cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An empirical analysis of eating disorder, not otherwise specified: preliminary support for a distinct subgroup.

Objective In recent years, there has been debate concerning whether distinct subgroups exist within the eating disorder, not otherwise specified (EDNOS) diagnostic category. One subgroup that has been suggested is binge-eating disorder (BED). While BED has received some research attention, relatively little is known about other possible subgroups within the EDNOS category. The purpose of the present study is to empirically investigate whether distinct subgroups exist within the diagnostic category of EDNOS. Method: Participants were 53 EDNOS patients who presented to psychotherapy clinics for treatment of an eating disorder. Information gathered from a clinical assessment, which included a clinical interview and self-report questionnaires, was used in the analyses of the study. Results: Using cluster analytic procedures, two subgroups of patients diagnosed with EDNOS were identified. The two subgroups differed from each other in terms of weight, binging, and body image variables. Specifically, the second subgroup (of 11 patients) appeared to be a distinct subgroup of overweight binge-eating patients, while the first subgroup appeared to be a heterogenous group of EDNOS patients. The overweight binge-eating subgroup was significantly higher in current weight, in reported highest adult weight, in reported higher lowest adult weight, and had more binges per week than the heterogenous EDNOS subgroup. Interestingly, the two subgroups did not differ in terms of self-reported purging and/or compensatory behaviors (e.g., vomiting and laxative use). Discussion: The results of the present study provide preliminary support for a distinct subgroup within the EDNOS diagnostic category. This subgroup resembles BED, with the exception of the presence of purging behaviors. The findings of the present study suggest the need to further investigate the exclusionary criteria of purging/compensatory behaviors for the BED diagnosis. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 23:233–242, 1998.
Design and implementation of a distributed switching node for a multihop ATM network

Design and implementation issues for large distributed asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switching systems are considered. The ATM switch fabric resides in small, geographically dispersed access stations interconnected by a shared, all-optical medium carrying many wavelength-multiplexed channels. The authors present the architecture of the distributed ATM fabric and describe the optical subsystem. They summarize the per-port throughput relative to the dimensionality of the distributed switching elements contained in the access station, and discuss design considerations relative to the dimensionality of the switching element. The detailed design of an access station, or network interface unit (NIU), and its associated subsystems, implemented as part of the ACORN/TeraNet project, are presented. >
Noise distribution measurements of recorded transitions in film media

Detailed spatial noise distribution measurements through written transitions were measured with a time-domain sampling technique. Two disks were used. One had a large amount of supralinearity, the other did not. The results show similarity with modeled noise behavior. >
Geoacoustic inversions and localizations with adaptively beamformed data from a surface ship of opportunity source

A technique has been developed for incorporating adaptively beamformed (ABF) data into geoacoustic inversions and source localizations based on matched-field processing. Rather than adaptively adjusting matched-field weights, for this paper ABF processing is applied to construct subaperture beam data from which the inversions and localizations are derived. This application of ABF processing to inversion and localization is successfully demonstrated with data collected on a horizontal line array from a surface ship of opportunity source (SSOS). When measured data representing noise from one or more interfering sources at various levels are injected into the data collected from the SSOS, the inversion processing with ABF subaperture data is successful at interferer noise levels exceeding the SSOS levels by 10–13dB and for which the inversion processing with conventionally beamformed data fails.
A Comparative Study of Digital Integration Methods

This paper is a brief report on an investigation into the performance of integration routines used in the simula tion of dynamic systems by general-purpose digital simu lation programs. The performance is compared with respect to overall speed, accuracy, and convenience. Several routines are considered, including rectangular, Runge-Kutta, Runge-Kutta-Blum, Runge-Kutta-Mer son, and Adams-Moulton methods. The last two may use either fixed- or variable-step-size methods. The Tus tin method and the State-Transition method are also included.By examining the performance of the routines through tests on representative systems, it is shown that for the simulation of linear systems the state transition method works best. For the general simulation of linear and non linear systems the variable-step-size Runge-Kutta-Mer son method proves to be most accurate and most efficient. The variable-step-size method may be designed to gen erate outputs at uniform intervals, thus greatly enhanc ing its value when synchronous i...
Attachment of bovine parvovirus to sialic acids on bovine cell membranes

Although it has previously been shown that bovine parvovirus (BPV) attaches to the sialated glycoprotein glycophorin A on erythrocytes, the nature of virus-binding moieties on mammalian nucleated cells is less clear. Buffalo lung fibroblasts (Bu), primary bovine embryonic kidney cells, Madin–Darby bovine kidney cells and bovine embryonic trachea (EBTr) cells were assessed for molecules capable of binding BPV. Competition studies were carried out on both erythrocyte and nucleated cell targets using a variety of sialated compounds and sialic acid-negative compounds. Glycophorin A was found to inhibit BPV binding, while mucin exhibited low-level inhibition. These two sialated compounds also blocked attachment of BPV-modified microsphere carriers to the Bu cell membrane. Influenza A virus was used as a sialic acid competitor and interfered with BPV attachment to erythrocytes and replication in Bu cells. Significantly, the enzyme sialidase removed BPV-binding sites from Bu and EBTr cells. The binding sites could be reconstituted on sialidase-treated cells by the enzymes α-2,3-O-sialyltransferase and α-2,3-N-sialyltransferase. These results indicated that BPV can attach to sialic acid on cell membranes and that the sialylglycoproteins available for virus attachment appear to contain both N- and O-linked carbohydrate moieties, but that not all members of the sialic acid family can bind BPV. Moreover, there may be other moieties that can bind BPV, which may act as either primary or secondary receptors.
Outcomes of using omalizumab for more than 1 year in refractory chronic urticaria

Abstract Background Because omalizumab was only recently approved for refractory chronic urticaria (CU), there are few studies that have evaluated patients using omalizumab for longer than 1 year. Objective To evaluate omalizumab's effectiveness, its feasibility in weaning, and its safety profile in patients with refractory CU who were on omalizumab for longer than 1 year. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of adults with well-defined refractory CU in the authors' clinic from October 2005 to January 2015 who responded to omalizumab and who had taken it for longer than 1 year. In addition to baseline characteristics, the duration, course, and adverse effects of omalizumab therapy were analyzed. Results Eight of 10 patients had complete resolution of symptoms after reaching their optimal regimen and had taken omalizumab for a median duration of 37 months (17–112 months). None of them required uptitration of dosage, an increase in frequency of dosage, or add-on therapy. Five of 8 patients, while being tapered, had recurrence of symptoms requiring the reuse of omalizumab. One successfully discontinued omalizumab, 1 was in the process of being weaned but did not experience a flare, and 1 had not attempted weaning. Conclusion This study from the United States suggests that omalizumab is effective and safe in patients with refractory CU who use omalizumab for longer than 1 year. Periodic attempts at weaning patients with CU from omalizumab should be attempted because there could be a chance of spontaneous remission. This might be difficult because symptoms are likely to recur, but restarting omalizumab in these patients seems effective and safe.
Design of multichannel fringing electric field sensors for imaging. Part II. Numerical examples

Two concentric-ring fringing electric field (FEF) sensors are designed for dielectrometry measurement of round samples, as a specific example to further illustrate the design principles for FEF sensors introduced in part I of the paper. Finite element simulations are carried out to analyze and compare such sensor performance characteristics as signal strength and penetration depth. The effects of changes in sensor substrate thickness and shielding electrode width are also evaluated. Simulation results show a clear dependence between these design parameters and sensor performance.
Accounting for the Professional Work of Pathologists Performing Autopsies

Context.—With an increasing trend toward fee-code–based methods of measuring the clinical professional productivity of pathologists, those pathologists whose clinical activities include the performance of autopsies have been disadvantaged by the lack of generally accepted workload equivalents for autopsy performance and supervision. Objective.—To develop recommended benchmarks to account for this important and often overlooked professional activity. Design.—Based on the professional experience of members of the Autopsy Committee of the College of American Pathologists, a survey of autopsy pathologists, and the limited additional material available in the literature, we developed recommended workload equivalents for the professional work associated with performing an autopsy, which we elected to express as multiples of established Current Procedural Terminology codes. Results.—As represented in Table 3, we recommend that the professional work associated with a full adult autopsy be equivalent to 5.5 × 8830...
Grant and Contract Management Within an Intergenerational Shared-Site Organization: A Case Study

Intergenerational shared-site (IGSS) organizations have expanded in number and scope over the past few decades. These organizations are based on a human service model that simultaneously provides services to children and older adults, many times under the same roof. Although there has been increased research on the psychological and social effects that intergenerational interactions have on participants, little is known about the organizational processes that occur within these organizations. Utilizing a triangulation of traditional field methods, this study attempts to expand existing knowledge of intergenerational organizations by examining the grant and contract management experiences of a large IGSS agency. The findings indicate that public funding sources for human services are segregated by generational focus, creating challenges to nonprofit intergenerational organizations in grant and contract acquisition and management. Recommendations for future research and implications for providers in IGSS se...
Resolving directional ambiguity in dynamic light scattering-based transverse motion velocimetry in optical coherence tomography

Dynamic light scattering-based optical coherence tomography approaches have been successfully implemented to measure total transverse (xy) flow speed, but are unable to resolve directionality. We propose a method to extract directional velocity in the transverse plane by introducing a variable scan bias to our system. Our velocity estimation, which yields the directional velocity component along the scan axis, is also independent of any point-spread function calibration. By combining our approach with Doppler velocimetry, we show three-component velocimetry that is appropriately dependent on latitudinal and longitudinal angle.
The Tinctorial Behaviour of Human Mast Cells

Mast cells in the skin differentiate from perivascular fibroblasts. The cells nearest the walls of the blood-vessels contain mostly sparse and small mast granules; in those farther removed from the blood-vessels the granules are more numerous and coarse. With weak solutions of toluidine blue, mast granules reveal maximal chromotropy at pH 5-0. At lower pH values not all of the granules stain; at higher ones the granules and the intergranular cytoplasm stain progressively more orthochromatically. After digestion with ribonuclease and staining with toluidine blue buffered to pH 4.0 or 5.0 the mast granules are cherry red and all traces of orthochromatic staining are abolished; when stained at pH 60 or above, however, the cytoplasm and the granules attain a strong blue stain as if they had not been digested in the enzyme. Preparations fixed in Helly9s fluid may be washed in running water overnight and the mast granules show no diminution in chromotropy. The same sections may be stained, destained, and stained again at any desired pH with excellent results. Both the cytoplasm and the granules are Schiff-reactive, but the granules stain more intensely than the background. Sections stained with the periodic acid/Schiff technique and subsequently stained with toluidine blue reveal the mast granules brilliantly metachromatic, suggesting that the metachromatic and the Schiff-reactive substances, although coexistent, may be in fact separate elements. Mast granules, according to these tinctorial reactions, then, may contain 4 substances: (a) a protein cytoskeleton stainable with toluidine blue buffered to pH 6.0 or above; (b) some ribonucleic acid removable with ribonuclease and stainable with toluidine blue buffered to pH 5.0 or below; (c) an acid mucopolysaccharide which stains metachromatically; and (d) a Schiff-reactive substance.
Influence of mode of initiation on the growth of small surface cracks in titanium aluminides

Abstract Fatigue crack growth behaviour of small surface cracks in two α2 (Ti3Al) based titanium aluminide alloys, Ti-24Al-11Nb (at%) and Ti-25Al-17Nb-1Mo, was investigated. The primary objective was to monitor the variations in surface crack aspect ratio (a/c; a = crack depth and c = half surface length) as influenced by the microstructure in which the cracks were initiated and propagated. The continuous changes in a/c have been estimated using compliance data acquired using a laser interferometric system and surface crack length (2c) data collected using a photomicroscopic system. The changes in a/c have been used in the calculations of stress intensity factor range (ΔK) and crack growth rate. The aspect ratios of small cracks in Ti-24Al-11Nb, primarily initiated at grain boundaries, varied significantly as the cracks grew, owing to the influence of local microstructure. In the Ti-25Al-17Nb-1Mo alloy, cracks initiated from electro-discharge machined (EDM) notches grew with a nearly semicircular shape. The differences in crack aspect ratio variations between the two materials appear to be due to the differences in the microstructural environment through which the cracks grew. The growth rates of large cracks were found to be similar in both alloys. The differences in crack growth behaviour of small versus large cracks appear to be due to the reduced closure levels of small cracks relative to large cracks.
The role of information sharing in trade credit distribution: evidence from Thailand

Prior research has shown that information sharing among lenders facilitates bank credit allocation and reduces default rates. We examine the role of information sharing in trade credit allocation using a sample of publicly traded firms in Thailand over the 1994–2005 period. Taking the establishment of a private credit bureau in 1999 as signalling improvement in information sharing among lenders, we obtain three main results in the improved information sharing period: (1) Thai firms have become less dependent on supplier credit; (2) financially constrained firms redistribute more funds via trade credit; and (3) the relationships between the use of trade credit and firm-specific factors such as liquidity, free cash flow, tangible assets, interest cost ratio, and firm size weaken as information sharing improves. Our results are consistent with the view that better information sharing facilitates credit allocation. Hence, policies aiming at facilitating information exchange among financial intermediaries should be supported. We also find support for the view that bank credit substitutes for trade credit. This substitution lowers firms' cost of capital, given that trade credit is assumed to be more costly than bank loans.
Physical Therapy Intervention Following Surgical Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in an Individual With a History of Postmastectomy Lymphedema

Background and Purpose. This case report describes the physical therapy examination, intervention, and outcomes for a patient with lymphedema following breast cancer treatment who underwent carpal tunnel release. Case Description. The patient was a 53-year-old woman with right upper-limb lymphedema and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in her right hand who underwent a carpal tunnel release. Management of her lymphedema included the use of general anesthesia with reduced tourniquet time in conjunction with physical therapy, which included use of compression bandaging, limb positioning, and exercise. Outcomes. Following surgical release, the patient' s numbness and pain were alleviated. Right-hand grip strength increased following active exercise. Girth of the forearm decreased 1 to 1.5 cm at the 2 most distal measurement sites, and girth of the arm increased 1.5 to 2 cm 6 months after surgery. Discussion. This case supports the option of elective hand surgery for CTS in an individual with chronic lymphedema.
Knowing when to draw the line: designing more informative ecological experiments

Linear regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are two of the most widely used statistical techniques in ecology. Regression quantitatively describes the relationship between a response variable and one or more continuous independent variables, while ANOVA determines whether a response variable differs among discrete values of the independent variable(s). Designing experiments with discrete factors is straightforward because ANOVA is the only option, but what is the best way to design experiments involving continuous factors? Should ecologists prefer experiments with few treatments and many replicates analyzed with ANOVA, or experiments with many treatments and few replicates per treatment analyzed with regression? We recommend that ecologists choose regression, especially replicated regression, over ANOVA when dealing with continuous factors for two reasons: (1) regression is generally a more powerful approach than ANOVA and (2) regression provides quantitative output that can be incorporated into ecological models more effectively than ANOVA output.
Medical Assistants: An Analysis of Tasks Performed in Practical Settings

A task analysis and demographic inquiry were conducted for registered medical assistants (medical assistants certified by American Medical Technologists) working in practical settings. A mail surve...
COMPETITION BETWEEN SKELETONEMA COSTATUM AND OLISTHODISCUS LUTEUS IN NARRAGANSETT BAY AND IN CULTURE

Weekly observations over a 7-year period show that the phytoplankton of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, is alternately dominated, from May through October, by brief blooms of the diatom Skeletonema costatum and the flagellate OZtihodiscus Zuteus. The two species are almost never abundant simultaneously. When grown together in culture, one or the other dominates, the outcome of competition depending on the relative ages and concentrations of the inocula. Culture experiments in which each species was grown in medium conditioned by growth of the same or the other species, with nutrients restored, showed that 1) each species somewhat inhibits its own growth, 2) Skeletonema does not inhibit OZisthodiwus, and 3) Skeletonema is inhibited by high concentrations of OZ&&odis~s-conditoned medium, but is stimulated by low concentrations. It is proposed that OZtihodticus achieves dominance by production of large amounts of an ectocrine (of suggested tannoid nature) that inhibits Skeletonema and that Skeletonema achieves dominance primarily by virtue of its superior reproductive rate, but that in addition, in small competing populations, its growth is accelerated by the OZisthodiscus ectocrine-a stimulant in low concentrations. These mechanisms are shown to explain satisfactorily events observed in bialgal culture and are believed to be operative in nature.
Calibrating a Gyrocompass Using ADCP and DGPS Data

Abstract Accurate values of ship’s heading, usually obtained from a gyrocompass, are vital in calculating absolute currents from ship-mounted acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs). This note presents a straightforward method of calibrating a ship’s gyro by comparing two independent estimates of ship’s absolute velocity: one from bottom-track ADCP data (in combination with gyro data), and the other from differential global positioning satellite data. From a dataset collected in June 1993, 5-min-averaged data were isolated having these two estimates of ship’s velocity. These data showed that the speed estimates agreed within 0.2% but that the direction estimates varied by ±5° (standard deviation 2.4°) in a manner that was strongly a function of ship’s gyro heading. Correcting the data for this relationship reduced the standard deviation of the components of the ship-velocity differences by a factor of 2 and removed clear biases in their means.
Autophagy and Mitochondria in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.

Introduction Obesity and type 2 diabetes are growing health problems worldwide. The three principal diabetogenic factors are adiposity, insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, and decreased insulin production by pancreatic β cells. During recent years, macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) - sequestration and lysosomal degradation of cellular components - has emerged as an important player in these processes, playing a protective role against development of insulin resistance and diabetes. Of particular importance is the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria via mitophagy, a form of macroautophagy selective for mitochondria. Both muscle insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction largely depend on metabolic overload of mitochondria, which results in incomplete β-oxidation, oxidative stress, accumulation of toxic lipid intermediates, and mitochondrial damage. Mitophagy eliminates this vicious cycle of oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage, and thus counteracts pathogenic processes. Autophagy also mediates exercise-induced increases in muscle glucose uptake and protects β cells against ER stress in diabetogenic conditions. On the other hand, adipose tissue autophagy promotes adipocyte differentiation, possibly through its role in mitochondrial clearance. Being involved in many aspects, autophagy appears to be an attractive target for therapeutic interventions against obesity and diabetes. Conclusion Here we explore the connections of autophagy with mitochondria in obesity and type 2 diabetes, and discuss its roles in diabetic complications. Understanding how autophagy protects against diabetes could help design new strategies against this growing epidemic.
Maternal Health, Neonatology, and Perinatology reviewer acknowledgement 2015.

The editor of Maternal Health, Neonatology, and Perinatology would like to thank all of the reviewers who have contributed to the journal in Volume 1 (2015).
Mixed silane monolayers for controlling the surface areal density of click-reactive alkyne groups: a method to assess preferential surface adsorption on flat substrates and a method to verify compositional homogeneity on nanoparticles.

SAMs formed from mixtures of alkyne-silanes and alkane-silanes are used to control the areal density of click-reactive alkyne groups on the surface of flat germanium substrates, silicon wafers, and silica nanoparticles. Two new analytical tools are described for characterization of the mixed SAMs: a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique for quantifying the compositional homogeneity of the mixed monolayers formed on nanoparticles, and an infrared spectroscopy (IR) technique to detect preferential surface adsorption. The TGA technique involves measurement of the change in weight when azide-terminated polymers react with surface alkyne groups on silica nanoparticles via a click reaction, while the IR technique is based on the use of attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) to monitor click reactions between azide compounds with infrared “labels” and alkyne-functional mixed SAMs deposited on germanium ATR plates. Upon application of the new characterization techniques, we are able to p...
Occurrence of ovine homocytotropic antibody.

SummaryHomocytotropic antibody was detected in 80-100% of the ovine sera observed early in the primary response after immunization with 6 mg of the alumprecipitated form of human γ-globulin. This form of antigen, particularly in low dosages, appeared to result in a selective potentiation of ovine homocytotropic antibody as compared to sheep immunized with antigen plus complete or incomplete Freund's adjuvant. The failure to observe any direct correlation between the detection of IgG1, IgG2, and IgA, and IgM by radioimmunoelectrophoresis and the occurrence of homocytotropic antibody activity suggested that another or fifth class of ovine antibody was responsible for this functional property.
Preliminary Studies of Protective Effects of Saccharum Alhagi on Kidney Injury of Mice Induced by Gentamicin

The experiment was aimed to establish the mice model of subacute kidney injury induced by gentamycin(GM),and study the effects of saccharum alhagi which was Uighur medicine on nephrotoxicity caused by gentamicin.Twenty eight mice were divided into 7 groups,group A(125 mg/kg GM),group B(100 mg/kg GM),group C(80 mg/kg GM),group D(125 mg/kg GM+saccharum alhagi),group E(100 mg/kg GM+saccharum alhagi),group F(80 mg/kg GM+saccharum alhagi) and group G(saline),respectively,intraperitoneally injected for 7 d.Mice were sacrificed at 8 d after blood collection.The blood was measured for concentration of non-protein nitrogen(NPN) and the weight of livers,spleens and kidneys.The results showed that compared with group A and C respectively,concentration of NPN and kidney coefficients of group D and group F had significant difference(P0.05);compared with group B,concentration of NPN of group E had no significant difference(P0.05),but kidney coefficients had significant difference(P0.05).Kidney damage was found in the groups A,B and C.Saccharum alhagi had palyed an extremly role in the protection of kidney injury induced by 125 and 80 mg/kg GM,but didn't play a significant role in the protection of kidney injury induced by 100 mg/kg GM.
Production of superoxide by macrophages from Plasmodium chabaudi infected mice

In vitro superoxide production by spleen and peritoneal macrophages was assessed as a function of Plasmodium chabaudi infection in the mouse. Within the first 5 days post-infection, as parasitaemia rose, there was an increase in phorbolmyristate acetate-triggered superoxide generation by the spleen macrophages. The ability of the macrophages to produce O2- began to decline as the parasite burden increased and at peak it fell to control (pre-infection) levels. This refractory period may have resulted from a desensitization of the macrophage response to PMA triggering. After day 10, as parasitaemia declined, the O2- generation increased once more until day 17. Peritoneal macrophages showed increased ability to produce O2- on PMA triggering during the course of infection and this persisted longer than with spleen macrophages. These data are consistent with an involvement of O2-, or other products derived therefrom, in the killing of plasmodia, as well as in the pathology of malaria.
Lateral closing wedge osteotomy for treatment of Kienböck's disease. A clinical and biomechanical study of the optimum correcting angle.

A retrospective clinical analysis of 20 patients who underwent a lateral closing wedge osteotomy of the radius as an adjuvant procedure to a radial recession in the treatment of Kienbock's disease is reported. The functional outcome is compared to the results of a simplified two-dimensional articulating force analysis (Rigid Body Spring Model) based on radiographs of the wrist of the same patients taken before and after surgery. At an average follow-up of 39 months, wrist function was excellent in 4 patients, good in 9, moderate in 6, and poor in one patient. A significant positive correlation between functional improvement and percent reduction of the calculated peak pressure at the radiolunate interval was found. This was maximal in patients with wedge osteotomies between 5 and 10 degrees.
Temporal trends in the operating inefficiencies of U.S. state park systems

Abstract We apply a zero inefficiency stochastic frontier model to a longitudinal panel dataset describing the operations of all 50 US state park systems between 1984 and 2014. The purpose being to identify which state park systems have been most, and least, cost efficient in producing outdoor recreation opportunities over the 31-year period. The following states' park systems have become less inefficient over time: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The state park system directors and managers in these states have truly been able to “do more with less.” Conversely, the following states' park systems have gradually become more inefficient over time: Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Washington. Possible explanations for these state park systems' poor performance include stagnant attendance levels, a general unwillingness to invest in capital improvements and an unwillingness to employ more resource management personnel. Management Implications 1. State park systems with long-term reductions to operating inefficiencies tend to make management decisions that generate greater amounts of visitation per acre, allow for more investments in non-recurring capital expenditures per acre for park improvements and enable more employees to be employed for maintaining and servicing the states' parklands. 2. State park systems exhibiting long-term increases in operating inefficiency should use these findings to inform planning and management decisions if they want to become more efficient in the future.
Combination Therapy in Allergic Rhinitis: What Works and What Does Not Work:

Allergic rhinitis and other rhinitis subtypes are increasingly becoming some of the most prevalent and expensive medical conditions that affect the U.S. population. Both direct health care costs an...
Seismic analysis and design of steel-plate concrete composite shear wall piers

Abstract This paper presents results of numerical studies on the in-plane monotonic response of steel-plate concrete (SC) composite shear wall piers. Results of finite element analysis of 98 SC wall piers are used to investigate the effects of wall aspect ratio, reinforcement ratio, slenderness ratio, axial load, yield strength of the steel faceplates, and uniaxial compressive strength of concrete on in-plane response, and to formulate (a) predictive equations to establish the trilinear lateral force versus lateral displacement response of SC wall piers up to peak strength, sufficient for seismic analysis of structures including SC wall piers and (b) a mechanics-based design equation for peak flexural strength, which addresses the interaction of co-existing shear and axial force. Design of Experiments is used to select the 98 piers. The baseline finite element model was formally validated using data from reversed cyclic, inelastic in-plane tests of four large-scale SC wall piers.
New Low-melting Cadmium Precursors for the Detailed Study of Texture Effects in MOCVD Derived CdO Thin-Films

A new series of low-melting, highly volatile, thermally and air-stable cadmium MOCVD precursors have been synthesized and characterized. Cd(hfa)2(N, N-DE-N’, N’-DMEDA) has been successfully utilized in the growth of highly conductive and transparent CdO thin films. Hall measurements conducted on films deposited simultaneously on MgO (100) single crystal and Corning 1737F glass substrates reveal that the films on MgO have significantly enhanced carrier mobilities. Owing to similar grain sizes and carrier concentrations we attribute this effect to improved texture and associated improvements crystalline order. Conductivities as high as 8,590 S/cm are obtained which is to our knowledge the highest value reported to date for CdO films without aliovalent dopants.
High-Throughput Analysis Identifying Drugs That Regulate Apolipoprotein A-I Synthesis

Abstract Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) is the primary antiatherogenic protein in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Despite the controversy as to the clinical effectiveness of raising HDL, the search i...
Large-Eddy Simulation of Shallow Cumulus over Land: A Composite Case Based on ARM Long-Term Observations at Its Southern Great Plains Site

AbstractBased on long-term observations by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program at its Southern Great Plains site, a new composite case of continental shallow cumulus (ShCu) convection is constructed for large-eddy simulations (LES) and single-column models. The case represents a typical daytime nonprecipitating ShCu whose formation and dissipation are driven by the local atmospheric conditions and land surface forcing and are not influenced by synoptic weather events. The case includes early morning initial profiles of temperature and moisture with a residual layer; diurnally varying sensible and latent heat fluxes, which represent a domain average over different land surface types; simplified large-scale horizontal advective tendencies and subsidence; and horizontal winds with prevailing direction and average speed. Observed composite cloud statistics are provided for model evaluation. The observed diurnal cycle is well reproduced by LES; however, the cloud amount, liquid water path, and shortw...
Work-up of the HIV-infected Patient: Practical Approach

There are few comprehensive guidelines for the evaluation of individuals with known or suspected human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Despite the availability of high technology diagnostic testing, routine history taking and physical examination play an important role in the estimation of likelihood of prior infection and staging. Accurate assessment is critical for the anticipation of future needs and the delivery of timely, cost effective, and humane care.
Factors associated with alcohol consumption among medical cannabis patients with chronic pain.

Abstract Introduction Chronic pain is the most common reason for medical cannabis certification. Data regarding alcohol use and risky drinking among medical cannabis patients with pain is largely unknown. Therefore, we examined the prevalence and correlates of alcohol use and risky drinking in this population. Methods Participants completed surveys regarding demographics, pain-related variables, anxiety, cannabis use, and past six-month alcohol consumption. Alcohol use groups were defined using the AUDIT-C [i.e., non-drinkers, low-risk drinkers, and high-risk drinkers (≥ 4 for men and ≥ 3 for women)] and compared on demographic characteristics, pain measures, anxiety, and cannabis use. Results Overall, 42% (n = 330/780) were non-drinkers, 32% (n = 251/780) were low-risk drinkers, and 26% (n = 199/780) were high-risk drinkers. Compared to non-drinkers, low- and high-risk drinkers were significantly younger whereas a larger proportion of low-risk drinkers reported being African-American compared to non- or high-risk drinkers. High-risk drinkers reported significantly lower pain severity/interference compared to the other groups; high-risk drinkers were also less likely to be on disability compared to other groups. A multinomial logistic regression showed that patients reporting lower pain severity and less disability had greater odds of being classified a high-risk drinker. Conclusions High-risk drinking appears common among medical cannabis patients. Future research should examine whether such use is concurrent or consecutive, and the relationship of such co-use patterns to consequences. Nevertheless, individuals treating patients reporting medical cannabis use for pain should consider alcohol consumption, with data needed regarding the efficacy of brief alcohol interventions among medical cannabis patients.
Medical complexity and placement outcomes for children in foster care

Abstract Objective Medical complexity threatens placement stability and permanency outcomes for children in foster care (FC). This study aimed to characterize for US children in FC: 1) medical complexity, using number of diagnosed types of disability as a proxy; 2) demographic and removal characteristics based on level of complexity; and 3) whether increasing levels of complexity were associated with foster care placement outcomes. Methods The analysis included children in FC, ages 0–21 whose disability status was clinically assessed and documented (n = 538,695). Using data from the FY 2014 Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, medical complexity was categorized (0–4 +) based on 5 disability types: emotional, hearing/vision, intellectual, physical, and other. Bivariate analyses (χ2 tests, Kruskall-Wallis) compared the distribution of demographic and removal characteristics among complexity groups. Multiple logistic regression evaluated relationships between medical complexity and placement outcomes, including length of stay in FC, placement stability, and permanency. Results Twenty-three percent of the sample had 1 disability type, 7% had 2, 3% had 3, 1% had 4 +, and 67% had no disability. Children with increasing complexity were more likely to be older, older on FC entry, male, Black, non-Hispanic, placed in a group home or institution, have abuse, neglect, and/or child disability/behavior as reason for removal, and have poor placement outcomes. Conclusion Children in FC with greater medical complexity are at risk for undesirable placement outcomes. By recognizing and addressing the unique needs of this vulnerable population, pediatric providers and child welfare staff may identify strategies to improve placement outcomes.
Morphological and functional properties of the conducting human airways investigated by in vivo computed tomography and in vitro MRI.

We performed a comprehensive computed tomography-based study of the conductive airway morphology in normal human subjects, including branch diameter, length, and mutual angles. We found significant...
Predicting Use of Outdoor Fall Prevention Strategies: Considerations for Prevention Practices:

Purpose: Outdoor falls are just as common as indoor falls, but have received less attention in research and practice. Behavioral strategies play an important role in outdoor fall prevention. The pu...
Combination of Diffuse Reflectance FT-IR Spectroscopy, Fourier Self-Deconvolution and Curve-Fitting for the Investigation of Reacting Coals

Coal is a remarkably complex mixture of polymeric materials with mineral inclusions. The organic macerals are believed to consist of a skeletal structure which is composed of clusters of condensed aromatic and hydroaromatic nuclei, joined by methylene, polymethylene, or ether linkages. This lattice is of high molecular weight and is believed to contain smaller, more hydrogen rich, molecules in the pores. The infrared spectrum of most coals is relatively featureless, consisting of several broad bands assignable to common functional groups such as CH2, CH3, C=0, etc., but giving little detailed information on the precise molecular environment of each group. Several workers [1–4] have shown that overlapping bands in coal spectra may be resolved by Fourier selfdeconvolution [5]. We have assigned many of these features to functional groups in specific environments.
Inspiring integration in college students reading multiple biology texts

Abstract College students often struggle when they are faced with situations where they are required to read multiple texts and integrate across them. The present study examines an integration task designed to stimulate cross-system integration for college biology students reading about two related physiological systems. Learners (n = 617) were randomly assigned to read about the endocrine and urinary systems in the form of either two separate texts or a single text as they completed one of three task conditions: an integration condition, a comprehension condition, or a comparison condition. After reading, learners completed a free recall test and these responses were scored for whether or not learners integrated between the two physiological systems. Findings revealed that learners who engaged in the condition designed to stimulate integration were statistically significantly more likely to have integrated than those in the two comparison conditions. In addition, learners who read about the systems in the format of a single text were statistically significantly more likely to integrate than those who read the texts separately. Learners' self-reported strategy use was also examined. Learners' integration strategy use mediated the impact of the integration condition on the integration outcome measure. In sum, there is evidence that the integration condition employed in this study is a promising avenue for supporting college students' reading of multiple, componential texts.
Transaortic Septal Myectomy for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Transaortic extended septal myectomy is the best treatment option for patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy whose symptoms are refractory to medical management. In this article, we describe our operative technique of transaortic septal myectomy, which relieves subaortic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In experienced centers, surgical outcomes are excellent (operative mortality
"Meet Me Where I Am": Removing Barriers to End-of-Life Care for Homeless Veterans and Veterans Without Stable Housing.

Objective:To describe the barriers and facilitators of end-of-life (EOL) care for Veterans without stable housing (VWSH) as perceived by Veterans at 1 VA medical center and EOL care staff.Design:Qu...
Enhance Signal Detection in Auto-Associative CA3 Pyramidal Neuron Model Using Electric Field Noise

Stochastic Resonance (SR) is a nonlinear system phenomenon which plays a significant role in the detection of subthreshold signals. In this study, we utilize a two-cell coupled oscillator model to represent the abundant auto-associative connections between pyramidal neurons in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. It is an appropriate model for this investigation since some CA3 neurons had been shown to exhibit oscillatory behaviors. This type of neuronal connection is of particular interest because it has the ability to generate a wide range of possible neurodynamics. Unlike other similar studies, each oscillator unit is equipped with four input portals representing different modes of coupling and stimulation. Entrainment properties of the oscillators are governed by the intrinsic and coupling properties, which allow for different network configurations, neuronal classifications and stimulation protocol. Here, we hypothesize that subthreshold harmonic signals with frequencies associated with higher cognitive functions, learning and memory consolidation can be enhanced with an appropriate level of noise. Appropriate coupling conditions of the model were obtained to create a high complexity chaotic system which was quantified using complexity measures. The amplitude of the subthreshold harmonic signal was found experimentally. Harmonic signals at various frequencies were superimposed by Gaussian noise and were applied to the inputs pathway associated with electric field coupling. The power spectrum of the output signals was obtained and was compared with the zero noise baseline power. It was observed that the power spectrum of 40 Hz and 13 Hz frequency component (which are also associated with learning and memory) exhibited the maximum power exceeding that of the noiseless control only at some specific and narrow noise intensities.
Enhancing the Performance of Ni-Mo Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysts with Carbon Supports

Alkaline water electrolysis offers the use of low-cost active materials and ancillary components, making it attractive for hydrogen production from renewables. Nevertheless, the practical performance of nonprecious electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution still lags behind platinum-group metals. This disparity motivates work to understand how the solid-state chemistry of nonprecious transition metal alloys influences their activity toward alkaline hydrogen evolution. To this end, we have clarified the composition, chemical structure, and morphology of a previously reported Ni–Mo nanopowder electrocatalyst. The as-synthesized catalyst is mixed phase, comprising crystalline Ni-rich alloy nanoparticles embedded in a Mo-rich oxide matrix, and exhibits low activity toward hydrogen evolution. Its activity markedly increases upon activation by postdeposition reductive annealing or by including carbon black as a catalyst support. These results are consistent with a physical picture in which activity is li...
KINETICS OF ACCUMULATION OF THE ADP-SENSITIVE AND ADP-INSENSITIVE PHOSPHOENZYMES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO Ca2+ TRANSLOCATION IN SARCOPLASMIC RETICULUM

Publisher Summary The decomposition of the phosphoenzyme resulting from the addition of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) can be resolved into rapid and slow phases corresponding to the ADP-sensitive (EP) and ADP insensitive (E*P) phosphoenzymes, respectively. The distribution of ADP-sensitive and ADP-insensitive phosphoenzymes is approximately 1:1 in the steady state. This ratio is rapidly achieved following phosphorylation with ATP. The decomposition of the ADP-insensitive phosphoenzyme liberates a less-than-stoichiometric amount of Pi. This discrepancy is observed in ionophore-treated vesicles at short reaction times and becomes more pronounced when the external Ca2+ concentration is raised during dephosphorylation. The simultaneous addition of ADP and high (millimolar) Ca2+ activates the breakdown of the ADP-insensitive phosphoenzyme in the direction of the ADP-sensitive form. The site involved in this effect faces the extra-vesicular surface and has a low affinity for Ca2+ and has a Hill coefficient greater than 1 (n = 1.73). The accumulation of intra-vesicular Ca2+ in the presteady state occurs at a slower rate than the formation of the Ca2+ jump-sensitive, ADP-insensitive phosphoenzyme.