cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of different mesh generation methods on computational fluid dynamic analysis and power loss assessment in total cavopulmonary connection.

The flow field and energetic efficiency of total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) models have been studied by both in vitro experiment and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). All the previous CFD studies have employed the structured mesh generation method to create the TCPC simulation model. In this study, a realistic TCPC model with complete anatomical features was numerically simulated using both structured and unstructured mesh generation methods. The flow fields and energy losses were compared in these two meshes. Two different energy loss calculation methods, the control volume and viscous dissipation methods, were investigated. The energy losses were also compared to the in vitro experimental results. The results demonstrated that: (1) the flow fields in the structured model were qualitatively similar to the unstructured model; (2) more vortices were present in the structured model than in the unstructured model; (3) both models had the least energy loss when flow was equally distributed to the left and right pulmonary arteries, while high losses occurred for extreme pulmonary arterial flow splits; (4) the energy loss results calculated using the same method were significantly different for different meshes; and (5) the energy loss results calculated using different methods were significantly different for the same mesh.@DOI: 10.1115/1.1800553#
Plasma amino acid levels after single-dose aspartame consumption in phenylketonuria, mild hyperphenylalaninemia, and heterozygous state for phenylketonuria.

Aspartame (N-aspartyl-phenylalanine methyl ester), a widely used artificial sweetener, is hydrolyzed in the intestinal lumen to methanol and to its constituent amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Ingestion of this sweetener causes a sharp increase in plasma phenylalanine levels in normal persons a and in patients with phenylketonuria? The label on aspartame-containing products includes a warning to patients with PKU, but no information on the actual sweetener content, and there is concern that aspartame ingestion by those who do not have PKU could produce phenylalanine levels sufficiently high to harm the brain, especially among the estimated 2% of the general population who carry the gene for PKU and thus have a reduced capacity for phenylalanine metabolism. Studies in rats show that elevations of plasma phenytalanine levels, as
Geologic Structure of the Uppermost Oceanic Crust Created at Fast- to Intermediate-Rate Spreading Centers

▪ Abstract Geological investigations of major fault scarps (“tectonic windows”) and DSDP/ODP Drill Holes provide direct views of the uppermost oceanic crust generated at fast- to intermediate-rate spreading centers. These areas reveal a consistent upper crustal structural geometry with basaltic lava flows defining a pattern of downward increasing (“inward”) dip toward the spreading center at which they formed and dikes in the lavas and underlying sheeted dike complex showing a similar degree of “outward” dip. Widespread fracturing, faulting, and hydrothermal metamorphism accompanied magmatic construction. These geological relationships can be interpreted in terms of dramatic, asymmetrical, subaxial subsidence of upper crustal rock units that diminishes across the very narrow (few kilometers wide) zone of lava accumulation and dike intrusion at the ridge axis. This type of crustal structure is in accord with some existing models of spreading but augments these idealized views with more realistic geological...
Kernel Spectral Matched Filter for Hyperspectral Imagery

In this paper a kernel-based nonlinear spectral matched filter is introduced for target detection in hyperspectral imagery, which is implemented by using the ideas in kernel-based learning theory. A spectral matched filter is defined in a feature space of high dimensionality, which is implicitly generated by a nonlinear mapping associated with a kernel function. A kernel version of the matched filter is derived by expressing the spectral matched filter in terms of the vector dot products form and replacing each dot product with a kernel function using the so called kernel trick property of the Mercer kernels. The proposed kernel spectral matched filter is equivalent to a nonlinear matched filter in the original input space, which is capable of generating nonlinear decision boundaries. The kernel version of the linear spectral matched filter is implemented and simulation results on hyperspectral imagery show that the kernel spectral matched filter outperforms the conventional linear matched filter.
Strategic Equilibrium for a Pair of Competing Servers with Convex Cost and Balking

A two-person game is formulated for a queuing situation involving a pair of exponential servers competing for arriving customers. The servers have identical characteristics except for their service rates. Each server is free to select its own service rate. The objective of each server is to select a service rate that will maximize its own profit. Arrivals are Poisson. The probability that an arriving customer enters the queue is allowed to depend on the queue length at the time of arrival. The proportion of arrivals to a given server is shown to be strictly concave in the server's own service rate and decreasing in the other service rate. Furthermore, we show that when the cost function is convex and increasing, there exists a unique pure strategy Nash equilibrium point for the resulting game.
Some aspects of instantons

We study various effects associated with Euclidean instanton solutions. By means of an instructive example, we discuss how the probability of tunnelling among vacuum states in Minkowski space is connected with stationary (instanton) solutions in Euclidean space. Next we examine the cluster decomposition properties of non-Abelian gauge theories and indicate how these are recovered in the presence of instanton solutions. The validity of perturbation theory in these field theories is discussed. We show that perturbative analyses are only tenable in the deep Euclidean region, unless there is an intrinsic scale. Finally, we examine the role that instantons have in providing violations of otherwise conserved quantum numbers. We study, in particular, how fermion number nonconservation results by a careful examination of the path integral for the fermion-generating functional.
Women Faculty in US Business Schools

We analyze the representation of women on the faculties of US business schools over the period 2002 to 2009. While women are a distinct minority on the faculties of US business schools, their ranks are increasing. At the end of our sample period, 25.3% of faculty members are women, up from 20.0% in 2002. The percentage of women is higher among untenured than among tenured faculty. The representation of women and its variation across schools are not random. Small schools and schools in the northeast have better representation of women on their faculty. Perhaps most strikingly, schools ranked among the top 50 by US News have fewer women on their faculty. We discuss possible reasons for the latter result, but the empirical observation that ranked schools have fewer women remains an intriguing puzzle.
Biologic Approaches to Managing Advanced Breast Cancer.

An entirely new spectrum of biologic agents has followed directly from an increased understanding of growth regulatory pathways in eukaryotic cells. Currently, about 100 critical genes in growth stimulatory pathways have been identified as potential targets for development as therapeutic agents. HER2 is a member of a class of molecules in this pathway, called growth factor receptors. Named for "human epidermal growth factor receptor-2" (CRPB-2 or neu), HER2 has a profound significance on metastatic breast cancer. In a state of overexpression, its impact extends from its tumorigenicity, metastatic potential, effects on hormone dependence, and effects on response to tamoxifen and chemotherapy. As a predictor of response to therapy, HER2 expression developed as an aid in the selection of therapy.
Internal control reporting and accounting standards: A cross-country comparison

Abstract In this study, I examine whether there is a difference between internal control reporting (measured through the presence/absence material weaknesses) among foreign and U.S. firms. I also examine the relation between internal control reporting and the accounting standards used by firms (i.e., U.S. and foreign) in their submitted SEC financial statements. Overall, my results indicate that foreign firms are more likely to report material weaknesses than U.S. firms. Furthermore, foreign firms that submit financial statements that are prepared using U.S. GAAP or prepared using their domestic standards and then reconciled to U.S. GAAP are more likely to report material weaknesses. Since country specific political factors could influence the reporting of material weaknesses I also examine whether rule of law impacts the reporting of material weaknesses. My results indicate that foreign firms that are classified as strong rule of law countries are less likely to report material weaknesses and foreign firms that are classified as weak rule of law countries are more likely to report material weaknesses. Additionally, foreign firms that prepare the SEC submitted financial statements using IFRS are less like to report material weaknesses in strong rule of law countries and there is no significant relation between IFRS firms and material weakness reporting in weak rule of law countries.
First Steps Toward a Non-Ideal Theory of Justice

Theorists have long debated whether John Rawls’ conception of justice as fairness can be extended to non-ideal (i.e. unjust) social and political conditions, and if so, what the proper way of extending it is. This paper argues that in order to properly extend justice as fairness to non-ideal conditions, Rawls’ most famous innovation – the original position – must be re-conceived, dropping Rawls’ central idealizing assumption: his assumption of “strict-compliance.” I show that if Rawls’ arguments within ideal theory in “A Theory of Justice” and elsewhere are correct, the parties to a “non-ideal original position” ought to be permitted to weigh Rawls’ principles of ideal justice and their priority relations against whatever costs they might face, as individuals, in any attempt to transition from unjust to (more) fully just conditions. Next, I show that given their deliberative situation behind a “non-ideal-theoretic veil of ignorance”, the parties to a non-ideal original position ought to aim to secure for themselves a special class of “non-ideal primary goods”: all-purpose goods similar to Rawls’ original primary goods, but which in this case are all-purpose goods for (A) weighing principles of ideal justice against costs of social-political transition, and for (B) advancing any person’s (legitimate) transitional interests so defined. Finally, I explore a few plausible instances of non-ideal primary goods.
The orientation dependence of the yield stress of Ni3(Al,W)

Compression yield stress measurements over the temperature range 77 to 1150/sup 0/K were made on single crystals of Ni/sub 3/(Al,W) for four different crystal orientations. The yield stress increased with increasing temperature from 77/sup 0/K and showed peaks in the range 800 to 1000/sup 0/K depending upon orientation. Both the rate of yield stress increase and the peak temperature were functions of orientation. Specimens having orientations near (anti 111) showed higher yield stresses and lower peak temperatures, while specimens with orientations near (001) showed lower yield stresses and higher peak temperatures. These results can be explained by the cross slip model, namely, the formation of sessile segments on mobile screw dislocation by thermally aided cross slip.
Abstract 662: Maternal Soy Protein Diet Ameliorates Atherosclerotic Lesions in ApoE-Deficient Mice Offspring by Promoting Anti-inflammatory Responses Through Epigenetic Changes

Maternal hypercholesterolemia has been implicated with an earlier onset of atherosclerotic lesions in neonatal offspring. In this study, we investigated whether gestational exposure to soy protein isolate (SPI) diet (maternal diet) primes the vessel wall to attenuate development of atherosclerosis in adult F1 offspring. Pregnant apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE-/-) female mice were fed SPI diet until postnatal day 21 (PND21) of the offspring (SPI-offspring). At PND21, SPI-offspring was switched to casein (CAS) diet until PND140. Mice fed CAS throughout the lifetime (gestation to adult) were used as control (CAS-offspring). Atherosclerotic lesions in aortic sinus were reduced in SPI-offspring compared with CAS-offspring. Total cholesterol levels in CAS- or SPI-offspring, and CAS- or SPI-fed dams were not different suggesting that alternative mechanism(s) contributes to the athero-protective effect of gestational SPI diet. Aortic VCAM-1, MCP-1 and TNF-α mRNA and protein expression were elevated in CAS offspring, while expression of these molecules were 50% reduced in SPI-offspring. Interestingly, compared to CAS-offspring IFN-γ expression (Th1) was reduced, while expression of IL-10 (Th2/Treg), and IL-13 (Th2) expression was increased in SPI-offspring, suggesting that Th2/Treg bias could have contributed to the athero-protective effect. DNA methylation analyses revealed gata3 and il13 promoter regions were hypomethylated in SPI-offspring. We conclude that in utero soy protein exposure inhibits susceptibility to atherosclerotic lesion formation by promoting anti-inflammatory responses through epigenetic regulation.
An exploration of appearance and health messages present in pregnancy magazines

This study explored appearance-related images and messages present in pregnancy magazines (e.g. Fit Pregnancy, Pregnancy & Newborn, and Pregnancy Magazine). A substantial portion of advertisements ...
Anomalous change in the dynamics of a supercritical fluid

We perform molecular dynamics simulations to investigate dynamical properties of a supercritical Lennard-Jones fluid. We find that in the supercritical region there is a short-ranged deviation in dynamic character. We further find that this anomalous change is associated with the presence of the Widom line, the locus of specific heat maxima, of the liquid-vapor phase transition. The salient change in dynamics is consistent with a crossover in the correlation of the diffusion coefficient with the excess entropy. Our results lead to an interpretation that, even though a supercritical fluid excludes a singularity, its dynamical properties can be significantly affected by the existence of thermodynamic response maxima.
Package analysis of 3D-printed piezoresistive strain gauge sensors

Poly(3,4-ethyle- nedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) or PEDOT:PSS is a flexible polymer which exhibits piezo-resistive properties when subjected to structural deformation. PEDOT:PSS has a high conductivity and thermal stability which makes it an ideal candidate for use as a pressure sensor. Applications of this technology includes whole body robot skin that can increase the safety and physical collaboration of robots in close proximity to humans. In this paper, we present a finite element model of strain gauge touch sensors which have been 3D-printed onto Kapton and silicone substrates using Electro-Hydro-Dynamic ink-jetting. Simulations of the piezoresistive and structural model for the entire packaged sensor was carried out using COMSOLR , and compared with experimental results for validation. The model will be useful in designing future robot skin with predictable performances.
P11: ADULT T CELL LYMPHOMA (ATL) MASQUERADING AS FACIAL NERVE PARALYSIS

Purpose of Study ATL is a rare and aggressive peripheral T-cell neoplasm characterized by clonal human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) proviral DNA integration with host T lymphocytes.These patients commonly present with lymphadenopathy, skin rash, fever, fatigue or altered mental status. The prevalence of CNS disease varies from 3 to 50% and is always in the presence of systemic disease. Isolated cranial neuropathy as a presenting symptom has not been described in literature. Methods Used Retrospective chart review and review of literature. Summary of Results 49 year old Caribbean male presented with 2 month history of left sided headache, 5 weeks of right sided jaw numbness and pain which progressed to contralateral side. He was now unable to smile and had food falling from the side of his mouth. He denied fever, fatigue, night sweats, rash, weakness or abnormal lumps. He had normal mental status and good motor strength. Facial exam reveal bilateral upper and lower facial paralysis, left lateral rectus palsy and horizontal gaze diplopia. Rest of the physical exam was unremarkable. Labs revealed WBC of 6 k/mm 3 with normal differential, HB 16.5 gm/dl and platelets 238 k/mm 3 . Complete metabolic profile and peripheral smear was normal. MRI Brain showed irregular, fusiform enhancement of left trigeminal nerve, bilateral facial and abducent nerves. CSF flow cytometry showed clonal CD4+ CD25+ T cell population. HTLV-1 serology was reactive. Left infraorbital nerve biopsy confirmed involvement with ATL. CT Chest/abdomen/pelvis did not reveal enlarged lymphadenopathy. He was started on treatment with EPOCH and twice weekly intrathecal methotrexate for 4 months with clearance of CNS fluid. His jaw pain and vision improved but facial nerve paralysis persisted. He developed local relapse four months after treatment and was treated with high dose methotrexate for 5 cycles. Ultimately his performance status deteriorated and he succumbed to the disease progression. Conclusions This case illustrates the unique presentation of this disease and gives an insight on one treatment approach. This patient achieved remission with our approach of aggressive chemotherapy with intrathecal methotrexate although the duration of remission was short lived.
HIV Knowledge, Risk Behavior, Stigma, and Their Impact on HIV Testing among Asian American and Pacific Islanders: A Review of Literature

Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are the fastest growing population in the United States with documented increases in HIV rates. AAPIs are as likely as other racial/ethnic groups to engage in HIV-related risk behaviors, while being concomitantly less likely to have been HIV tested. Testing is a critical step in HIV prevention. Research points to various barriers to HIV-related testing including HIV knowledge and attitude and stigma. However, these factors and their impact among AAPIs are poorly understood. Myths about this population's "model minority" status compound AAPIs' sociocultural factors including English language proficiency, access to healthcare, and a culture of "silence" that negatively influences HIV-related research. In this article, the authors review the scientific literature on knowledge, risk behavior, and stigma to document the current state of research. Based on the review the authors offer a set of research, policy, and practice recommendations for social workers and other service providers working with AAPIs.
Left Handed Metamaterials and Intrinsic Negative Index of Refraction

Propagating electromagnetic waves in Left Handed Metamaterials (LHM) were introduced by Smith et al., in 2000 confirming Veselago's prediction in 1964 of their “reversed" behavior. We will discuss LHMs, their properties, and potential applications.
Employed Mother Stereotypes and Linkages to Work-Family Conflict and Enrichment

Social psychological theories were used to explain stereotypes of mothers in the workplace. Further, the extent to which mothers’ harbor these negative stereotypes and perceive that their managers agree with such stereotypes was explored. Survey participants reported their level of agreement with the stereotypes that employed mothers are incompetent employees, inflexible employees, not committed to their jobs, and require special accommodations compared to other groups of employees. Data were collected from 680 women. ANOVA results revealed that the non-mothers reported higher agreement with the stereotype statements than mothers. Correlations showed significant relationships between agreement with the stereotypes and increased work-family conflict. Agreement with the stereotypes was also negatively related to work-family enrichment. Regression analyses also revealed that (dis)agreement with these stereotypes predict whether or not working mothers believe they are getting assigned to important projects and tasks. The chapter concludes with suggestions for reducing the prevalence of negative stereotypes of working mothers. Future research opportunities include clarifying relationships between stereotypes of working mothers and outcomes of interest by considering demographic variables, life/career stages, and the impact of stereotype threat.
Relative Effectiveness of Bilateral and Multilateral Aid on Development Outcomes

Aid donors are interested in understanding whether allocating aid via bilateral or multilateral channels might be more effective for achieving development goals. We review 45 papers that empirically test the associations between bilateral and multilateral aid flows and various development outcomes including gross domestic product growth, governance indicators, human development indicators and levels of non-aid investment flows. Findings suggest that differences between countries and regions, time periods, aid objectives, and individual donor organizations all may influence the effectiveness of aid delivered bilaterally and multilaterally. We find, however, no consistent evidence that either bilateral or multilateral aid is more effective overall.
Rationality - what? Misconceptions of Neoclassical and Behavioral Economics

Both behavioral and neoclassical economists maintain a concept of strict rationality that is exceptionally narrow. Neoclassicists use it as a tool both to explain what agents actually do and as a prescriptive framework. Behavioralists do not believe it adequately explains actual behavior but that it is still a good prescriptive framework. My view is that whatever the technical virtues of strict, narrow rationality in providing a foundation for useful economics constructs, it is completely inadequate as a prescriptive standard. The appropriate concept of rationality for evaluation purposes must be “liberal” or broad, reflecting the complexities of human decisionmaking. Behavioral economists are blind to much of this at a normative-prescriptive level. So their critique of market or other outcomes is impoverished.
The J-ALEX trial—is frontline alectinib a new standard of care?

In patients with metastatic anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the options for therapy in both the first and second line setting are becoming increasingly complex. In the United States, both crizotinib and ceritinib are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for use in the upfront setting, with ceritinib, alectinib, and most recently brigatinib, all having received FDA approval in the second line setting after progression of disease on crizotinib (1). Several other ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are under investigation, with lorlatinib having recently received breakthrough FDA designation as a second line treatment and ensartinib also showing significant efficacy in ALK TKI pre-treated patients (2,3).
Targets of Neuroprotection in Glaucoma.

Abstract Progressive neurodegeneration of the optic nerve and the loss of retinal ganglion cells is a hallmark of glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) being the most frequent form of glaucoma in the Western world. While some genetic mutations have been identified for some glaucomas, those associated with POAG are limited and for most POAG patients, the etiology is still unclear. Unfortunately, treatment of this neurodegenerative disease and other retinal degenerative diseases is lacking. For POAG, most of the treatments focus on reducing aqueous humor formation, enhancing uveoscleral or conventional outflow, or lowering intraocular pressure through surgical means. These efforts, in some cases, do not always lead to a prevention of vision loss and therefore other strategies are needed to reduce or reverse the progressive neurodegeneration. In this review, we will highlight some of the ocular pharmacological approaches that are being tested...
Constructing a long‐term monthly climate data set in central Asia

We compiled and merged in situ observation data from several sources, creating a comprehensive unified monthly air temperature and precipitation data set with 457 stations in central Asia (CA). Stations with a valid data rate higher than 80% were selected, and the remaining gaps in selected station time series were filled with an iterative-principal component analysis (PCA) gap-filling method. The result is a gap-filled station data set for the period 1951–2010, with 369 and 381 stations for air temperature and precipitation, respectively. The cross-validation shows that the iterative-PCA gap-filling algorithm provides stable and trustworthy estimations of gaps, with mean root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.03 °C (in the range of 0.01–0.13 °C) for air temperature, and mean RMSE of 0.60 mm (in the range of 0.10–1.99 mm) for precipitation. A gridded data set was created by interpolating the gap-filled station data set with the geographically weighted regression method. Comparison of the gridded data set with the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data set shows that though both data sets present the long-term mean climate situation similarly, the gridded data set exhibits less annual and monthly variability. And the gridded data set has stronger correlations with stations time series than the reanalysis data set (mean correlations are 0.994 vs 0.975 for air temperature, and 0.787 vs 0.515 for precipitation), especially for precipitation in high mountain stations. The gridded data set is more suitable for climate and hydrological studies in CA, especially in high mountains regions.
A Call to Digital Health Practitioners: New Guidelines Can Help Improve the Quality of Digital Health Evidence

Background: Despite the rapid proliferation of health interventions that employ digital tools, the evidence on the effectiveness of such approaches remains insufficient and of variable quality. To address gaps in the comprehensiveness and quality of reporting on the effectiveness of digital programs, the mHealth Technical Evidence Review Group (mTERG), convened by the World Health Organization, proposed the mHealth Evidence Reporting and Assessment (mERA) checklist to address existing gaps in the comprehensiveness and quality of reporting on the effectiveness of digital health programs. Objective: We present an overview of the mERA checklist and encourage researchers working in the digital health space to use the mERA checklist for reporting their research. Methods: The development of the mERA checklist consisted of convening an expert group to recommend an appropriate approach, convening a global expert review panel for checklist development, and pilot-testing the checklist. Results: The mERA checklist consists of 16 core mHealth items that define what the mHealth intervention is (content), where it is being implemented (context), and how it was implemented (technical features). Additionally, a 29-item methodology checklist guides authors on reporting critical aspects of the research methodology employed in the study. We recommend that the core mERA checklist is used in conjunction with an appropriate study-design specific checklist. Conclusions: The mERA checklist aims to assist authors in reporting on digital health research, guide reviewers and policymakers in synthesizing evidence, and guide journal editors in assessing the completeness in reporting on digital health studies. An increase in transparent and rigorous reporting can help identify gaps in the conduct of research and understand the effects of digital health interventions as a field of inquiry. [JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2017;5(10):e136]
An RCT with the combination of varenicline and bupropion for smoking cessation: clinical implications for front line use.

Background and aims Despite the availability of several efficacious smoking cessation treatments, fewer than 25% of smokers who quit remain abstinent 1 year post-treatment. This study aimed to determine if varenicline and bupropion combination treatment would result in higher abstinence rates than varenicline alone. Design A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group smoking cessation clinical trial in which participants were exposed to 12 weeks of treatment and followed for 12 months. Setting Hospital-based out-patient clinic in Texas, USA specializing in cancer prevention. Participants A total of 385 community smokers (58.44% male) who smoked 1 pack of cigarettes/day [mean = 19.66 cigarettes/day, standard deviation (SD) = 9.45]; had average carbon monoxide (CO) of 26.43 parts per million (SD = 13.74); and were moderately dependent (Fagerstrom Test for Cigarette Dependence = 4.79; SD = 2.07). Interventions and comparator Smokers were randomized in a 3 : 1 (active: Placebo) ratio to 12 weeks of treatment as follows: placebo (n = 56), varenicline (Var; n = 166), and varenicline + bupropion (Combo; n = 163). Measurements A priori primary outcome: prolonged abstinence at 12 months. Secondary outcomes 7-day point prevalence abstinence and continuous abstinence; all abstinence measures at end of treatment and 6-month follow-ups. Findings Intention-to-treat analysis: the Combo group (n = 163) failed to demonstrate superiority to the Var group (n = 166) for prolonged abstinence at 12 months [odds ratio (OR) = 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.50-1.64], supported by Bayes factor = 0.06. Both the Var (OR = 6.66, 95% CI = 1.61-59.27) and Combo groups (OR = 6.06, 95% CI = 1.45-54.09) demonstrated superiority to the Placebo group (n = 56; score = 8.38, P Conclusions The addition of bupropion to varenicline treatment does not appear to increase smoking abstinence rates above that of varenicline alone. The findings support previous research showing a consistently favorable effect of both varenicline and the combination of varenicline and bupropion on smoking cessation compared with placebo.
Effect of germinal matrix hemorrhage on terminal vein position and patency.

PURPOSE: Pathologic studies have suggested that periventricular intraparenchymal hemorrhages (IPH) occur as the result of compression and occlusion of terminal veins (TV) by germinal matrix hemorrhages (GMH). This study used color Doppler ultrasound techniques to test this hypothesis in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four infants with 32 intracranial hemorrhages (20 GMH, 12 GMH/IPH) were evaluated during routine sonography with color and duplex Doppler ultrasound using an ACUSON 128 XP unit with 7-MHz linear and vector transducers. Maximum transverse dimension was obtained for each GMH. On coronal color Doppler ultrasound images, TVs were evaluated for displacement, presence of flow, and time average velocity (TAV). RESULTS: Abnormalities of the TV were common with ipsilateral GMH. Of 48 terminal veins evaluated, no flow was identified in 13 (27 %), and flow in a displaced vein was seen in eight (17 %). TV abnormality occurred more frequently with GMH/IPH (90 %) than with GMH alone (52 %), and complete occlusion of the TV was more common in GMH/IPH (82 %) than in GMH alone (16 %, p < 0.002). GMH size correlated with increasing TV abnormality. Mean transverse GMH dimensions with unaffected TV, displaced TV, and occluded TV were 8.2 +/- 1 mm, 10.3 +/- 1 mm, and 12.6 +/- 1 mm, respectively (p = 0.008). A small but significant trend was observed between maximum GMH dimension and decreasing TV velocities (r = - 0.5, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Obstruction of terminal veins by germinal matrix hemorrhage may play an important role in the pathogenesis of periventricular white matter hemorrhage.
Electrokinetic infusions into hydrogels and brain tissue: Control of direction and magnitude of solute delivery.

Abstract Background Delivering solutes to a particular region of the brain is currently achieved by iontophoresis for very small volumes and by diffusion from a microdialysis probe for larger volumes. There is a need to deliver solutes to particular areas with more control than is possible with existing methods. New Method Electrokinetic infusions of solutes were performed into hydrogels and organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. Application of an electrical current creates electroosmotic flow and electrophoresis of a dicationic fluorescent solute through organotypic hippocampal tissue cultures or larger hydrogels. Transport was recorded with fluorescence microscopy imaging in real-time. Results Electrokinetic transport in brain tissue slice cultures and hydrogels occurs along an electrical current path and allows for anisotropic delivery over distances from several hundred micrometers to millimeters. Directional transport may be controlled by altering the current path. The applied electrical current linearly affects the measured solute fluorescence in our model system following infusions. Comparison with Existing Methods Localized drug delivery involves iontophoresis, with diffusion primarily occurring beyond infusion capillaries under current protocols. Pressure-driven infusions for intraparenchymal targets have also been conducted. Superfusion across a tissue surface provides modest penetration, however is unable to impact deeper targets. In general, control over intraparenchymal drug delivery has been difficult to achieve. Electrokinetic transport provides an alternative to deliver solutes along an electrical current path in tissue. Conclusions Electrokinetic transport may be applied to living systems for molecular transport. It may be used to improve upon the control of solute delivery over that of pressure-driven transport.
THz Imaging Using Rail-Based Synthetic Aperture Radar for the Detection of Concealed Objects

We present, a rail-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging system for THz band. A 1-port full-duplex frequency extender coupled with a vector network analyzer was used as the transceiver module. Using a motorized linear stage, slanted object is scanned across the transmitter field of view and reflection is measured in frequency domain in two waveguide bands (220–325 GHz and 500–750 GHz). Processing the frequency data, images of metallic objects concealed in thick dielectric layers were reconstructed with resolution as fine as 0.8 mm.
(116) Pain Assessment in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: FLACC in Action

Pain assessment in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is complex, as the patient population is diverse in age, cognitive development, and acuity. Appropriate use of pain assessment instruments is vital for clinicians to identify patients experiencing pain and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions provided. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) pain scale is commonly used in North American PICUs to assess pain in patients who are unable to provide self-report. However, clinical application of the FLACC has not been studied in this setting. The purpose of this study was to examine use of the FLACC in a cohort of PICU patients. Data was extracted from electronic health records between September 1, 2013 and August 31, 2014. In that time, nurses assessed 708 patients 7,972 times using the FLACC scale. Assessments were complete (a value entered for all five components) for 2,703 (34%) of the assessments in 540 (76%) children. The Cry component was most often missing (3,456 assessments, 43%), followed by Legs (2,714 assessments, 34%) and Activity (2,703 assessments, 34%). Of the completed scores (range 0-10), a total score of 0 was most frequent (1,413 assessments, 52%), followed by scores of 5 (581 assessments, 21%) and 10 (167 assessments, 6%). All components had similar mean scores. A high proportion of incomplete components and patterns in scoring (all 0, all 1, all 2) brings to question the clinical utility of the FLACC in PICU. However, the use of retrospective data limits our ability to interpret findings. Nurses may use FLACC to guide pain assessment, but fail to complete documentation, or they may be systematically avoiding completion of components that cannot be assessed in some patients. More research is needed to determine how PICU nurses score and use FLACC scores to inform pain management.
Influence of Antagonistic Hamstring Coactivation on Measurement of Quadriceps Strength in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND There is limited understanding of how antagonist muscle coactivation relates to measurement of strength in both individuals with and without knee osteoarthritis (KOA). OBJECTIVE This study sought to determine whether hamstring coactivation during a maximal quadriceps activation task attenuates net quadriceps strength. DESIGN Cross-sectional cohort analysis was conducted using data from the 60-month visit of the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST). SETTING Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS A sample of 2328 community-dwelling MOST participants between the ages of 55 and 84 years, with or at elevated risk for KOA, completed the 60-month MOST follow-up visit. Of these, 1666 met inclusion criteria for the current study. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Quadriceps strength; percentage of combined hamstring coactivation (HC), medial HC, and lateral HC. Quadriceps and hamstring strength were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Surface electromyography was used to assess muscle activation patterns. General linear models, adjusted for age, BMI, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade and study site, modeled the relationship between antagonist hamstring coactivation and quadriceps strength. RESULTS Men had significantly greater quadriceps strength (P < .001), history of knee injury (P < .001) and surgery (P = .002), and greater presence of varus malalignment (P < .001). Women had greater pain (P < .001) and proportion of KL grade ≥2 (P = .017). Gender-specific analyses revealed combined HC (P = .013) and lateral HC inversely associated with quadriceps strength in women (P = .023) but not in men (combined HC P = .320, lateral HC P = .755). A nonlinear association was detected between quadriceps strength and medial HC. Assessment of quartiles of medial HC revealed the third quartile had reduced quadriceps strength when compared to the lowest quartile of coactivation in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS Hamstring coactivation attenuates measured quadriceps strength in women with or at elevated risk for KOA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II.
Decompensating domestically: the political economy of anti-globalism

The rise of populism across advanced industrial countries presents a challenge to the institutions and norms that make up the current global order and threatens to undo the global system that has e...
Sleep Disturbances in the Elderly Patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Studies have suggested that sleep and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) appear to have an important bi-directional relationship, where active disease promotes sleep disruption and poor sleep promotes ongoing and worsening inflammation. In the geriatric population, poor sleep has been linked to increasing morbidity and mortality. The etiologies of poor sleep in the elderly are multifactorial and are understood to be a part of the geriatric syndromes, conditions in the elderly associated with poorer mortality and morbidity. We review the current literature regarding the common sources of sleep disturbances in the geriatric population and, by extension, the growing population of elderly patients with IBD. There is a high prevalence of sleep dysfunction in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, not only in patients in disease remission but also in patients with active disease. Poor sleep has been suggested a potential marker of ongoing subclinical inflammation, and sleep disturbances are linked to poorer outcomes in patients with IBD. Management of inflammation appears to improve fatigue symptoms but is not linked with the elimination of symptoms. Thus, alternative etiologies of poor sleep, especially in the geriatric population, include chronic medical conditions with polypharmacy, co-morbid mood disorders, and primary disorders of sleep. Sleep disturbances in the elderly patient with IBD are related to multiple etiologies. Poor sleep is linked to both worse disease–specific outcomes and higher morbidity and mortality. Coordination of care with geriatricians, mental health professionals, and sleep specialists is often required to target the appropriate cause. We provide an etiological framework in the assessment of poor sleep in the elderly patient with IBD.
Compatibility Validation Framework for Complex Data Center HW Components

This paper presents the quality assurance improvement strategy to transform Compatibility Validation (CV) process for complex Data Center (DC) HW components into an operational excellence that shifted left the validation results and built efficient test suites that minimized coverage redundancies, reduced test execution time and maximized infrastructure utilization. The latter was accomplished by implementing test development best practices to maintain the injected errors in test environment close to the minimum industry world class levels of approximately 2% and to increase product quality by detecting system and compatibility issues early and efficiently delivering high quality products to be integrated in commercial DC solutions. This document covers the description, complexity and challenges of CV, it also presents the methodologies implemented to improve coverage, reduce noise and the integrated management system to monitor results and remove waste.
Predictors of complications from stoma closure in elective colorectal surgery: an assessment from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACSNSQIP).

There is significant morbidity after diverting ileostomy closure, so identifying predictors of complications could be of great benefit. The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for postoperative morbidity after elective ileostomy closure. The ACS-NSQIP dataset was evaluated for elective ileostomy closures from 1/1/2015 to 12/31/2016. Demographic characteristics, operative, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. The primary outcome was 30-day major morbidity (Clavien class III and greater). Secondary outcomes were rates and predictors of major morbidity, superficial site infection (SSI), reoperation, and readmission from multivariate logistic regression modeling. We retrospectively evaluated 1885 patients. The median operative time was 65 (IQR 50–90) minutes and median length of stay was 3 (IQR 2–5) days. Major morbidity was recorded in 6.7%, including mortality (1.0%), deep/organ space SSI (2.6%), dehiscence (0.8%), reintubation (0.5%), sepsis (1.7%), septic shock (0.8%), and reoperation (3.7%). Readmission was recorded in 9.7% and 6.2% had SSI. Multivariate logistic regression showed male sex (OR 1.584; 95% CI 1.068–2.347; p = 0.022) and longer operative time (OR 1.004; 95% CI 1.001–1.007; p = 0.009) were among those variables associated with increased odds of major morbidity. Dyspnea (OR 2.431; 95% CI 1.139–5.094; p = 0.021) and longer operative time (OR 1.003; 95% CI 1.001–1.007; p = 0.034) were among the independent risk factors for SSI. Male sex (OR 2.246; 95% CI 1.297–3.892; p = 0.004, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.959; 95% CI 1.153–7.591; p = 0.024), and longer operative time (OR 1.005; 95% CI 1.001–1.009; p = 0.011) were associated with increased odds of reoperation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.578; 95% CI 1.338–4.968; p = 0.005), wound infection (OR 2.680; 95% CI 1.043–6.890; p = 0.041), and inflammatory bowel disease (OR 2.565; 95% CI 1.203–5.463; p = 0.015) were associated with increased odds of readmission. Elective stoma closure has significant risk of morbidity. Patients with longer operative times were at increased risk for major morbidity, overall SSI, and reoperation. From the analysis, factors specifically associated with major morbidity, overall infectious complications, readmissions, and reoperations were identified. This information can be used to prospectively prepare for these high-risk patients, potentially improving postoperative outcomes.
Teaching International Development Locally: Using Museum Collections to Ground Students’ Learning:

Sociologists consistently try to activate students’ sociological imagination even as they focus on teaching substantive and methodological information and skills. Teaching international development...
The effects of different seat suspension types on occupants' physiologic responses and task performance: implications for autonomous and conventional vehicles.

Abstract This study evaluated whole body vibration (WBV), non-driving task performance, muscle activity, and self-reported discomfort and motion sickness between different seat suspension systems in a simulated vehicle environment. In a repeated-measures laboratory experiment where field-measured 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) passenger vehicle vibration was replicated on a 6-DOF motion platform, we measured WBV, non-driving task (pointing, typing, web-browsing, and reading) performance, low back (erector spinae), shoulders (trapezius) and neck (splenius capitis and sternocleido-mastoid) muscle activity, and self-reported discomfort and motion sickness from three different seats: a vertical (z-axis) active suspension, multi-axial active suspension [vertical (z-axis) + lateral (y-axis)], and a static suspension-less seat (current seat type in all passenger cars). Both the vertical and multi-axial active suspension seats significantly reduced the vertical WBV exposure (p 0.30), muscle activity (p > 0.22), self-reported discomfort (p > 0.07), and motion sickness (p = 0.53) across three different seats. These findings indicate that the active suspension seats may have potential to future reduce the vertical and total WBV exposures, respectively. However, none of the suspension seats demonstrate any significant benefits on the non-driving task performance, muscle activity, self-reported discomfort and motion sickness measures in a simulated vehicle environment.
Uso de condón en estudiantes de pregrado de carreras sanitarias de la Universidad de Valparaíso: estudio transversal

Introduccion: El uso de condones masculinos permite la prevencion de infecciones de transmision sexual y de embarazo, pero su uso en estudiantes de carreras sanitarias ha sido poco estudiado en Chile. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar el uso de condon y caracterizar la actividad sexual y el antecedente de infeccion de transmision sexual en estudiantes de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Valparaiso, Chile. Materiales y metodos: Se desarrollo un estudio transversal. Se aplico el Cuestionario Confidencial Sobre Vida Sexual Activa. Para el analisis inferencial se usaron las pruebas de Fisher y Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: Se incluyeron 143 estudiantes (69% mujeres). El promedio de edad de la primera relacion sexual fue de 17+1,8 anos. Durante los ultimos 12 meses, 6,3% siempre uso condon en las relaciones sexuales penetrativas, 69,2% a veces y 24,5% nunca (91,6% de ellas fueron heterosexuales); de acuerdo con el tipo de practica sexual, 41,9% declaro siempre usar condon en las relaciones anales, 25,8% en las vaginales y 0,8% en las orales; 3,5% habia presentado alguna infeccion de transmision sexual. No se encontraron asociaciones entre el uso de condon y el sexo de los participantes, el antecedente de infeccion de transmision sexual, el promedio de edad de inicio de la actividad sexual o la carrera universitaria. Discusion: Un pequeno numero de participantes reporto el antecedente de infeccion de transmision sexual. Una baja proporcion de los estudiantes de carreras sanitarias usa constantemente condon, mayormente en las relaciones anales, lo que podria asociarse con una baja percepcion de riesgo del no uso de condon.