cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Update on the management of overactive bladder: patient considerations and adherence

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition that causes a profound impact on an individual’s overall health and quality of life. Muscarinic receptor antagonists are the mainstay of oral pharmacotherapy for OAB. Although all of the medications in this class are significantly more effective than placebo, they are also associated with more adverse events that may limit their overall use. Although newer preparations of these medications have sought to improve tolerability and efficacy through alternative routes of delivery and once-daily dosing, improved adherence to treatment and treatment persistence continue to be an ongoing challenge. An improved understanding of the factors involved in persistence of medical OAB therapy is imperative in efforts to optimize therapeutic benefits in this chronic and potentially morbid condition.
Iris Involvement in Granulocytic Sarcoma

A 6-year-old boy with a diagnosis of acute myeoblastic leukemia in remission developed iris infiltration accompanied by uveitis, hypopyon, and vitreous hemorrhage, which was initially unilateral, later becoming bilateral. Pathologically, the eyes showed leukemic infiltrates in the conjunctiva, episclera, sclera, ciliary body, trabecular meshwork, canal of Schlemm, choroid, vitreous, and the iris. Leder stain studies showed positive esterase activity, indicating granulocytic sarcoma. Granulocytic sarcoma may appear intraocularly as iris nodules. These iris nodules may be the initial manifestation of granulocytic leukemia.
Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance investigation of surface fouling due to phenol oxidation

Abstract An electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance is employed for investigating the formation of inhibitory polyphenol layers on the surface of gold electrodes. The frequency–time profiles are indicative of the formation of a thin insulating polymeric layer, that meets the rigid film requirement, and are in good agreement with the voltammetric response. Once access to the monomer is blocked, no further frequency change is observed. The passivation process is explored as a function of the specific phenolic compound, its concentration, and operational conditions. Comparison to the charge passed during the film deposition indicates that the efficiency of the polymerization process is dependent upon the phenol concentration. Valuable insights are also gained for the entrapment of glucose oxidase within the electrochemically grown polyphenol.
Growth plate injury of the hand and wrist in renal osteodystrophy

We present two cases of growth plate injury of the hand and wrist in young patients with renal rickets and osteodystrophy but no history of antecedent trauma. The postulated mechanism of injury is subclinical biomechanical stress on the involved extremity superimposed on the already weakened metaphysis and growth plate. Thus, the findings may be viewed as an insufficiency injury to the metaphysis and growth plate. Physicians should be aware that, in the absence of unusual athletic activity, epiphysiolysis of the upper extremity is uncommon and requires a search for underlying metabolic bone disease.
Developmental cellular electrophysiologic effects of d-sotalol on canine cardiac purkinje fibers

d-Sotalol may be a clinically useful class III antiarrhythmic agent for controlling ventricular arrhythmias in children. Because age-related differences in repolarization currents may contribute to developmental differences in response to antiarrhythmic agents that primarily affect repolarization, the electrophysiologic effects of d-sotalol were compared in Purkinje fibers from neonatal and adult dogs. Significant age-related changes characterized the antiarrhythmic profile of d-sotalol. d-Sotalol (10(-4) M) significantly prolonged the action potential duration of adult Purkinje fibers (310 +/- 8 to 380 +/- 7 ms, p less than 0.01) and neonatal fibers (247 +/- 5 to 342 +/- 9 ms, p less than 0.01). However, the lengthening of action potential duration was significantly greater in the immature age group. d-Sotalol had no significant effect on maximum diastolic potential, action potential amplitude, or phase zero upstroke velocity in normally polarized fibers. In contrast, different electrophysiologic effects were observed in K(+)-depolarized Purkinje fibers. Superfusion of adult K(+)-depolarized fibers with d-sotalol suppressed excitability in five (38%) of 13 fibers and significantly decreased action potential amplitude (88 +/- 2 to 83 +/- 1 mV, p less than 0.05) and phase zero upstroke velocity (180 +/- 14 to 105 +/- 3 V/s, p less than 0.01) in the other eight fibers. The membrane depressant effects observed in the younger age group were significantly less [no suppression of excitability and a smaller decrease in phase zero upstroke velocity (121 +/- 22 to 101 +/- 23 V/s, p less than 0.05). The magnitude of action potential duration prolongation by d-sotalol in K(+)-depolarized fibers was less than in normally polarized fibers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
THE ASSESSMENT OF PRIOR LEARNING

(1976). THE ASSESSMENT OF PRIOR LEARNING. The Review of Education: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 178-187.
Sipple's syndrome A urologist's viewpoint

A case of Sipple's syndrome, a triad of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, pheochromocytoma, and parathyroid hyperplasia is presented. The cause, laboratory diagnosis, and operative management of the syndrome are discussed. The need for thorough endocrine screening of patients with pheochromocytoma and family screening of patients with the full syndrome is stressed.
Preoperative Accuracy of Diagnostic Evaluation of the Urachal Mass

Purpose: Urachal carcinoma is a rare urological neoplasm that arises along the urachal remnant from umbilicus to bladder dome. To our knowledge no published study has examined the diagnostic accuracy of modern preoperative testing to differentiate urachal carcinoma from a benign urachal cyst and spare the resection of potentially benign urachal tissue. We determined whether a urachal mass could be safely diagnosed preoperatively.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 104 patients with a urachal mass treated between 1979 and 2011. Study exclusion criteria were unresectable metastatic disease at presentation, no surgery and management by transurethral resection alone. Of the patients who remained only 65 had preoperative diagnostic testing as well as definitive pathological results available for analysis. Mean age was 51 years. Of the patients 86% were white and 65% were male. The accuracy of diagnosis based on preoperative tests was compared to that of final pathology (cancer or benign).Results:...
What can we learn from patient-reported outcomes of insulin pen devices?

Although a variety of effective treatment options are available for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, many patients in the United States have difficulty reaching their glycemic goals. Patient adherence to insulin therapy, which often involves self-administered subcutaneous injections of insulin using either a vial and syringe or an insulin pen device, is often poor. Various factors associated with the type of injection device have been shown to influence the rate of patient adherence to insulin therapy. This article reviews patient-reported outcome (PRO) evidence from pediatric and adult studies that compared insulin pen devices with vial and syringe use. In a majority of these cases, patients preferred the pen devices over vial and syringe, stating advantages such as ease of use, convenience, greater confidence in their ability to properly administer the drug, and a greater perceived social acceptance. The pens were considered less painful than syringes and were associated with less needle fear. In addition, PRO evidence has directed pen technology design, leading to development of more advanced insulin pen devices. By appreciating the correlation between adherence to insulin regimens and a patient’s device preference, clinicians can make improved treatment recommendations to facilitate achievement and maintenance of glycemic targets.
Implications for the design of human resource management—Education, training, and certification

The articles in this issue suggest that Human Resource Management (HRM) educators need to seriously consider questions of what to teach, when to teach it, who should teach it, and to whom. The discussion in this article focuses on these questions and concludes that HRM education can and should address varied content areas, assist HR professionals in effectively interacting with the broader environment, occur at multiple points in individuals' careers, and be delivered by a variety of sources. No single approach to HRM education is likely to meet the varied needs of today's HRM professional. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Building a programmable multiplexing service using concast

Concast is a scalable "inverse-multicast" network service: messages sent from multiple sources toward the same destination are merged into a single message that is delivered to the destination. The mapping from sent messages to received messages is programmable, so the service can be tailored to the needs of specific applications. However the service can also be used as a building block for other generic network services, such as a packet multiplexing service that encapsulates multiple small packets into a single larger packet and then unencapsulates the small packets at their (common) destination. Such a service offers several potential benefits, including reduced packet processing overhead and increased rate-sharing, but must also be carefully designed to avoid problems caused by added packet delays. We show how concast can serve as the basis for a multiplexing service that can be tailored to the needs of the application. We present simulation results showing that the benefits of our multiplexing service vary with delay. We also show that given certain queue-manipulation capabilities, benefits can be achieved with zero added delay.
The strategic and operational roles of human resources an emerging model

Abstract Human-resources management may be most effective when decisions are made as close as possible to the point where the decision will be implemented.
Experimental identification of specificity determinants in the domain linker of a LacI/GalR protein: Bioinformatics‐based predictions generate true positives and false negatives

In protein families, conserved residues often contribute to a common general function, such as DNA-binding. However, unique attributes for each homolog (e.g. recognition of alternative DNA sequences) must arise from variation in other functionally-important positions. The locations of these “specificity determinant” positions are obscured amongst the background of varied residues that do not make significant contributions to either structure or function. To isolate specificity determinants, a number of bioinformatics algorithms have been developed. When applied to the LacI/GalR family of transcription regulators, several specificity determinants are predicted in the 18 amino acids that link the DNA-binding and regulatory domains. However, results from alternative algorithms are only in partial agreement with each other. Here, we experimentally evaluate these predictions using an engineered repressor comprising the LacI DNA-binding domain, the LacI linker, and the GalR regulatory domain (LLhG). “Wild-type” LLhG has altered DNA specificity and weaker lacO1 repression compared to LacI or a similar LacI:PurR chimera. Next, predictions of linker specificity determinants were tested, using amino acid substitution and in vivo repression assays to assess functional change. In LLhG, all predicted sites are specificity determinants, as well as three sites not predicted by any algorithm. Strategies are suggested for diminishing the number of false negative predictions. Finally, individual substitutions at LLhG specificity determinants exhibited a broad range of functional changes that are not predicted by bioinformatics algorithms. Results suggest that some variants have altered affinity for DNA, some have altered allosteric response, and some appear to have changed specificity for alternative DNA ligands. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
What is the Jeopardy Model? A Quasi-Synchronous Grammar for QA

This paper presents a syntax-driven approach to question answering, specifically the answer-sentence selection problem for short-answer questions. Rather than using syntactic features to augment existing statistical classifiers (as in previous work), we build on the idea that questions and their (correct) answers relate to each other via loose but predictable syntactic transformations. We propose a probabilistic quasi-synchronous grammar, inspired by one proposed for machine translation (D. Smith and Eisner, 2006), and parameterized by mixtures of a robust nonlexical syntax/alignment model with a(n optional) lexical-semantics-driven log-linear model. Our model learns soft alignments as a hidden variable in discriminative training. Experimentalresultsusing theTRECdataset are shown to significantly outperform strong state-of-the-art baselines.
Teaching and evaluating first and second year medical students' practice of evidence-based medicine.

PURPOSE To implement an evidence-based medicine (EBM) curriculum for Year 1 and 2 medical students, and to develop a method to evaluate their practice of EBM in discrete and relevant worksteps. METHODS For the 100 students entering Year 1 of their medical education in 2000, we implemented a curriculum with 25–30 student contact hours of EBM instruction which used a variety of teaching formats and spanned the first and second years of their training. We developed an evaluation module that assessed the following 5 steps in the practice of EBM: generating well built questions; searching for evidence; critical appraisal; applying the evidence, and self-evaluation. We tested 2 different versions of the test module 3-months apart with the same cohort of second year students, and correlated their scores on the second module with examination components of a comprehensive assessment. We obtained feedback from the students regarding the EBM curriculum and evaluation method. RESULTS Each test module took 2–4 hours to complete and 5–8 minutes to grade. There was moderate test)retest reliability for the total test scores (r ¼ 0.35, P < 0.001). Step 1 scores correlated with the mock board examination scores (r ¼ 0.23, P ¼ 0.05). Step 2 scores correlated with the peer assessment factor work habits (r ¼ 0.24, P ¼ 0.02), and Step 3 scores correlated with clinical reasoning exercises (r ¼ 0.31, P ¼ 0.002). Step 4 scores lacked test)retest reliability and did not correlate with components of the comprehensive assessment. The majority of students felt there was too much focus on EBM during the first 2 years of the curriculum and they rated the EBM test module the lowest rated component of the comprehensive assessment. CONCLUSIONS Although we have demonstrated preliminary reliability and validity of a new evaluation instrument that assess the domains of scientific knowledge, work habits and reasoning skills required in the practice of EBM, many of the correlations were weak, and we remain in the very early stages of determining if, when and how EBM instruction should occur in medical education.
Cross-comparison of cardiac output trending accuracy of LiDCO, PiCCO, FloTrac and pulmonary artery catheters

Introduction Although less invasive than pulmonary artery catheters (PACs), arterial pulse pressure analysis techniques for estimating cardiac output (CO) have not been simultaneously compared to PAC bolus thermodilution CO (COtd) or continuous CO (CCO) devices.
Model-based color halftoning using direct binary search

In this paper, we develop a model-based color halftoning method using the direct binary search (DBS) algorithm. Our method strives to minimize the perceived error between the continuous tone original color image and the color halftone image. We exploit the differences in how the human viewers respond to luminance and chrominance information and use the total squared error in a luminance/chrominance based space as our metric. Starting with an initial halftone, we minimize this error metric using the DBS algorithm. Our method also incorporates a measurement based color printer dot interaction model to prevent the artifacts due to dot overlap and to improve color texture quality. We calibrate our halftoning algorithm to ensure accurate colorant distributions in resulting halftones. We present the color halftones which demonstrate the efficacy of our method.
Microdisk lasers vertically coupled to output waveguides

Semiconductor microdisk resonator lasers vertically coupled to bus waveguides are demonstrated for the first time. These structures have many of the characteristics required for a light source in photonic integrated circuits because they can be coupled to other optical elements (switches, routers, filters, etc.) through common bus lines. A continuous-wave single-mode laser at 1579 nm with a side-mode suppression ratio greater than 30 dB has been achieved for an 8- m-radius microdisk. For larger disks, mode competition between modes near the maximum gain wavelength is observed from the light output-current ( - ) characteristics. Improved heat sink design is required for future devices.
English language cultures in Bulgaria: a linguistic sibling rivalry?

In the Bulgarian educational context, a complex matrix of power relations governs English language education. A triangle of international and intercultural relationships has developed. As a result of complex processes of negotiation between Bulgaria, the US, and the UK, distinct English language cultures have evolved. Yet, few studies have systematically investigated language as aid in the changing political and economic milieu of central and eastern Europe of the 1990s. In the face of this void within academic literature, this article addresses the question of how Bulgaria fits into the emerging picture of Core and Periphery English-speaking countries.
A novel and practical cardiovascular magnetic resonance method to quantify mitral annular excursion and recoil applied to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background: We have developed a novel and practical cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) technique to evaluate left ventricular (LV) mitral annular motion by tracking the atrioventricular junction (AVJ). To test AVJ motion analysis as a metric for LV function, we compared AVJ motion variables between patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a group with recognized systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and healthy volunteers. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 24 HCM patients with normal ejection fractions (EF) and 14 healthy volunteers. Using the 4-chamber view cine images, we tracked the longitudinal motion of the lateral and septal AVJ at 25 time points during the cardiac cycle. Based on AVJ displacement versus time, we calculated maximum AVJ displacement (MD) and velocity in early diastole (MVED), velocity in diastasis (VDS) and the composite index VDS/MVED. Results: Patients with HCM showed significantly slower median lateral and septal AVJ recoil velocities during early diastole, but faster velocities in diastasis. We observed a 16-fold difference in VDS/MVED at the lateral AVJ [median 0.141, interquartile range (IQR) 0.073, 0.166 versus 0.009 IQR −0.006, 0.037, P < 0.001]. Patients with HCM also demonstrated significantly less mitral annular excursion at both the septal and lateral AVJ. Performed offline, AVJ motion analysis took approximately 10 minutes per subject. Conclusions: Atrioventricular junction motion analysis provides a practical and novel CMR method to assess mitral annular motion. In this proof of concept study we found highly statistically significant differences in mitral annular excursion and recoil between HCM patients and healthy volunteers.
Thrombolytic Therapy of Acute Ischemic Stroke: Correlation of Angiographic Recanalization with Clinical Outcome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The effect of vessel patency, following recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) administration, on clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been controversial. We studied the effect of recanalization following intraarterial (IA) and intravenous/IA (IV/IA) rtPA on clinical outcome in AIS. METHODS: Recanalization was classified angiographically as complete (as compared with unoccluded vessel, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction classification [TIMI] 3), none (with no change from prethrombolysis, TIMI 0), and partial (when a change in the flow from baseline was noted, TIMI 1–2). Outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), 90-day modified Rankin scale (≤ 2 as a good outcome), and 3-month mortality. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients had either combined IV/IA (41) or IA (55) rtPA for AIS during a 7-year period. Any recanalization occurred in 69%; 55% of those had a good outcome versus 23% in the rest (Odds ratio = 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4–11.2; P = .007). Only 24% had complete recanalization; 74% had a good outcome versus 36% in the nonrecanalization group (OR = 5.1; 95% CI = 1.6–16.8; P = .002). When adjusted to time to therapy and vessel occluded, these results lessened but remained significant. The sICH rate with any recanalization was 7.6% versus 13.3% in patients with persistent clot (relative risk (RR) = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.2–2.0; P = .45). Death occurred in 19.7% of those whose vessels recanalized versus 33.3% in the rest (RR = 0.56; 95% = 0.26–1.19; P = .2). CONCLUSION: A total of 24% and 69% of patients had complete and any recanalization, respectively, following endovascular rtPA therapy of AIS. The degree of recanalization was directly related to time to therapy and associated with good clinical outcome without an increase in the rate of adverse effect.
Homework Habits Of College Physics Students

Several physics instructors at Central Michigan University have utilized Computer-Assisted Personalized Approach (CAPA) for homework in their courses. Student activity on CAPA is automatically recorded and logged into the system’s files. These log files have been examined and student surveys have been conducted. An analysis of this data provides some insight into when students do homework and how this behavior relates to performance and demographic factors.
Teaching Online Versus Teaching hybrid and in-class

This paper deals with the question: How is hybrid teaching different from online and conventional teaching? In this paper we compare hybrid, face-to-face class-room and online teaching. We found that the numbers of students enrolled in online courses are significantly higher than the number of students enrolled in face-to-face courses. Furthermore, online degrees now offer the same exact course work as hybrid and traditional classroom courses. So the choice of mode of learning comes down to studentsâ€™ personal preferences. Some students often try out an online course only to find that they like hybrid or traditional classroom instruction better. We believe hybrid courses better meet the needs of most students: they provide a learning style that requires students participate in classroom instruction where they can visually and verbally interact with the instructor and their peers, but yet has the convenience of reducing the need for driving, which saves gas, and also serve to develop studentsâ€™ Internet, technology and virtual team skills by participating in online discussions, tests and other virtual learning activities.
Surgical Anatomy of the External Nose

■ When describing the relationship of one anatomical structure to the other in the nose, use the cephalic–caudal and anterior–posterior orientation.
Evaluation of Sampling Methods for Surveillance of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Strain Populations

A total of 425 isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from consecutive patients attending the Seattle-King County Health Department Sexually Transmitted Diseases clinic in January-March 1985, and 815 isolates from consecutive patients attending this clinic September 1985-February 1986 were characterized by auxotype and serovar (A/S class). Nine A/S classes were isolated repeatedly in both study periods and accounted for 581 (46.9%) isolates. Seven A/S classes accounting for 22.3% of all isolates were isolated frequently from limited outbreaks during one study period but rarely in the other. Transient A/S classes were isolated from a few patients, but accounted for 30.8% of all isolates. Isolates from the first 10 men and women each month, the first 20 men each month, and from every fifth patient were identified and compared with the total strain population to determine if these samples were representative of endemic strains and their dynamics in this community.
Some parameters of the moving striations

The authors present their results relating to the development and the properties of moving striations. A brief outline of the measuring method and the test conditions is given. The current dependence of the striation frequency, the temperature dependence of the discharge characteristics, the current dependence of the relative current, light and voltage fluctuation amplitudes were determined at stabilized temperatures of 20, 25 and 40°C with a discharge tube arranged in a water jacket. A relation found empirically and valid in a given current range representing the current dependence of the striation frequency is given. Similarly, another such relation represents the current and pressure dependence of the travelling speed of striations.
Imaging Manifestation of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Infancy

Objective:To study the imaging manifestation of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD) in infancy.Methods:30 cases of bronchopulmonary dysplasia had X-ray examination and 28 of them had HRCT.Regression analyses were done in the results.Results:All the cases in X-ray manifested lung marking heavy,disorder and hazy,obscure patch-shadows 27 cases,28 cases in HRCT manifested ground-glass 26,fuzzy patch-shadows 14 cases,irregular patch-shadows 20,stripes opacity 26,honeycomb shadow 2,local emphysema 27.8 cases were followed up and 5 cases were improvement,3 worse.Conclusion:X-ray examination can help to show some diagnostic signal for BPD,but HRCT can manifest its character and the diagnosis may be done according it.
Joining of Ceramic–Metal Systems: An Overview

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews bond strength, the relative properties of the joined materials, the design of the join, and the stresses and environmental conditions experienced by ceramic–metal join that are important factors in determining the success or failure of a bond. The joining of a ceramic or glass to a metal finds important application in electronic devices and structural components. A primary consideration in the joining process is whether the liquid metal or flowing glass will wet the surface of the base material. Two principal bonding mechanisms are important to obtain a good ceramic–metal join—mechanical and chemical bonding. Solid mechanics can be used to predict the residual stresses that result from differences in thermal expansion for a ceramic–metal system. The criteria for producing a good glass–metal seal include selecting a glass and metal with thermal expansion coefficients, which match sufficiently over the temperature range of fabrication and use. Joining a ceramic to a metal typically requires a preparative step to achieve a transition structure and a metallic surface that can be wet and/or chemically bonded by the metal.
Integration of Cardiac Troponin I Phosphorylations to Modulate Function

The troponin complex is a critical molecular switch involved in transducing the calcium activating signal into contraction. Troponin I (TnI), the inhibitory subunit, is phosphorylated as a key mechanism to alter the calcium regulation of contraction. The canonical phosphorylation of TnI at serine-23/24 (Ser-23/24) is a significant modulator of this regulation, and may be fine-tuned by other TnI phosphorylation events. A novel TnI phosphorylation at tyrosine 26 (Tyr-26) was identified in the human heart and shown to decrease in heart failure. We have recently demonstrated that this novel TnI Tyr-26 phosphorylation decreases thin filament calcium sensitivity and accelerates calcium dissociation by itself, identical to the functional effects of Ser-23/24. We further demonstrated the integration of these two modifications causes an additive effect on calcium dissociation while maintaining a decreased calcium sensitivity. These data stress the importance of Tyr-26 function, especially in the presence of Ser-23/24. These data further highlight how the integration of TnI phosphorylation exhibits differential effects when compared to studying these events in isolation. Importantly, the integration of Ser-23/24 and Tyr-26 phosphorylation may not be limited to functional effects alone, but may manifest in signaling as well. Considering the tyrosine kinase recognition sequence (EEXY) is similar to that surrounding TnI Tyr-26 when Ser-23/24 are occupied with phosphate(S(p)S(p)NY), we hypothesized that Ser-23/24 phosphorylation would exhibit crosstalk, altering phosphorylation rate of Tyr-26. To assess this hypothesis, we developed an antibody against pTnI Tyr-26 as a tool to measure changes in Tyr-26 phosphorylation. We validated the specificity and purity of this antibody and are currently elucidating signaling integration by assessing the ability of Ser-23/24 phosphorylation to regulate phosphorylation of Tyr-26 by tyrosine kinases. The functional and signaling integration of TnI phosphorylation may therefore be a significant mechanism to modulate Ser-23/24 phosphorylation function.
Grammatical Versus Pragmatic Error: Employer Perceptions of Nonnative and Native English Speakers

Many communication instructors make allowances for grammatical error in nonnative English speakers’ writing, but do businesspeople do the same? We asked 169 businesspeople to comment on three versi...
Physiological responses to trypophobic images and further scale validity of the trypophobia questionnaire

Abstract Trypophobia, or the fear of small clusters of objects in close proximity to one another is a unique and recently discovered phenomenon to the scientific literature. Recent work has shown that a small subset of the human population will react adversely to trypophobic images. Although trypophobia at first glance seems irrational, these images might be triggering a primitive threat detection system that has adaptive functionality - trypophobic images share similar spectral characteristics also found among dangerous animals. In the present study, we replicate previous work showing increased levels of discomfort when viewing trypophobic images and also provide further validation for a newly designed questionnaire that measures participants' level of trypophobia. Measuring participant physiology, we then show an increase in two measures of electrodermal activity when participants viewed trypophobic images compared to control images. Our results add to the accumulating literature investigating the adaptive rationale for exhibiting heightened fear responses when viewing trypophobic imagery.
Commutation technique for high frequency link inverter without operational limitations and dead time

An improved commutation technique for the ac-ac output converter circuit of a pulse width modulated high frequency link (HF-link) inverter is proposed in this paper. The high frequency link inverter converts a DC input voltage into line frequency AC output voltage using a high-frequency transformer for voltage step-up and galvanic isolation, without an intermediate rectification and dc bus. In this topology, there is a direct ac-ac converter which processes the HF-link square-wave voltage into the desired sinusoidal ac output voltage. To do this requires a commutation method to prevent shoot-through when output current changes direction or commutâtes from one switch to the next. Conventionally, dead time is used but this adds distortion to the output waveform. Previously a commutation technique without dead time was introduced but it required a number of assumptions on the inverter load impedance and link voltage characteristics that made it useful for a stand-alone R-L load but not practical for grid connection. The commutation method in this paper does not require dead time and does not impose any limitation on the output inductance and link voltage magnitude and frequency. Simulations were performed using MATLAB and Plexim, experimental verification used the dSpace 1007 HIL platform.
Two fluxes multistage induction coilgun

This paper presents a brand new induction electromagnetic launcher, which uses two magnetic fluxes in order to accelerate a projectile. One magnetic flux induce a current in the armature and the second magnetic flux is creating a radial magnetic field. This aproach offer multiple advantages over single flux designs. First we are able to control the induced current in armature because we use the coil just to induce current inside the ring with a great efficiency. Second advantage is the angle of 900 between magnetic field density B and the ring. We used the induction to avoid contact between armature and accelerator. In order to create the magnetic field radial we used four coils perpendicular on armature. This approach alove us to control the phase difference between induced current in armature and current in magnetic field coils for a maximum force. The phase difference is obtained by changing the frequency of magnetic field coils power source. We used simulation software to analyze, and simulate a multistage induction coilgun design with two fluxes. The simulation results demonstrated the theoretical results.
Type 3 Von Willebrand Disease: A Case Report of a Rare Entity

Background: Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is essential for proper hemostasis. It serves as a carrier protein for factor VIII and also aids in platelet adherence to damaged endothelium. Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) may result from congenital absence of VWF, structural or functional abnormalities or mutations leading to mild decreases in expression of VWF. Type 3 VWD is an autosomal recessive disorder, which accounts for only 1% of patients with VWD and is characterized by a virtual absence of VWF and low levels of Factor VIII. Objective: To describe a case of Type 3 VWD including the presentation, diagnosis and clinical course. Design/Method: Case Report. A 4 month old female presented with a history of 8 hours of persistent bleeding from an injection site following vaccination administration. At that time, the patient9s platelet count and PT/PTT were normal. She had a few intermittent episodes of persistent bleeding with minor abrasions and had labs repeated at the age of 4 months which were significant for a prolonged PTT of 59.5 seconds with normal PT and platelet count. Factor VIII level was Results: A complete Von Willebrand panel was sent to Mayo Medical Labs and showed a Factor VIII level of 2%, VWF antigen 6%, VWF activity of 8, and an absence of VWF multimers. Confirmatory VWF full gene sequence analysis testing was sent to Blood Center of Wisconsin and showed a heterozygous sequence variant, c.2435delC, in the VWF gene consistent with a diagnosis of VWD Type 3. VWF full gene sequence analysis was also sent on both parents. Mother9s results showed that she is a carrier of the same VWF gene sequence variant. Father9s results were negative. Given the patient only has a heterozygous sequence variant yet still has expression of VWD, gene duplication testing was sent to Blood Center of Wisconsin to look for possible duplication of this area. Results of this testing showed that the patient had two pathogenic variants, one on each allele: heterozygous c.243delC in exon 18 and a deletion involving exon 6 in the VWF gene. Conclusion: This case represents the clinical presentation and diagnosis of a patient with Type 3 VWD. While VWD is not uncommon, diagnosis of VWD Type 3 is quite rare. VWD Type 3 is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. In the case of our patient, only one parent was identified as a carrier of the same gene sequence mutation. Therefore, the second pathogenic variant resulting in VWD Type 3 was found to be a de novo deletion, further adding to the uniqueness of this case. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Seafloor geomorphology of western Antarctic Peninsula bays: a signature of ice flow behaviour

Abstract. Glacial geomorphology is used in Antarctica to reconstruct ice advance during the Last Glacial Maximum and subsequent retreat across the continental shelf. Analogous geomorphic assemblages are found in glaciated fjords and are used to interpret the glacial history and glacial dynamics in those areas. In addition, understanding the distribution of submarine landforms in bays and the local controls exerted on ice flow can help improve numerical models by providing constraints through these drainage areas. We present multibeam swath bathymetry from several bays in the South Shetland Islands and the western Antarctic Peninsula. The submarine landforms are described and interpreted in detail. A schematic model was developed showing the features found in the bays: from glacial lineations and moraines in the inner bay to grounding zone wedges and drumlinoid features in the middle bay and streamlined features and meltwater channels in the outer bay areas. In addition, we analysed local variables in the bays and observed the following: (1) the number of landforms found in the bays scales to the size of the bay, but the geometry of the bays dictates the types of features that form; specifically, we observe a correlation between the bay width and the number of transverse features present in the bays. (2) The smaller seafloor features are present only in the smaller glacial systems, indicating that short-lived atmospheric and oceanographic fluctuations, responsible for the formation of these landforms, are only recorded in these smaller systems. (3) Meltwater channels are abundant on the seafloor, but some are subglacial, carved in bedrock, and some are modern erosional features, carved on soft sediment. Lastly, based on geomorphological evidence, we propose the features found in some of the proximal bay areas were formed during a recent glacial advance, likely the Little Ice Age.
Joint modeling of longitudinal cholesterol measurements and time to onset of dementia in an elderly African American Cohort

This paper presents a statistical method for analyzing the association between longitudinal cholesterol measurements and the timing of onset of dementia. The proposed approach jointly models the longitudinal and survival processes for each individual on the basis of a shared random effect, where a linear mixed effects model is assumed for the longitudinal component and an extended Cox regression model is employed for the survival component. A dynamic prediction model is built based on the joint model, which provides prediction of the conditional survival probabilities at different time points using available longitudinal measurements as well as baseline characteristics. We apply our method to the Indianapolis-Ibadan Dementia project, a 20-year study of dementia in elderly African Americans living in Indianapolis, Indiana. We find that with baseline covariates and comorbidities adjusted, the risk of dementia decreases by 1% per one mg/dl increase in total cholesterol. Therefore we conclude that, in...
In vitro simulation of fretting-corrosion in hip implant modular junctions: The influence of pH.

Abstract Background The fretting-corrosion behavior of mixed metal contacts is affected by various mechanical and electrochemical parameters. Crevice conditions at the junction and patient-specific pathologies can affect the pH of the prosthetic environment. The main objective of this study is to understand the effect of pH variation at the stem/head junction of the hip implant under fretting corrosion exposure. We hypothesized that pH will have a significant influence on the fretting-corrosion behavior hip implant modular junctions. Materials and methods A custom-made setup was used to evaluate the fretting corrosion behavior of hip implant modular junctions. A Newborn calf serum solution (30 g/L protein content) was used to simulate the synovial fluid environment. A sinusoidal fretting motion, with a displacement amplitude of +50 µm, was applied to the Ti alloy rod. The effects of pathology driven, periprosthetic pH variation were simulated at four different pH levels (3.0, 4.5, 6.0 and 7.6). Electrochemical and mechanical properties were evaluated before, during, and after the applied fretting motion. Results The impedance of the system was increased in response to the fretting motion. The hysteresis tangential load/displacement behavior was not affected by pH level. The worn surfaces of CoCrMo pins exhibited the presence of tribolayer or organic deposits, in the pH 4.5 group, which may explain the lower drop in potential and mass loss observed in that group. Mechanically dominated wear mechanisms, namely, adhesive wear was shown in the pH 7.6 group, which may account for a higher potential drop and metal content loss. Conclusions This study suggests that the fretting-corrosion mechanisms in hip implant are affected by the pH levels of the surrounding environment and patient-specific factors.
Design of automotive interior textiles

The challenges for designers across the automotive supply chain for textile products include the development of textile characteristics within high performance and low cost parameters. Consumer lifestyles and fashion trends also influence the development of distinctive brand offerings.
Brief secondhand smoke exposure depresses endothelial progenitor cells activity and endothelial function: sustained vascular injury and blunted nitric oxide production.

Brief Secondhand Smoke Exposure Depresses Endothelial Progenitor Cells Activity and Endothelial Function: Sustained Vascular Injury and Blunted Nitric Oxide ProductionChristian Heiss, Nicolas Amabi...
Discussion: Area Choroidea

The cells in the telencephalic roof, like those in the neopallial wall, give shape to the early brain, provide a framework for future development, limit the escape of CSF, and harbor a few germinal cells. We will now turn to features which are characteristic for cells in the two locations.
ORIGINS OF REPLICATION AND THE NUCLEAR MATRIX : THE DHFR DOMAIN AS A PARADIGM

The eukaryotic genome appears to be organized in a loopwise fashion by periodic attachment to the nuclear matrix. The proposal that a chromatin loop corresponds to a functional domain has stirred interest in the properties of the DNA sequences at the bases of these loops, the matrix-attached regions (MARs). Evidence has been presented suggesting that certain MARs act as boundary elements isolating domains from their chromosomal context. MARs have also been found in the vicinity of promoters and enhancers and they could act by displacing these cis-regulatory elements into the proper nuclear subcompartment. Attachment to the matrix might also play a role in DNA replication. A large body of evidence indicates that replication occurs on the nuclear matrix. This implies that any DNA sequence will be attached to the matrix at a certain time during the cell cycle. This transient mode of attachment contrasts with the proposed permanent attachment of origins of DNA replication with the nuclear matrix. While some data exist that support this suggestion, the current lack of understanding of the mammalian replication origin precludes definitive conclusions regarding the role of MARs in the initiation process.
Plasma flows generated by an annular thermionic cathode in a large magnetized plasma

A LaB6 thermionic emitter of annular shape is used in the Large Plasma Device at the University of California, Los Angeles to create off-axis heating conditions for various transport studies. Since the emitter is biased relative to a distant anode, which is many collision lengths away, the entire magnetized plasma develops a self-consistent, potential structure that simultaneously generates transverse and axial flows with shear. This study uses swept Langmuir probe techniques and Mach probes to map the flow patterns and their dependence on bias and plasma parameters. By implementing additional biasing configurations, it is possible to control the magnitude of the flows and their shear strength. The experimental measurements, including the self-consistent currents, are compared to predictions of a model that incorporates the boundary conditions associated with thermionic injection, combined with a Braginskii transport code for the electron temperature.
Phase fMRI reveals sparser function connectivity than magnitude fMRI

Phase fMRI refers to a technique of fMRI phase imaging, which acquires the fMRI phase data to accompany the fMRI magnitude data acquisition at no extra cost. Both fMRI phase and magnitude data are generated from the same magnetic field (source), but have different properties. Under a linear phase fMRI approximation, a phase image (unwrapped) represents brain internal magnetic field. Therefore, the fMRI phase data offers, in theory, a more direct and a more accurate depiction of brain functional mapping and functional connectivity, though this comes with additional noise signal as well. In this study, we report on functional connectivity computed from a cohort of fMRI phase data (from 600 subjects). We decomposed the group phase data by independent component analysis (pICA) and calculated the phase functional network connectivity (pFC) matrix by temporal correlations of pICA timecourses. Next, we statistically analyzed the significant connection patterns in pFC. In comparison with conventional magnitude fMRI (denoted by mICA and mFC), our phase fMRI study contributed new information on resting-state brain function connectivity as follows: 1) the thresholded pFC contains a smaller number of significant connections than does the thresholded mFC; and 2) the positive and negative connections in pPNC are more balanced than those in mFC. We seek to justify the phase-inferred brain function connectivity features in the sense of using the phase representation of the brain internal field map.
Problem-Solving Trajectories in a Dynamic Mathematics Environment: The Geometer's Sketchpad.

Student problem solving in the context of a dynamic mathematics environment (DME) has previously been investigated primarily through the lens of whether or not the student could complete a problem solving task. Herein, we investigate what trajectories students employ in the realms of mathematics, technology, and problem solving as they attempt to complete tasks and which of these trajectories are more helpful than others. Notably, it was determined that these trajectories are idiosyncratic, nonlinear, and iterative and that, while some trajectories help problem solving, others harm the problem solving process. Among other findings, it was determined that student access to technology may not assist their mathematical problem solving and may at times hinder it even further.
Use of apps in the COVID-19 response and the loss of privacy protection.

Mobile apps provide a convenient source of tracking and data collection to fight against the spread of COVID-19. We report our analysis of 50 COVID-19-related apps, including their use and their access to personally identifiable information, to ensure that the right to privacy and civil liberties are protected.
The Effects of Early Care and Education Settings on the Kindergarten Outcomes of Doubly Vulnerable Children

Program administrators and policy makers have placed a priority on expanding access to inclusive, center-based early care and education (ECE) for low-income children with special needs, a “doubly v...