitrogen-strengthened AISI 304 and 316 stainless steels are considered to be the best currently available low temperature structural alloys on the basis of their fabricability and their potential to meet the US fusion research goals of combined 1000 MPa yield strength and 200 MPa m1/2 fracture toughness at 4 K. This paper presents provisional equations for the yield strength of 304-and 316-type alloys at 4 K as a function of N content and grain size. Provisional equations for the 4 K fracture toughness, KIc(J), of these alloys are presented, in which the effects of yield strength, Ni and Mn content, and inclusion spacing are expressed quantitatively. The equations result from regression analyses of a matrix of NBS measurements that includes more extensive numerical data on alloying, refining, and processing parameters than have previously been available.