cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Neuromodulation by Spinal Cord Stimulation in Chronic Pain Syndromes: Current Concepts

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has recently seen an expanding role in the treatment of difficult pain syndromes. Introduced in 1967, SCS was initially used to control pain in patients who had failed back surgery. The experience of three decades has led to improved selection criteria, advancement of technology, and an emphasis on outcomes. This program has led to increased availability to many patients who were previously felt untreatable. This review will focus on the selection, indications, techniques, new advances, complications, and outcomes involved with SCS. In addition to failed back surgery syndrome, a review of SCS used in the treatment of peripheral neuropathies, complex regional pain syndromes, peripheral vascular disease, spasticity, angina pectoris, and urge incontinence is provided. The exciting developments of dual-lead systems, which produce larger paresthesia areas to provide more widespread analgesia, is discussed as well as cervical SCS for upper extremity pain.
EVALUATION OF HUMAN FACTORS DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR TRAVELER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Within the human factors community, there is a growing concern regarding the nature and utility of human factors handbooks and guidelines materials. For example, it is well established that human factors guidelines following traditional formats for presenting information are not perceived as being useful, and are often ignored by designers. This paper describes the development and evaluation of human factors design guidelines for Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) and Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO). A draft version of the guidelines was reviewed and evaluated by 32 experts in the field. The reviewers were asked to provide detailed comments on the guidelines and to complete a set of rating scales that addressed both general and specific features of the guidelines. Overall, the draft design guidelines were perceived by the ATIS design/research community as being clear, relevant, and easy-to-use. Importantly, they were seen as representing an improvement over existing human factors reference s...
Analysis of vkorc1 polymorphisms in Norway rats using the roof rat as outgroup

Certain mutations in the vitamin K epoxide reductase subcomponent 1 gene (vkorc1) mediate rodent resistance to warfarin and other anticoagulants. Testing for resistance often involves analysis of the vkorc1. However, a genetic test for the roof rat (Rattus rattus) has yet to be developed. Moreover, an available roof rat vkorc1 sequence would enable species identification based on vkorc1 sequence and the evaluation of natural selection on particular vkorc1 polymorphisms in the Norway rat (R. norvegicus). We report the coding sequence, introns and 5' and 3' termini for the vkorc1 gene of roof rats (R. r. alexandrinus and R. r. frugivorus) from Uganda, Africa. Newly designed PCR primers now enable genetic testing of the roof rat and Norway rat. Only synonymous and noncoding polymorphisms were found in roof rats from Uganda. Both nominal subspecies of roof rats were indistinguishable from each other but were distinct from R. losea and R. flavipectus; however, the roof rat also shares at least three coding sequence polymorphisms with R. losea and R. flavipectus. Many of recently published vkorc1 synonymous and non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Norway rats are likely SNPs from roof rats and/or other Rattus species. Tests applied to presumably genuine Norway rat vkorc1 SNPs are consistent with a role for selection in two populations carrying the derived Phe63Cys and Tyr139Cys mutations. Geographic mapping of vkorc1 SNPs in roof rats should be facilitated by our report. Our assay should be applicable to most species of Rattus, which are intermediate in genetic distance from roof and Norway rats. Vkorc1-mediated resistance due to non-synonymous coding SNPs is not segregating in roof rats from Uganda. By using the roof rat sequence as a reference vkorc1, SNPs now can be assigned to the correct rat species with more confidence. Sampling designs and genotyping strategies employed so far have helped detect candidate mutations underlying vkorc1-mediated resistance, but generally provided unsuitable data to test for selection. We propose that our understanding of vkorc1-mediated evolution of resistance in rodents would benefit from the adoption of sampling and genotyping designs that enable tests for selection on vkorc1.
Comparison of Four Prediction Models to Discriminate Benign From Malignant Vertebral Compression Fractures According to MRI Feature Analysis

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to identify a set of significant predictors, predominantly based on MRI features and limited demographic data, for differentiating benign from malignant vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) and to compare the diagnostic value of four different types of prediction models. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The cohort included 101 subjects (mean age, 64 years; range, 22–89 years; 39.6% were men) with 128 VCFs, 84 (65.6%) of which were proven to be malignant by biopsy or follow-up imaging. A set of 36 predictors (34 MRI features, age, and sex) was acquired for each VCF retrospectively. RESULTS. Univariate analysis and initial variable screening selected 14 moderately significant predictors. All four model types performed similarly in overall discrimination power. The median area under the curve for each model type was 0.872 for logistic regression, 0.781 for classification tree, 0.760 for support vector machine, and 0.730 for neural network, but no significant difference was fo...
Reduction In Young’s Modulus of Aluminum Foams Due to Cell Wall Curvature and Corrugation

Measurements of the Young`s modulus and compressive strength of several closed-cell aluminum foams indicate that they are lower than expected from models for foam behavior. Microstructural characterization has revealed that there are a number of defects in the cell structure which may contribute to the reduction in mechanical properties. These include: cell wall curvature, cell wall corrugations, density variations and non-equiaxed cell shape. Finite element analysis of a closed-cell tetrakaidecahedral unit cell with idealized curved or corrugated cell walls indicates that these two types of defects can reduce the Young`s modulus and compressive strength by up to 70%. In this paper the authors report the results of measurements of the curvature of the cell walls and of the amplitude and frequency of corrugations in the cell walls and use simple bounds to estimate the reduction in modulus that they are responsible for.
Skin collagen fluorophore LW-1 versus skin fluorescence as markers for the long-term progression of subclinical macrovascular disease in type 1 diabetes

Skin collagen Long Wavelength Fluorescence (LWF) is widely used as a surrogate marker for accumulation of advanced glycation end-products. Here we determined the relationship of LWF with glycemia, skin fluorescence, and the progression of complications during EDIC in 216 participants from the DCCT. LW-1 and collagen-linked fluorescence (CLF) were measured by either High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (LW-1) or total fluorescence of collagenase digests (CLF) in insoluble skin collagen extracted from skin biopsies obtained at the end of the DCCT (1993). Skin intrinsic fluorescence (SIF) was noninvasively measured on volar forearm skin at EDIC year 16 by the SCOUT DS instrument. LW-1 levels significantly increased with age and diabetes duration (P 3 sustained microaneurysms, P = 0.0004) and albumin excretion rate (P = 0.0038), the latter despite adjustment for HbA1c. Comparative analysis for all three fluorescent measures for future risk of subclinical macrovascular disease revealed the following significant (P < 0.05) associations after adjusting for age, diabetes duration and HbA1c: coronary artery calcium with SIF and CLF; intima-media thickness with SIF and LW-1; and left ventricular mass with LW-1 and CLF. LW-1 is a novel risk marker that is robustly and independently associated with the future progression of microvascular disease, intima-media thickness and left ventricular mass in type 1 diabetes. Trial registration NCT00360815 and NCT00360893 at clinicaltrials.gov
Life Cycle Analysis and Global Environmental Health Issues

At first glance, the nine articles in this issue of Journal of Health and Pollution seem to address disparate environmental health issues specific to different communities across several continents. Upon closer examination, links between the topics explored in these articles are evident when one considers principles of life cycle analysis (LCA), a method for quantifying the total environmental impact of a product from ‘cradle to grave’.1, 2 LCA methods are used to compare products and production processes, with the intent to minimize resource use and increase economic efficiency,3 and the field has matured to incorporate human health effects.4 Typically an LCA starts with an inventory of inputs and outputs for the lifecycle of a product, including all of the materials and energy used in the product manufacture, distribution, use and disposal. This is followed by an impact analysis of all inputs and outputs defined in the inventory. Life Cycle Analysis and Global Environmental Health Issues
Phencyclidine sedation as a technique for handling rhesus monkeys: effects on LH, GH, and prolactin secretion.

SummaryRhesus monkeys, sedated with phencyclidine hydrochloride (Sernylan), were quieted for prolonged periods of time, while maintaining somatic reflexes, muscle tone, and respiration. Brief daily periods of sedation did not interfere with the menstrual cycle. Prolonged sedation, however, interfered with the experimentally estrogen-induced LH surge, but not with the inhibitory action of estrogen on LH tonic secretion. Pulsatile release of LH, GH, and prolactin persisted even under prolonged sedation. The secretion of prolactin in response to the administration of TRH was increased in animals sedated with phencyclidine.We would like to thank Mr. Paul Diefenbach and Mr. Howard Rosenblatt for their help in handling the animals; Mr. Robert Sundeen, Mrs. I. Conwell, Mrs. U. Bruce, and Miss Jane Drewes for help in RIA procedures; and Mrs. Joan Camacho for typing the manuscript.We would also like to thank the NIAMD for synthetic Gn-RH, Dr. G. Niswender for providing us with antiovine LH serum, and Dr. L. Reiche...
Techniques for Minimizing the Handling of Ants in Behavioral Research: Apparatus That Functions as Both Collection Devices and Experimental Chambers

I have always been concerned with problems caused by excessive handling and manipulation of ants as they are transferred from the field to the laboratory. As a result, I have attempted to construct my experimental apparatus to reduce the manipulation of the test organisms to a minimum. The apparatus described here was designed and has been used successfully as both collection devices and part of the experimental testing chambers, so that the initial collection of the organisms is the only manipulation they receive.
On Purpose in Conservation

The emphasis on the preservation of biodiversity as the objective of conservation (“Global biodiversity conservation priorities,” T. M. Brooks et al. , Review, 7 July, p. [58][1]) has three distressing faults. First, species contain ecotypes that are unique to their locales. As the range of the
Limits of Stability and Adaptation to Wearing Rocker Bottom Shoes

Background:Stability and balance are fundamental during static and dynamic activities. The effects of wearing rocker bottom sole (RBS) shoes on the limits of stability (LOS) and adaptation to wearing RBS shoes need to be investigated. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the LOS when wearing RBS shoes, and to evaluate if people improve their stability while wearing RBS shoes over time.Methods:Eleven female subjects with no lower extremity impairments participated in the study. The LOS were tested at baseline and weeks 3 and 6 using a Neurocom SMART EquiTest equipment. Center of pressure (CoP) was determined using force plates, and the center of gravity (CoG) position was estimated from the CoP measures and subjects’ anthropometry. Subjects performed a series of tasks that involved leaning in different directions so as to move the vertical projection of their CoG. End-point excursions of the CoG floor projection were calculated as a percentage of the distance between the starting position and the ...
Membrane stretch: a physiological stimulator of Ca2+-activated K+ channels in thick ascending limb

The effects of membrane stretch on Ca2+-activated (maxi) K+ channels were examined in the apical membrane of cultured medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL) cells. Using cell-attached patchclamp technique, we found that negative pressure (-33 +/- 5 cmH2O) applied to the patch membrane increased fractional open probability (NPo) from 0.3 +/- 0.2 to 29.9 +/- 7.6% (n = 12) in the presence of 1.8 mM Ca2+ in the pipette. The activity returned to control on releasing the negative pressure. Reduction of extracellular osmolality from 293.2 +/- 1.6 to 219.8 +/- 1.1 mosmol/kg also activated K+ channels (NPo = 43.8 +/- 12.2%, n = 8) in cell-attached patches. Removal of Ca2+ from both pipette and bathing solution inhibited osmotic activation of K+ channels. K+ channels were shown to be Ca2+-activated K+ channels by their conductance (146 +/- 7 pS, n = 5) and Ca2+ dependence. Our data suggest that membrane stretch caused by swelling or possibly by tubular flow enhances Ca2+ entry across the apical cell membrane of MTAL cells activating maxi K+ channels.
A decision theory model for entrepreneurial acts

The decision to become an entrepreneur is considered as an alternative to wage labor. The potential entrepreneur evaluates whether there are positive expected net present benefits of entrepreneursh...
An Expected Value Model of the Consumer

There are virtually no studies on consumer use of the court. This study alleviates this void by developing emotional and rational models of the consumer decision to seek legal redress. The models were tested with the results of a mail survey of 223 consumer whose complaints were not resolved by state mediation. A probit analysis indicated that both models seem to be accurate predictors of whether consumer would take legal action.
Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma with Anaplastic Features: Retrospective Case Series.

Objective Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a unique meningocerebral glioma with a relatively favorable prognosis. PXA also possesses a variant with anaplastic features (aPXA), which is associated with poor outcomes. To date, few studies have examined the clinicopathologic importance of these anaplastic features. Methods From 1999–2012, 8 patients with aPXA were treated at the University of California, San Francisco, California, United States. Cases were reconfirmed by neuropathology, and clinical information regarding patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment outcomes was assembled. Tumors were classified as aPXA according to the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria established in 2007. Results There were 5 female and 3 male patients in our cohort, ranging in age from 4–74 years at initial diagnosis. Seizure was the most common presenting symptom (50%), and the majority of tumors arose in the frontal or temporal lobes (88%). Six patients received subtotal resection (STR), and all suffered from progression despite adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Median time to progression was 20 months, with a 1-year progression-free survival rate of 57%. Three aPXA patients expired with a median survival of 87 months. Four patients developed disseminated disease. Three of 8 (38%) showed BRAF v600 mutation. Conclusion aPXA is associated with poorer clinical outcomes compared with PXA. Gross total resection should be the goal of initial treatment. It remains unclear whether adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy are able to prevent progression or dissemination. Long-term monitoring of all patients is a critical step in management due to the potential for tumors to transform into higher-grade lesions.
Anterior Pituitary Failure

Abstract Anterior pituitary failure is caused by several etiologic factors. Mass lesions and their treatment, genetic mutations, infiltrative and infectious disease, and traumatic brain injury are but a few of the causes of hypopituitarism. Patients with hypopituitarism have an increased mortality rate. The clinical manifestations of hypopituitarism vary widely and depend upon the underlying etiology, the number and type of pituitary hormones affected, and the age of onset of the deficiency. The diagnosis of pituitary failure depends upon the measurement of anterior pituitary hormones and their target hormones in serum, coupled with a patient’s history and clinical findings that suggest the insufficiency. Dynamic testing is often required for a full evaluation of pituitary function. The treatment of pituitary insufficiency usually entails replacement of target hormones, but can include replacement of pituitary hormones or hypothalamic hormones, depending upon the clinical situation and the desired outcome.
Liberals Forge a Workplace Constitution in the Courts

“We were not antagonistic to collective bargaining.” Charles Hamilton Houston On July 5, 1939, a solemn C. W. Rice took the floor before the House Committee on Labor. “Having organizations which do not allow persons of color to belong to them, representing the colored people, is not due process of law and is illegal,” Rice insisted. Those gathered before him had just returned from celebrating the nation’s Declaration of Independence. Rice’s message resonated with a core precept of that document, as well as of the Constitution to which it led: that a government in which the people had no representation was tyrannical. Rice was not testifying about political government, however. Instead, he spoke of the labor unions newly empowered by the 1935 National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Along with the similar 1934 Railway Labor Act, the NLRA had transformed the relationships among workers, unions, and employers, for the first time giving workers a right to unionize, and legally requiring an employer to bargain with the union its workers chose. Rice favored unionization but criticized the new labor laws. “Exclusive representation” was a cornerstone of both. Once a union demonstrated that it was supported by a majority of the workers it sought to represent, these laws gave the union the right to represent all of those workers, prohibiting the employer from contracting with its workers directly or with any other unions claiming their support. Proponents contended that exclusive representation was needed to prevent employers from fomenting company unions to undercut the very right to organize that the laws were intended to secure. Rice countered that it gave unions the right to represent black workers whom they excluded from membership and to whom they had long been hostile. He urged Congress to amend the NLRA to prohibit racially discriminatory unions from serving as the exclusive representative for black workers.
Large Animal Models of Heart Failure A Critical Link in the Translation of Basic Science to Clinical Practice

Congestive heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome, with hallmarks of fatigue and dyspnea, that continues to be highly prevalent and morbid. Because of the growing burden of HF as the population ages, the need to develop new pharmacological treatments and therapeutic interventions is of paramount importance. Common pathophysiologic features of HF include changes in left ventricle structure, function, and neurohormonal activation. The recapitulation of the HF phenotype in large animal models can allow for the translation of basic science discoveries into clinical therapies. Models of myocardial infarction/ischemia, ischemic cardiomyopathy, ventricular pressure and volume overload, and pacing-induced dilated cardiomyopathy have been created in dogs, pigs, and sheep for the investigation of HF and potential therapies. Large animal models recapitulating the clinical HF phenotype and translating basic science to clinical applications have successfully traveled the journey from bench to bedside. Undoubtedly, large animal models of HF will continue to play a crucial role in the elucidation of biological pathways involved in HF and the development and refinement of HF therapies.
Modeling and simulation of continuously variable series reactor for power system transient analysis

The continuously variable series reactor (CVSR) is a series line reactor designed for power flow control in meshed power system networks. The CVSR is controllable using a variable dc source which establishes the magnetization of the ferromagnetic core and enables continuous modulation of the line reactance. Synthesizing a model that describes operation of the CVSR in ac networks presents challenges in that the nonlinearity of the core and distribution of fluxes at different operating states present additional complexity. This paper describes a method to model CVSR operation with respect to its ac terminals using a look-up table compiled from finite element analysis (FEA), thus avoiding complex magnetic circuit models. The resulting method is applicable to electromagnetic transient simulation tools for power system analysis.
ON THE DEGREES OF FREEDOM OF MOTION OF PLANAR-SPATIAL MECHANISMS

This paper addresses determination of Degrees of Freedom (DOF) in any planar, spatial, or a combined planar-spatial mechanism. The mechanisms under study may have multiple planar and/or spatial closed loops, open chains with links in series, and/or a combination of the two. It is seen that equations available in the literature to calculate the DOF of such general mechanisms with special joint arrangements such as adjacent joints with parallel and/or intersecting axes over-predict the "true" mobility of links. To overcome this difficulty, new concepts as the Degrees of Freedom of Motion (DOFM) and Degrees of Freedom of Workspace (DOFW) have been introduced. The new definition of Degrees of Freedom of Motion yields a tight upper bound on the connectivity between any two links of a mechanism containing neighboring joints with parallel and/or intersecting joint axes.
Management of Urinary Incontinence Following Suburethral Sling Removal

Purpose: We evaluated urinary incontinence outcomes following synthetic suburethral sling removal in women.Materials and Methods: We reviewed a prospectively maintained database of 360 consecutive women who underwent transvaginal suburethral sling removal from 2005 to 2015. We excluded patients with neurogenic bladder, nonsynthetic or multiple slings, prior mesh for prolapse, concomitant surgery during sling excision, urethral erosion or fistula, postoperative retention or less than 6-month followup. Demographics, sling type, indications for removal, time to removal and patient reported outcomes were recorded. Outcomes were stratified by incontinence type, including stress predominant, urge predominant and mixed urinary incontinence. Subsequent management was evaluated, including observation, minimally invasive outpatient interventions (bulking agents, neuromodulation or onabotulinumtoxinA) or more invasive surgery (autologous fascial sling or bladder suspension). No patients elected to receive a subseque...
The basic research factors questionnaire for studying early childhood caries.

Abstract Background We describe development of the Early Childhood Caries (ECC) Basic Research Factors Questionnaire (BRFQ), a battery of measures assessing common potential predictors, mediators, and moderators of ECC. Individual-, family-, and community-level factors that are linked to oral health outcomes across at-risk populations are included. Developing standard measures of factors implicated in ECC has the potential to enhance our ability to understand mechanisms underlying successful prevention and to develop more effective interventions. Methods The Early Childhood Caries Collaborating Centers (EC4), funded by National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, developed the BRFQ, which was used across four randomized trials to develop and test interventions for reducing ECC in at-risk populations. Forty-five investigators from across the centers and NIDCR were involved in the development process. Eight “measures working groups” identified relevant constructs and effective measurement approaches, which were then categorized as “essential” or “optional” common data elements (CDEs) for the EC4 projects. Results Essential CDEs include 88 items, with an additional 177 measures categorized as optional CDEs. Essential CDEs fell under the following domains: oral health knowledge, oral health behavior, utilization/insurance and cost, parent/caregiver dental self-efficacy, quality of life, caregiver and family characteristics, and child characteristics. Conclusions The BRFQ makes available a battery of measures that support efforts to understand population risk factors for ECC and to compare oral health outcomes across populations at risk. The BRFQ development process may be useful to other clinical research networks and consortia developing CDEs in other health research fields. Trial registration All the trial that used the BRFQ were registered at Clinicaltrial.gov NCT01116726 , April 29, 2010; NCT01116739 , May 3, 2010; NCT01129440 , May 21, 2010; and NCT01205971 , September 19, 2010.
Deduction, Diagrams and Model-Based Reasoning

A key piece of data in understanding mathematics from the perspective of model-based reasoning is the use of diagrams to discover and to convey mathematical concepts and proofs. A paradigmatic example of such use is found in the classical demonstrations of elementary Euclidean geometry. These are invariably presented with accompanying geometric diagrams. Great progress has been made recently with respect to the precise role the diagrams plays in the demonstrations, so much so that diagrammatic formalizations of elementary Euclidean geometry have been developed. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce these formalizations to those who seek to understand mathematics from the perspective of model-based reasoning.
Fe–N–C Catalyst Graphitic Layer Structure and Fuel Cell Performance

For targeted development of platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications, it is critically important to elucidate the catalytic moieties of Fe–N–C materials as they relate to the structure and morphology of the graphitic layers of carbon, the catalyst basic building blocks. In this Letter, X-ray diffraction analysis with a carbon-specific structure refinement algorithm was performed on 12 Fe–N–C catalysts. Samples with fewer graphitic layers exhibit increased kinetic performance in fuel cell testing. This trend is consistent with the dominant active species residing within the graphitic plane as opposed to at the edges. We also report the performance of an optimized catalyst based on structure–property predictions derived in a recently published report. This catalyst produces 0.44 mA cm–2 at 0.85 V and has a maximum power density of 490 mW cm–2 in 1 bar O2 (not iR corrected).
Accelerated leukemic transformation after haplo-identical transplantation for hydroxyurea-treated sickle cell disease

Currently available therapeutic options for the treatment of SCD consists of Hydroxyurea, red cells transfusion and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCT is the only curative option,...
Piezotronic effect in 1D van der Waals solid of elemental tellurium nanobelt for smart adaptive electronics

Emerging technologies in wearable systems demand that functional devices can adaptively interact with the human body, where mechanical stimuli are ubiquitous and abundant. However, the electrical manipulation of charge carriers underpins the operations of state-of-the-art devices, and the effective control of interfacial energetics for charge carriers by the dynamic mechanical stimuli is still a relatively unexplored degree of freedom for semiconductor nanodevices. Piezotronic effect in nanostructured piezoelectric semiconductors offers exciting opportunities in addressing the above challenges. Here we report the first experimental exploration of piezotronic effect in 1D van der Waals solid of p-type tellurium nanobelt and systematically investigate the strain-gated charge carriers transport properties. The strain-induced polarization charges at the surfaces of Te nanobelt can modulate the electronic transport through the interfacial effect on the Schottky contacts and the volumetric effect on the conducting channel. The competing phenomenon between interfacial and volumetric effects has been studied for the first time in piezotronics. Our research allows the access to a broad range of characterization and application of Te nanomaterials for piezotronics and could guide the future study of piezotronic effect in other materials. This progress in piezotronics, together with emerging methods for deterministic production and assembly of nanomaterials, leads to compelling opportunities for research from basic studies of piezoelectricity and semiconductor properties in functional nanomaterials to the development of 'smarter' electronics and optoelectronics.
Black women’s experience of colorist microaggressions

ABSTRACTThis paper reports the findings of a study that investigated Black women’s experiences of colorism. The authors introduce a new framework, “colorist microaggressions”, which highlight the microaggressions experienced by Black women. The results indicate that colorist microaggressions impacted the social, relational, emotional, and relational aspects of Black women’s lives and their well-being. The results also showed that like racial microaggressions, the “colorist microaggressions” that Black women encountered in their community, family, and in society, were pervasive. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for social work research, education, and practice.
Ethical Content in Social Work

Concern in the profession has shifted from the morality of the client to the moral or ethical aspects of the profession and practitioners' actions. Contemporary ethical issues concerning the justif...
Computer Animations of Ancient Greek and Arabic Planetary Models

A new set of computer animations is available for those who teach the ancient models of planetary motion, those who want to learn those models, or even those who enjoy simply contemplating just how clever the ancient astronomers were. The animations include the models from Ptolemy’s Almagest (ca. 150 AD) and those from the Maragha school of Arabic astronomy (ca. 1250-1350 AD), and thus cover over one thousand years of astronomical history. Since the models are (intentionally) geocentric, the animations might also be useful for thinking about how heliocentric planetary motion actually appears to us on Earth.
iPLEDGE: A Report from the Front Lines of Dermatologic Practice

Two physicians give an overview of the iPledge program and discuss the problematic aspects of the program for physicians who prescribe isotretinoin and their patients. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Physics Career Education Day: Design, Implementation, and Assessment:

The nation faces critical shortages of Hispanic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) college graduates—especially in physics. To address youth lack of awareness about physics ca...
User Acceptance of Multiple Password Systems: A Proposed Study

The traditional means of user authentication based on usernames and passwords is subject to a number of behavioral concerns that can significantly reduce the security provided. As such, an important part of proposing a new authentication scheme should involve careful consideration of behavioral factors. Little research has actually examined the role user acceptance plays in different authentication schemes. Our research in progress proposes the investigation of user acceptance of a cognitive password system comprised of multiple authenticators. Specifically we will investigate the role that password characteristics, such as number of passwords and password complexity, coupled with frequency of use, play in users’ perceptions and overall willingness to faithfully adopt an alternative authentication system.
The Situation of the Modern Subject

To prepare for an adequate account of “the postmodern,” Chap. 2 describes the contours of “the modern” in phenomenological terms—as a particular way the subject is constituted in relation to nature and society. Descartes and Galileo serve as exemplars of the original moment, showing that Cartesian dualism expressed philosophically a relation that was also essential to the natural sciences and to Protestantism. A subsequent section on Locke and the Enlightenment focuses on the social aspect of that relation as it was realized culturally, technologically, and politically—the “project of progress” was launched. Then, an outline of the “evolutionist” views of Hegel, Comte, and Spencer shows how moderns who persisted in that project of progress were obliged, after the traumas of the French and Industrial revolutions, to jettison the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries’ image of Nature’s plan as a synchronic blueprint and conceive of it instead as a determined historical process of development, an unfolding. Finally, the Romantic reaction to the Enlightenment is described in terms that strikingly anticipate “postmodernism” as we know it today.
Bereavement, Self-Reported Sleep Disturbances, and Inflammation: Results From Project HEART.

Objective Spousal bereavement is linked to increased mortality and morbidity from inflammatory conditions. It also has a significant impact on sleep disturbances. Evidence from experimental studies indicates that chronic stress may prime individuals to have an exaggerated inflammatory response to acute stress. In this study, we examined the association between self-reported sleep disturbances and inflammation after adjusting for depressive symptoms and determined whether this association varies by bereavement status (bereaved individuals versus controls). Methods Participants included 54 bereaved individuals and 47 controls with a M (SD) age of 67.12 (12.11) years. Inflammation was measured using C-reactive protein. Self-reported sleep disturbances were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results Sleep disturbances were not associated with elevated levels of C-reactive protein in the overall group (B = 0.030, standardized β = 0.122, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.027 to 0.087, p = .299) after adjusting for depressive symptoms. Results indicated, however, that bereavement moderated the association between inflammation and sleep disturbances (B = 0.104, β = 0.517, 95% CI = 0.009 to 0.198, p = .032). Stratified analyses demonstrated that these associations differed across groups. Associations were significant among bereaved individuals (B = 0.104, β = 0.406, 95% CI = 0.013 to 0.196, p = .026) and not controls (B = -0.016, β = -0.066, 95% CI = -0.096 to 0.065, p = .690). Conclusions These findings provide preliminary evidence that bereavement moderates the association between self-reported sleep disturbances and inflammation. Future studies should examine the course of sleep disturbances after bereavement and establish whether objective sleep has differential associations with inflammation among bereaved adults.
Abstract 1304: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands 5F 203 and 3,3'-Diindolylmethane disrupt mammospheres derived from MCF-7 cells and induce tumor suppressor miR125b-2 expression

While anti-estrogen tamoxifen (Tam) effectively treats many patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) tumors, up to 40% experience relapse following resistance. Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) within tumors greatly contribute to tamoxifen resistance (TamR) and exhibit unique molecular signatures that drive metastasis and promote relapse. Tumor suppressor miRNAs aid in suppressing breast cancer progression. We have previously shown that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-ligand Aminoflavone disrupts the formation of spheres and inhibits the expression of putative stemness marker α6-integrin and α6-integrin-src-Akt signaling. We hypothesize that two AhR ligands, 2-(4-amino-3-methylphenyl)-5-fluorobenzothiazole (5F 203) and 3,39-Diindolylmethane (DIM), exhibit anticancer properties in MCF-7 breast cancer cells by targeting the CSC population in an AhR-dependent fashion. We found that DIM and 5F 203 disrupted mammospheres derived from MCF-7 cells but demonstrated a reduced capacity to do so in mammospheres derived from AHR100 cells (MCF-7 variants that are AhR-unresponsive). Wound healing and colony forming assays respectively revealed that 5F 203 and DIM also decreased cell migration and cell proliferation in MCF-7 cells and to a much lesser extent in AhR100 cells. 5F 203 and DIM induced miR125b-2 expression and suppressed the expression of stemness-regulating genes such as α6-integrin, a predicted miR125b-2 target. The reduction in stemness-gene expression in MCF-7 cells was attenuated following pretreatment with AhR antagonist CH223191. These data suggest that AhR ligands such as DIM and 5F 203 confer their anticancer actions including those against breast CSCs in an AhR-dependent manner. Our data is expected to provide a rationale for the development of anticancer AhR ligands designed to combat ER+ breast cancer and decrease the risk of relapse. Citation Format: Eileen Brantley, Nicole Mavingire, Jonathan Wooten, Petreena Campbell. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands 5F 203 and 3,39-Diindolylmethane disrupt mammospheres derived from MCF-7 cells and induce tumor suppressor miR125b-2 expression [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 1304.
An unusual series of patients with Kaposi sarcoma.

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a mesenchymal tumor characterized by angioproliferation in the setting of infection by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), also known as KS–associated herpesvirus. The disease has several manifestations, the most common of which is a violaceous-to-dark brown macule, plaque, or nodule on the skin. Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is less common, only affecting 10% of patients but is much more prevalent in the immunocompromised.1 Involvement of visceral organs outside the gastrointestinal tract such as the lungs, liver, and bone is extremely rare in immunocompetent patients. Clinically, most cases of KS fit into 1 of 5 reported subtypes: classical, African endemic, AIDS epidemic, iatrogenic, and nonepidemic. Very rarely do patients present who do not conform to 1 of the 5 subtypes. We present 3 such patients and discuss their fit in the current classification system.
Hierarchical Layout Synthesis and Design Automation for 2.5D Heterogeneous Multi-Chip Power Modules

Multi-chip power module (MCPM) layout design automation has been identified as one of the primary research interests in the power electronics community with the advent of wide bandgap circuits. MCPM physical design requires a time-consuming iterative procedure that is so far explored manually based on the experience of the designers. Though the number of components and routing layers is limited in power electronics, careful physical design is required because of thermal and reliability issues. In this paper, the benefits of a hierarchical design methodology are demonstrated over the state-of-the-art approaches. We propose a generic, scalable, and efficient algorithm to automate not only 2D but also 2.5D (multiple substrates in a planar package) and 3D (multiple device layers stacked on the same substrate) heterogeneous MCPM layouts considering hierarchy. A complete optimization approach for a full-bridge 2.5D power module is demonstrated using hardware-validated electrical and thermal models.
Robotic-Assisted DIEP Flap Harvest for Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Comparative Feasibility Study on a Cadaveric Model.

Background The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the most common perforator flap for microsurgical breast reconstruction. Contrary to the conventional open approach, robotic-assisted DIEP flap harvest intends to preserve ARS integrity, thereby reducing the morbidity. We assessed the feasibility and compared performance outcomes of a robotic, cadaveric training model for DIEP flap harvest using two approaches: transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal (TEP). Methods A robotics system (da Vinci Xi) was applied in conjunction with a cadaveric training model. Ports were placed in the abdominal wall to triangulate each DIEP flap. Surgical time and technical characteristics were recorded. Values were analyzed and compared. Results Eight female cadavers (16 hemi-DIEP flaps) were dissected: 50% TAPP and 50% TEP approaches. Mean harvest time was 56 minutes (range: 48–74 minutes) and 65 minutes (range: 60–83 minutes) for TAPP versus TEP groups, respectively (p 0.05). Intra-abdominal contents were manipulated twice on average in the TAPP group versus 0 times in the TEP group (p Conclusion Robotic-assisted DIEP flap harvest represents a technological enhancement for advanced regenerative plastic surgery. Our model demonstrated both TAPP and TEP are feasible, with TEP less invasive, preserving the posterior rectus sheath, and decreasing complication risks. However, there is a steeper and longer learning curve for TEP.
Methods to Study Pulmonary Dendritic Cell Migration

Dendritic cell migration from the airway to the lymph nodes is a key event in the development of airway immunity during infection, allergy, and vaccination. With judicial selection of materials, there are two approaches to study dendritic cell migration to the mediastinal lymph nodes without the induction of inflammation: airway administration of fluorescent OVA and latex beads. Our protocol describes how to label and track pulmonary dendritic cells from the airway and lung to the mediastinal lymph nodes and reveals how to avoid pitfalls and suboptimal assays.
A 4kV/100A SiC MOSFETs-based solid state DC circuit breaker with low stray inductances and powered by a load-independent wireless power transfer system

This paper develops a 4kV/100A DC circuit breaker (DCCB) based on discrete SiC MOSFETs. The DCCB adopts a 5-layers tower structure and each layer has ten evenly distributed MOSFETs. The DCCB is powered by a wireless power transfer (WPT) system with multiple outputs and easy to scale. The DCCB we proposed has two main advantages. First, it has very low normally on-state power loss compared to traditional solid state breakers. The on-state efficiency is higher than 99.97%. Second, compared to the previous power supply system for the DCCB, the implemented WPT system has a good load-independent characteristic. The maximum efficiency of this WPT system is 87%, with a total power of 40 W at 200 kHz. Besides, An accurate equivalent model of the DCCB is established by including mutual inductances among different MOSFETs. According to this model, the mutual inductance could count on 40% of the total parasitic inductance.
Attending the birth: competition for obstetrical training by medical students and midwives in nineteenth-century France

Though male doctors gained prominence at the bedsides of pregnant mothers in nineteenth-century Europe, the clinical training they received in medical academies remained cursory. In France, to supplement the medical faculties, the government set up schools for both health officers and midwives which were meant to teach practical obstetrics. This paper focusses on the city of Arras, where these two groups of students competed for the limited numbers of pregnant patients on which to practice their future professions. Like many in their field, two prominent instructors in Arras at each end of the century promoted male obstetrical education over female, arguing that practical education for health officers would lead to safer births for mothers and infants. By the 1870s, the obstetrics instructor adopted germ theory, tying improved hygiene and thus mortality rates to male students’ access to hospitalised patients. Despite their arguments, in Arras, the male students never gained priority in clinical obstetrical training, which midwifery students kept. To keep male students out of maternity wards, local administrators used fears that gender mixing would lead to immoral acts or thoughts. In doing so, they protected the traditional system of midwifery rather than invest in more costly male medical education. Championing midwifery students’ rights to the spaces and bodies needed for their education, however, delayed adoption of hygiene and antiseptic practices that led to lower maternal mortality. Unable to adapt to changing requirements by the state, the medical school closed in 1883, while the midwifery programme thrived until the 1960s.
A comprehensive review on the effects of local microstructures and nanoscale chemical features on B-III-nitride films

B-III-nitrides possess the potential to bring a revolution in the future power electronic and optoelectronic industry due to their unique properties including higher bandgap and wide lattice parameter ranges. Despite significant efforts for achieving single-phase B-III-N films with high B% over large thickness for device applications, the desired film is yet to achieve because of the crystallinity degradations and stoichiometry deviations at high B% and large thicknesses. It is crucial to understand what are the major factors playing roles in crystallinity degradations and stoichiometric deviance. The purpose of this review is to combine the development towards the growth of B-III-N alloys and provide insight into what is happening in the microstructures of the B-III-N films demonstrated by local microstructural and nanoscale chemical analyses reported so far. The information summarized here will be beneficial for the material synthesis and device community to grow high-quality B-III-N films for designing future high-performance devices.
Fuel price elasticities for single-unit truck operations in the United States

This paper provides fuel price elasticity estimates for single-unit truck activity, where single-unit trucks are defined as vehicles on a single frame with either (1) at least two axles and six tires; or (2) a gross vehicle weight greater than 10,000 lb. Using data from 1980 to 2012, this paper applies first-difference and error correction models and finds that single-unit truck activity is sensitive to certain macroeconomic and infrastructure factors (gross domestic product, lane miles expansion, and housing construction), but is not sensitive to diesel fuel prices. These results suggest that fuel price elasticities of single unit truck activity are inelastic. These results may be used by policymakers in considering policies that have a direct impact on fuel prices, or policies whose effects may be equivalent to fuel price adjustments.
Providing Multidatabase Access

One of the major tasks in the design of a multidatabase system (MDBS) is the definition and maintenance of the global schema. Traditionally, this is accomplished by requiring the local databases participating in the MDBS to provide “export schemas” that are merged into a global schema. Resolution of schema and data incompatibilities, and mapping between local and global schemas are, in general, very difficult tasks that must be performed at the multidatabase level. We believe that a solution to this formidable problem may lie in the shifting of responsibility for these tasks to the local level. We propose a model in which the MDBS administrator defines the global schema as a view that is to be maintained by each of the participating databases. The MDBS layer supports submission and processing of (global) queries expressed over a union of such views. Each participating database must provide a view of its database that conforms to the global specification and must promise to respond to queries formulated over this view. We discuss the architecture of such systems and the problems involved in the processing of global queries.