cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
U.S. International Pleasure Travelers’ Images of Four Mediterranean Destinations: A Comparison of Visitors and Nonvisitors

This study compares U.S. international pleasure travelers’ images of four Mediterranean destinations—Turkey, Egypt, Greece, and Italy—for both visitors and nonvisitors. The image construct was conceptualized as having three components: cognitive, affective, and overall image. MANOVA analysis indicated that significant differences exist in all image components between the four destination countries. The findings revealed strengths and weaknesses of the four competing destinations and implications for positioning in the U.S. international pleasure market as well as product development and promotion strategy for the destinations.
The Krüppel-Like Factors in Female Reproductive System Pathologies

Female reproductive tract pathologies arise largely from dysregulation of estrogen and progesterone receptor signaling, leading to aberrant cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. The signaling pathways orchestrated by these nuclear receptors are complex, require the participation of many nuclear proteins serving as key binding partners or targets, and involve a range of paracrine and autocrine regulatory circuits. The members of the Kruppel-like factor (KLF) family of transcription factors are ubiquitously expressed in reproductive tissues and have been increasingly implicated as critical co-regulators and integrators of steroid hormone actions. Herein, we explore the involvement of KLF family members in uterine pathology, describe their currently known molecular mechanisms, and discuss their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention.
Flight-Like Ground Demonstrations of Precision Maneuvers for Spacecraft Formations—Part II

As part of a multifaceted technology development program for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer (TPF-I) mission, system-level ground demonstrations of precision formation flying have been performed. These demonstrations were done in the Formation Control Testbed (FCT), a six degree-of-freedom, system-level testbed with flight-like hardware and software. The FCT is described in detail in a companion paper. The formation guidance, navigation/estimation, and control architecture and software used in these demonstrations are also discussed in the companion paper. The demonstrations consisted of synchronized rotations, which couple relative positions and attitudes. For TPF-I, this maneuver will require highest precision formation flying. This paper presents the experimental results for these demonstrations, which are the first major system-level demonstration of precision formation flying control for TPF-I. Multiple synchronized formation rotations were executed with real-time software and centimeterand arc minute-level relative position and attitude performance. The maneuvers occurred over two weeks to show a robust, repeatable capability. The FCT is subject to ongoing development. In particular, these demonstrations had five degrees of freedom: three rotational and two translational. The final translational degree of freedom has since been added. In addition, because terrestrial disturbances in the FCT are more severe than encountered on-orbit, the centimeterand arc minute-level performance of the FCT demonstrations is traced to the TPF-I flight requirements via a simulation-based error budget. We conclude with some directions for further development of formation flying technologies.
Frequency, associated factors, and treatment of breaststroker's knee in competitive swimmers

Thirty-six competitive breaststroke swimmers were interviewed and examined for knee pain specifically related to the breaststroke kick. Eighty-six percent of the subjects had a history of at least one episode of breaststroke knee pain, while 47.2% had breaststroke knee pain that occurred at least once a week. There was a significant relationship between more frequent knee pain and increasing swimmer's age, increasing years of competitive swimming, increasing breaststroke training distance, and decreasing warm-up distance. The subjects with frequent knee pain were found to have less internal rotation at the hip joint. The most common site of breaststroke knee pain was the medial portion of the knee, with specific sites differing among the individuals. The medial synovial plica syndrome may be a cause of breaststroke knee pain, since 47% of subjects with weekly knee pain had tender, thickened medial plicae. Palpation of those plicae produced pain similar to that experienced with the breaststroke kick. The findings in this study suggest that reducing or eliminating breaststroke training distance should be an initial measure in treatment. Applications of ice, changes in kick technique, stretching exercises to increase hip rotation, and administration of aspirin may also be effective. The breaststroke training distance should be increased very gradually in the early season, and warm-up distance should be adequate to help prevent the symptoms of breaststroker's knee.
Identification of optimal strategies for increasing whole arm strength using Karush–Kuhn–Tucker multipliers

Abstract Objective . The purpose of this study was to develop a computer model for identifying muscles critical to improving functional upper extremity strength. Design . A three-dimensional biomechanical model of the upper extremity was developed, and the predictions were compared to maximal arm strength data collected from healthy volunteers. Background . Although several optimization-based mathematical models of the shoulder have been developed, none have utilized the mathematical properties of the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker multipliers to efficiently estimate the effect of strengthening individual muscles on functional strength of the whole arm. Methods . A static three-dimensional biomechanical model of the glenohumeral, radio-humeral, ulno-humeral and wrist joints was developed for predicting maximal hand exertion forces. The model was formulated as a linear program. Constraints consisted of moment equilibrium conditions and limits on maximum and minimum allowable muscle forces. Predicted arm strengths were compared to maximal pull strength measurements made on 10 subjects (5 male; 5 female). The task involved pulling toward the mid-sagittal plane of the body with the arm flexed 45 degrees. The Karush–Kuhn–Tucker variables associated with the maximal limits on muscle force were computed to estimate the effect of altering the strength of individual muscles on functional arm strength. Results. Maximum pull strengths were predicted well by the model. Karush–Kuhn–Tucker values ranged from 0 (for muscles not at their upper force limits) to 0.11 for the flexor carpi radialis and pectoralis major muscles. Karush–Kuhn–Tucker multipliers were found to be insensitive to the assumed specific tension of muscle. Conclusions . Upper extremity strength can be predicted from musculoskeletal geometry and physiology using linear programming. Relevance Karush–Kuhn–Tucker multipliers associated with the muscle force upper limits give insight into the effect of strengthening individual muscles on whole arm exertion strength. Such an analysis may provide insight into the development of optimal rehabilitation protocols.
ERP based decision fusion for AD diagnosis across cohorts

As the average life expectancy increases, particularly in developing countries, prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases has also increased. This trend is especially alarming for Alzheimer's disease (AD); as there is no cure to stop or reverse the effects of AD. However, recent pharmacological advances can slow the progression of AD, but only if AD is diagnosed at early stages. We have previously introduced an ensemble of classifiers based approach for combining event related potentials obtained from different electrode locations as an effective approach for early diagnosis of AD. We further expand this approach and analyze its robustness and stability in two ways: comparing the diagnostic accuracy on hand selected and cleaned data vs. standard automated preprocessing, but more importantly, comparing the diagnostic accuracy on two different cohorts, whose data are collected under different settings: a research university lab and a community clinic.
Grain structure effect on EM of Cu interconnects with CoWP capping - A statistical model

In this paper, EM statistics for Cu interconnects with CoWP capping was analyzed using a microstructure-based statistical model. The model was applied to a specific case where the interfacial diffusivity was effectively suppressed, leading to the grain boundary diffusion dominating the mass transport under EM. A direct correlation between the cluster length L and the EM lifetime t was established. Based on this relation and the weakest-link model, the EM lifetime and statistics were modeled for Cu interconnects with the measured cluster length distribution. The simulation results agree well with the experimental observations, confirming that the longer EM lifetime and the larger statistical deviation for the large grain structure stem from its shorter average cluster length and wider cluster length distribution. The weakest-link statistics show that only a few clusters close to the cathode end of the line control the EM statistics, which is consistent with the experimental observation that voids usually form adjacent to the cathode end of the line. This study suggests that for the CoWP capped Cu interconnects, the grain structure plays a key role in controlling the EM lifetime and statistics and will become increasingly important as the Cu interconnect continues to be scaled.
Non-Abelian adiabatic phases in vortex dynamics. Magnus force in Fermi superfluids

Abstract The Magnus force acting on a vortex in a two-dimensional neutral Fermi superfluid is derived using the method of adiabatic phases. The large core contribution to this force is generated by the non-Abelian structure of the gauge potentials. The Abelian approximation yields a small hydrodynamic force sensitive to the bulk band structure.
Frameless Stereotactic Robot-Assisted Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation: Case Report.

Background Electrode implantation for deep brain stimulation (DBS) can be performed in numerous ways, but the current “gold standard” is the use of frame-based systems for accuracy. Robotic stereotactic procedures, however, have gained increased interest because of their ease of use and reliability, but there could be concern about their safety in the United States as the result of recent lawsuits (e.g., the da Vinci Surgical System). We report the first DBS implantation performed using a robot (ROSA robotic device) approved by Food and Drug Administration for use in North America. Case Description A 56-year-old, right-handed woman with a 12-year history of Parkinson disease is described. She was offered bilateral subthalamic nucleus DBS placement to address motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. DBS electrode implantation was implemented successfully with ROSA robotic stereotactic assistance. Using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan acquisitions, we targeted the patient's subthalamic nucleus bilaterally. Bone fiducials were placed and intraoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging was obtained. The magnetic resonance imaging and CT were fused, and the patient was registered to the ROSA software. Trajectories were obtained and a microdrive device was fixed to the robotic arm to advance the electrode to the correct location. Electrodes were then placed bilaterally. Intraoperative CT showed good placement with no complications encountered. Conclusions The advantages of robotic assistance in stereotactic procedures are as follows: 1) improved accuracy, 2) “arc-less” approach, and 3) minor adjustments can be made in multiple planes to the entry point without adjustment of a frame. The case demonstrates robotic stereotactic assistance viability as an alternative to traditional frame-based or frameless systems in U.S. hospitals.
Unexpected Reactions of 2,5-Dimethylthiophene (2,5-Me2T) in Cp*Ir(η5-2,5-Me2T)2+, Cp*Ir(η4-2,5-Me2T), and Cp*Ir(C,S-2,5-Me2T) with Cobaltocene

The reaction of Cp*Ir(η5-2,5-Me2T)2+ (1) (Cp* = η5-C5Me5) with the reducing agent Cp2Co yields Cp*Ir(η4-2,5-Me2T) (2) and Cp*Ir(C,S-2,5-Me2T) (3), as well as the unexpected Cp*Ir(η4-2,5-Me2T·C5H4) (4), which can also be prepared by reacting 1 with Cp-. An X-ray diffraction study of 4 shows the η4-2,5-Me2T·C5H4 ligand to be a ring-opened 2,5-Me2T allyl thiolate conjugated to a cyclopentadienylidene unit. The reduced products 2 and 3 react with Cp2Co to give a ferrole-type product Cp*[IrC(Me)CHCHC(Me)]CoCp in which the planar iridacyclopentadiene ring is π-bonded to the cobalt, as established by a structural investigation. The Cp*Co analog of 5 is prepared by the reaction of 2 or 3 with Cp*Co(CH2CH2)2. These studies demonstrate that cobaltocene and Cp*Co(CH2CH2)2 readily desulfurize the 2,5-dimethylthiophene ligand in 2 and 3, which supports a previously proposed mechanism for thiophene hydrodesulfurization.
Generation and nonlinear interactions of high power 20-fs pulses

Dye lasers generate the shortest pulses of any laser source. We have investigated amplification of ultrashort pulses in mixed dyes. The dye mixture can be varied to match the pulse spectrum. In particular, using a mixture of rhodamine 640 and DCM, we amplify to the millijoule level sub-100-fs pulses produced in a CPM dye laser. It is interesting to note that the ASE spectrum remains featureless over a bandwidth corresponding to a 20-fs pulse.
Association of Compliance With Process-Related Quality Metrics and Improved Survival in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Importance Quality metrics for patients with head and neck cancer are available, but it is unknown whether compliance with these metrics is associated with improved patient survival. Objective To identify whether compliance with various process-related quality metrics is associated with improved survival in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma who receive definitive surgery with or without adjuvant therapy. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary academic medical center among 192 patients with previously untreated oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma who underwent definitive surgery with or without adjuvant therapy between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2010. Data analysis was performed from January 26 to August 7, 2015. Interventions Surgery with or without adjuvant therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures Compliance with a collection of process-related quality metrics possessing face validity that covered pretreatment evaluation, treatment, and posttreatment surveillance was evaluated. Association between compliance with these quality metrics and overall survival, disease-specific survival, and disease-free survival was calculated using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results Among 192 patients, compliance with the individual quality metrics ranged from 19.7% to 93.6% (median, 82.8%). No pretreatment or surveillance metrics were associated with improved survival. Compliance with the following treatment-related quality metrics was associated with improved survival: elective neck dissection with lymph node yield of 18 or more, no unplanned surgery within 14 days of the index surgery, no unplanned 30-day readmissions, and referral for adjuvant radiotherapy for pathologic stage III or IV disease. Increased compliance with a “clinical care signature” composed of these 4 metrics was associated with improved overall survival, disease-specific survival, and disease-free survival on univariable analysis (log-rank test; P Conclusions and Relevance Compliance with a core set of process-related quality metrics was associated with improved survival for patients with surgically managed oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Multi-institutional validation of these metrics is warranted.
Notes on the Text and Transmission of the Apocryphal Psalms 151, 154 (= Syr. II) and 155 (= Syr. III)

The Hebrew originals of the above-mentioned Psalms have been recently published by J. A. Sanders from a scroll containing approximately the last quarter of the Psalter which was found in the Eleventh Cave at Qumrân. In his preliminary notice on the unrolling of this scroll Sanders had already written: There are seven non-canonical compositions, aside from Ps 151, interspersed among the psalms. One of these is a prose account of the psalms and songs composed by David and the purposes for which he wrote them. The total number of musical compositions attributed to David is 4050.
Single photoionization of Be and HF using the multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree-Fock method

A recently developed ab initio implementation of the muticonfiguration time-dependent Hartree Fock (MCTDHF) method is used to calculate valence and core photoionization cross sections of the Be atom and HF molecule in the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. The cross sections are extracted from the dynamics following excitation by a single subfemtosecond laser pulse. We compare with previously published results and those from time-independent complex Kohn scattering calculations and find that the MCTDHF method calculates both the magnitude of the cross section and the line shapes of the resonant peaks to good accuracy, particularly for valence photoionization. These calculations demonstrate a methodology immediately applicable to calculating multiphoton and ultrafast dynamics.
Isaiah Then and Now: Reflections on the Responses to The Theology of the Book of Isaiah

In this response to reviews of The Theology of the Book of Isaiah, the author discusses the relationship between systematic theology and biblical theology in connection with the study of Isaiah, the importance of listening to the meaning of Isaiah in its historical context, and the way the author works with that meaning as a preacher.
Prognosis-related Factors in Pediatric Acute Osteomyelitis

Objective:To explore the risk factors related to poor prognosis in children with acute osteomyelitis.Methods: Data on forty-seven children who were treated for acute osteomyelitis in our hospital between 1995 and 2005,were allocated to four groups based on their outcomes: excellent(group A,n=20),good(n=9),fair(group B,n=15) and dead(n=3).Clinical features were compared between groups A and B.Nonparametric linear correlation analysis was used to screen for risk factors related to chronic osteomyelitie prognosis.Results: Younger age[9 d(26 d-7 y) vs 2y(30 d~13 y)],higher prevalence of flat bone involvement(25.7% vs 0%) and anemia(40.0% vs 0%) and longer time to a confirmed diagnosis[(5.5±2.3)d vs(2.7±1.7)d]were found in group B,with significant differences from group A(P0.05,respectively).Correlation analysis showed that prognosis of chronic osteomyelitis was positively correlated with durations with fever,local tenderness and motion limitation(r=0.506,P0.05).Conclusion: Duration of general or local symptoms seemed to be major factors related to prognosis of pediatric acute osteomyelitis.Early detection and effective treatment may helpful for better outcomes in these children.
Directional routing protocol for mobile Ad hoc networks

This paper proposed ahybrid solution called AODVDFR.AODV-DFR not only combined proactive and reactive routing features,but also borrowed from geo-routing the concept of greedy forwarding.If conventional predecessor forwarding failed,direction forwarding was used to find a back up path to rebuild routing quickly.Extensive simulations show that AODV-DFR can significantly improve the network performance.
The Use of Female Sex Workers Among Men in Nepal: Prevalence, STIs/HIV-Related Risk Behaviors, and Gender Ideology.

Heterosexual sex involving female sex workers (FSWs) is widely documented for its role in facilitating the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/HIV. Critical to such studies, and increasingly considered essential to HIV prevention efforts, is the gender constructs and power dynamics within relationships. However, little efforts have been made, which focus on male clients of FSWs, particularly on the relationship between gender ideologies and men’s sexual contact with FSWs, within the Nepali context. The present study aims to fill this critical gap by assessing the prevalence of use of FSWs and its association with STIs/HIV-related risk behaviors and gender ideologies among Nepali men. We used data from the nationally representative Nepal Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2011. For the purpose of analyses, we included a sample of 4,121 men, aged 15–49 years. During data analyses, we used multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for the following variables: age, region, residence, religion, educational level, wealth index, employment status, and cigarette smoking status. Of the total sample, approximately 5% reported the use of FSWs in their lifetime. In regression models, men who had sex with FSWs were more likely to report a history of STIs [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.03; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.69–5.43; P < 0.001], not using condom all the time (aOR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.05–2.12; P = 0.010), more than one sexual partner (aOR: 3.75; 95% CI: 2.18–5.23; P < 0.001), and have had early sexual debut (aOR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.85–3.67; P < 0.001). Respondents reporting the endorsement of violence against wives (aOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.01–2.84; P = 0.04) and male sexual entitlement (aOR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.21–2.32; P = 0.001) were significantly more likely to report sexual contact with FSWs. Our findings highlight the need to develop and implement specifically tailored interventions toward male clients of FSWs, with a particular emphasis on promoting equitable gender roles and beliefs.
The New Millennium for Adjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer

The treatment of microscopic metastatic breast cancer with adjuvant systemic therapy has undergone significant changes in recent years. At the same time, our understanding of the biology of breast cancer has also improved, predominantly as a consequence of data obtained from cDNA microarrays.
Evaluation of asthma medication adherence rates and strategies to improve adherence in the underserved population at a Federally Qualified Health Center

Abstract Background Adherence with asthma medications is less than optimal, measuring approximately 30–50%. Several factors have been shown to contribute to medication non-adherence including low-socioeconomic status, low literacy, medication cost, access to care, and language barriers. Community Health Clinic Ole has attempted to reduce medication adherence barriers associated with cost, access to care, and language by 1) allowing medications to be obtained from the clinic at a reduced cost via the 340B drug pricing program and patient assistance programs, and 2) providing one-on-one consultations from bilingual Spanish-speaking clinicians. Limited evidence is available regarding chronic disease-state medication adherence among Spanish-speaking individuals presenting to a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Objective The purpose of this study is to assess asthma medication adherence and determine predictors of non-adherence in the underserved population at an FQHC. Methods Adult patients with a diagnosis of persistent asthma receiving medication refills from clinic between October 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012 were identified ( N = 121). Individuals with intermittent or seasonal asthma only, exercise-induced asthma only, or mixed asthma/COPD; individuals who have not picked up at least one fill of inhaled corticosteroid in the past one-year; and individuals without active prescriptions for asthma controller medications were excluded. Medication adherence was assessed by using the medication possession ratio (MPR) for asthma controller medications (e.g. inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-2 agonists, leukotriene modifiers, and theophylline). Patients were categorized into two adherence groups: medium–high (MPR ≥ 0.5) and low (MPR Results Approximately one-third of individuals were identified with medium–high adherence to asthma medications, of which only 8.3% of individuals were found to be fully adherent (MPR ≥ 0.8). The majority of individuals (66.1%) were identified with low adherence, despite efforts to reduce medication adherence barriers associated with drug cost, access to care, and language. Patients with low adherence were younger (39.3 vs. 45.4 yo; P P P P P Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that asthma medication adherence remains poor among all underserved patients despite improved access to care via reduced medication pricing and the provision of Spanish-speaking medication consultations at refill pick-ups. Poor adherence rates remained common among both the Non-Hispanic and Hispanic, younger, and lower-socioeconomic patients in our study. Future studies may wish to explore whether providing a service that encompasses healthcare team support, optimal medication counseling, and utilization of patient-centered communication strategies improves asthma medication adherence in the Hispanic population.
A BASIC Computer Program for Calculating Antibiotic Susceptibility Percentage

A relatively simple computer program, written in BASIC language, for calculating antibiotic susceptibility percentages of 16 different clinical isolates is presented. With the availability of inexpensive microcomputers in clinical laboratories, this program can be modified for use by many microbiology laboratories.
Mesoscale convective systems and nocturnal rainfall over the West African Sahel: role of the Inter-tropical front

A convection-permitting regional model simulation for August 2006 and observations are evaluated to better understand the diurnal cycle of precipitation over the Sahel. In particular, reasons for a nocturnal rainfall maximum over parts of the Sahel during the height of the West African monsoon are investigated. A relationship between mesoscale convective system (MCS) activity and inter-tropical front (ITF)/dryline dynamics is revealed. Over 90% of the Sahel nocturnal rainfall derives from propagating MCSs that have been associated with topography in earlier studies. In contrast, in this case study, 70–90% of the nocturnal rainfall over the southern Sahel (11°N–14°N) west of 15°E is associated with MCSs that originate less than 1000 km upstream (to the north and east) in the afternoon, in a region largely devoid of significant orography. This MCS development occurs in association with the Sahel ITF, combined with atmospheric pre-conditioning. Daytime surface heating generates turbulent mixing that promotes planetary boundary layer (PBL) growth accompanied by a low-level reversal in the meridional flow. This enhances wind convergence in the low-level moist layer within 2°–3° of latitude of the equatorward side of the ITF. MCSs tend to form when this vertical mixing extends to the level of free convection and is accompanied by a mid-tropospheric African easterly wave disturbance to the east. This synoptic disturbance enhances the vertical wind shear and atmospheric instability over the genesis location. These results are found to be robust across the region.
Comparison of two-dimensional echocardiography methods of ventricular volume quantification to cardiovascular magnetic resonance in left ventricular volume overload

Abstract Assessment of left ventricular dilation plays an important role in the management of left ventricular volume overload lesions. Various echocardiographic methods exist, such as the 5/6 area-length and biplane Simpsons, but their agreement with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with chronic left ventricular volume overload from a young age has not been assessed. This was a retrospective review of patients with moderate or worse aortic regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, or ventricular septal defect who underwent both studies within 6 months. End-diastolic and systolic volumes and dimensions were measured by echocardiography using the 5/6 area-length, biplane Simpsons, and M-mode methods, and compared to cardiac MRI-derived volumes. The 5/6 area-length method showed the best agreement with MRI and remained consistent with increasing ventricular dilation. The biplane Simpsons and M-mode-based Teichholz method underestimated ventricular dilation and performed worse with increasing dilation. When comparing ventricular dimensions by M-mode, there was a non-linear relationship between linear dimension and MRI-derived volume. Linear dimension appeared to plateau with increasing ventricular dilation, leading to underestimation in severity of dilation. The 5/6 area-length method was superior to other echocardiographic methods of ventricular volume quantification when compared with MRI.
Deep silicon etching for X-ray diffraction devices fabrication

We report deep reactive ion etching of silicon gratings via cryogenic and Bosch processes. An aspect ratio of > 50 is achieved for 400 nm period gratings with both processes.
Real-Time Volumetric Imaging of Vitreoretinal Surgery with a Prototype Microscope-Integrated Swept-Source OCT Device.

Purpose To evaluate the images produced in an initial surgical series of intraoperative near–real-time volumetric swept-source (SS) OCT imaging. Design Prospective translational study. Participants Forty-one consecutive adult patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery between July 22, 2014, and July 1, 2015, at the Duke University Eye Center who agreed to participate. Methods A novel microscope-integrated SS-OCT prototype captured volumetric renderings of imaging of macular surgery in near-real-time and showed them to the surgeon via a heads-up display through the microscope oculars. Then the images were analyzed formally after surgery. Main Outcome Measures Image quality, successful capture of surgical instruments, maneuvers and associated retinal deformation volumetrically over time, and qualitative image analysis. Results Volumetric SS-OCT images were graded as acceptable in 92% of patients. Volumetric imaging of scraping and peeling procedures was achieved in 75% and 78% of patients in whom it was performed, respectively. Imaging provided the surgeon with near–real-time volumetric visualization of the position of the instrument relative to the retinal surface, flap initiation, flap removal, and retinal deformation during instrumentation via a heads-up display. Conclusions This volumetric, microscope-integrated SS-OCT prototype seems to provide high-detail, near–real-time volumetric imaging of delicate maneuvers during macular surgery.
Embedded system for a battery-operated LED-based photodynamic therapy device for treatment of early-stage oral cancers in resource-limited settings

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light-based treatment modality that has shown promise for treatment of early stage oral lesions and potential to be adaptable for successful implementation in resource limited settings. To operate in such conditions a PDT light source must be engineered to be robust and portable, with flexible fiber optic light delivery that provides stable output in the desired spectral window and irradiance while operating on battery power, and be simple to use, ideally with potential for smartphone control and telemedicine integration. Building on previous reports, this paper describes the development of embedded systems to meet these engineering design requirements and improvements to user interface design, LED driver efficiency, optical power output, battery life and overall portability.
Behavioral Health Coverage Under the Affordable Care Act: What Can We Learn From Marketplace Products?

Objective:The 2008 federal parity law and the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) sought to expand access to behavioral health services. There was concern that health plans might discourage enrollment b...
Global culture fronts: the Alliance Française and the cultural propaganda of the Free French

In January 1941, F.R. Cowell of the Spears Commission expressed the hope that the British and the Free French might ‘make some use of the wreckage of the Alliance Francaise now scattered around the...
Power moderates the impact of desire for exclusivity on luxury experiential consumption

This research examines the effect of desire for exclusivity on evaluations of luxury experiences and proposes a boundary condition for the effect. The scarcity effect literature suggests that consumers prefer scarce products due to limited supply because they appeal to consumers’ desire for exclusive consumption. Building on this thesis, the current research argues that luxury experiences are intrinsically scarce enough to appeal to consumers’ desire for exclusivity: Consumers with a strong desire for exclusivity will evaluate luxury experiences more favorably than those with a weak desire for exclusivity. A pilot study confirms a positive correlation between consumers’ desire for exclusivity and attitudes toward luxury experiences. Study 1 demonstrates that consumers with a strong desire for exclusivity show more favorable attitudes toward luxury experiences than those with a weak desire for exclusivity. Further, Study 2 finds that consumers’ power state (powerful vs. powerless) moderates the effect of desire for exclusivity on their affinity for luxury experiences: Only when feeling powerful do consumers with a strong desire for exclusivity evaluate luxury experience more favorably than those with a weak desire for exclusivity. However, this is not the case when consumers feel powerless.
Resolution Limits for Tracking Closely Spaced Targets

In the field of target tracking, a tremendous amount of work has been performed on improving the ability of many different algorithms to detect and track a target in the presence of clutter and other interfering targets. However, to date, surprisingly little work has been performed on analyzing whether or not, for a given target in a given clutter/interfering target environment, it is even possible to track the target at all. Our recent work has started to explore this—we have developed a framework to assess “trackability”—that is, we assess if a given target can be statistically separated from the clutter in the given environment. Here, we expand this framework by adding a second target. Assuming that both the targets are individually trackable, we develop a mechanism for establishing how close the two targets can get to one another and still be resolvable as two distinct targets. Note that we answer the question from the perspective of the tracker: a resolution of measurements is a different (and simpler) matter to adjudicate. Generally resolution of measurements implies resolvability of targets, but the converse is not implied.
Advanced quantum communication: where do we go from here? (Conference Presentation)

We can envision an eventual global multi-node quantum network, with hubs located around the planet. This, however, is still a far reach from current state of the art. Here we discuss some of our approaches to bridge the gap. Specifically, we are pursuing airborne and satellite-based free-space quantum communication. Free-space platforms naturally lend themselves to reconfiguration - likely required by a future quantum-secure network -- as nodes may be easily moved/reoriented to target new nodes. We are implementing a multi-copter drone-based quantum cryptography link, including fast, high-resolution optical stabilization; compact, independent sources; and lightweight single-photon detection. Having access to an agile, reconfigurable QKD networking system will enable quantum cryptography to reach applications prohibited by current approaches, such as temporary networks in seaborne, urban, or even battlefield situations. By using transmitters and receivers at higher altitudes, deleterious effects weather events like fog and turbulence can be mitigated. At longer scale, we are pursuing a quantum link from the International Space Station to earth, which will use hyperentanglement to enable a variety of advanced quantum communication protocols, including multi-bit-per-photon key distribution and "superdense" teleportation. With our table-top experiment we have investigated the effects of loss and turbulence, and demonstrated a system to compensate for the otherwise devastating effect of the Doppler effect from the rapidly moving ISS platform.
Mechanism of abnormal bleeding in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass: acquired transient platelet dysfunction associated with selective alpha-granule release.

The hemostatic alterations underlying the occasional bleeding diathesis associated with cardiopulmonary bypass surgery have been defined in 31 selected patients by simultaneously measuring the serial changes in concentration, function and kinetics of platelets, coagulation factors, and fibrinolytic components. The effects of uncomplicated bypass surgery were evaluated in 21 elective patients. Immediately upon bypass, the circulating levels of platelets, coagulation factors, and plasminogen regularly fell about 50% due to dilution with nonblood prime in the oxygenator apparatus. However, none of these components was reduced below established hemostatic levels at any time during or following the procedure. Furthermore, the functional transformation of fibrinogen to fibrin was not measurably impaired. Heparin effectively blocked both fibrinolysis and fibrinogen consumption during bypass and was consistently neutralized with protamine without rebound at the end of bypass. Circulating platelets were uniformly activated in elective patients during bypass through a process that involved release and partial depletion of α-granules, but not release of dense granule constituents. Platelet activation was associated with transient marked impairment of function as evidenced by striking prolongation of the bleeding time and defective aggregation in vitro. In uncomplicated patients, platelet function largely normalized within 1 hr after bypass. Controlled studies in baboons demonstrated that platelet dysfunction was produced by either cardiopulmonary bypass under normothermic conditions or by hypothermia alone without bypass. In the baboon model, defective platelet function was also transient and characterized by selective depletion of platelet a-granule contents without release of dense granule contents. By contrast, in all of 10 patients in whom bypass surgery was complicated by substantial abnormal bleeding, there was persistent bleeding time prolongation to greater than 25 min that persisted for hours after bypass despite platelet counts above 100,000/µl. With platelet transfusions, the bleeding time shortened rapidly, followed by cessation of bleeding. From these studies we conclude that cardiopulmonary bypass patients demonstrate abnormal clinical bleeding when there is a persistence of platelet dysfunction manifested as a bleeding time of greater than 20 min after protamine administration. Such bleeding patients with a prolonged bleeding time should receive platelet transfusions even when the platelet count is greater than 100,000/µl.
Are Extreme Dwarf Novae Amplitudes Due to Low Accretion Rates

As a test of whether the extreme amplitudes observed in some dwarf novae are due to very low accretion rates associated with ultrashort orbital periods, we have estimated the accretion rates from the disk magnitudes and from ROSAT X-ray luminosities. Prom 8 systems with distances determined from spectral or IR measurements, four have faint disks and four have bright disks. From the ROSAT results on 7 systems, two have low accretion rate while five are normal to high. Thus, the extreme amplitudes do not appear to be solely due to low accretion rates. However, large variations in quiescent magnitudes for 3 systems may signal lower accretion values are sporadically present.
The folding intermediate concept of prion protein formation and conformational links to infectivity.

Recent molecular biological and genetic evidence demonstrates that the abnormal isoform of the host cell derived prion protein plays a central role in the transmission and development of spongiform encephalopathies (GAJDUSEK 1988; PRUSINER 1993). The prion protein undergoes a three-stage transition during disease development: cellular isoform of prion protein (PrPc)→scrapie isoform of prion protein (PrPSc)→prion protein (PrP27–30) (Prusiner 1993).
Optimizing Transit Signal Priority Implementation along an Arterial

Transit signal priority (TSP) is a common method of providing priority to buses at signalized intersections. The implementation of TSP can affect travel time of cars traveling in the same, opposite...
Excessive Drug Pricing as an Antitrust Violation

It is nearly four years since Martin Shkreli bought an off-patent drug named Daraprim and raised its price overnight by nearly 5500%. Public outcry was intense and Shkreli became the poster-child for excessive drug pricing. But his drug was not the only example of excessive price increases. Indeed, the excessively high prices of numerous pharmaceutical drugs has become a matter of intense public policy debate. High prices have been condemned by presidential candidates, by members of congress, by the President, and by federal bureaucrats. Effective federal action has not materialized, so states have tried to fill the gap. So far, though, either the proposals have made little sense or, even if sensible and adopted, have had little effect. One might think that antitrust would be on the list of public policy tools to wield against high pharmaceutical prices, but it's not. This is because of the conventional wisdom that the antitrust laws do not forbid high prices simpliciter. In this Article I argue that we are not condemned to that result. Closer examination of prior efforts to deal with excessive prices in other areas of the economy shows a willingness to take on excessively high prices, at least where the seller is exploiting what might be a temporary power to raise prices of much-needed products. Further, closer examination of antitrust case law shows that there is no direct precedent barring the courts from finding that raising prices to an excessive level is conduct that violates Section 2 of the Sherman Act. Indeed, decisions in the area of licensing of standard essential patents come close to condemning such pricing. This Article begins with a general discussion of the problem of high prices and two examples of a non-antitrust approach to this problem. I then focus on the current antitrust approach to excessive pricing and the assumed inapplicability of Section 2 of the Sherman Act to a monopolist’s excessive pricing. I compare that approach to how U.S. courts and enforcers have handled standard essential patent licensing and how competition law enforcers outside the United States are now tackling the issue of excessive pharmaceutical drug pricing as an abuse of dominance. I then look at three examples of excessive pricing of pharmaceutical drugs, arguing that excessive pricing could be the basis of antitrust liability under Section 2 in each case. I conclude with some suggestions for how an antitrust enforcement program in this area might proceed. Robert Bork wrote that antitrust is a “consumer welfare prescription.” I agree. Excessively high pharmaceutical pricing, imposed by firms with monopoly power, extracts money from consumers and gives it to producers for no other reason than that they are in a position to take it. Surely the antitrust laws can do something about that.
Food cultures and aging: a qualitative study of grandparents' food perceptions and influence of food choice on younger generations.

Objective To explore food perceptions among grandparents and understand the influence of these perceptions on food choice for the younger generations in their family. Design Qualitative methodology, thematic analysis of the transcripts from fourteen focus groups. Setting Grandparents in the southern region of the United States. Subjects Participants were fifty-eight Black, Hispanic, and White grandparents, predominantly women (72%), ranging in age from 44-86 years (mean age = 65·4 (sd 9·97) years). Results Grandparents' perceptions related to personal food choice were related to health issues and the media. Grandparents' perceived influence on their children's and grandchildren's food choices was described through the themes of proximity and power (level of influence based on an interaction of geographic proximity to grandchildren and the power given to them by their children and grandchildren to make food decisions), healthy v. unhealthy spoiling, cultural food tradition, and reciprocal exchange of knowledge. Conclusion Our results highlight areas for future research including nutrition interventions for older adults as well as factors that may be helpful to consider when engaging grandparents concerning food decisions for younger generations to promote health. Specifically, power should be assessed as part of a holistic approach to addressing dietary influence, the term 'healthy spoiling' can be used to reframe notions of traditional spoiling, and the role of cultural food tradition should be adapted differently by race.
Got stage fright? A fellow-led initiative to improve cancer staging documentation.

310Background: Accurate cancer staging is essential for estimating prognosis, guiding treatment, populating cancer registries, and assessing clinical trial eligibility. Hence, timely staging of new...
Effectiveness of long-term infliximab use and impact of treatment adherence on disease control in refractory, non-infectious pediatric uveitis.

Refractory non-infectious uveitis is a serious condition that leads to ocular complications and vision loss and requires effective systemic treatment to control disease. The effectiveness of long-term infliximab [IFX] in refractory non-infectious childhood uveitis and the impact of treatment adherence on disease control were evaluated. Retrospective, single-center study between December 2002 and April 2016 of 27 children with refractory non-infectious uveitis [17 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA] treated with long-term IFX [9+ months]. Disease activity was assessed prior to and while on IFX using the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature [SUN]. Number of visits per year with active uveitis was analyzed by repeated measures logistic regression analysis from 2 years prior to IFX initiation or from onset of uveitis until most recent visit on IFX. Incomplete treatment adherence was assessed for each visit and defined as any deviance in corticosteroid use, prescribed infusion frequency, and/or follow-up examination frequency. Primary outcomes were sustained uveitic and systemic disease control prior to and during IFX treatment and the impact of incomplete adherence on uveitic disease control while on IFX. Secondary outcomes included corticosteroid and glaucoma medication requirement, ocular complications and need for surgical intervention. Mean age at IFX initiation was 10.4 ± 4.5 years; initial mean dose was 6.6 ± 2.2 mg/kg [and given at weeks 0, 2, 4 and q4 weeks thereafter for 93%]. Median duration on IFX was 35 [range 9–128] months. Prior to IFX, 14/27 patients had failed adalimumab ± methotrexate [MTX]; 21/27 failed MTX. IFX led to uveitis control in 89% and arthritis control in 76% (13/17). The odds ratio of having controlled disease after IFX was 4.1 (2.6, 6.4) compared to pre-treatment visits. Topical corticosteroids and glaucoma medications were statistically decreased (p = 0.007 right eye [OD], 0.003 left eye [OS] and p = 0.001 OD, p = 0.028 OS respectively). Incomplete adherence to treatment showed 10.3 times greater odds (7.1, 15.0) of having disease activity than full adherence. This study adds significantly to the IFX literature by documenting outstanding uveitis control with long-term IFX treatment in non-infectious pediatric uveitis patients. Higher dosage and shorter interval were utilized without adverse effects. Importantly, this is the first study, to our knowledge, to document the significant impact of treatment adherence on uveitis control.
Surviving a Pandemic.

By the time this issue reaches you, you will have been bombarded by millions of words about the COVID-19 pandemic—in the popular press, blogs, and scientific publications. Therefore, I approached w...