cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Binding Affinity of Oxytocin Antagonists to Human and Rat Uterine Oxytocin Receptors and Their Correlation to the Rat Uterine Oxytocic Bioassay

One of the primary methods used to screen the development of oxytocin antagonists (OTAs) is the rat oxytocic bioassay. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the rat oxytocic bioassay is a good predictor of binding affinity to human and rat uterine oxytocin receptors (OTr). The binding affinities of five OTAs to human and rat uterine OTr were determined and correlated with pA2 values derived from the rat uterine oxytocic bioassay. Human uterine myometrial tissue was obtained from patients at the time of cesarean section. Rat uterine tissue for the OTr assay was taken at Day 21 of pregnancy. OTr assays were accomplished by isolating uterine cell membranes and performing saturation analysis with cold OTAs and tritium-labeled oxytocin. The association constants (Ka; 10(+8)/M) were calculated by nonlinear curve-fitting techniques. The Ka for the five OTAs (Mpa1-OT, Antag I, L366948, Antag II, and Antag III), as estimated from the human OTr assay, were 0.55, 0.60, 2.27, 1.91, and 47.20, respectively. Ka estimates obtained through use of rat uterine membranes were 0.51, 1.16, 5.89, 2.03, and 24.40, respectively. Correlation of the log10 of the rat oxytocic bioassay results with those of the rat and human OTr assay was 0.94 and 0.98, respectively (p < 0.01). Antag III was approximately 55, 48, and 90 times more potent than Mpa1-OT as determined by the rat bioassay and rat and human uterine OTr assays, respectively. Mpa1-OT is an OTA that is currently undergoing clinical evaluation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Gay and Lesbian Individuals’ Attitudes Toward the Death Penalty: An Exploratory Study of the Roles of Empathic Concern and Political Beliefs

Research examining attitudes toward the death penalty has led to a variety of theoretical and practical implications that continue to inform both research and policy. While many studies have examin...
Third-order intermodulation distortion in cascaded stages

The relation for intermodulation distortion (IM) levels in cascaded stages is based on the worst-case assumption that intermodulation products at the output of each stage combine in phase. However, because there is no apparent reason why IM products should always combine in phase, efforts are customarily made to discard this assumption. Using Volterra analysis, we show that, in certain cases, the IM products do indeed combine in phase, and the cascade relation gives an accurate, not worst-case, prediction of distortion. >
Balancing safety and efficacy: recent clinical evidence optimizing outcomes in patients with intermediate to high-risk non-ST-segment elevated acute coronary syndrome

Significant developments have taken place over the past 15 years with respect to greater understanding of ischaemic risk in non-ST-segment elevation (NSTE) acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and respective management strategies. This includes recognition of the clinical benefit of an early invasive strategy and of the value of addressing various antiplatelet targets in the approach to pharmacotherapy. The guidelines focused on management of NSTE-ACS advocate the role of dual antiplatelet therapy with a recommendation for triple antiplatelet therapy, including a glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPI), in patients who are determined to be at an elevated risk for ischaemic events. This may include those who are elderly, have a history of diabetes and/or renal impairment, and have elevated cardiac biomarkers (e.g. troponin) or ST-segment deviation at diagnosis. While triple antiplatelet therapy has demonstrated significant improvement in clinical outcomes in patients with NSTE-ACS, there is concern over the potential for an increase in haemorrhagic complications. Newer pharmacotherapies such as prasugrel and ticagrelor have demonstrated significantly greater efficacy as compared with clopidogrel in patients with NSTE-ACS deemed as high risk, although the incidence of certain bleeding complications was significantly increased with both of these agents. Additionally, efficacy has not yet been proved when compared with higher doses of clopidogrel, which has been shown to offer significant clinical benefits in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Thus, a regimen of triple antiplatelet therapy including a GPI should remain a strong consideration for standard therapy in patients at high risk for ischaemic events, even in the prasugrel and ticagrelor era.
Clinical Observations and Molecular Variables of Primary Vascular Leiomyosarcoma

Importance Vascular leiomyosarcomas are a rare subtype of leiomyosarcomas that most commonly affect the inferior vena cava and account for 5% of all leiomyosarcomas. These tumors are aggressive malignant tumors for which adjuvant modalities have not shown increased efficacy compared with surgery. Objectives To evaluate the outcomes of patients with vascular leiomyosarcoma and the association between vascular leiomyosarcomas and immunohistochemical molecular markers, to determine their potential prognostic and therapeutic utility. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective medical record review of a cohort of 77 patients who presented to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston during the period from January 1993 to April 2012. Data were analyzed during the period from November 2012 to May 2015. All of the patients received a confirmed diagnosis of vascular leiomyosarcoma. Immunohistochemical studies for biomarkers were performed on a tissue microarray that included 26 primary specimens of vascular leiomyosarcoma. Main Outcomes and Measures Demographic and clinical factors were evaluated to assess clinical course, patterns of recurrence, and survival outcomes for patients with primary vascular leiomyosarcoma. A univariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to correlate disease-specific survival and time to recurrence with potential prognostic indicators. Results Sixty-three patients with localized disease who underwent surgical resection formed the study population, and their data were used for subsequent outcomes analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 58 years (range, 22-78 years). The majority of patients were female (41 patients [65%]) and white (51 patients [81%]). The 5-year disease-specific survival rate after tumor resection was 65%. The median time to local recurrence was 43 months, the median time to distant recurrence was 25 months, and the median time to concurrent local and distant recurrences was 15 months (P = .04). Strong expressions of cytoplasmic β-catenin (hazard ratio, 5.33 [95% CI, 0.97-29.30];P = .06) and insulinlike growth factor 1 receptor (hazard ratio, 2.74 [95% CI, 1.14-6.56];P = .02) were associated with inferior disease-specific survival. Conclusions and Relevance Vascular leiomyosarcomas are aggressive malignant tumors, with high recurrence rates. Expressions of β-catenin and insulinlike growth factor 1 receptor were associated with poor disease-specific survival. Prospective studies should evaluate the clinical and therapeutic utility of these molecular markers.
Embeddings of G-structures

Several applications of exterior differential system theory in differential geometry are given in this chapter. The theme is that of embedding a given G-structure. To be more precise, given an abstract G-structure we wish to find a submanifold f in the model space so that the structure induced by f coincides with the given one.
Finding a Horizon and telos: The challenge to critical rhetoric

(1991). Finding a Horizon and telos: The challenge to critical rhetoric. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 77, No. 1, pp. 71-74.
Robust Scheduling and Game-Theoretic Control for Short-Term Scheduling of Job-Shops

The successful operation of a manufacturing system depends on the economical scheduling of resources used in the production of goods. Given the impossibility of scheduling with explicit consideration to the entire system, often the global problem is decomposed into a hierarchy of decision levels. This research deals with scheduling at the operational level. Important to this level are decisions concerning the order and timing in which products are to visit machines, and rescheduling as new information becomes available (e.g., unforeseen disruption, or changes in the demand). The solution to this problem is of great practical relevance because it allows the continual operation of the system while maximizing system performance. Simply stated, the problem consists in deciding how and when to reschedule jobs on machines as new information becomes available.
Modeling Seismic-Signature Wave Fields For Virtual Trials Of Sensing Algorithms

Dynamic activity from sources such as moving vehicles, walking and running humans, and stationary machines can be monitored as ground vibrations at offset distances. These signals can be processed in sensing algorithms for detection, location, and discrimination of the activity. The objective of this work is to demonstrate that seismic simulations can support sensing- algorithm development by modeling the effect of realistic environments on seismic energy as it propagates from these sources. Using massively parallel high-performance computers, the work applies a finite-difference solution to seismic propagation. Comparison with field signals shows the realism of the technique, and simulations in varied terrain reveal the nature of seismic waves as they propagate from the various sources. Measures of relative energy and signal cross correlation provide maps that reveal locations of optimal sensing. We demonstrate applications of beam forming to estimate locations of activity, and conclude that the simulation method produces realistic wave-field data for virtual trials of sensing algorithms.
Cefotaxime and Cephalosporins: Adverse Reactions in Perspective

Cefotaxime was used to treat infections in 2,579 patients during phase II and phase III clinical trials. This paper summarizes the adverse reactions reported to Hoechst-Roussel Pharmaceuticals (Somerville, NJ) during the treatment of these infections. Cefotaxime caused adverse reactions that are caused by all other cephalosporins, including pain at the site of injection (31.9%), thrombophlebitis (4.9%), skin rash (1.8%), thrombocytopenia (3.8%), glomerulotubular dysfunction (1.4%), diarrhea (1.2%), and superinfection (1.1%). Compared with cefazolin, cefotaxime caused pain on injection, phlebitis, and diarrhea more commonly (P less than 0.05) but caused superinfection less commonly (P less than 0.04). Since these data were obtained from many different sources by diverse methods, further controlled trials are needed to substantiate these differences. However, the adverse reactions caused by cefotaxime appear to be similar in spectrum and severity to those caused by other cephalosporins.
Building Civic Leadership: The Journeys of Pre-Adolescent Youth

Studies of younger youth suggest that the path to civic leadership and the development of associated skills and attitudes is not linear. Instead, these studies suggest that as youth learn to act as agents of change, their real world experiences may create dissonance in their civic skills and attitudes. The reported current study employs qualitative methods to examine the experiences of urban, low-income, youth of color who participated in a civic leadership curriculum. Findings give voice to youth’s experiences and the tension that can occur on their journeys toward civic leadership. Implications are discussed.
Solid leaves a super signature

At sufficiently low temperatures and sufficiently high densities, certain types of atoms undergo an identity crisis and form a Bose–Einstein condensate. In this peculiar phase of matter, the wavefunctions of all the atoms in a system become identical and extend throughout the container in which the atoms are held. The position of an atom inside the container is therefore not defined, and the probability of finding the atom is the same at all points.
Market Share Matters: Evidence Of Insurer And Provider Bargaining Over Prices

Proposed mergers among large US health insurers and growing consolidation among providers have renewed concerns about the effects of market concentration on commercial health care prices. Using mul...
The Irony of Ethics Research: When the Sun Don’t Shine on Enforcement

The states have been highly active in governing the behavior of public officials through good government reforms, lobbying regulations, and ethics laws. However, much of the research neglects the enforcement of laws in terms of whether or not Attorneys General or Secretaries of State pursue investigations into law violations. In an attempt to interview relevant officials regarding ethics enforcement, we encountered significant obstacles in designing an evaluation of the implementation and enforcement of ethics legislation. In this cautionary research note, we identify the obstacles and their relevance for research on ethics enforcement in the states and present some ways to deal with these difficulties.
Influence of fuel on foam degradation for fluorinated and fluorine-free foams

Abstract We performed experiments to quantify fuel-induced foam degradation by applying foams onto liquid fuels and water (for comparison) and measuring foam thickness over time. Our investigation included two firefighting foams, one fluorine-free (RF6-ICAO) and the other fluorinated (AFFF), and a foam made with a common surfactant, SDS. We applied a roughly 2 cm thick foam layer onto three liquid fuels ( n -heptane, methylcyclohexane, and isooctane) at room and elevated temperatures. Foam lifetime was reduced by 50 and 75% for AFFF and RF6 respectively for foams on fuels compared to foams on water at room temperature. For all experiments, the fluorine-free foams (RF6 and SDS) degraded much faster than AFFF. Further, the effect of fuel temperature was significant when the foams were placed over hot fuel: the lifetime of the firefighting foams decreased by 1–2 orders of magnitude between experiments conducted with fuel at room temperature and 50 °C. Prior to the onset of foam degradation over fuels, the firefighting foams experienced a preliminary expansion (by up to 50% in volume). Video recordings of degradation show that expansion results primarily from bubbles near the interface increasing in size with accelerated coarsening by coalescence. We propose and discuss a mechanism for fuel-induced foam degradation based on our observations. Our results show that fluorine-free RF6 degrades faster than AFFF (by a factor of 3 at room temperature and 12 at elevated temperatures over fuel), which may contribute to differences in their firefighting performance.
Using an environmentally benign and degradable elastomer in soft robotics

This work introduces an environmentally benign and degradable elastomer, poly(glycerol sebacate) with calcium carbonate (PGS-CaCO $$_{3}$$ ), for use in soft robotics. Development of greener materials like PGS-CaCO $$_{3}$$ contributes to robot designs that do not require retrieval and can safely degrade in the natural environment. A simplified synthesis method of PGS was used to create elastomer sheets, which were laser cut/rastered then laminated with cyanoacrylate glue into pneumatic soft actuators. The modified polymer synthesis method is accessible for roboticists and the three chemicals used are non-hazardous and inexpensive. Three accordion-style pneumatic actuators (3, 4 and 5 chambers) were characterized for free displacement and blocked force in both linear extension and curling motions, and an additional four 3-chambered actuators were also tested to leakage and failure. Material characterization of PGS-CaCO $$_{3}$$ samples of all ages gave: ultimate tensile strength (UTS) from 48 to 160 kPa, elongation percent at UTS from 157 to 242%, moduli from 45 to 154 kPa, average resilience of 88% at 100 cycles, and maximum compressive force of 246 N at 50% strain. After being in an approximately 50–55 $$^\circ $$ C compost pile for 7 days, the polymer visibly degraded and had an average mass loss of 20% across 12 samples. PGS’s strength, elasticity, biodegradability and chemical safety make it a desirable option for roboticists looking to leverage sustainable materials. PGS may also prove a potential green alternative for robotics applications in ubiquitous environmental and infrastructure sensing.
The Economics of Yield Maintenance: An Example from Florida Sugarcane

The seminal work by Edme et al. (2005) was reviewed to examine both the dynamics of sugarcane yield changes and the impact of new sugarcane varieties in Florida. That study used linear trend regression analysis on the 1968 to 2000 period and found significant yield and sugar content improvements due to new genetics. Using the same statistical technique, this study indicates that neither of these was significant after 2000. The concept of yield maintenance is introduced where it is quite possible that significant investment in research and development (R&D) is needed to prevent yields from dropping significantly. Even so, there can be a high rate of return to R&D investment in new crop varieties even though yields may not show a positive increase. It is possible that the rates of return to R&D for new crop variety developments have been underestimated.
Emotional Maps and Affective Citizenship

Current bureaucratic processes have created a distinction between Italians who are automatically awarded citizenship and Italians-with-a-stay-permit.
Assessing the impact of conversion on outcomes of minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy.

Abstract Background Our aim was to compare outcomes of patients who undergo conversion to open during minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MI-DP) and pancreatoduodenectomy (MI-PD) to those completed in minimally invasive fashion, and to compare outcomes of minimally invasive completions and conversions to planned open pancreatectomy. Methods Propensity scoring was used to compare outcomes of completed and converted cases from a national cohort, and multivariate regression analysis (MVA) was used to compare minimally invasive completions and conversions to planned open pancreatectomy. Results MI-DP was performed in 43.0%. Conversions (20.2%) had increased morbidity (32.3 vs 42.0%), serious morbidity (11.1 vs 21.2%), and organ space infection (6.2 vs 14.2%). Outcomes of MI-DP conversions were comparable to open. MI-PD was performed in 6.1%. Conversions (25.2%) had increased organ space infection (10.9 vs 26.6%), blood transfusions (17.2 vs 42.2%), and clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (11.5 vs 28.1%). On MVA, conversion of MI-PD was associated with increased mortality (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.09–7.42), post-operative percutaneous drain placement (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.32–4.20), and blood transfusions (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.07–3.21). Conclusion Converted cases have increased morbidity compared to completions, and for patients undergoing PD, conversions may be associated with inferior outcomes compared to planned open cases.
Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Incidence and Risk Factors in the United States From the National Inpatient Sample 1998–2013

Background Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is a rare and potentially devastating complication of regional anesthesia. Single-institution registries have reported a decreasing incidence, but these results have limited broad applicability. A recent study using a US database found a relatively high incidence of LAST. We used the National Inpatient Sample, a US database of inpatient admissions, to identify the national incidence and associated risk factors for LAST in total joint arthroplasties. Methods In this retrospective study, we studied patients undergoing hip, knee, or shoulder arthroplasty, from 1998 to 2013, with an adjunct peripheral nerve blockade. We used a multivariable logistic regression to identify patient conditions, hospital level variables, and procedure sites associated with LAST. Results A total of 710,327 discharges met inclusion criteria. The average adjusted incidence was 1.04 per 1000 peripheral nerve blocks, with decreasing trend over the 15-year study period (odds ratio [OR], 0.90; P = 0.002). Shoulder arthroplasty (OR, 4.35; P = 0.0001) compared with knee or hip arthroplasty and medium-size (OR, 3.34; P = 0.003) and large-size (OR, 2.40; P = 0.025) hospitals as compared with small hospitals were associated with increased odds of LAST. Conclusions The incidence of LAST nationally in total joint arthroplasty with adjunct nerve blocks is similar to recent estimates from academic centers, with a small decreasing trend through the study period. Despite an overall low incidence rate, practitioners should continue to maintain vigilance for manifestations of LAST, especially as the use of regional anesthesia continues to increase.
Generation of Highly Selective MMP Antibody Inhibitors

Inhibiting individual MMPs of biomedical importance with high selectivity is critical for both fundamental research and therapy development. Here we describe the methods for discovery of inhibitory monoclonal antibodies from synthetic human antibody phage display libraries carrying convex paratopes encoded by long complementarity-determining region (CDR)-H3 segments. We demonstrate the application of this technique for isolation of highly specific and potent antibody inhibitors of human MMP-14.
Unilateral cleft lip rhinoplasty

Cleft lip rhinoplasty is a challenging procedure both in terms of obtaining desirable appearance and function, but also in achieving consistency across one’s patient population. Classically, formal nasal surgery was delayed until the patient had completed nasal and mid-facial growth; however, this paradigm is changing, and more rhinoplasty is being performed at the time of the lip repair which has revolutionized patient outcomes. The 3 options for repair in terms of timing are designated as primary, intermediate, and secondary (defined later in this text). At our institution, most cases are either primary or secondary, with intermediate rhinoplasty reserved for only special circumstances. This article aims to describe the relevant anatomy and its aberrancy as well as discuss the surgical techniques to repair the cleft nasal deformity.
Using Natural Language Processing and Qualitative Thematic Coding to Explore Math Learning and Critical Thinking

This study explored 189 diverse 5th grade students' perceived opportunities to learn 21st Century Skills in three school districts. Unstructured text data from one open-ended question asking students to describe their experiences with critical thinking was analyzed using text parsing, semantic tagging and qualitative thematic coding. Students were asked to describe a challenging problem and how they solved it. Responses were coded using semantic tagging to create a frequency matrix describing the seven 21st Century Skills. When asked to describe a challenging problem, a majority of students (62%) mentioned a task related to math learning. Results also showed that when students were engaged in critical thinking tasks, there was much less frequent mention of other 21st Century Skills. When other 21st Century Skills were mentioned at the same time as critical thinking, communication or collaboration were highest ranked, yet these skills were mentioned about 5 times less frequently than critical thinking skills, if at all. Given the importance of collaboration and communication when solving challenging problems, the infrequent use of these skills when engaging in critical thinking tasks may reduce opportunities for learning.
Data acquisition and Impedance Mapping Using a Multielectrode Bioimpedance Spectroscopy System

We report on the implementation of an automated multi-microelectrode recording and analysis system for cell culture impedance evaluation. This system spatially resolves impedance distribution of normal or abnormal cell cultures. The spatially resolved distribution will aid in distinguishing normal and pathological cell cultures based on 1) cell differentiation, 2) motility, 3) distribution, 4) cell-cell and 5) cell-matrix interaction. These quantities may, individually or in combination, also aid in detecting physiological abnormality. A PGSTAT potentiostat/galvanostat system with FRA2, impedance measurement module and MUX-16, a 16 channel multiplexer module were used for automated multi-channel impedance measurements. The multiplexer and impedance module were programmed for automated measurement and channel switching using the programming capability built within the AUTOLAB system. The resulting dataset was imported into MATLAB for data sorting, smoothing, interpolation, parameter extraction and impedance mapping in the two dimensional culture space.
Biological effects of saffron

This review examines the literature data concerning the biological activities of saffron extract. Numerous studies have revealed that this substance possesses cytotoxic, anticarcinogenic and antitumor properties. A brief description of the other biological effects as well as chemical composition of the saffron extract is also included. Finally, these findings are interpreted and the possible mechanism of the antitumor effects of saffron extract are discussed.
DIVA: A Self-organizing Neural Network Model for Motor Equivalent Speech Production

This paper describes a model of speech production called DIVA that highlights issues of selforganization and motor equivalent production of phonological units. The model uses an actionperception cycle to learn two mappings between three levels of representation. Data on the plasticity of phonemic perceptual boundaries motivates a learned mapping between phoneme representations and vocal tract variables. A second mapping between vocal tract variables and articulator movements is also learned. To achieve the flexible control made possible by the redundancy of this mapping, desired directions in vocal tract configuration space are mapped into articulator velocity commands. Because each vocal tract direction cell learns to activate several articulator velocities during babbling, the model provides a natural account of the formation of coordinative structures. Model simulations show automatic compensation for unexpected constraints despite no previous experience or learning under these constraints.
Signal Transduction During NK Cell Activation: Balancing Opposing Forces

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that mediate cytotoxicity and secrete cytokines in response to certain virally infected cells, tumor targets, and some normal hematopoietic cells (Trinchieri 1989). Unlike T lymphocytes, NK cells mediate these effector functions without prior sensitization and in a non-MHC restricted fashion. Despite the efforts of many, a single activating receptor responsible for triggering natural cytotoxicity has yet to be elucidated. In fact, the emerging picture is that a combination of structurally distinct activating and inhibitory receptors influence the ability of NK cells to lyse specific target cells or to secrete regulatory cytokines.
Implementation of the Vector C Language on the Cyber 205

Vector C, a superset of the conventional programming language C for vector processing, has been designed and implemented on the Cyber 205. In this paper, the extended features of Vector C are described briefly and then some implementation issues are presented. The performance of the code generated by the Vector C compiler is illustrated by timings for several benchmark programs. Finally, three performance models for vector instructions and their evaluations are presented. Readers are assumed to have some knowledge of the C language.
Optimization of a complex chemical process using an equation oriented model

Meaningful evaluation of the utility and performance of available nonlinear programming techniques for engineering design optimization requires the availability of realistic design models. Such models have been notably lacking in the process design area. In this paper a detailed equation oriented model of a process for the production of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol is developed to fill this void. The model involves a large number of variables and equality constraints which are by equation sequencing reduced to 22 independent and equality constraints which are by equation sequencing reduced to 22 independent variables, nineteen constraints, as well as bounds. The salient features of such models, their usefulness and limitations are presented. The applicability of available NLP algorithms and inherent difficulties in their application are discussed. Test results are reported with representative codes. GRG codes are found to provide the only practical approach to large scale design optimization.
Pediatric optic neuritis.

Purpose of review Pediatric optic neuritis may be challenging to diagnose and treat. Significant clinical investigation of optic neuritis occurring in adults guides current clinical practices. Differences in presentation and prognosis exist for pediatric patients with optic neuritis when compared with adults including the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The aim of this review is to provide an update on latest advances in the diagnosis, treatment and current research concerning pediatric optic neuritis. Recent findings Limited case series and retrospective reviews constitute much of the data we know about patients with pediatric optic neuritis. Pediatric optic neuritis is included in the spectrum of neuroinflammatory diseases. Testing modalities (ocular coherence tomography and visual evoked potentials) and serologic testing (antibodies against aquaporin-4 and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) are being investigated for diagnostic and prognostic value. The low incidence of pediatric optic neuritis results in small sample sizes may contribute to conflicting results of different studies. Summary Recent advances in diagnostic and serologic testing in pediatric neuritis may offer better diagnosis, treatment and prediction of prognosis. Validation requires well designed prospective research.
Social Norms and Health Behavior

Despite the long history of research on social norms in psychology, sociology, and other disciplines, social norms remain relatively underutilized as a mechanism for changing health behaviors. However, normative influence is a powerful motivator of behavior that can and should be brought to bear in health promotion research. Accordingly, research that has examined the role of social norms in characterizing, predicting, and ultimately altering health behaviors is reviewed. First, an important distinction between descriptive and injunctive norms is addressed and a brief review of literature that has examined norms as correlates of health behaviors is provided. The remainder of the chapter focuses on applications of normative information to behavior change, with an emphasis on social norms theory. The social psychological phenomena that form the basis of the theory, as well as a number of applications of the theory to behavior change are discussed. Alternative applications of norms to the promotion of health behavior and influences of the media on health are also addressed.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide Protects Cerebral Autoregulation and Reduces Hippocampal Neuronal Cell Necrosis after Traumatic Brain Injury in Newborn and Juvenile Pigs.

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes to morbidity in children, and boys are disproportionately represented. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is reduced and autoregulation is impaired after TB...
Nanotechnology for Psoriasis Therapy

To summarize the use of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for psoriasis therapies, focusing on recent studies of treatment efficacy in humans and murine models. Both topical and oral psoriasis medications, in addition to alternative psoriasis therapies and siRNAs targeting genes involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, have been incorporated into nanocarriers. Numerous studies demonstrate that nanocarriers can enhance the efficacy and reduce side effects of their included drugs through increased skin retention, sustained release, and decreased systemic absorption. However, the number of studies in humans is limited and while the short-term use of nanocarriers appears safe, long-term outcomes are unknown. Additionally, few studies compare different types of nanocarriers, making it difficult to recommend which types of nanocarriers are the best. While recent research has demonstrated the benefit of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for psoriasis, more research, especially in humans, is needed to optimize drug-loaded nanocarriers for clinical use.
The Nature of Constitutional Rights: The Invention and Logic of Strict Judicial Scrutiny

What does it mean to have a constitutional right in an era in which most rights must yield to 'compelling governmental interests'? After recounting the little-known history of the invention of the compelling-interest formula during the 1960s, The Nature of Constitutional Rights examines what must be true about constitutional rights for them to be identified and enforced via 'strict scrutiny' and other, similar, judge-crafted tests. The book's answers not only enrich philosophical understanding of the concept of a 'right', but also produce important practical payoffs. Its insights should affect how courts decide cases and how citizens should think about the judicial role. Contributing to the conversation between originalists and legal realists, Richard H. Fallon, Jr explains what constitutional rights are, what courts must do to identify them, and why the protections that they afford are more limited than most people think.
Medication Burden for Patients With Bacterial Keratitis.

Purpose To understand medication use and patient burden for treatment of bacterial keratitis (BK). Methods A retrospective study was conducted examining medical records of adult patients with BK in an academic cornea practice. Data collected included medications used in the treatment of BK, dosing of medications, and the number and total duration of clinical encounters. Costs of medications were estimated using the average wholesale pharmacy price. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate associations of medication use with patient demographics and corneal culture results and reported with beta estimates (β) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results Forty-eight patients with BK (56% female) were studied. Patients were treated for a median of 54 days with 10 visits, 5 unique medications, 587 drops, and 7 prescriptions. The estimated median medication cost was $933 (interquartile range: $457-$1422) US dollars. Positive bacterial growth was significantly associated with more visits (β: 6.16, 95% CI: 1.75-10.6, P = 0.007), more days of treatment (β: 86.8, 95% CI: 10.8-163, P = 0.026), more prescribed medications (β: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.04-4.67, P = 0.003), and more doses of medications (β: 796, 95% CI: 818-1412, P = 0.012) compared with patients who did not undergo corneal scraping. Patients were prescribed 132 more drops of medication for every 10 years of older age (β: 132, 95% CI: 18.2-246, P = 0.024). Sex and income were not associated with medication burden or treatment length. Conclusions Older patients and those with positive cultures incur the most medication burden in treatment of BK. Providers should be aware of medication usage and cost burden as it may affect compliance with treatment.
Cholesterol Enrichment During Dietary Atherosclerosis Alters Smooth Muscle Plasma Membrane Width and Structure: Evidence for Reversal by the 1,4-Dihydropyridine Amlodipine

Free (unesterified) cholesterol is the single most abundant lipid species found in smooth muscle cell (SMC) plasma membrane and appears to have an important role in its membrane structure and physiology (1). In dietary atherosclerosis, the arterial SMC plasma membrane free cholesterol: phospholipid (C:PL) mole ration increased by 83% from 0.38 to 0.78 (1). Cholesterol enrichment in SMCs have been associated with the pathobiology of atherosclerosis, including marked changes in SMC transmembrane movements of cations and SMC proliferation (1-4).
The Frequency of Qtc Prolongation Among Pediatric Patients Receiving Methadone for Cancer Pain

Background and Objectives A prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval in pediatric patients is defined as ≥ 470 milliseconds (msec). Methadone has been reported to cause prolongation of the QTc interval which can lead to ventricular arrhythmias. The risk of methadone-induced prolongation of the QTc interval in children is unknown. There is only one case report of methadone-induced prolongation of the QTc interval in a child who received intravenous and …
Real-Time Circuit Reconfiguration for a Cognitive Software-Defined Radar Transmission: A New Paradigm in Spectrum Sharing

Future radar systems will must adapt to dynamic frequency constraints while maximizing target detection range. However, the impedance termination providing optimum power changes significantly with frequency and array scan angle. To maintain good detection range over operating frequency and scan angle changes, we introduce the use of high-power reconfigurable circuitry between the transmitter power amplifier and transmit antenna. This tunable matching network and its fast tuning algorithms will be implemented under the control of a software-defined radio (SDR) platform to allow real-time optimization.
Relationship between V̇o2peak, cycle economy, and mitochondrial respiration in untrained/trained.

The negative relationship between cycle economy and aerobic capacity is increased following exercise training. The strong relationship between coupled and uncoupled respiration, especially after tr...
Comparing password creation alternatives: prompting, automating, and generating: poster session

Passwords are a common authentication scheme that are found throughout computer-based systems. Effective passwords should be both memorable and secure to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of user's information. In an effort to assist users in the creation of passwords, we tested individual, system, and gamified password generators. The participants were asked to generate a password. Next, the users were provided a system generated password. Lastly, the third password was generated on a phrase template word game. Consequently, the latter generated passwords provided the user something to associate with the password in attempt to create an improved solution over the individual and system generated password. We tested this process on a small sample and found the system and gamified password generators had a significant negative impact on memorability.
A Review of Corbin and Strauss’ Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory

In the third edition of the classic text, Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory, Juliet Corbin continues to present the basics of grounded theory in the context of an evolving world of qualitative research. In doing so she is able to share the traditional essences of the method as put forth in the first two editions while weaving in contemporary changes resulting from her reflections on emergent method, methodology, theory, and who she has become as a researcher. Key Words: Grounded Theory, Qualitative Research, and MAXQDA.
Theory-Driven Design Research

In the computer industry, it is commonly assumed that breakthroughs in interface design are, and will be, largely a matter of intuition, possibly aided by some loose empirical observations in the manner of rapid prototyping. (“Many of the great breakthroughs of science and invention were the result of intuitive leaps,” Tagnazzini in Herot, 1987). In this view, there is not much useful that cognitive scientists can do for advancing the development of the technology--the most that can be hoped for is some evaluation of other peoples’ designs.
Rheological and Mechanical Evaluation of Polyurethane Prepolymer-Modified Asphalt Mixture with Self-Healing Abilities

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an innovative UV light-activated self-healing polyurethane prepolymer (SPP) on the rheological, mechanical, and self-healing proper...
Safety and Hospital Costs Averted Using a Rapid Outpatient Management Strategy for Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Strokes: The RAVEN Clinic

Study Objective:Patients presenting to emergency departments (ED) with transient ischemic attack and minor strokes (TIAMS) are often admitted for evaluation, though experience in other countries ha...
Supporting At-risk Youth and Their Families to Manage and Prevent Diabetes: Developing a National Partnership of Medical Residency Programs and Public Schools

Aims: The Stanford Youth Diabetes Coaches Program (SYDCP) is a school based health program in which medical residents train healthy at-risk adolescents to become diabetes self-management coaches for family members with diabetes. The program aims to increase adolescents’ diabetes knowledge, psychosocial assets, and healthy behaviors, while evaluating the implementation of an enhanced curriculum at remote sites. Methods: From 2012 – 2015, 10 high schools and one summer camp in the US and Canada and five residency programs were selected …
Suspended sediment dynamics in a deltaic estuary controlled by subtidal motion and offshore river plumes

Abstract Two series of opportunistic observations captured the seasonal variability in the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) within the main inlet of Barataria Bay, a bar-built estuary within the Mississippi Delta, as the offshore environment transitioned from a period of low river discharge and high cold front activity to a period of high river discharge and low cold front activity. During winter, the SSC dynamics in Barataria Pass was mostly driven by resuspension in response to cold front passages, with correspondingly high SSC of up to 1.84 g L−1. In addition to cold fronts, diurnal variability associated with astronomic tides was also present in the SSC time series. The mean SSC during spring (0.23 g L−1) was significantly higher than during winter (0.15 g L−1). Higher SSC during spring, in spite of the less frequent and weaker cold fronts, was due to the strong offshore influence of the Mississippi River plume. The longitudinal salinity gradients during spring showed the existence of freshwater intrusion, which was associated with the Mississippi River plume advected north-west by the Louisiana Coastal Current. Intrusion of the river plume though the inlet into Barataria Bay was also observed in time-series of MODIS satellite imagery during March 2018. A decomposition of the sediment flux time series revealed that subtidal motion associated with cold fronts was the primary mechanism of sediment transport during both winter and spring. While cold fronts enhance sediment export during winter, they also increase sediment import when associated with the higher offshore SSC during spring. We conclude that the sediment discharged at the mouth of the Mississippi River is not completely lost to the coastal zone, but instead partially supplied to deltaic estuaries through their seaward boundaries.
3137 fetuses in 33 years: What we have learned from the Wisconsin stillbirth service program.

The Wisconsin Stillbirth Service Program (WiSSP) provided expert review by a dysmorphologist for community-acquired data on 3137 fetal deaths between 1983 and 2017. Intrinsic fetal causes were consistently identified in about 25% while placental and maternal causes were recognized with increasing frequency as attention was shifted from a primarily fetal to a multifocal approach. Identification of causes increased from 40% to 78% and in about half of cases results of the review altered recurrence risk and/or future pregnancy management. Banked data from WiSSP formed the basis of 24 publications, more than half of which have a genetic counselor and/or summer premedical student intern as an author. The earlier publications emphasized validation of the concept of community-based evaluation with central review, the utility of various parts of the WiSSP protocol, the similarity of second-trimester miscarriages <20 weeks to later stillbirths with respect to causes identified and recurrence risks, and the potential for results of etiologic evaluation to influence future prenatal care. The most important recurrent theme, however, was the interaction of intrinsic fetal, placental, and maternal factors in contributing to fetal demise. This implies that, at least in developed nations with available obstetric care, reduction in stillbirth will require careful attention to the myriad of factors contributing to fetal, placental, and maternal well-being.
Inter-Area Oscillation Damping via Hybrid LQR State Feedback Control of Large-Scale Battery

The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources in power grids highlights the role of battery energy storage systems (BESSs) in enhancing the stability and quality of electricity. One of the significant applications of BESSs is to control and damp the frequency deviations in power grids. In this paper, we consider a two-area four-machine power grid system with large-scale battery integration. We model the battery energy storage with two dynamic models in d-q axis for charging and discharging modes and augment the battery model with the rest of the power grid system. For each of these modes, we design an optimum controller using linear quadratic regulator (LQR) techniques to damp the frequency deviations of all generators in the case study. Unlike the majority of existing studies merely focus on the active power of BESSs, we consider both active and reactive powers of BESSs. Next, we design a hybrid controller with a switching policy to select the battery's operating mode based on the cost functions of optimal controllers (LQRs). The hybrid controller selects the minimum cost function for each time interval and updates all states of the power system accordingly. The simulation results of the proposed methodology are provided in SIMULINK/MATLAB to illustrate this approach's effectiveness.
Relative Contribution of Genetic and Environmental Factors in CKD

Chronic kidney disease affects nearly 15 percent of the U.S. population. Onset and rate of progression are influenced by a combination of genetic and non-genetic factors. Because health care systems across the U.S. are beginning to deploy automated decision support to stratify patients at risk, we review the relative impact of genetic factors (e.g., APOL1 gene polymorphisms) and non-genetic factors (e.g., clinical comorbidities and exposure to environmental nephrotoxins) contributing to this common disease. Overall, the impact of non-genetic factors appears to exceed the impact of genetic factors.
Design and nanophotonic thin film devices using phase change materials

Abstract Phase change materials (PCM) have revolutionized a number of applications such as random access memories and optical data storage. This phase change also induces large changes in the material’s optical constants, enabling unique optical thin film devices such as tunable spectral filters, modulators, optical limiters, and bistable devices. In this book chapter, we will review the basic properties of PCM, deposition methods, and some of the design methodologies for employing PCM in thin film devices.
Higher-Order Unscented Estimator

This paper introduces a new extension of the unscented Kalman filter with asymmetric sample points and weights chosen to match third- and fourth-order moments in addition to the mean and covariance...