cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review of Diagnostic Criteria Used in Atopic Dermatitis Randomized Controlled Trials

Numerous diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis are used in clinical trials, which may limit comparison of results. We sought to determine the most commonly used atopic dermatitis diagnostic criteria in randomized controlled trials internationally. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials with a pharmacological intervention from 2007 to 2016. Cochrane Library, EMBASE, GREAT, LILACS, MEDLINE, and Scopus were searched. Two authors independently performed the study selection and data extraction. Two hundred and twelve randomized controlled trials met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Overall, ten different diagnostic criteria were used. The Hanifin and Rajka criteria were most commonly used (41.0%), followed by the UK refinement of the Hanifin and Rajka criteria (9.0%), Japanese Dermatological Association criteria (4.2%), and American Academy of Dermatology criteria (3.8%). No diagnostic criteria were specified in 37.3% of randomized controlled trials. The Hanifin and Rajka criteria were the most commonly used atopic dermatitis diagnostic criteria in clinical trials of topical and systemic interventions, across all years between 2007 and 2016, in pediatric and adult populations, in most countries and regions internationally. The results highlight the lack of uniformity and documentation of atopic dermatitis diagnostic criteria in randomized controlled trials for atopic dermatitis. We recommend harmonizing the diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis in future randomized controlled trials.
Food Virology: Past, Present, and Future

Food was first recognized as a vehicle for the transmission of viruses in 1914 when a raw milk–associated outbreak of poliomyelitis was reported (Jubb, 1915). Additional milk-borne outbreaks were recognized after this time, but with the development of a vaccine for poliovirus, no outbreaks were reported in the developed world after the early 1950s (Sattar and Tetro, 2001). However, in the mid-1950s, hepatitis A transmission by shellfish was first reported in Sweden (Roos, 1956) and then in the United States (Mason and McLean, 1962). Later, food-borne outbreaks of nonbacterial gastroenteritis were recognized, although a specific viral agent could not be isolated in vitro. For the next two decades, the study of food-borne viruses centered on virus transmission by shellfish and potential risks from the use of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation of food crops. In the 1990s, molecular methods became available for the detection of difficult to cultivable or noncultivable viruses, which led to the realization that viruses are the leading cause of food-borne illness in the developed world (Bresee et al., 2002; Koopmans and Duizer, 2004). Although any virus capable of transmission by the fecal-oral route can be transmitted by foods, human caliciviruses (noroviruses and sapoviruses) are believed to be the major cause. Mead et al. (1999) estimated that 76 million cases of food-borne illness occur in the United States each year and that viruses cause an estimated 67% of these. They also estimated number of cases per year of calicivirus gastroenteritis at 23,000,000, or 40% of all cases (Mead et al., 1999). The number of documented food-borne virus outbreaks is believed to be on the increase worldwide (Koopmans et al., 2002). This trend will likely continue for a number of reasons as discussed in the next paragraph. Persons that will experience more serious illness and greater chance of mortality from infectious disease are on the increase in the United States (Gerba et al., 1996).These include young children, pregnant individuals, older people, and immunocompromised individuals (cancer and organ transplant patients). This group currently represents almost 25% of the population in the United States and is expected to grow as the population ages. Persons in nursing homes are 100 times more likely to die of a rotavirus infection than the general population (Gerba et al., 1996). Enteric adenovirus 40 and 41, which appear to rarely cause disease in adults, can result in mortalities of 50% to 69% in immunosuppressed cancer and organ transplant patients (Hierholzer, 1992). Increased consumption of foods traditionally eaten raw and globalization of international trade have increased the risks of viral contamination of
Muscle Activation and Inertial Motion Data for Noninvasive Classification of Activities of Daily Living

Objective: Remote monitoring of physical activity using body-worn sensors provides an objective alternative to current functional assessment tools. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of classifying categories of activities of daily living from the functional arm activity behavioral observation system (FAABOS) using muscle activation and motion data. Methods: Ten nondisabled, healthy adults were fitted with a Myo armband on the upper forearm. This multimodal commercial sensor device features surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors, an accelerometer, and a rate gyroscope. Participants performed 17 different activities of daily living, which belonged to one of four functional groups according to the FAABOS. Signal magnitude area (SMA) and mean values were extracted from the acceleration and angular rate of change data; root mean square (RMS) was computed for the sEMG data. A $k-$ nearest neighbors machine learning algorithm was then applied to predict the FAABOS task category using these raw data as inputs. Results: Mean acceleration, SMA of acceleration, mean angular rate of change, and RMS of sEMG were significantly different across the four FAABOS categories ( $p in all cases). A classifier using mean acceleration, mean angular rate of change, and sEMG data was able to predict task category with 89.2% accuracy. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the feasibility of using a combination of sEMG and motion data to noninvasively classify types of activities of daily living. Significance: This approach may be useful for quantifying daily activity performance in ambient settings as a more ecologically valid measure of function in healthy and disease-affected individuals.
Natural killer cells mediate pathophysiology in response to reduced uterine perfusion pressure.

Preeclampsia is associated with hypertension, small-for-gestational-age babies, and increased cytolytic natural killer (NK) cells. The specific role of cytolytic NK cells in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia has not been clearly defined. We hypothesized that Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure (RUPP) stimulates proliferation and cytolytic activation of NK cells, and that reducing NK cells in RUPP would prevent hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction, and inflammation in response to placental ischemia. RUPP was induced on gestation day (GD) 14 in pregnant rats. NK cells were depleted by i.p. administration of anti-asialo GM1 antibody on GDs 15 and 17. Placental and circulating NK cells were quantified via flow cytometry, mean arterial pressure (MAP), fetal weights, and cytokines were measured on GD 19. Total placental NK cells were 7.4 ± 2% of gated cells in normal pregnant (NP; n=10) and 16.5 ± 3% of gated cells in RUPP (n=10) rats. Furthermore, cytolytic placental NK cells also increased in RUPP. Depletion of NK cells in RUPP (RUPP + anti-ASGM1) significantly improved MAP and fetal weights. MAP was 108 ± 2 mmHg in NP, 125 ± 2 mmHg in RUPP, and 112 ± 2 mmHg in RUPP + anti-ASGM1 (n=12). Fetal weight was 2.32 ± 0.05 in NP, 1.8 ± 0.04g in RUPP, and increased to 2.0 ± 0.04g in RUPP + anti-ASGM1. Placental interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was 40.4 ± 5.2 pg/mg in NP, 72.17 ± 3.2 pg/mg in RUPP, and 44.0 ± 6.5 pg/mg in RUPP + anti-ASGM1 (P
Nutritional Assessment in Obese Patients

As the prevalence of obesity has risen, clinicians must evaluate nutritional status across a range of patient obesity levels and in varied clinical settings. Assessment of the nutritional status of obese patients may be challenging but follows the same schema as for undernourished patients. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery are cared for by multiple nutrition professionals at varied times relative to surgery. The early nutritional assessment evaluates the suitability for surgery and needed lifestyle modifications including dietary, nutritional supplement, and physical activity behaviors. If patients have a surgical complication, they may require a short course of parenteral nutrition that will require assessment of nutrient intake requirements. If patients fail to thrive, most typically at later times after malabsorptive surgical procedures, assessment for micronutrient deficiencies may also be indicated.
Future Care Planning by Older Grandparents Raising Adolescent Grandchildren

Mason’s framework for permanency planning was used to explore thoughts on future care planning among older grandparents raising adolescent grandchildren. In-depth, qualitative interviews were condu...
A Socio-Historical Overview of Black Youth Development in the United States for Leisure Studies

African American voices are absent from many histories of the youth development movement in the United States. This article explores contexts for African American youth development in three historical phases: 1790–1840, 1860–1877, and 1890–1920. Each phase includes a description of the family, neighborhood, education, religion, and leisure as interconnected developmental contexts. Each historical period was characterized by a dynamic of oppression and resistance through which African Americans carved out youth development opportunities for and with their children. Coming to terms with this legacy of oppression underscores the imperative to challenge injustice in the present. Further disruption of leisure history with nuanced perspectives from people of color may provide a more complete portrait of where we, as a field, have been and options for where we might go in the future.
Commentary: Family Member Well-Being in the Kinship Enterprise: A Self-Determination Perspective:

Nordstrom and Jennings (2017) provide an in-depth view of the Hutterite Brethren community to theorize family business practices and their association with familial well-being. Drawing from self-de...
Vocational Education at Play in the Fields of the Imaginary

When Dewey's reflections on the philosophy of experience required for a philosophy of education are considered from the standpoint of vocational education, often-neglected corners and relatively obscure aspects of his thought are illuminated. This chapter offers the example of a genuinely 'vocational' program at the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies that, in Dewey's spirit, imaginatively melds the learner's real-life experience with a deep exploration of questions at the core of any liberal education.
3D Imaging in Construction and Infrastructure Management: Technological Assessment and Future Research Directions

With rapid developments in 3D imaging technology, as well as the evolving need in Architecture/Engineering/Construction/Facility Management (AEC/FM) industry to understand various field aspects from a 3D perspective, several technologies, such as laser scanning, camera and RGBD camera, are becoming important components of civil engineers’ and architects’ toolbox. With improvements in efficiency and reduction in operational cost, new avenues are opening in leveraging 3D imaging sensors for construction and infrastructure management. In the light of this, there is a need to assess the achievements to date, especially with respect to unique challenging use case scenarios and requirements that construction and infrastructure management domains provide, and consequently identify potential research challenges that still need to be tackled. This paper targets doing such an assessment around several challenges faced when using 3D imaging to support construction and infrastructure management. It specifically discusses to what extent these challenges have been addressed and several approaches that are used in addressing them. It also presents current 3D imaging development trends and discusses briefly some challenges that are emerging due to increased application of 3D imaging techniques to highlight future research needs in this domain.
Compiling probabilistic graphical models using sentential decision diagrams

Knowledge compilation is a powerful approach to exact inference in probabilistic graphical models, which is able to effectively exploit determinism and context-specific independence, allowing it to scale to highly connected models that are otherwise infeasible using more traditional methods (based on treewidth alone). Previous approaches were based on performing two steps: encode a model into CNF, then compile the CNF into an equivalent but more tractable representation (d-DNNF), where exact inference reduces to weighted model counting. In this paper, we investigate a bottom-up approach, that is enabled by a recently proposed representation, the Sentential Decision Diagram (SDD). We describe a novel and efficient way to encode the factors of a given model directly to SDDs, bypassing the CNF representation. To compile a given model, it now suffices to conjoin the SDD representations of its factors, using an apply operator, which d-DNNFs lack. Empirically, we find that our simpler approach to knowledge compilation is as effective as those based on d-DNNFs, and at times, orders-of-magnitude faster.
Variational Analysis in Set Optimization

Here we start studying problems of set optimization and interrelated ones of multiobjective optimization, where optimal solutions are understood in various Pareto-type sense with respect to general preference relations.
RF Filters with Periodic Passbands for Sparse Fourier Transform-Based Spectrum Sensing

This paper demonstrates a passive low-insertion-loss (IL) RF filter with periodic passbands and capable of sparsifying the spectrum from 238 to 526 MHz for sparse Fourier transform (SFT)-based spectrum sensing. The demonstrated periodic filter employs LiNbO3 lateral overtone bulk acoustic resonators (LOBARs) with high-quality factors ( Qs ), large electromechanical coupling ( $k_{t}^{2}$ ), and multiple equally spaced resonances in a ladder topology. To demonstrate the periodic filter, the LOBARs is first modeled to predict $k_{t}^{2}$ of various tones accurately. The fabricated LOBARs show $k_{t}^{2}$ larger than 1.5% and figure of merits ( $Q\cdot k_{t}^{2}$ ) more than 30 for over 10 tones simultaneously, which agree with our modeled response, and are both among the highest demonstrated in overmoded resonators. The multi-band filter centered at 370 MHz has then been obtained with a passband span of 291 MHz, a spectral spacing of 22 MHz, an IL of 2 dB, FBWs around 0.6%, and a sparsification ratio between 7 and 15. An out-of-band rejection around 25 dB has also been achieved for more than 14 bands. The great performance demonstrated by the RF filter with 14 useable periodic passbands will serve to enable future SFT-based spectrum sensing. [2018-0155]
Acetaminophen is both bronchodilatory and bronchoprotective in human precision cut lung slice airways.

AbstractEpidemiologic studies have demonstrated an association between acetaminophen (APAP) use and the development of asthma symptoms. However, few studies have examined relationships between APAP-induced signaling pathways associated with the development of asthma symptoms. We tested the hypothesis that acute APAP exposure causes airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) in human airways.Precision cut lung slice (PCLS) airways from humans and mice were used to determine the effects of APAP on airway bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation and to assess APAP metabolism in lungs.APAP did not promote AHR in normal or asthmatic human airways ex vivo. Rather, high concentrations mildly bronchodilated airways pre-constricted with carbachol (CCh), histamine (His), or immunoglobulin E (IgE) cross-linking. Further, the addition of APAP prior to bronchoconstrictors protected the airways from constriction. Similarly, in vivo treatment of mice with APAP (200 mg/kg IP) resulted in reduced bronchoconstrictor responses in PCL...
Converter-Based Emulation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for Grid Applications

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) tend to be too costly, restrictive, and require high maintenance for experimental use, but power system tests often need their representation. As a solution, we propose an all-in-one, reconfigurable BESS emulation tool for grid applications that only requires one three-phase voltage-source converter. This emulator provides chemistry-specific battery behavior like previous work, but it also includes the BESS's power electronics interface and control as well as automatic frequency and voltage support functions for the attached power system. Thus, it allows simple, plug-and-play BESS emulation for grid applications. This paper details the construction, verification, and use of the BESS emulator in an existing grid testbed and concludes that it provides an inexpensive, easy-to-use alternative to using real BESSs in power system experiments.
Patient and Caregiver Benefit From a Comprehensive Dementia Care Program: 1-Year Results From the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program.

Author(s): Reuben, David B; Tan, Zaldy S; Romero, Tahmineh; Wenger, Neil S; Keeler, Emmett; Jennings, Lee A | Abstract: Background/objectivesPersons with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRDs) require comprehensive care that spans health systems and community-based organizations. This study examined the clinical outcomes of a comprehensive dementia care program and identified subgroups who were more likely to benefit.DesignObservational, baseline and 1 year after intervention.SettingUrban, academic medical center.ParticipantsA total of 554 persons with dementia and their caregivers who had 1-year follow-up evaluations and data on clinical outcomes.InterventionHealth system-based comprehensive dementia care management program using nurse practitioner dementia care managers.MeasurementsPatient measures included the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Functional Activities Questionnaire, Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scales, the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) Severity. Caregiver measures included the Modified Caregiver Strain Index, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, NPI-Q Distress, and the Dementia Burden Scale-Caregiver). We used established minimal clinically important differences and lowest tertiles of baseline symptoms to define improving symptoms and maintaining low symptoms as clinical benefit for patients and caregivers.ResultsAt year 1, persons with ADRD improved on all scales, except MMSE and functional status measures; caregivers improved on all scales. Using validated instruments, 314/543 (58%) of patients, 282/447 (63%) of caregivers, and 376/501 (75%) of patients or caregivers demonstrated clinical benefit. In adjusted multivariate models, at year 1, more behavioral symptoms and fewer depression symptoms at baseline were associated with patient improvement; and fewer baseline depression symptoms were associated with maintaining low behavioral symptoms. Male caregiver sex, higher baseline caregiver burden, and caring for patients with fewer baseline depression symptoms were associated with caregiver improvement. Male caregiver sex and patients with fewer depression symptoms, fewer behavioral symptoms, and more functional impairment at baseline were associated with caregivers maintaining low burden at 1 year.ConclusionsHealth system-based comprehensive dementia care management is a promising approach to improving clinical outcomes, with benefits for both patients and caregivers. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2267-2273, 2019.
Suspended Highly-efficient On-chip Phased Array Antenna at 60 GHz

This paper presents an on-chip millimeter-wave (mmW) phased array antenna for the next-generation wireless systems. Current silicon-based mmW antennas exhibit low radiation efficiency (~5-10%) due to lossy substrate. The proposed on-chip antenna array can achieve radiation efficiency >80% using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) processes. By suspending the radiating antennas, a low-ϵ r substrate of air is formed instead of a lossy silicon substrate. The designed 5×5 (element) array is well matched at 60 GHz covering a bandwidth of 2 GHz with at least -10 dB return loss. The peak realized gain for this array is 19.7 dBi with the side-lobe level of -13 dB. Moreover, the maximum scanning volume of the designed antenna is ±45° in H plane and ±48° in E plane. As an on-chip antenna, the proposed array can be monolithically integrated on a silicon substrate. Moreover, unlike other arrays, it satisfies high realized gain and moderate scanning volume in both E and H planes, making it desirable for the next-generation communication systems.
Association between frailty and sleep duration among people aged 50 years and over

Objective: To investigate the association between sleep duration and frailty among people aged 50 years and over. Methods: Cross-sectional data was collected from the first wave of World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health in China. Frailty index was constructed on the proportion of deficits, out of the 40 variables. A two-level (individual level and community level) linear model was performed to identify the related factors on frailty. All the models were stratified by age, gender, residence (urban/rural). Restricted cubic spline was performed to graphically evaluate the dose-response association between self-reported sleep duration and frailty. Results: A total of 13 175 individuals aged 50 years and over participated in this study. Without adjusting on any confounding factors, shorter or longer sleep duration significantly increased the risk of weakness compared with normal sleep time (OR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.71-2.44; OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.12-1.63). After adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, age, residence, education, family assets, vegetable, smoking, drinking and physical activity, a positive association between short sleep duration and frailty was noticed compared with normal sleep time (aOR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.27-2.01). The results of stratified analysis on sex, age and urban and rural areas showed that, after adjusting for gender, age, residence, education level, family assets, intake of vegetables and fruits, smoking, drinking and physical activity, only shorter sleep duration was positively correlated with the risk of weakness. In addition, among people aged 65 years and over, adjusted for confounding factors, the risk of weakness increased by 91%, compared with normal sleep time (aOR=1.91, 95%CI: 1.46-2.49). The dose-response curve also showed that the sleep duration and frailty present an approximate "U" shaped relationship. Conclusion: Short sleep duration might be associated with frailty.
Interactive Web-based e-learning for Studying Flexible Manipulator Systems

Abstractâ?? This paper presents a web-based e-leaning facility for simulation, modeling, and control of flexible manipulator systems. The simulation and modeling part includes finite difference and finite element simulations along with neural network and genetic algorithm based modeling strategies for flexible manipulator systems. The controller part constitutes a number of open-loop and closed-loop designs. Closed loop control designs include the classical, adaptive, and neuro-model based strategies. Matlab software package and its associated toolboxes are used to implement these. The Matlab web server is used as the gateway between the facility and web-access. ASP.NET technology and SQL database are utilized to develop web applications for access control, user account and password maintenance, administrative management, and facility utilization monitoring. The reported facility provides a flexible but effective approach of web-based interactive e-learning facility of an engineering system. This can be extended to incorporate additional engineering systems within the e-learning framework.
A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Histomorphologic and Immunohistochemical Spectrum of Gallbladder Carcinoma in Young Adults ( 60 Years)

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is more frequent after 60 years of age; its behavior in young adults has not been much studied. A retrospective analysis was performed in patients who underwent a cholecystectomy procedure between the years 2001 to 2016. A group of young patients ( 60 years) with reference to various clinical, histomorphologic, and immunohistochemical parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using t test and Fisher’s test. Survival curves were calculated by Kaplan-Meier actuarial survival curves and log-rank tests. One hundred and one patients with GBC were observed during the study period. Of these, 14 patients (13.9%) belonged to the study group (age range 20 to 45 years) and 43 patients (42.6%) constituted the comparison elderly control group (age range 60 to 80 years). Forty-four pts. were in the middle-aged group (46 to 59 years) and were thus excluded from the study. With reference to age ( 60), no significant difference was found in sex (females 64.3% vs 69.8%, p = 0.7), presence of gall stones (64% vs 60%, p = 0.8), advanced disease at presentation (T4) (14.3% vs 7%, p = 0.40), incidental detection of gallbladder carcinoma (28.5% vs 28%, p = 0.9), tumor stage at presentation (stage I/II) (35.7% vs 49%, p = 0.39), and poor differentiation (tumor grades G3) (14% vs 12%, p = 0.79). Full-length involvement (28.5% vs 11.6%, p = 0.015) of the gallbladder and abundant tumor necrosis (43% vs 14%, p = 0.021) were more common in the younger patients group whereas adenosquamous and pure squamous cell carcinoma were predominantly observed in elderly patients. Immunohistochemical studies showed higher percentage of overexpression of p53 and Ki-67 proliferation indices in the younger population. Overall survival in younger patients was 48 months whereas in elderly patients it was 36 months. Histological markers denoting aggressive tumor behavior were observed in gallbladder carcinomas of younger individuals; further studies are needed to delineate the differences in molecular mechanisms involved in progression of the tumor in the two groups.
Quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery: A systematic review with meta-analysis and trial-sequential analysis.

Abstract Study objective The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic efficacy of Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) versus controls, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and neuraxial morphine, or when added to neuraxial morphine in women undergoing cesarean delivery. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Patients Parturients undergoing cesarean delivery. Intervention Quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia. Measurements The primary outcomes were dynamic and static pain scores and cumulative opioid consumption at 24 h. Secondary outcomes were dynamic and static pain scores and opioid consumption at 6 and 12 h. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. Trial sequential analyses (TSA) were performed to determine if the results are supported by sufficient data. Main results Ten studies involving 761 parturients were included. Compared to controls, no difference in dynamic (MD -6; 95%CI -17 to 5) or static (MD -5; 95%CI -14 to 3) pain scores were noted with QLB at 24 h (moderate certainty), although opioid consumption (MD −10.64 mg morphine equivalents; −16.01 to −5.27) was reduced (high certainty), supported by sufficient data. QLB reduced dynamic pain at 6 h, and static pain and opioid consumption at 6 and 12 h compared to controls. Compared to neuraxial morphine, QLB did not alter opioid consumption or pain scores at 24 h (low certainty), although TSA suggests insufficient data. Due to limited data, meta-analysis and TSA were not performed to compare QLB and TAP blocks. Addition of QLB to neuraxial morphine did not alter dynamic and static pain scores at 24 h (moderate certainty, supported by sufficient data). Conclusions QLB improves post-cesarean delivery analgesia in parturients not receiving neuraxial morphine. Addition of QLB to parturients receiving neuraxial morphine has no significant analgesic benefit. Insufficient data are available to draw firm conclusions of QLB compared to TAP blocks or neuraxial morphine.
Urinary metal mixtures and longitudinal changes in glucose homeostasis: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN).

Abstract Background Epidemiologic studies on associations between metals and insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction have been cross-sectional and focused on individual metals. Objective We assessed the association of exposure to metal mixtures, based on assessment of 15 urinary metals, with both baseline levels and longitudinal changes in homeostatic model assessments for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-β). Methods We examined 1262 women, aged 45–56 years at baseline (1999–2000), who were followed through 2015–2016, from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation. Urinary concentrations of 15 metals (arsenic, barium, cadmium, cobalt, cesium, copper, mercury, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, lead, antimony, tin, thallium, and zinc) were determined at baseline. HOMA-IR and HOMA-β were repeatedly measured over 16 years of follow-up. A two-stage modeling was used to account for correlations in dependent and independent variables: In stage-1, linear mixed effects models were used to estimate the participant-specific baseline HOMA levels from random intercepts and participant-specific rates of changes from random slopes. In stage-2, adaptive elastic-net (AENET) models were fit to identify components of metal mixtures associated with participant-specific baseline levels and rates of changes in HOMA-IR and HOMA-β, respectively. An environmental risk score (ERS) was used to integrate metal mixture effects from AENET results. Results In multivariable adjusted AENET models, urinary zinc was associated with higher HOMA-IR at baseline, whereas molybdenum was associated with lower HOMA-IR at baseline. The estimated changes in baseline HOMA-IR for one standard deviation increase in log-transformed urinary metal concentrations were 5.76% (3.05%, 8.55%) for zinc and −3.25% (−5.45%, −1.00%) for molybdenum, respectively. Urinary zinc was also associated with lower HOMA- β at baseline. Arsenic was associated with a slightly faster rate of decline in HOMA-β in the AENET model evaluating associations between metals and rate of changes. Significant associations of ERS with both HOMA-IR and HOMA-β at baseline were observed. ERS for the rate of changes was not calculated and examined in relation to rates of changes in HOMA-IR and HOMA-β because only a single metal was selected by AENET. Conclusion Exposure to metal mixtures may be exerting effects on insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, which might be mechanisms by which metal exposures lead to elevated diabetes risks.
Gallbladder Cancer Surgery in the United States: Lymphadenectomy Trends and Impact on Survival

Abstract Background Gallbladder cancer has a poor prognosis, and surgery is the only curative treatment. However, lymphadenectomy has been underperformed. We evaluate the trend of lymphadenectomy in the United States and its impact on survival. Methods This is a cohort study of patients who underwent gallbladder cancer surgery between 2004 and 2016. Trend analysis of the rate of lymphadenectomy and the number of lymph nodes (LNs) removed were examined. The impact of lymph node status and different LN staging systems on survival was examined. Results Of the 4577 patients identified, 69.9% were female, the mean age was 71.0 (±12.4), 87.2% had ≥ T2, and only 50.3% (n = 2302) received lymphadenectomy. Although the rate of lymphadenectomy and the number of LNs removed increased during the study period, both with P Conclusions Lack of LN examination is associated with worse survival than LN positive disease. Although the rate of LN examination and number of LNs retrieved have increased from 2004 to 2016, they remained low. LNR and LODDS staging systems added no benefit to AJCC staging ability in predicting a 5-y survival rate.
Interface Problems for Dispersive Equations

The interface problem for the linear Schrodinger equations in one-dimensional piecewise homogeneous domains is examined by providing an explicit solution in each domain. The location of the interfaces is known and the continuity of the wave function and a jump in their derivative at the interface are the only conditions imposed. The problem of two semi-infinite domains and that of two finite-sized domains are examined in detail. The problem and the method considered here extend that of an earlier paper by Deconinck et al. (2014) [1]. The dispersive nature of the problem presents additional difficulties that are addressed here.
Learning How to Die — Lessons from the Irish Wake

Learning How to Die — Lessons from the Irish Wake Over years of rigorous medical training, from cold cadaver labs to physically demanding, gruesome codes, it gets easier to stop giving love so free...
Performance Comparison of Algorithms Involving Automatic Learned Features and Hand-Crafted Features in Computer Vision

Three case studies in this report provide an analysis between two different machine learning algorithms in computer vision (CV) systems, with the difference in automatic feature learning as found in Deep Learning (DL), and manual hand-crafting feature extraction/selection, as found in traditional CV methods. Furthermore, this report focuses on state-of-the-art between Convolution Neural Networks (CNNs) and Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) related-models.
Home visiting caregiver satisfaction and engagement in South Carolina

Maternal and child health home visiting programmes demonstrate positive outcomes, yet retention of families in services can be difficult. This study examined caregiver satisfaction with home visiti...
Sedation and Analgesia for Children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Several situations arise in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) patient which may require the pharmacologic control of pain and anxiety. The author discusses the various pharmacologic agents available for sedation and analgesia including the inhalational anesthetic agents, nitrous oxide, benzodiasepines, opioids, ketamine, propofol, and the barbiturates. While intravenous administration is generally chosen for the PICU patient, certain situations may arise which preclude this route. The available information concerning alternative routes of delivery for the various agents including subcutaneous and transmucosal administration is presented. The role of various regional anesthetic techniques to control pain in the PICU patient are reviewed.
Complementary/alternative medicine use for arthritis by older women of urban-rural settings.

AbstractPurpose:This study described the use of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) for arthritis management among community-dwelling older women in urban, suburban, and rural areas.Data sources:A descriptive qualitative approach using focus group method was employed. A purposive sample of 50 w
The composition of nervous membranes.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the four groups of compounds that occur mainly in nervous system and all of them are membrane constituents. These compounds are gangliosides, proteolipids, polyphosphoinositides and neurokeratin. Gangliosides are neuronal components; proteolipids, poly-phosphoinositides and neurokeratin are myelin components. The work of Klenk is discussed in the chapter. Klenk isolated from brain a new amino acid to which he gave the name of neuraminic acid. He described gangliosides as complex glycolipids consisting of a lipid moiety in the form of a ceramide, and of a carbohydrate moiety in the form of a tetrasaccharide, as follows: galactose (1-3) N-acetylgalactosamine(1-4) gaIactose(I -4) glucose( 1 - 1)ceramide. Brief survey about the interaction of gangliosides with sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, and an apparent effect of the presence or absence of polypeptide on the behavior of the resulting complexes is mentioned. Now, Proteolipids, polyphosphoinositides and neurokeratin are three groups of substances that are closely related biochemically and anatomically. The chapter discusses about the constituents of these compounds, which mainly includes myelin. Purification of white matter proteolipids and its preparation by dialysis is also discussed in this review. A brief note on the chromatography, properties and composition of proteolipids is also mentioned. Many facts pertaining to the discussion of PPI are also presented.
Dramatic increase in negative superhelicity of plasmid DNA in the forespore compartment of sporulating cells of Bacillus subtilis.

Plasmid pUB110, isolated from vegetative cells of Bacillus subtilis, has an average of 34 negative supertwists (tau av = -34). This value falls to -30 early in sporulation, and the plasmid in the mother cell compartment maintains a tau av of -30. However, the plasmid within the developing forespore becomes much more negatively supercoiled, reaching a tau av of -47 in the dormant spore. This increased negative supercoiling in the forespore plasmid takes place in parallel with the synthesis of small, acid-soluble spore proteins, alpha and beta; and the plasmid from spores lacking small, acid-soluble proteins alpha and beta has a tau av of -40. The large increase in negative supercoiling of spore plasmid was also observed with Bacillus megaterium and in B. subtilis containing a plasmid with an origin different from that of pUB110. During spore germination plasmid pUB110 rapidly relaxed back to the tau av value characteristic of vegetative cells. It is possible that the observed changes in forespore plasmid topology are involved in modulating gene expression, DNA photochemistry, or both of these parameters in this compartment. Images
Distribution and nature of incorporation of trace elements in modern aragonitic corals

The objective of this study is to locate as closely as possible the sites of strontium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium in modern aragonitic corals, specifically whether these cations are adsorbed, or are substituted in the carbonate lattice or are incorporated in organic components. In addition to locating the sites of each of these four elements we wanted to find out quantitatively how much of each element occurs at each site. The experiments in this study are based on the dissolution rate of aragonite in distilled water and on the substitution of strontium and magnesium by calcium and sodium. Special attention has been given to the occurrence of strontium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium in the organic components of the corals. The main site for strontium in the corals is in the aragonite lattice. Twenty-five per cent of the total magnesium occurs in adsorbed sites and in organic compounds. The rest of the magnesium may be located in the aragonite lattice, but it is easily removed by repeated leaching or by replacement with calcium ions. Another possibility is that magnesium may occur in a dispersed mineral phase more soluble than aragonite because magnesium was released at a higher Mg to Ca ratio than is found in the solid coral; also because no local concentration of magnesium could be detected with an electron microprobe. About 12% of the total sodium is in adsorbed sites and is included in the organic compounds. The rest of the sodium might be in the lattice replacing calcium, but the low total exchange capacity is not enough to provide the needed charge balance. Another possibility is that sodium is located in a proposed mineral phase. Potassium is in adsorbed sites and incorporated in the organic compounds to an extent greater than all the other elements studied (30% of the total potassium), but again the evidence suggests that the remaining potassium is in a proposed mineral phase. Calcite is detected on the surfaces of aragonite corals after 5 months in the substitution experiment. The change of argonite to calcite took place after the inhibitor magnesium was exchanged from the surface sites and replaced by calcium. The organic compounds in corals contain small amounts of strontium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. Strontium is preferentially enriched in the organic compounds over magnesium.
Antimicrobial activity and local release characteristics of chlorhexidine diacetate loaded within the dental copolymer matrix, ethylene vinyl acetate.

In vitro results are presented for a novel oral drug-delivery system ultimately intended for treatment of oral infections in immunocompromised patients. Test samples of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) containing chlorhexidine diacetate (CDA) showed desirable antimicrobial properties and steady, slow release into aqueous and other media after an initial burst of drug release in the first day of liquid exposure. By washing away this initial burst, the proposed mouthguard device should be capable of sustained delivery of locally effective CDA concentrations far below systemically toxic levels. A prolonged room temperature shelf-life of at least 1 year, and effectivity against a wide range of oral bacteria and Candida species was demonstrated. Drug loaded films showed a top-to-bottom asymmetry in drug release, but good lateral homogeneity, and a linear relationship between initial CDA loading concentration (from 0.63 to 10 wt %) and days 3–14 release rates in a static aqueous environment. The EVA matrix containing CDA appears to possess many suitable properties for localized oral delivery of sustained antimicrobial activity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Proliferative autoimmune glomerulonephritis in rats: A model for autoimmune glomerulonephritis in humans

Proliferative autoimmune glomerulonephritis: A model for autoimmune glomerulonephritis in humans. Some forms of glomerulonephritis (GN) in humans appear consequent to autoimmunity. Experimental autoimmune GN (EAG) has been described in sheep, but attempts to develop EAG in other mammals have resulted only in antibody and proteinuria but no GN. We have developed a model of EAG in an inbred mammalian species to further study pathogenetic mechanisms. We immunized Brown Norway (BN) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats with glomerular basement membrane (GBM) or collagenase solubilized GBM (csGBM). Circulating and bound anti-GBM antibody developed in all rats. Only interstitial nephritis occurred in BN rats despite amounts of glomerular and serum anti GBM antibodies similar to WKY animals. One hundred percent of WKY rats immunized with csGBM/acid developed reproducible severe GN at two to three weeks with proteinuria and decreased kidney function which progressed to glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis. Antigen in acid was a requisite for induction of EAG. EAG rats had positive tests for delayed type hypersensitivity, their T cells underwent antigen specific transformation, and T cells and macrophages were present histologically. Passive transfer of EAG serum to naive rats resulted in fixation to recipient GBM but no proteinuria or GN. This new model of EAG in rats appears dependent on genetic factors, may involve cellular immunity in pathogenesis, requires exposure of the nephritogenic antigen, and is highly similar to rapidly progressive GN in humans.
Quantitative modeling of organic matter connectivity in source rocks using fractal geostatistical analysis

Abstract Numerical modeling of hydrocarbon expulsion requires accurate assessment of the 3-D geometry and connectivity of hydrocarbon pathways (such as pore systems, organic matter networks, fractures, and stylolites) in source rocks. In this paper, a method combining scanning electron microscopy (SEM), digital image analysis, fractal geostatistical analysis, and a renormalization algorithm is developed to determine the 3-D geometrical properties, defined as organic matter connectivity factor (OCF), of these pathways in source rocks. The method is applied to derive fractal geostatistical models and the OCFs of organic matter networks (OMN) of fourteen source rocks with wide variation in total organic carbon (TOC) content and texture. The results show that the connectivity of the OMNs is affected by both the amount and distribution of organic matter in source rocks. Uniformly distributed OMNs lose 3-D connectivity when the TOC content is below approx. 6%, whereas OMNs with preferred orientation may maintain lateral connectivity at 4% and perhaps lower TOC content. Thus, in shales such as the Bakken in which vertical OMN connectivity may not exist, the fracture systems may provide not only primary migration pathway, but hydrocarbon reservoirs that are recharged through the laterally connected OMNs. The method developed in this paper can be used to quantify geological models and average geological properties over a wide range of scales and thereby provide reliable geometric parameters for basin modeling using a numerical technique.
Computer-aided lymph node detection in abdominal CT images

Many malignant processes cause abdominal lymphadenopathy, and computed tomography (CT) has become the primary modality for its detection. A lymph node is considered enlarged (swollen) if it is more than 1 centimeter in diameter. Which lymph nodes are swollen depends on the type of disease and the body parts involved. Identifying their locations is very important to determine the possible cause. In the current clinical workflow, the detection and diagnosis of enlarged lymph nodes is usually performed manually by examining all slices of CT images, which can be error-prone and time consuming. 3D blob enhancement filter is a usual way for computer-aided node detection. We proposed a new 3D blob detector for automatic lymph node detection in contrast-enhanced abdominal CT images. Since lymph nodes are usually next to blood vessels, abdominal blood vessels were first segmented as a reference to set the search region for lymph nodes. Then a new detection response measure, blobness, is defined based on eigenvalues of the Hessian matrix and the object scale in our new blob detector. Voxels with higher blobness were clustered as lymph node candidates. Finally some prior anatomical knowledge was utilized for false positive reduction. We applied our method to 5 patients and compared the results with the performance of the original blobness definition. Both methods achieved sensitivity of 83.3% but the false positive rates per patient were 14 and 26 for our method and the original method, respectively. Our results indicated that computer-aided lymph node detection with this new blob detector may yield a high sensitivity and a relatively low FP rate in abdominal CT.
EFFECTS OF STORAGE CONDITIONS ON FIRMNESS OF BRINED CUCUMBERS

Brined, fermented cucumbers were stored up to 1 yr under various conditions of pH (3.3, 3.8), NaCl concentration (5.5, 11.4%), temperature (4.4, 15.5, 26.6°C), storage time (3, 6, 9, 12 months), and CaCl2, addition (0.1%). Polygalacturonase (PC) activity in the brine was negligible. Firmness of the cucumbers was determined with a Magness-Taylor fruit pressure tester. Temperature had the greatest influence upon retention of firmness, but effects of pH, % NaCl, and storage time also were significant (P ≤ 0.01). Rates of firmness loss ranged from <0.05 to ca 0.5 lb/month, depending upon pH, % NaCl and temperature. Firmness retention was greatest at 4.4–15.5°C, pH 3.8 and 11.4% NaCl. A prediction equation for the rate of firmness loss was developed. Addition of 0.1% CaCl2 to the brine resulted in firmer cucumbers, particularly those stored at pH 3.3 (P < 0.01). Results indicated that firmness of cucumbers can be retained at lower brine strengths than currently used, provided the cucumbers are washed prior to brining to remove softening enzymes as in the controlled fermentation process, and temperature of the brine stock is maintained at ca 15.5°C or lower.