cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fractal feature analysis and classification in medical imaging

Following B.B. Mandelbrot's fractal theory (1982), it was found that the fractal dimension could be obtained in medical images by the concept of fractional Brownian motion. An estimation concept for determination of the fractal dimension based upon the concept of fractional Brownian motion is discussed. Two applications are found: (1) classification; (2) edge enhancement and detection. For the purpose of classification, a normalized fractional Brownian motion feature vector is defined from this estimation concept. It represented the normalized average absolute intensity difference of pixel pairs on a surface of different scales. The feature vector uses relatively few data items to represent the statistical characteristics of the medial image surface and is invariant to linear intensity transformation. For edge enhancement and detection application, a transformed image is obtained by calculating the fractal dimension of each pixel over the whole medical image. The fractal dimension value of each pixel is obtained by calculating the fractal dimension of 7*7 pixel block centered on this pixel. >
Prospective comparison of the pneumatic cuff and manual compression methods in diagnosing lower extremity venous reflux.

Aim: To compare pneumatic cuff with manual compression in diagnosing reflux in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).Patients and Methods: Eighteen patients (Clinical Etiologic Anatomic ...
Thermoregulatory responses to cold water at different times of day.

This study examined how time of day affects thermoregulation during cold-water immersion (CWI). It was hypothesized that the shivering and vasoconstrictor responses to CWI would differ at 0700 vs. ...
Analyzing Eye-Tracking Information in Visualization and Data Space: From Where on the Screen to What on the Screen

Eye-tracking data is currently analyzed in the image space that gaze-coordinates were recorded in, generally with the help of overlays such as heatmaps or scanpaths, or with the help of manually defined areas of interest (AOI). Such analyses, which focus predominantly on where on the screen users are looking, require significant manual input and are not feasible for studies involving many subjects, long sessions, and heavily interactive visual stimuli. Alternatively, we show that it is feasible to collect and analyze eye-tracking information in data space. Specifically, the visual layout of visualizations with open source code that can be instrumented is known at rendering time, and thus can be used to relate gaze-coordinates to visualization and data objects that users view, in real time. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach by showing that data collected using this methodology from nine users working with an interactive visualization, was well aligned with the tasks that those users were asked to solve, and similar to annotation data produced by five human coders. Moreover, we introduce an algorithm that, given our instrumented visualization, could translate gaze-coordinates into viewed objects with greater accuracy than simply binning gazes into dynamically defined AOIs. Finally, we discuss the challenges, opportunities, and benefits of analyzing eye-tracking in visualization and data space.
Domains of uncertainty visualization research: a visual summary approach

The inherent uncertainty of geospatial data has engendered a critical research agenda addressing all facets of uncertainty visualization due to the communicative efficiency of graphical representat...
Why I Stopped Trying to Understand the Real World

Years ago, I believed that rationality could manufacture understanding. I lived in physical and social environments that were real and I wanted to understand the social realities. I wanted to create a genuine ‘behavioral science’ based on mathematical models, computer simulation, and systematic experiments. Various experiences over the years have challenged these beliefs. I discovered that rationality can not only be a deceptive tool but a potentially dangerous one, and I learned a few techniques to help me challenge my rational thought. I discovered that research findings have very low reliabilities, that some fields make no discernible progress over many decades, and that societal cultures strongly influence researchers’ judgments about what constitutes useful knowledge. I saw that much that passes for research is merely random noise dressed up in pretentious language. Rather than realities, the social systems I was studying proved to be arbitrary categories created by observers or social conventions. I became an advocate for research that actively attempts to change situations rather than merely to observe what happens spontaneously.
Measuring slow slip offshore

Tsunami earthquakes are rare events and are distinguished by an anomalously shallow source depth and slow rupture propagation speed ( 1 , 2 ). They can be particularly dangerous because they generate less high-frequency seismic energy than a normal earthquake; consequently, they are not preceded by the strong shaking that would warn coastal residents that a locally generated tsunami is on the way. A better understanding of the range of slip behaviors in the offshore portion of subduction zones is needed to constrain models and improve earthquake hazard forecasts. On page 701 of this issue, Wallace et al. ( 3 ) present the first offshore geodetic data from a slow-slip event on the Hikurangi subduction zone offshore from New Zealand (see the figure). This segment of the Hikurangi subduction zone is unusual in that it experienced two “tsunami” earthquakes in 1947. Continuous global positioning system (GPS) instrumentation onshore indicates that the southern part of the subduction zone is locked above a plate depth of ~40 km, with slow-slip events occurring at greater depth, similar to what is observed in many other subduction zones ( 4 , 5 ). In contrast, the northern part of the Hikurangi subduction zone appears to accommodate plate motion primarily through geodetically detected slow-slip events at shallow depths. The up-dip extent of slow slip, however, cannot be determined from onshore data only, and offshore locking models depend strongly on model assumptions.
Analysis of Anti-Measels Antibody in the Healthy Population in Shantou City in 2003-2005

Objective To determine the efficacy of measels vaccine(MV)and the levels of anti-measels antibody in individuals after primary and supplementary immunization of MV in Shantou city.Methods This study was performed at 3 randomly selected monitoring stations,one station per year,for 3 consecutive years.The level of anti-measels antibody was measured in 60 healthy individuals from each age group(2-4;6-8;and 13-15 years of age).Results 97.41%(526 out of 540)of the individuals was sero-positive for measles.The geometric mean titres(GMT)for the anti-measels antibody was 1:1441.99.The antibody titres in 444 individuals reached a protective level,and the protecting rate was 82.22%.The difference among each age group was not significant.However,the results obtained from each monitoring station were significantly difference.Conclusion The differences in the results obtained from these 3 monitoring stations may be due to the different mode of operation of these stations.It is important to standardize the immunization in the clinic.
Encouraging vaccine results from primate models of HIV type 1 infection

Challenge studies in primates have established that vaccine-induced protection against immunodeficiency viruses, even against mucosal routes of challenge, is attainable, and that "sterile" immunity is not required for protection. Intelligent use of such studies in primate models, coupled with in vitro measurements of immunity, is the best tool for establishing which vaccine concepts have promise.
Multidisciplinary perspective of hepatocellular carcinoma: A Pacific Northwest experience

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most rapidly increasing type of cancer in the United States. HCC is a highly malignant cancer, accounting for at least 14000 deaths in the United States annually, and it ranks third as a cause of cancer mortality in men. One major difficulty is that most patients with HCC are diagnosed when the disease is already at an advanced stage, and the cancer cannot be surgically removed. Furthermore, because almost all patients have cirrhosis, neither chemotherapy nor major resections are well tolerated. Clearly there is need of a multidisciplinary approach for the management of HCC. For example, there is a need for better understanding of the fundamental etiologic mechanisms that are involved in hepatocarcinogenesis, which could lead to the development of successful preventive and therapeutic modalities. It is also essential to define the cellular and molecular bases for malignant transformation of hepatocytes. Such knowledge would: (1) greatly facilitate the identification of patients at risk; (2) prompt efforts to decrease risk factors; and (3) improve surveillance and early diagnosis through diagnostic imaging modalities. Possible benefits extend also to the clinical management of this disease. Because there are many factors involved in pathogenesis of HCC, this paper reviews a multidisciplinary perspective of recent advances in basic and clinical understanding of HCC that include: molecular hepatocarcinogenesis, non-invasive diagnostics modalities, diagnostic pathology, surgical modality, transplantation, local therapy and oncological/target therapeutics.
Cognitive Effects of Carbamazepine and Phenytoin: Reanalysis

A previous report from the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA that carbamazepine had fewer adverse neuropsychological effects than phenytoin has been re-evaluated.
Weight-based oxygen flow rate is predictive of successful weaning of long-term oxygen therapy in babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Background: There are currently no evidence-based guidelines to wean home oxygen in babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD). We perform serial overnight oximetry guiding a wean to a reduced flow rate until discontinuation if babies meet set targets(wean by decrements of 0.1L/min until a flow rate of 0.1L/min is achieved→ 2 hour day time oximetry in air→ increasing awake time off oxygen over 2 weeks→ overnight air study→ discontinue). Previous small studies suggest that flow rates of ≤20 ml/kg/min are predictive of successful oxygen discontinuation. Aims: To evaluate the pre-weaning weight-based flow rates of babies successfully weaned from oxygen. Methods: 173 babies were successfully weaned from home oxygen for BPD. The weight of the child at time of oxygen discontinuation was recorded. Babies without a recorded weight were excluded (n=24). Flow rates for each baby immediately prior to coming off oxygen were calculated in ml/kg/min. Results: This analysis includes 5 babies who were successfully weaned from a flow rate of ≤20 ml/kg/min i.e. weaned from an absolute flow rate of ≥0.1 L/min, or who had day and night air studies carried out on the same day, thereby reducing the duration of home oxygen therapy. Conclusions:Successful weaning from home oxygen in a large cohort of babies with BPD is associated with pre-weaning flow rates of ≤20 ml/kg/min. This validates previous suggestions that this may be a useful predictor of readiness to come off oxygen.
Control mutuality, social media, and organization-public relationships: A study of local animal welfare organizations’ donors

Abstract Using an online survey and qualitative analysis, this study examined the role of control mutuality in social media engagement to provide insight for social media strategy creation for nonprofit organizations. Guided by OPR and relationship management literature, insights and implications contribute to scholarly discussions of control mutuality and relationship management.
A Comparison of Methods for Uncovering Sample Heterogeneity: Structural Equation Model Trees and Finite Mixture Models.

Although finite mixture models have received considerable attention, particularly in the social and behavioral sciences, an alternative method for creating homogeneous groups, structural equation m...
Executive Functioning at Baseline Prospectively Predicts Depression Treatment Response.

Objective Existing cognitive and clinical predictors of treatment response to date are not of sufficient strength to meaningfully impact treatment decision making and are not readily employed in clinical settings. This study investigated whether clinical and cognitive markers used in a tertiary care clinic could predict response to usual treatment over a period of 4 to 6 months in a sample of 75 depressed adults. Methods Patients (N = 384) were sequentially tested in 2 half-day clinics as part of a quality improvement project at an outpatient tertiary care center between August 2003 and September 2007; additional subjects evaluated in the clinic between 2007 and 2009 were also included. Diagnosis was according to DSM-IV-TR criteria and completed by residents and attending faculty. Test scores obtained at intake visits on a computerized neuropsychological screening battery were the Parametric Go/No-Go task and Facial Emotion Perception Task. Treatment outcome was assessed using 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) self-ratings at follow-up (n = 75). Usual treatment included psychotropic medication and psychotherapy. Decline in PHQ-9 scores was predicted on the basis of baseline PHQ-9 score and education, with neuropsychological variables entered in the second step. Results PHQ-9 scores declined by 46% at follow-up (56% responders). Using 2-step multiple regression, baseline PHQ-9 score (P ≤ .05) and education (P ≤ .01) were significant step 1 predictors of percent change in PHQ-9 follow-up scores. In step 2 of the model, faster processing speed with interference resolution (go reaction time) independently explained a significant amount of variance over and above variables in step 1 (12% of variance, P < .01), while other cognitive and affective skills did not. This 2-step model accounted for 28% of the variance in treatment change in PHQ-9 scores. Processing speed with interference resolution also accounted for 12% variance in treatment and follow-up attrition. Conclusions Use of executive functioning assessments in clinics may help identify individuals with cognitive weaknesses at risk for not responding to standard treatments.
On a Redundant Generic Assignment of Textularia floridana Cushman, 1922

Textularia floridana was first described from shallow waters off Florida (Cushman, 1922). Since that time the species has been documented from widespread areas of the world (Halicz and Reiss, 1979). Cushman's assignment of this species to the genus Textularia Defrance in de Blainville, 1824, has not been accepted by a number of students. For example, Phleger and Parker (1951) assigned their Gulf of Mexico individuals to the genus Spiroplectammina Cushman, 1927, and Hofker (1969) placed his Barbados specimens in the genus Septigerina Keijzer, 1941. This latter designation immediately extended the range of the Eocene genus Septigerina Keijzer, to the Modern.
An Architecture for Large-Area Sensor Acquisition Using Frequency-Hopping ZnO TFT DCOs

Hybrid systems combine large-area electronics (LAE) with silicon-CMOS ICs for sensing and computation, respectively. In such systems, interfacing a large number of distributed LAE sensors with the CMOS domain poses a key limitation. This paper presents an architecture that aims to greatly reduce both the number of physical connections and the time for accessing all of the sensors. Each sensor modulates the amplitude of a thin-film transistor (TFT) digitally controlled oscillator (DCO). All DCO outputs are combined, but each follows a unique frequency-hopping pattern (controlled by a code from CMOS), allowing recovery of the individual sensors. The architecture enables much greater scalability of sensors for a given number of connections than active-matrix and binary-addressing schemes. For demonstration, an 18-element large-area force-sensing system is demonstrated based on zinc-oxide (ZnO) TFT DCOs with a frequency-hopping rate of 4.2 kHz. Acquisition error $\leq $ 62 mVrms is achieved over 30 weight patterns.
Association of antiplatelet therapy with patient outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Abstract Background Cessation of blood flow during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) results in microvascular thrombosis, protracted hypoperfusion after return of spontaneous circulation and damage to vital organs. We tested the hypothesis that pre-arrest antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication use would be associated with less post-arrest organ dysfunction and better outcomes. Methods We included OHCA patients treated from January 2005 to October 2014 at a single academic medical center. We combined our prospective OHCA registry of clinical and demographic data with a structured chart review to abstract home antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications. We fit unadjusted and adjusted regression models to test the association of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication use with early post-arrest illness severity, survival and functionally favorable recovery. Results Of 1054 subjects, 295 (28%) were prescribed an antiplatelet agent and 147 (14%) were prescribed an anticoagulant prior to arrest. In adjusted models, antiplatelet agents were associated with lower post-arrest illness severity (adjusted OR 0.50 95% CI 0.33–0.77), greater odds of survival to discharge (adjusted OR 1.74 95% CI 1.08–2.80) and greater odds favorable functional outcome (adjusted OR 2.11 95% CI 1.17–3.79). By contrast, anticoagulation via any agent was not associated with illness severity, survival to discharge or favorable outcome. Conclusion Preventing intra-arrest and post-arrest microvascular thrombosis via antiplatelet agents could represent a novel therapeutic target to improve outcomes after OHCA.
Electronic Triggers to Identify Delays in Follow-Up of Mammography: Harnessing the Power of Big Data in Health Care

Abstract Purpose We previously developed electronic triggers to automatically flag records for patients experiencing potential delays in diagnostic evaluation for certain cancers. Because of the unique clinical, logistic, and legal aspects of mammography, this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a trigger to flag delayed follow-up on mammography. Methods An algorithm was developed to detect delays in follow-up of abnormal mammographic results (>60 days for BI-RADS ® 0, 4, and 5 and >7 months for BI-RADS 3) using clinical data in the electronic health record. Flagged records were then manually reviewed to determine the trigger's performance characteristics (positive and negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity). The frequency of delays and patient communication related to abnormal results, reasons for lack of follow-up, and whether patients were subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer were also assessed. Results Of 365,686 patients seen between January 1, 2010, and May 31, 2015, the trigger identified 2,129 patients with abnormal findings on mammography, of whom it flagged 552 as having delays in follow-up. From these, review of 400 randomly selected records revealed 283 true delays (positive predictive value, 71%; 95% confidence interval, 66%-75%), including 280 records without any documented plan and three patients with plans that were not adhered to. Transcription and reporting inconsistencies were identified in 27% of externally performed mammographic reports. Only 335 records (84%) contained specific documentation that the patient was informed of the abnormal result. Conclusions Care delays appear to continue despite federal laws requiring patient notification of mammographic results within 30 days. Clinical application of mammography-related triggers could help detect these delays.
Exome Array Analysis of Nuclear Lens Opacity

ABSTRACTPurpose: Nuclear cataract is the most common subtype of age-related cataract, the leading cause of blindness worldwide. It results from advanced nuclear sclerosis, or opacity in the center of the optic lens, and is affected by both genetic and environmental risk factors, including smoking. We sought to understand the genetic factors associated with nuclear sclerosis through interrogation of rare and low frequency coding variants using exome array data.Methods: We analyzed Illumina Human Exome Array data for 1,488 participants of European ancestry in the Beaver Dam Eye Study who were without cataract surgery for association with nuclear sclerosis grade, controlling for age and sex. We performed single-variant regression analysis for 32,138 variants with minor allele frequency (MAF) ≥0.003. In addition, gene-based analysis of 11,844 genes containing at least two variants with MAF < 0.05 was performed using a gene-based unified burden and non-burden sequence kernel association test (SKAT-O). Addition...
Option augmented density forecasts of market returns with monotone pricing kernel

Basic financial theory indicates that the ratio of the conditional density of the future value of a market index and the corresponding risk neutral density should be monotone, but a sizeable empiri...
Metabolic engineering of the pentose phosphate pathway for enhanced limonene production in the cyanobacterium Synechocysti s sp. PCC 6803

Isoprenoids are diverse natural compounds, which have various applications as pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and solvents. The low yield of isoprenoids in plants makes them difficult for cost-effective production, and chemical synthesis of complex isoprenoids is impractical. Microbial production of isoprenoids has been considered as a promising approach to increase the yield. In this study, we engineered the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 for sustainable production of a commercially valuable isoprenoid, limonene. Limonene synthases from the plants Mentha spicata and Citrus limon were expressed in cyanobacteria for limonene production. Production of limonene was two-fold higher with limonene synthase from M. spicata than that from C. limon. To enhance isoprenoid production, computational strain design was conducted by applying the OptForce strain design algorithm on Synechocystis 6803. Based on the metabolic interventions suggested by this algorithm, genes (ribose 5-phosphate isomerase and ribulose 5-phosphate 3-epimerase) in the pentose phosphate pathway were overexpressed, and a geranyl diphosphate synthase from the plant Abies grandis was expressed to optimize the limonene biosynthetic pathway. The optimized strain produced 6.7 mg/L of limonene, a 2.3-fold improvement in productivity. Thus, this study presents a feasible strategy to engineer cyanobacteria for photosynthetic production of isoprenoids.
Towards developing a long-term high-quality intercalibrated TRMM/GPM radiometer dataset

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission is a constellation-based satellite mission designed to produce unified precipitation retrievals from a constellation of available microwave radiometers [1]. The core observatory builds on the successes of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) providing advances in satellite precipitation monitoring including a dual-frequency radar, increased sensitivity to frozen precipitation, and coverage over higher latitudes. The constellation approach, however, is a unique and challenging aspect of the mission that has implications for science applications far beyond global precipitation monitoring. The success of the GPM mission has led to plans to extend the constellation concept back to the launch of TRMM [2]. Advances in radiometer calibration and improved intercalibration techniques are subsequently being used to improve the quality and stability of the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) data record and the associated radiometer constellation for an extended high-quality radiometer data record approaching two decades.
Electrical Transport in Nanoscale Systems: The micro-canonical picture of transport

So far, we have dealt mostly with the electron system already at an ideal steady state. We never questioned whether this state exists at all, and if so, how a many-body system does actually reach that steady state, whether the steady state we impose via single-particle scattering boundary conditions is actually what the electrons want to realize when they flow across a nanojunction, or even if it is unique . In addition, we have mostly worked with electrons interacting at a mean- field level (see discussion in Sec. 4.2.4). We discussed in Chapter 4 how, in principle, one can introduce electron-electron interactions beyond mean field using the non-equilibrium Green's function formalism. However, except for simple model systems, it is computationally demanding – and most of the time, outright impossible – to use the interacting version of the NEGF practically in transport calculations (and not only in transport). A simpler and more efficient way to treat electron-electron interactions in a transport problem would be thus desirable. In this chapter I will introduce an alternative picture of transport – I will name it micro-canonical (Di Ventra and Todorov, 2004) – that does not rely on the approximations of the Landauer approach. In addition, this formulation does not require partitioning the system into leads and a central region, or assuming the leads contain non-interacting electrons in order to have a closed form for the current. In fact, within this picture I will prove several theorems of dynamical density-functional theory (Appendices E, F and G) that, in principle, allow us to calculate the exact current – namely with all many-body effects included – within an effective single-particle picture .
Preparation of Lyophilized Abnormal Hemoglobin Controls for Cellulose Acetate Electrophoresis

A process for the preparation of stable lyophilized normal and abnormal hemoglobin controls for alkaline cellulose acetate electrophoresis is described. The hemoglobins were converted to cyanmethemoglobin derivatives with K3Fe(CN)6 and KCN. Sucrose, 100 g/l, was added to stabilize the preparation for lyophilization and storage and to increase the rate of reconstitution. Lyophilized preparations were stable with no loss of resolution for nine months of use in the laboratory and for two weeks of accelerated aging at 37 C. The materials appeared to have an extended shelf-life of at least two years at 5 C. The controls reconstituted quickly, usually within a minute, and could be stored at 5 C for three months with only a slight increase in band streaking. The lyophilized products appeared to be suitable to assist in the development of a quality-control system in hemoglobin screening programs employing cellulose acetate electrophoresis.
Resonance in Harbors of Arbitrary Shape

A theory is presented for analyzing the wave induced oscillations in an arbitrary shape harbor with constant depth which is connected to the open-sea The solution is formulated as an integral equation which is then approximated by a matrix equation The final solution is obtained by equating, at the harbor entrance the wave amplitude and its normal derivative obtained from the solutions for the regions outside and inside the harbor The results of experiments conducted using a harbor model of the East and West Basins of Long Beach Harbor (Long Beach, California) are presented and compared to the theory Good agreement has been found between the theory and experiments.
Electrotransport Across Membranes in Biological Media: Electrokinetic Theories and Applications in Drug Delivery

An understanding of the mechanisms and theories of electric field-assisted transport is required to utilize iontophoretic drug delivery across a biological membrane effectively. The present chapter covers the topics of electrotransport across membranes in biological media and its applications in transdermal, transscleral and transungual drug delivery. It is aimed at graduate students and scientists in pharmaceutics, engineering and biological research. Electrotransport theories are first reviewed. Membrane transport under variable electric fields and boundary conditions, such as symmetric conditions of the same total ion concentration and asymmetric conditions of different total ion concentrations across the membrane, are discussed. Electrotransport across multiple membranes during constant current iontophoresis and under alternating current are also discussed. The influences of electroosmosis and electropermeabilization in iontophoretic drug delivery are described. Transdermal, transscleral and transungual iontophoretic drug delivery is then reviewed.
Four related fibrosing diseases. When you find one, look for another.

PreviewAmong the fibrosing diseases is a group of four related disorders that affect the hands, fingers, soles, and penis. Because these disorders may occur together, as well as singly, knowledge of their relationship is important to the treating physician. In this brief review, Dr Wooldridge stresses the common clinical features shared by these diseases.
Quantification of malondialdehyde in exhaled breath condensate using pseudo two-dimensional ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with single quadrupole mass spectrometry

Abstract We developed a robust analytical method for quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) via derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH). The target MDA-DNPH hydrazone was separated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography using two reversed-phase analytical columns (C18 and phenyl-hexyl) inter-connected via a two-position, six-port switching valve to a single-quadrupole mass spectrometer. The target derivative was analyzed under positive electrospray ionization using single ion monitoring mode (m/z = 235 for the target derivative, and m/z = 237 for its labeled isotopic analog). This pseudo two-dimensional chromatographic separation provided optimum separation conditions for the target derivative resulting in the limit of detection of 0.58 nM in EBC sample (or 36.2 pmol on-column amount), which is comparable to those reported previously using different techniques, including tandem mass spectrometry. Based on the calibration solutions, the method had a linear quantification range of 1.0–200 nM (r2 = 0.998). The method showed good relative recoveries (92.2–102.0%) and acceptable precisions (3.6–12.2% for inter-day precision, and 4.3–12.4% for intra-day precision for two quality control levels, prepared from 5 nM and 25 nM solutions). The derivative was found to be stable at room temperature for 48 h or during analysis. The method was used to analyze 205 exhaled breath condensate samples collected from individuals from a healthy population of student athletes. MDA was detected in approximately 95% of these samples, with concentrations ranging from 1.16 to 149.63 nM. The median concentration was 6.82 nM, (IQR 4.08–9.88). These data demonstrate that our method can be successfully used to measure MDA in population studies.
Analysis of “Artificial Pancreas (AP) Systems for People With Type 2 Diabetes: Conception and Design of the European CLOSE Project”:

In an article in Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, Schliess and coauthors describe the conception and design of the European Automated Glucose Control at Home for People with Chronic Dise...
Prevalence of Diabetes, Prediabetes, and Obesity in the Indigenous Kuna Population of Panamá.

Diabetes is a burgeoning disease affecting more than 8% of the world population. Indigenous communities are disproportionately impacted by diabetes; however, limited data is available on prevalence and correlates of diabetes. Data was collected from 211 Indigenous Kuna adults off the coast of Panama in the San Blas region of the Caribbean. Diabetes and prediabetes were measured by HbA1c. Obesity was defined using the US BMI categories as well as categories defined by the WHO to assess obesity among Asian populations. Univariate analyses (chi2 tests) were used to investigate diabetes status and obesity by demographic factors. Logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of diabetes and obesity. Of the 211 adults, 13% had diabetes, 35% had prediabetes, and approximately 39% were obese. Using the Asian cut point for obesity, this number increased to 61%. Income was statistically significantly related to an HbA1c cut point of 6.5 (p = 0.005). Individuals who reported a monthly income of greater than $250 had increased odds of prediabetes and diabetes nearly sixfold for HbA1c of > 6.5 (OR 6.3; CI 1.43–28.45) and HbA1c of > 5.7 (OR 5.1; CI 1.03–26.14). These findings represent one of the first studies examining diabetes and prediabetes in indigenous Kuna of the San Blas region. Our findings suggest Kuna Indians may be at an increased risk for diabetes and prediabetes. Current national estimates for diabetes is considered low in this population. Greater understanding of determinants of diabetes and obesity are needed in order to address diabetes in this indigenous community.
With equal access, African American patients have superior survival compared to white patients with multiple myeloma: a VA study.

TO THE EDITOR: Multiple myeloma (MM) constitutes 1.8% of malignancies in the United States, and its incidence is significantly higher among African Americans (AAs) than whites.[1][1],[2][2] Therefore, the impact of race on the disease biology and clinical outcomes of MM is an important area of
Planning for Currency Exchanges: Sociology Going Forward

In this paper I describe the gradual monetization of the university and its implications for the discipline of sociology. I suggest that not only is money a guiding force for the decisions that university administrators, faculty and students make but that it is also a metaphor for the changes and challenges faced by sociologists today. The second part of the paper identifies strategies for grant success based on approaches that are common in the natural sciences.
Ion dynamics in laser-produced plasma for EUV generation in nanolithography devices

Increasing EUV photon power in laser-produced plasma (LPP) sources is critically needed for efficient nanolithography devices. Improving debris mitigation methods is another important subject in the development of EUV sources for high volume manufacture tools. We investigated different mechanisms affecting ions acceleration in LPP to predict the maximum ion energies and flux arriving at the mirror surface. We studied in details plasma evolution produced by Nd:YAG laser from Sn target to predict EUV producing ions dynamics and their contributions to EUV source. The 3D multi-physics fully integrated HEIGHTS package was used in this analysis. We continue to develop, enhance, and benchmark the models implemented in our package to include various physics involved in LPP systems. HEIGHTS simulation of detail ion kinetic energies were compared with experimental data and showed great confidence in our advanced self-integrated models that can then be used for the explanation of the experimental data as well as for various predictions. Spatial and charge distributions were predicted for EUV producing ions and debris. We studied various target configurations and laser parameters to enhance the power of EUV sources as well as to reduce and mitigate ions and debris effects on the collecting mirror system. The comprehensive integrated full 3D models allowed accurate simulation of all processes of plasma formation, dynamics, and EUV photons emission and collection.
Video measurements of instantaneous forces of flapping wing vehicles

Abstract Flapping wings for small aerial vehicles have revolutionary potential for maneuverability and endurance. Ornithopters fail to achieve the performance of their biological equivalents, despite extensive research on how animals fly. Flapping wings produce peak forces due to the stroke reversal of the wing. This research demonstrates in-flight measurements of an ornithopter through the use of image processing, specifically measuring instantaneous forces. Results show that the oscillation about the flight path is significant, being about 20% of the mean velocity and up to 10 g׳s. Results match forces with deformations of the wing to contrast the timing and wing shape of the upstroke and the downstroke. Holding the vehicle fixed (e.g. wind tunnel testing or simulations) structural resonance is affected along with peak forces, also affecting lift. Non-contact, in-flight measurements are proposed as the best method for matching the flight conditions of flapping wing vehicles.
The Effects of Catecholic and O -Methylated Tetrahydroisoquinolines on the Production of Hydroxyl Radical

Tetrahydroisoquinolines (TIQs) are intraneuronal, catecholamine-derived alkaloids that have been implicated in the etiology of Parkinson’s disease and in alcohol related disorders. The in vitro production of the cytotoxic hydroxyl radical (·OH) was recorded during the autoxidation of salsolinol (SAL) and salsolinol-1-carboxylic acid (SAL-1C), but not when these two catecholic TIQs were oxidized by tyrosinase. Significantly higher levels of the radical were produced when these catecholic TIQs were incubated with ·OH generating complexes, or with chelated iron. In contrast, mono-O-methylated TIQs such as salsoline (SLN) and salsoline-1-carboxylic acid (SLN-1C) did not generate ·OH during autoxidation or when incubated with chelated iron or tyrosinase. Radical production by ·OH-generating complexes was reduced in the presence of O-methylated TIQs. The neurotoxicity of TIQs may result from their propensity to autoxidize and generate reactive quinoids and ensuing oxygen radicals. The functional significance of the replacement of an hydroxyl group attached to C-7 of SAL or SAL-1C with a methoxyl group remains to be determined. This single structural modification may prevent mono-O-methylated TIQs from participating in catalytic redox cycling reactions that would otherwise augment ·OH production. If true, then O-methylation and other cellular mechanisms that circumvent the autoxidation of catecholamine-derived TIQs may reduce the likelihood of these substances forming cytotoxic quinoids and influencing endogenous ·OH-generating reactions.
The Black and Red Scare in the Twentieth-Century United States

The anticommunist network that began in the World War I era shaped a long, pervasive black and red scare. It took aim at African Americans who challenged discrimination, segregation, and inequality but singled out those who brought these issues to an international audience or connected them to foreign policy. As African Americans promoted peace and asked why they should fight on behalf of a country that denied them basic rights, anticommunists and white supremacists charged them with subversion. While attentive to foreign affairs, the chapter also recognizes how the “slow” violence of racism and inequality that structured black people’s lives in the United States fueled anticommunism and contributed to explosions of mass violence.
Towards Long-Distance Inspection for In-pipe Robots in Water Distribution Systems with Smart Navigation.

Incident in water distribution systems (WDS) cause water loss and water contamination that requires the utility managers to assess the condition of pipelines in a timely manner. However, pipelines are long and access to all parts of it is a chal-lenging task; current in-pipe robots have the limitations of short-distance inspection and inability to operate in-service networks. In this work, we improve the design of our previously developed in-pipe robot and analyze the effect of line pressure and relative velocity on the robot during operation with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. An extreme scenario for robot operation is defined and we estimate the minimum inspection distance for the robot with one turn of battery charge that is 5400m. A multi-phase motion controller is proposed that ensures reliable motion at straight and non-straight configurations of pipeline and also stabilized configuration with zero velocity at junctions. We also propose a localization and navigation method based on particle filtering and combine it with the proposed multi-phase motion controller. In this method, the map of the operation is provided to the robot and the robot localizes itself based on the map and the particle filtering method. Furthermore, the robot navigates different configurations of pipelines by switching between different phases of the motion controller algorithm that is performed by the particle filter algorithm. The experiment and simulation results show that the robot along with the navigation shows a promising solution towards long-distance inspection of pipelines by in-pipe robots.
Facilitating Recovery through Building an Interconnected Community: From Awareness to Action

This article describes stress that many Asian international students experience during their adjustment to U.S. universities. Reflecting on personal experiences that contributed to deeper self-understanding, I explain cultural incompatibilities that cause this stress, the negative impact that the stress has on mental health, and the lack of support systems that exacerbate mental health complications. In highlighting the prioritization of the mental health in Asian international students and initiating community outreach programs, I demonstrate that when Asian international students participate in creating an interconnected community, they have the potential to thrive despite the stressful adjustment period.
VIBRATIONS OF INCLINED SLACK CABLES

Three previously reported experiments on vibrations of inclined slack cables are examined. It is stated that a linear theory is a valuable tool in the analysis of marine cable vibrations for cables with supports at the same elevation. A method to extend the theory to cables with inclined chords is to view the cable in a coordinate system inclined with the chord. A modified linear analysis for inclined slack cables is suggested.
Lightweight modeling of java virtual machine security constraints

The Java programming language has been widely described as secure by design. Nevertheless, a number of serious security vulnerabilities have been discovered in Java, particularly in the component known as the Bytecode Verifier. This paper describes a method for representing Java security constraints using the Alloy modeling language. It further describes a system for performing a security analysis on any block of Java bytecodes by converting the bytes into relation initializers in Alloy. Any counterexamples found by the Alloy analyzer correspond directly to insecure code. Analysis of a real world malicious applet is given to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach. This type of analysis represents a significant departure from standard malware detection methods based on signatures or anomaly detection.
Supravalvular aortic stenosis. Long-term results of surgical treatment

To determine long-term outcome after operation for supravalvular aortic stenosis, we reviewed the case histories of 80 patients who had repair of the localized form (group A) (n = 67) or diffuse form (group B) (n = 13) from 1956 to 1992, including 31 patients with the Williams-Beuren syndrome. Ages ranged from 7 months to 54 years (mean = 12.6 years). Forty-six patients had one or more associated cardiovascular anomalies; the most common was aortic valve stenosis (33.8%). Eighteen patients had 22 previous cardiovascular operations, and 28 patients had one or more additional anomalies repaired during their initial procedure at our institution. In group A, the aortic root was enlarged with a teardrop-shaped patch (n = 61) or a pantaloon-shaped patch (n = 6). In group B, patch enlargement of the aorta was confined to the root (n = 4) or extended into the ascending aorta or aortic arch (n = 7); one patient had a graft placed between the ascending and descending thoracic aorta and one patient had a left ventricular-aortic conduit. There were no deaths in group A; two patients in group B in whom patch enlargement was confined to the aortic root died during the operation (2.5%). Follow-up extended to 33.4 years (mean = 14.2 years); there were five late deaths in group A and one in group B. Survival excluding operative mortality was 94% at 10 years and 91% at 20 years. All patients were in functional class I or II. There was no significant difference between patients with a teardrop-shaped or pantaloon-shaped patch in terms of late gradient, survival, or aortic insufficiency. By Cox multivariate model, the only independent predictor of late death for all patients was associated aortic valve disease (p = 0.02), which was also a risk factor for late reoperation (p = 0.02). In group B, overall survival was better in patients who received an extended patch versus aortic root patch only (p = 0.02). We reached the following conclusions: (1) Associated aortic valve disease was strongly correlated with late death and need for reoperation. (2) Both the teardrop-shaped and pantaloon-shaped patch techniques provide excellent long-term relief of localized supravalvular gradients and preservation of aortic valve competence. (3) In diffuse supravalvular aortic stenosis, aortic enlargement should be extended into the ascending aorta or beyond as required to relieve the gradient; some patients may require a graft or conduit.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The age of the Solar System redefined by the oldest Pb–Pb age of a meteoritic inclusion

The age of the Solar System is defined by the formation of the first solid grains in the solar nebula. Pb–Pb age dating of these solids, which were later trapped in a meteorite, indicates that the Solar System is 0.34–1.91 million years older than previously thought. The age of the Solar System can be defined as the time of formation of the first solid grains in the nebular disc surrounding the proto-Sun. This age is estimated by dating calcium–aluminium-rich inclusions in meteorites. These inclusions are considered as the earliest formed solids in the solar nebula. Their formation marks the beginning for several long- and short-lived radiogenic clocks that are used to precisely define the timescales of Solar System events, such as the formation and evolution of planetary bodies1,2,3. Here we present the 207Pb–206Pb isotope systematics in a calcium–aluminium-rich inclusion from the Northwest Africa 2364 CV3-group chondritic meteorite, which indicate that the inclusion formed 4,568.2 million years ago. This age is between 0.3 (refs 4, 5) and 1.9 (refs 1, 6) million years older than previous estimates and is the oldest age obtained for any Solar System object so far. We also determined the 26Al–26Mg model age of this inclusion, and find that it is identical to its absolute Pb–Pb age, implying that the short-lived radionuclide 26Al was homogeneously distributed in the nebular disc surrounding the proto-Sun. From the consistently old ages in the studied inclusion, we conclude that the proto-Sun and the nebular disc formed earlier than previously thought.
Changing the Tune of Academic Writing: Muting Cognitive Entrenchment

Much academic writing sounds the same—stilted, distant, and overly qualified. The “sound” of academic writing is primarily the result of institutional pressures that lead authors to become cognitiv...